Full disclosure: I am not flexible. Physically flexible. I like to think that I am flexible (as in accommodating), but do not ask me to stretch.
That is why watching Nationals pitcher Doug Fister do the splits in an attempt to cover first base is both incredibly impressive and makes my lower body hurt just writing about it.
And, once more by popular demand, @dougfister58 also did this today (!!!) pic.twitter.com/b2rq7a1iFI — Washington Nationals (@Nationals) June 5, 2014
Here is video evidence of the play in question for full appreciation/astonishment.
"It kind of reverts back to playing first base in college," Fister told reporters. "Again, it's part of being a pitcher. You got to get over there and cover. It is just something that comes natural to me to get out there and stretch."
Actual first baseman Adam LaRoche had an appropriate reaction.
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"I asked him if he was all right," he told reporters. "I thought he blew out. He hopped up, 'No, I'm good,' like nothing happened. I couldn't do it."
As did manager Matt Williams.
"Yeah, that's not comfortable," he said.
For him or Fister?
"For both," Williams said.
Meanwhile, the Nationals completed a sweep of the Phillies in a 4-2 win, closing in to one game behind the Braves for first place in the NL East.
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