‘It picks me up’: Marcus Stroman sheds baggage, amazed at standing ovation by Yankees fans

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The Bronx, known for its tough crowd and aggressive passion for baseball, witnessed a heartwarming moment recently when Marcus Stroman, once a controversial figure among Yankees fans, received a standing ovation at Yankee Stadium. This moment definitely marked a significant turning point in the New York-born, Marcus Stroman’s career.

Marcus Stroman had the most adorable response to the standing ovation

In a matchup against the Seattle Mariners, Marcus Stroman delivered one of his best performances since donning the pinstripes. Pitching into the eighth inning, Stroman was nearly flawless, surrendering only one run, one walk, and three hits while striking out six. His dominance on the mound was a sight to behold, and as he exited the game, the Yankee faithful rose to their feet, giving him a standing ovation that resonated deeply with the Long Island native.

“Being born here & coming out of the game to a standing ovation means the world to me,” Stroman said, his voice filled with emotion. “Just trying to show the love & reciprocate the love from the crowd right back to them. They don’t know how much that means to me & how much that picks me up.”

The game, however, did not end in the Yankees’ favor. Despite Stroman’s stellar performance, closer Clay Holmes had a rare off night, giving up four runs in the ninth inning and spoiling Stroman’s gem. “To be honest, that’s baseball,” Stroman remarked. “Clay has been unbelievable. I think Clay is the best closer in baseball… Clay is gonna be incredible for us, not even a slight worry there.”

Manager Aaron Boone echoed Stroman’s sentiments, praising his performance. “It was fun to watch,” Boone said. “That’s probably as good as he has been, that’s probably his best one. He was dealing, had it all going.”

Marcus Stroman reacts to Holmes wasting his gem

New York Yankees closer Clay Holmes blew a three-run lead in a 5-4 loss Monday night, wasting a stellar outing from starting pitcher Marcus Stroman proving that he is, like many other pitchers, mortal. Naturally, closing a baseball game isn’t easy, and Holmes had already bagged 13 saves and 1 win in 21 appearances. Moreover, modern Rivera hadn’t given a single run until last night’s outing against Seattle.

Holmes entered the ninth inning with a 4-1 lead after a dominant performance from Stroman, who tossed 7.1 innings of one-run ball. Unfortunately, two infield hits and a throwing error from Gleyber Torres helped spark a rally for the Mariners. Seattle wound up scoring four runs in the inning before shutting the Yankees down in the bottom of the ninth for a shocking comeback win.

Stroman took to social media to voice his support for Holmes, whose streak of 20 scoreless innings was snapped Monday night. “Clay Holmes is the best closer in baseball. Thankful to have him down there in the ninth for us day in and day out. Truly love this squad. It’s a pleasure to show up and compete daily with my brothers. Grateful for the home crowd. Energy always on a million. On to the next!”

Stroman’s response to his outing being wasted shows what kind of teammate he is. It also highlights how close this Yankees team is, which is a big reason they hold the best record in the American League. The Yankees will be back at it again Tuesday night looking to exact revenge on the Mariners, and Stroman continues to prove he’s a perfect fit for the locker room.

Stro’s rocky past with the Yankees

Marcus Stroman’s relationship with the Yankees and their fans has not always been smooth. In 2021, Stroman publicly criticized the Yankees, hit them exactly where it hurt – highlighted their spending habits and lack of World Series success (appearances, rather) since 2009.

“Yankees haven’t won a World Series since 2009. They routinely spend more than any other team and acquire the biggest names at every trade deadline. The way they spend and the players they get should result in much more success than they’ve had… you don’t agree?” Stroman tweeted in 2021, causing a stir among fans and media alike.

Despite this rocky past, the Yankees swallowed their pride and decided to sign Stroman to a two-year, $37 million contract this past offseason. Many fans were skeptical of the move, given his previous comments and inconsistent performances. However, Marcus Stroman has worked tirelessly to win over his critics, not just with his solid numbers (3-2, 3.05) but also with his vibrant and inspiring energy in the clubhouse.

Stroman’s journey with the Yankees has been nothing short of transformative. Initially seen as a questionable addition to the roster cause of his off-the-field personality, he has proven his worth time and again. In his 10 starts this season, Marcus Stroman has recorded three wins and two losses, with 48 strikeouts in 56 innings pitched. His ERA of 3.05 is a testament to his skill and determination.

The standing ovation he received at Yankee Stadium was a fitting acknowledgment from a difficult-to-impress fanbase at Yankee Stadium. Stroman’s impact extends beyond his on-field performance; he has become a source of inspiration for his teammates, bringing a refreshing change to the clubhouse atmosphere. Alongside other new additions like Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo, Marcus Stroman has helped foster a sense of camaraderie and resilience within the team.

As the Yankees continue their quest for the World Series this season, Stroman’s presence will undoubtedly play a crucial role. What do you think? Leave your comment below!

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