Will Ferrell: He’s MLB’s Newest Rising Star

Posted By Ben Leonard in Features, Movies, News, Sports

BreakingModern — Will Ferrell took Ernie Banks’ famous “let’s play two” mantra just a little bit too far. Somehow, he’s going to play in five, count ’em, five Cactus League spring training games on Thursday, and play all nine positions for all 10 teams involved. He’ll be flying from field to field via helicopter to complete the stunt. Count on some shenanigans, and maybe a parachute landing (or five).

Newly minted MLB commissioner Rob Manfred explained the reason for letting Ferrell loose:

“Will is a big fan of our game, and many of us in baseball — among our clubs, players and our millions of fans — are big fans of his. Major League Baseball is happy to take part in what will surely be a fun and memorable day for a great cause.”

Combatting Cancer with Baseball

The actor is pulling the stunt to raise awareness for organizations that combat cancer. He’s also honoring former Oakland Athletic Bert Campaneris, who famously played all nine positions in a 1965 game against the then-called California Angels. The Giants’ Buster Posey also played nine positions in one game, for his alma mater, the Florida State Seminoles. Take that, Bert.

Interestingly enough, Ferrell will take Posey’s position in the squat at some point during the Giants’ 4:05 PM (PT) game against the White Sox. Maybe he’s auditioning to take Posey’s job. I don’t think he’d mind Posey’s $167 million contract. HBO will cover all of Ferrell’s antics, along with MLB Network, which doesn’t come standard on most cable providers. It’s like they’re trying to stop you from seeing him … or asking you to fork up more dough to see him.

Ferrell will take the field in four other ballparks, including the Oakland Athletics’ contest against the Mariners at Mesa’s Hohokam Stadium to start his day. He’ll then travel to Tempe Diablo Stadium to help the Cubs take on the Angels, Salt River Fields to partake in the matchup between the Reds and Diamondbacks, and finally (after the Giant’s game), Peoria Stadium to see the Dodgers take on the Padres. Phew. I can only imagine how Ferrell will feel at the end of the day.

This isn’t even the first time Ferrell’s pulled a stunt like this. Back in 2010, the actor toed the rubber for the minor league Rock Round Express as “Rojo Johnson,” convicted for selling contraband iguanas.

Video: Will Ferrell Pitching for the Round Rock Express.mp4

The Semi-Pro star seemed very comfortable and bush league out on the hill. Maybe a little too much so for his manager. Regardless, it’s great to see such a wildly popular actor taking time out of his day for such a great cause. I don’t think it’ll be too hard for him to enjoy himself.

For BMod, I’m Ben Leonard.

Featured Image Credit: Spring Training by Dave Nakayama via Flickr Creative Commons

First Image Credit: Will Ferrell by Bennet Raglin via Flickr Creative Commons

Second Image Credit: Will Ferrell. Wikimedia Commons