Phillies

Robot Story of the Week: What if Alec Bohm Ruined his Swing at the Home Run Derby?

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Jul 16th, 2024 · 11:09 AM EDT

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Alec Bohm acquitted himself well at Monday night’s home run derby. He went to the semifinals and hit more dingers than weirdo Pete Alonso and Marcell “DUI” Ozuna.

One thing, however, could be problematic.

What if Bohm swung the bat too many times? What if he tweaked his swing trying to hit the ball over the fence and comes back from the All-Star Game all out of whack? It’s something grumps can’t out of their heads, the thought that Bohm might not be the same guy in the second half because of his involvement in the Derby. Going along with that theme, I asked ChatGPT to write us a story about a concerned Phillies fan who thinks it was a bad idea for Bohm to participate:

“James sat in his favorite recliner, the one perfectly positioned in front of his 65-inch TV. He wore his Phillies cap and a well-worn Bryce Harper jersey, fingers nervously tapping on the armrests. His eyes were fixed on the screen, where the announcers were discussing the upcoming second half of the season for the Philadelphia Phillies.

It had been a rollercoaster season so far. The Phillies had shown flashes of brilliance, and Alec Bohm had been one of the standout players. His consistent hitting and steady defense at third base had made him a fan favorite. But now, as the All-Star break came to a close, James couldn’t shake a nagging worry.

A few weeks earlier, Bohm had been invited to participate in the Home Run Derby in Texas. James remembered the excitement he felt watching Bohm smash pitch after pitch into the stands, his powerful swing echoing through the stadium. The crowd roared with each home run, and James had cheered along, proud to see his team’s young star shining on a national stage.

But as the Derby progressed, James began to feel uneasy. Bohm was swinging harder than he had ever seen, clearly pushing himself to hit as many home runs as possible. The celebration was thrilling, but James couldn’t help but wonder if there was a cost. He had seen other players in the past lose their rhythm after participating in the Derby, their swings altered by the intense focus on power hitting.

The second half of the season started that night, and James was glued to the screen. Bohm stepped up to the plate in the first inning, and James held his breath. The first pitch came in, and Bohm swung hard, sending the ball foul. James’s heart sank a little. The next pitch was a strike, and Bohm swung again, this time missing completely.

“Come on, Bohmer,” James muttered under his breath. “Just make contact.”

The third pitch was a ball, and Bohm took it calmly. James felt a flicker of hope. The fourth pitch came in fast, and Bohm swung, making solid contact. The ball flew into right field, but it was a high fly ball, easily caught by the outfielder. Bohm jogged back to the dugout, shaking his head.

James sighed, leaning back in his chair. “It’s just one at-bat,” he told himself. “He’ll find his rhythm.”

But as the game progressed, Bohm continued to struggle. Each at-bat seemed more forced than the last, his swings powerful but imprecise. James watched in growing concern, his initial worry now solidifying into a knot in his stomach.

After the game, James turned off the TV and sat in the quiet of his living room. He pulled out his phone and opened a Phillies fan forum, where discussions about the game were already in full swing. Many fans shared his concerns, debating whether the Home Run Derby had affected Bohm’s swing.

James posted his own thoughts, hoping to find some reassurance. “Do you guys think the Derby messed with Bohm’s swing? He doesn’t seem like the same hitter.”

Responses came quickly. Some fans were optimistic, believing Bohm would adjust in a few games. Others were more worried, citing past players who had struggled post-Derby. James read each comment carefully, feeling a mix of hope and dread.

The next few games were crucial for James’s peace of mind. He watched every pitch, analyzing Bohm’s stance, his swing, his approach. Slowly, he began to see glimmers of the old Bohm. There were still strikeouts and missed opportunities, but there were also moments of solid contact and patient at-bats.

In one game, Bohm hit a double down the left-field line, and James jumped out of his chair, cheering loudly. “That’s it, Bohmer! That’s the swing we know!”

As the weeks went by, Bohm’s performance started to stabilize. He wasn’t hitting home runs at the same pace as in the Derby, but his average climbed, and he began driving in runs again. James felt his worry gradually give way to cautious optimism.

One evening, after a particularly good game, James sat back in his chair, a satisfied smile on his face. He picked up his phone and posted on the forum again. “Looks like Bohm is finding his groove. Maybe the Derby didn’t mess him up after all.”

The responses this time were more upbeat, filled with hope and encouragement. James closed the app, feeling a sense of relief. Baseball was a game of ups and downs, and being a fan meant riding those waves with your team.

James knew there would be more challenges ahead, more moments of doubt and worry. But for now, he was content. Alec Bohm was swinging for the fences in his own way, and the Phillies were still in the hunt. And as long as they were fighting, James would be right there with them, cheering every step of the way.”

God willing, Bohm will be himself in the second half. If he’s not himself, WE BLAME THE DERBY!