Alejandro Osuna’s Major League Debut
ARLINGTON — Alejandro Osuna brought energy, passion and a ceaseless smile with him when he made his major league debut for the Texas Rangers last weekend.
The acrobatic rituals are just a plus.
Osuna’s Pre-At-Bat Routine
Osuna, a 22-year-old outfielder, has an elaborate pre-at-bat routine that he’s perfected and added to over the course of six years. He first draws a cross on the first base foul line, which he once saw Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper do, before he steps into the batter’s box. Then he whacks his right foot with the handle of his bat and traces a circle on home plate.
The grand finale starts when he kicks the barrel of his bat up into the air, catches it with his left hand and swing it in a windup-style motion before he settles in for the first pitch.
Origin of the Routine
“The first time I started doing it,” said Osuna, who first adopted the ritual as a 16-year-old in Mexico, “I didn’t flip my bat; I was very scared to.”
He added the bat flip to his routine during his first professional season four years ago at what was then Low-A Down East. It was, at the time, a significantly more modest flip than the one that he punts into the air now.
Evolution of the Routine
“After that,” Osuna said, “my confidence was really good and I started hitting well. So, I knew, that’s my routine.”
The flip has since grown in size and grandeur as his confidence has. His rapid ascension to the major leagues, which has included the organization’s minor league player of the year award last year and a big league promotion after just eight games at the Triple-A level this year, only expands it.
Team Reaction to the Routine
Osuna said the routine serves as both a mechanism to relax him and loosen his arms before a plate appearance. It caught the attention of his teammates too.
“‘Hey, bro, I love that routine, baby, I love it,’” minor league teammates told Osuna, as he now recalls. “‘Teach me, please, that looks sick.’ I just love it.”
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Conclusion
Alejandro Osuna’s major league debut was a memorable one, with his energy, passion, and unique pre-at-bat routine making a lasting impression on fans and teammates alike. As he continues to grow and develop as a player, it will be exciting to see how his routine evolves and how he contributes to the Texas Rangers’ success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Alejandro Osuna’s pre-at-bat routine?
A: Osuna’s pre-at-bat routine involves drawing a cross on the first base foul line, whacking his right foot with the handle of his bat, tracing a circle on home plate, and flipping his bat in a windup-style motion before settling in for the first pitch.
Q: Where did Osuna originate his pre-at-bat routine?
A: Osuna originated his pre-at-bat routine in Mexico, where he first started playing baseball at the age of 16.
Q: How has Osuna’s routine evolved over time?
A: Osuna’s routine has evolved over time, with the bat flip becoming more pronounced and confident as he has gained experience and success in the minor leagues and now the major leagues.
Q: How do Osuna’s teammates react to his routine?
A: Osuna’s teammates have been impressed and entertained by his routine, with some even asking him to teach them how to do it.
