Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Kike Hernandez has found his touch since the All-Star break and made another contribution to his team's 7-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday.
However, it was the charismatic slugger's unique celebration upon reaching base that caught the eyes of fans at American Family Field in the series opener. Hernandez added a run to the Dodgers' score in the top of the fourth inning after reaching second base on a sacrifice fly.
Upon touching the base, as is the custom, Hernandez broke into a celebration. However, it wasn't something fans had seen from the Dodgers star as he mimicked a breakdance move.
Hernandez did his best impression of Australian breakdancer Raygun, originally known as Rachel Gunn, who made the headlines after her viral dance performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The World Series winner confirmed that he was impersonating the viral Australian athlete. He highlighted his new move on Instagram and had the fans in splits.
"Raygun is my spirit animal!" Hernandez captioned the post.
Kike Hernandez's Dodgers teammate Gavin Lux, who contributed to his team's win with a two-run home run off Colin Rae in the fourth inning, reacted to his post with a series of laughing emojis.
Kike Hernandez shares unique reason behind his uptick in form
Kike Hernandez's resurgence at the plate has a unique reason. The Fielding Bible Award winner shared that the use of prescribed eyewear has contributed to his improved hitting. The Dodgers slugger is suffering from astigmatism in his right eye, which has been hindering his ability to track the spin on pitches.
He said:
“I started wearing them the series in Detroit for the first time in my life. And that series was kind of a little bit weird, because depth perception and all that. But the All-Star break was huge for me to get used to the glasses off the field. And I’m not going to say no. I mean, it’s been timing. I’m seeing the ball better. I guess I needed them.”
Hernandez will hope to continue his slugging form for the NL West leaders. With the return of Mookie Betts in the lineup, the Dodgers offense is firing on all cylinders right now.