The Legend Of Willians Astudillo

Willians Astudillo plays baseball for the Minnesota Twins.  After many years in the minor leagues, he was promoted to the Twins last summer and became a sensation in Minnesota and to baseball fans around the country.  Known for seldom striking out or walking, he is the antithesis of the modern MLB player.  A catcher by trade, he also played third base, second base, outfield (including center field) and he even pitched an inning.  Add in his portly physique (his nickname is La Tortuga, The Turtle), his wild curly mop of hair and his hustle and joy for the game and Astudillo has become a baseball folk hero.

Astudillo dresses for dinner in Rochester at the game!

Here are some highlights of La Tortuga in action.

The bellyflop heard ‘round the world. Astudillo throws out runner and trips over his pitcher.

Willians throws out runner at first without even turning his head.  He even fakes out the television announcers and the camera person.

He homers and goes to his knees and calmly admired his work.

Walking it off in Minnesota. Crazy celebration ensues.

Hidden ball trick.

Willians Astudillo Baseball Reference Page

Rock N Roll Casey’s Website