In the world of professional sports, athletes are constantly striving to better themselves and their careers. Sometimes, however, it takes a helping hand from someone unexpected to make all the difference. Recently, the story has emerged of how Kevin Gausman, a pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, unknowingly played a key role in saving the career of his rival player, Erik Swanson. This article will explore the events that led to this surprising turn of events and the impact it had on both players.
Erik Swanson, a pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, had a breakthrough in his career thanks to his split-fingered fastball, which he learned from San Francisco Giants pitcher Kevin Gausman. Swanson struggled in his first season in the major leagues in 2019 and was sent to triple-A after posting a dismal 7.98 ERA across six starts. A coach recommended that he try out a split-fingered fastball, but Swanson had trouble with the grip and couldn’t get it to work. During the offseason, he conducted research and found an interview with Gausman, who held the ball in a unique way that Swanson tried out. The grip worked well for him, and in 2022, the splitter became a significant weapon, paired nicely with his four-seam fastball.
Swanson was acquired by the Blue Jays in November 2022 and adds another level of depth to the bullpen. Blue Jays manager John Schneider has been impressed with Swanson so far during camp and notes that the right-hander brings another arm that can be moved around to target leverage situations early in games. Gausman said it’s rare for him to share a pitching staff with someone who relies on a splitter, and he estimates that he’ll be engaged in plenty of conversations with Swanson during the season, bouncing around ideas on how to deploy the weapon against certain hitters.
In the world of professional sports, the story of Kevin Gausman’s unintentional inspiration for Erik Swanson may not be the biggest headline, but it’s a heartwarming reminder of the impact that even the smallest actions can have. Sometimes, a simple word or action can change the course of someone’s career, giving them the motivation they need to keep pushing forward. As Swanson continues his journey, it’s clear that he has not forgotten the moment that Gausman unknowingly provided him with a glimmer of hope. It’s a story that reminds us all to never underestimate the power of a small act of kindness, and the impact it can have on those around us.
