Jimi "Sexy M.F." Thing - 32 Years Old, 10 Seasons in the Minors
Long Bus Rides, Broken Water Heaters, Flooded Dugouts and sometimes dozens of fans filling stadiums... the life of a Career Minor Leaguer is a grueling slog... and a labor of love.
For Jimi Thing, it's been ten long years of the grind and for one brief moment it was all worth it.
Called up for the first time in his career to the BBA this last September as part the of the expanded rosters, it was unclear what Jimi's role would be. Prior to September 29, the "Sexy M.F." entered a few games as a lefty specialist and did his job, throwing 1.2 innings without giving up a hit.
With the Playoff Scenarios determined for Twin Cities, the final game was looking to be a meaningless outing in Madison.... meaningless to everyone except for one man... Jimi
"Yeah, I figured why not. Jimi has put in the work for years. He's been great for the last month around the clubhouse, the guy just works hard and put in the effort everyday," commented Juan Williams, "And I have no idea where he got that nickname, but I'm not not seeing it...."
After returning from DL recently, Albert Ganoa has struggled to shake the rust off since returning from the disabled list, but came alive in this game, belting a 2 Run Double early in the First, then adding a Solo HR in the 4th. Ray Cooper also brought home 3 runs.
That's all Jimi needed, cruising in the early going, allowing one run in the 3rd, with the defense picking him up after CF Wes Savage threw out a runner trying to score from second.
He fell victim to the legend, Mons Raider in the 6th after giving putting him on base with a walk and Raider stealing 2nd. Raider then scored on a single. Finally, Jimi gave up an unearned run after the sure handed 2B Man booted a ball.
In the end, Jimi made it to the 7th, giving up only 2 earned runs on 5 hits, throwing 97 pitches.
A nice performance for a guy's first BBA Start after 10 years in the Minors.
"Time Show these Guys how I became the "Sexy M.F.," laughed Jimi after the game,"Downtown Madison is going to remember my name after tonight. I mean, they have a downtown? Right?"
