Over the course of his nine-year career in Cleveland, Jason Kipnis has experienced every emotion a ballplayer can possibly encounter. In recent years he's routinely had fans get on his back, constantly question him and demand his removal from the team on social media.
But how quickly things change.
Last night, Kipnis was a hero for the Indians like he has been so many times before, thanks to his 10th inning home run that brought a victorious end to a rain-delayed 3-2 victory over the Royals.
As a fanbase we're very quick to assign blame when the Indians are struggling. This is not unique to Cleveland, or even baseball. Sadly, Kipnis has found himself on the receiving end more than most. Once upon a time he was a fan favorite, but the fickleness of a sports fan can be a cruel beast, and before long Kipnis was catching flak for his below-par batting average and inability to stay on the field (hardly his fault).
There can be no doubting his effort though, and just when you think he might be done, the 32 year-old surprises you.
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| Some of the Kipnis cards added to my modest collection this month - good timing! |
This month, Kipnis has helped spark the Indians back to life, putting the Tribe in the win column with regularity, posting a 15-6 record in June to keep the pressure on the Twins, still atop the AL Central.
Since the start of the month Kipnis has a batting line of .286/.325/.500 (BA/OBP/SLG) for a .825 OPS over 19 games and 70 at-bats. He's hit 4 home runs in that span, plus a double and a triple, with 17 RBIs for good measure. It's a small-sample size of course, but is much more like the Kipnis we came to love in his prime just a few years ago.
Kipnis was still struggling when the calendar flipped to June but on Father's Day he made an adjustment with his hands, and our second baseman has been on fire ever since; he's hit .471 with a 1.411 OPS in nine games, including all 4 of his home runs this month. After last night's win, Terry Francona said of Kip, "he has such good hitter’s hands that when he feels good he’s pretty dangerous.” Kansas City pitcher Wily Peralta learned that the hard way.
If the Indians are going to contend for a postseason berth, they will need their leaders like Kipnis to raise their game and continue performing at this level. This month the signs have been very good and the veterans like Kip, Carlos Santana, and Francisco Lindor have restored an air of positivity to this ballclub. It's perfect timing ahead of Cleveland hosting the All-Star Game in just a few weeks time.
Partnered with Jose Ramirez (hitting .326/.388/.558 since the middle of June) and the rookies Oscar Mercado and Bobby Bradley making an impact, things are starting to look up for both Kipnis and Cleveland.
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