Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Offers Insight Into Joe Kelly’s Unusual Mindset on the Mound
Joe Kelly has thrown his fair share of wild pitches in his four seasons with the Dodgers. Oftentimes, those errant throws are confused with a lack of command. Sometimes, though, it’s intentional.
Manager Dave Roberts offered some insight into the mind of Kelly in an interview on The PosCast with Joe Posnanski & Michael Schur.
“Joe has that ability like some people do, to kind of be outside of things, and hear things, see things, have conversations, throw behind hitters’ heads, and then still lock back in to the job at hand. There was one moment where Joe … comes in the game and goes, ‘Hey Doc, I’m going to throw the first one to the backstop but don’t worry this is intentional. I give him the ball. Go back to the dugout. The first one goes to the backstop. I’m like ‘oh boy, here we go.’ But he called his shot.”
Kelly has cemented himself as a Dodgers legend and fan favorite thanks to many viral moments. His pouty face against the Astros, his mariachi jacket at the White House and his interactions with fans are the ones highlighted in the video at the top of the article.
Kelly added to his legacy with another viral moment at his alma mater Corona High School. Turns out, the man can dance.
The veteran reliever signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Dodgers in the offseason and Dodgers fans are looking forward to more moments — and maybe more intentional wild pitches — from him in 2024.
Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel yet? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!
I will forever love Joe for that game, since they had no repercussions atleast it was a bit justified
Joe Kelly is a tough competitor. A good but not great reliever. That competitor mindset moves him up the ladder. EVERY batter getting in the box has in the back of his mind: ” is one coming at me?” and most never get entirely comfortable. There was a reliever in the 60’s just like him. Ryne Duren. Check him out. Glad Joe is on our team.
It’s one of those strange things, I just liked Joe from the first time I saw him pitch for the Dodgers.
It’s time lad, that we win “the big one” No short seasons, no nada.
My blood is blue like Tommy’s. Peace!