Blue Jays' Joe Biagini gets a Tonight Show do-over
Toronto pitcher gets a 2nd chance after botched high-five with Jimmy Fallon
The Toronto Blue Jays aren't a team lacking in personality, and it seems Joe Biagini may fit right in amongst them all.
The 26-year-old rookie reliever from California had a solid first year with the team and in his short time in Toronto he became known not only for his pitching, but also for his love of hugs, high-fives, and smiles.
You could settle for a simple handshake or pat on the back to say "good game," but why stop there? Biagini seems more inclined to go for the hug.
Biagini and Martin opted to go with the gentle hug. <a href="https://t.co/WG7dB0VnEv">pic.twitter.com/WG7dB0VnEv</a>
—@BlueJayHunter
Sure, there's always a special relationship between a pitcher and a catcher, but don't forget Kevin Pillar, he wants in on the action too.
I want someone to hug me like Biagini hugged Pillar. So much love <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueJays?src=hash">#BlueJays</a> <a href="https://t.co/BB5rCZT2uQ">pic.twitter.com/BB5rCZT2uQ</a>
—@adamv_23
He even tries to include the media, but isn't always successful. After the Blue Jays swept the Texas Rangers in the ALDS he wanted to start off his post game interview with a nice little hug from Arash Madani, and was denied:
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FAIL?src=hash">#FAIL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RUDE?src=hash">#RUDE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ArashMadani">@ArashMadani</a> can't even give a hug 2 Biagini, when he's a reporter for <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays">@BlueJays</a> ?? <a href="https://t.co/V0LUDwnqDI">https://t.co/V0LUDwnqDI</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/YouTube">@YouTube</a>
—@dewdropsnmanna
Now it seems Biagini was in a bit of a slump, he was recently at a taping of The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, and the late night host unknowingly botched a high-five attempt from the Blue Jay.
Our man Joe Biagini finally gets his high five from Fallon. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueJays?src=hash">#BlueJays</a> <a href="https://t.co/605JgrvQtx">pic.twitter.com/605JgrvQtx</a>
—@LeenieK22
Thanks to fans on Twitter, Fallon realized he left Biagini hanging, and the Saturday Night Live alum brought the right-hander back on the show to make sure Biagini got a proper high-five.
High five redemption with the <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays">@BlueJays</a>' Joe Biagini! ✋ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FallonTonight?src=hash">#FallonTonight</a> <a href="https://t.co/SKLQLnhbAY">pic.twitter.com/SKLQLnhbAY</a>
—@FallonTonight
Biagini's teammates Marcus Stroman and Kevin Pillar were equally as thrilled with the whole thing.
Joe Biagini is an absolute legend. <a href="https://twitter.com/jimmyfallon">@jimmyfallon</a>
—@MStrooo6
✋🏼 <a href="https://t.co/qTsQkLwZIN">https://t.co/qTsQkLwZIN</a>
—@KPILLAR4