The knight helmet of the Guardians, acquired by pitcher Tanner Bibee during a team-building visit to Medieval Times, has become a dugout celebratory item. It is donned by any Cleveland player who hits a home run.
In the first three games of the season, however, only one player has had the thrill of having the silver helmet ceremoniously placed on their head repeatedly.
Last weekend, rookie Chase DeLauter made history alongside Trevor Story as the only players in Major League Baseball to hit four home runs in their first three career regular-season games.
By the sixth game, DeLauter was still the sole Cleveland player to have hit a home run, leading to veterans like Austin Hedges referring to the helmet as “Chase’s homer helmet.”
“It feels incredible,” DeLauter shared at Dodgers Stadium earlier this week during a series in Los Angeles. “As one of the younger guys, it’s amazing to feel part of a team with veterans and future Hall of Famers.”
DeLauter, recognized as AL Player of the Week, is proving to be more than just a role player; he’s emerging as a key player. With a 1.122 OPS in his first six games, he has earned the confidence of his teammates, including veteran Hedges.
‘A Sense of Belonging’
Last season, the Guardians had a strong finish and won the AL Central for the second consecutive year, despite having the lowest OPS in the league. This offseason, they signed veteran slugger Rhys Hoskins but made no other major offensive adjustments, leading to the need for improvement from within.
Despite facing internal challenges, DeLauter is seizing his opportunity, building on his impressive minor-league performance after overcoming numerous injuries.
‘No Moment Too Big for Him’
Intrigue and injuries have been part of DeLauter’s journey. Despite a successful collegiate career and some impressive performances, he faced multiple injuries, including broken bones. His resilience shone through as he adapted and honed his skills, paving his way to a promising start with the Guardians.
As DeLauter continues to impress, he has solidified his place in the lineup, already showcasing skills that make him a vital asset and a burgeoning star in MLB.
Concerns about his ability to stay healthy have lingered, but with positive news following a recent scare, the Guardians are excited about what the future holds for this talented rookie.
