Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell encouraged DM dancers at the top of the ninth - block, that is. This marks the second baseball-related appearance of the day, after former Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood in Block 7. Here are five things you need to know about Russell, the 24-year-old from Pensacola, Florida.
1. He was a key part of the Cubs’ 2016 World Series win. His 434-foot grand slam during Game 6 delivered six runs and clinched the win against the Cleveland Indians.
2. His 2017 season was full of physical and emotional drama. A foot injury kept Russell on the disabled list for part of August, and he is still under MLB investigation for alleged domestic abuse of his wife.
3. When Russell accidentally kicked over a Cardinals fan’s nachos, he brought over a new order. Russell was diving for a foul in a September 2017 game, and his nacho-pology went viral.
Official Baseball Rulebook, Rule 6.01 (n):
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 26, 2017
If a player brings you nachos, they automatically become your new favorite player. #ThatsCubpic.twitter.com/1csmSdjoFL
4. He’s named after a Bruce Willis character from the ‘80s. His mother loved Willis’ work as detective David Addison on the TV show Moonlighting.
5. On April 9, he will appear on TV as both a ballplayer and an actor. The shortstop will guest-star as himself in CBS’s Superior Donuts - airing on the Cubs’ opening day game versus the Pittsburgh Pirates.