Craig Albernaz, manager of Major League Baseball's Baltimore Orioles, caught fans' attention by appearing in the dugout wearing a catcher's mask and glove.
Baltimore snapped a three-game losing streak by defeating the Athletics 2-1 in a home game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland, on Tuesday (Korea time). But what drew more attention than the team's escape from its losing streak was Albernaz's unusual attire in the dugout.
The situation occurred during Baltimore's offense in the bottom of the second inning. A sharp foul ball hit by slugger Pete Alonso flew toward the first-base dugout where Albernaz was standing. After a sigh of relief, Albernaz immediately put on a catcher's glove and took a stance as if ready to catch the next foul ball. Not stopping there, he also donned a catcher's mask, fully prepared as he held his position.
There is a reason behind Albernaz's actions. On the 14th of last month, during a home game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he was seriously injured when a foul ball flew into the dugout and struck his face. He suffered at least seven fractures in his facial area, including a broken jaw. However, he returned to the ballpark the very next day to lead the team, demonstrating an exceptional sense of responsibility.
In a local interview, Albernaz said, "Alonso's ball came right next to me and almost hit me. Then I looked over at (Athletics) manager Kotchman, who smiled and told me to put on a mask and glove, so I did."
