Cheah is Going to Try and Hit a 100MPH Baseball Blindfolded | The Yak 3-11-26
YouTube · fQhPuoHYUuw
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖Brandon Walker criticizes 'psychotic' Kobe Bryant fans for their inability to celebrate other players' high-scoring games without diminishing Kobe's legacy.
- ❖Stephen Cheah asserts that a non-athlete would have a better chance hitting a 100 MPH baseball blindfolded, believing it allows for timing the pitch without visual 'fear.'
- ❖Professional baseball players Eric Hosmer and Gunnar Henderson were contacted live and both stated that hitting a baseball is unequivocally harder blindfolded.
- ❖The manager for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic reportedly miscalculated the tournament's advancement rules, believing his team had already qualified.
- ❖A 'beer spa' concept is explored, where individuals soak in a solution of beer ingredients for skin benefits while also drinking beer.
- ❖New Barstool hire, 'Green Greg,' quickly becomes a comedic fixture, known for his Missouri sports fandom and being 'green' (new/naive).
Insights
1The Blindfolded Baseball Fallacy
Stephen Cheah argues that a layman would have a better chance hitting a 100 MPH baseball pitch blindfolded than with their eyes open. His logic is that seeing the ball at that speed is too overwhelming, and closing one's eyes would allow for a 'guess' based on timing, removing the fear factor. This theory is immediately challenged by the other hosts.
Cheah states, 'because you would just guess on the timing of it. Whereas if you saw the ball come out, you're dead.' He later adds, 'being able to see the release scare you... you're more relaxed.'
2Expert Debunking of Blindfolded Hitting
Two professional baseball players, Eric Hosmer and Gunnar Henderson, are called live on air to weigh in on Cheah's blindfolded hitting theory. Both unequivocally state that hitting a baseball is harder, not easier, blindfolded, emphasizing the critical role of vision.
Eric Hosmer: 'how are you going to time it up if you can't see? You might not even find the buyer's box.' Gunnar Henderson: 'No. Because I've tried hitting with closing my eyes before and it is very scary and even harder.'
3Kobe Fan 'Psychosis' and NBA Scoring Records
Brandon Walker expresses frustration with Kobe Bryant fans who, in his view, react 'psychotically' to other players' high-scoring performances by diminishing their achievements. He argues that teams historically 'force-feed' players to achieve scoring milestones, citing Wilt Chamberlain and David Robinson as examples, and that this practice is not unique or demeaning to the player.
Brandon states, 'Kobe fans are actually crazier than college football.' He details how Wilt Chamberlain shot 63 times for his 100-point game and David Robinson shot 48 times for 71 points, emphasizing, 'This has happened since the beginning of time.'
4World Baseball Classic Manager's Rule Misunderstanding
The manager for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, Mark DeRosa, reportedly misunderstood the tournament's advancement rules, believing his team had already secured a spot in the quarterfinals when they had not. This led to confusion and a need for the team to win a crucial game they thought was inconsequential.
The host states, 'He actually said in an interview, 'We've already punched our tickets.'' and later, 'He didn't misspeak. He was wrong.'
Opportunities
Beer Spa Franchise
A unique hospitality concept where customers can soak in tubs filled with a solution of beer ingredients (hops, yeast, etc.) for skin and relaxation benefits, while also consuming beer. This combines wellness trends with social drinking.
Custom Sports Merchandise with Local Flair
Stadiums and local businesses could create unique, collectible food containers and merchandise that reflect local culture or team identity, like the Mariners' ferry boat chicken tender holder. This drives fan engagement and collectible sales.
Lessons
- Challenge outlandish claims immediately and publicly, as seen with the live calls to professional athletes to debunk a host's theory.
- Leverage internal team dynamics and 'characters' (like Green Greg) to create ongoing comedic narratives and engagement for an audience.
- Recognize and address fan tribalism in sports discussions by providing historical context to current events, as Brandon Walker did with NBA scoring records.
Notable Moments
Stephen Cheah's live whiffle ball demonstration, blindfolded, where he fails to make contact and gets hit in the face.
This moment provides immediate, albeit informal, 'evidence' against his blindfolded hitting theory, adding a strong comedic and visual element to the debate.
The hosts calling MLB players Eric Hosmer and Gunnar Henderson live on air to get their professional opinions on the blindfolded hitting theory.
This elevates the comedic debate by bringing in legitimate experts, adding a layer of authenticity and humor to the debunking of Cheah's outlandish claim.
Brandon Walker's passionate rant about Kobe Bryant fans and their 'psychotic' reactions to other players' scoring achievements.
This highlights a common frustration in sports fan culture and showcases Brandon's specific, intense personality, which is a core part of the show's appeal.
The reveal of the 'beer spa' where people soak in beer ingredients, leading to humorous speculation about its benefits and hygiene.
Introduces a bizarre yet intriguing real-world concept that sparks comedic discussion and highlights the hosts' reactions to unusual trends.
Quotes
"I think you could I think you have a better shot of hitting with eyes and no hands than with hands and no eyes."
"How can you time an object if you can't see the object?"
"I don't appreciate you for who you are, but I like you for what you are."
"No. Because I've tried hitting with closing my eyes before and it is very scary and even harder."
"Everything you said about your strategy with your eyes closed, just do that with your eyes open. But that's cheating."
Q&A
Recent Questions
Related Episodes
Ben "The Program" Mintz Is Going To Vegas For Barstool Spring Break | The Yak 4-15-26
"Barstool personalities debate the merits of 'torture streams' versus pure entertainment, while Ben Mintz secures a Vegas trip and Dana Beers shares insights from his college lecture on media leadership."
Game 2 of the That's Baseball World Classic Yug Off | The Yak 3-13-26
"Barstool's 'That's Baseball World Classic Yug Off' continues with Game 2, featuring controversial referee calls, unexpected halftime entertainment, and a dramatic, beer-fueled showdown."
Can Mintzy Finally Win a Yak Pro Day as He and Ethan Go H2H | Best of The Yak 3-4-26
"A high-stakes, multi-event 'Pro Day' competition between Mintzy and Ethan culminates in a dramatic final challenge, with the winner earning a $10,000 World Series of Poker entry and ultimate bragging rights."
Tate and Mintzy Cap Off Grift Week with Butt in Hole | The Yak 1-9-26
"Barstool's 'Grift Week' culminates with Ben Mintz's chaotic Fiesta Bowl trip, Tate's expert documentation, and a surprising act of charity, all while navigating fake tweets and a 'lazy river' controversy."