It’s a challenging moment for those advocating for Trevor Bauer’s return to Major League Baseball, as the former pitcher has gone viral for an unexpected reason: getting hit hard by European batters during an exhibition game. Bauer, a former MLB All-Star and 2020 Cy Young Award winner, has been on a tour through Europe, making his most recent appearance in a matchup between Team Switzerland and Team Czech Republic.
In one memorable instance, a video surfaced online showing Bauer giving up a home run, with fans speculating that the batter may be a teenager, judging by his surprised reaction.
Bauer, who last pitched in MLB in 2021, has been engaging fans across Europe and promoting his “Bauer vs. Europe” challenge, scheduled for November 3 in London.
The event is expected to feature Bauer facing 15 amateur batters who have signed up to take their swings against the former MLB star. On October 20, Bauer posted on X (formerly Twitter) to thank European fans for their support, highlighting the unique experience of connecting with fans overseas.
However, the promotional video for the “Bauer vs. Europe” event didn’t trend for reasons Bauer may have hoped. Social media users quickly picked up on the footage of him giving up a home run, sparking a wave of comments and jokes from baseball fans. “I haven’t seen a 14-year-old damage a baseball player’s career reputation this hard since Wander Franco got arrested,” joked one Mets fan, while another commented, “Giving up bombs to someone a third his age yet he and his incel fans think he’s a ‘Top 5 pitcher in MLB.’”
Bauer’s baseball career took a significant turn in 2021 after allegations of sexual battery emerged, prompting MLB to place him on administrative leave while investigations were conducted.
Although the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office ultimately declined to press charges due to insufficient evidence, three additional women have since come forward with accusations of sexual misconduct and battery against Bauer, bringing the total number of accusers to four.
None of these allegations have led to criminal trials, though the controversies have had a lasting impact on Bauer’s career.
Despite his absence from MLB, Bauer has found success playing for the Diablos Rojos del México in the Mexican Baseball League, where he was recently named Pitcher of the Year.
Now, as he embarks on his European tour, the viral video of him giving up a home run has added another unexpected layer to his already complex public image.
Whether this tour will help rehabilitate his reputation remains to be seen, but for now, Bauer is managing the highs and lows of being in the spotlight, both on and off the field.
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