Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner will be featured on MLB Network’s kid-focused show “Play Ball” on Saturday, with the episode airing at 7 a.m. PT, and re-airing at 11 a.m. PT. Turner was interviewed from Miami by MLB Network analyst Sean Casey.
During a “Circle The Bases” segment, Turner revealed his celebration with Cody Bellinger, discussed what position he would play if not third base, and touched on his favorite moment as a Major League player.
While Turner has provided several highlights for the Dodgers with his bat, he harkened back to the heroics of Kenley Jansen and Clayton Kershaw against the Washington Nationals in winner-take-all Game 5 of the 2016 National League Division Series.
“Kenley’s in his third inning of work, he’s out of gas and we know he’s out of gas,” Turner said. “Next thing you know you see Doc coming out of the dugout and I had no idea [Clayton Kershaw] was down there, but when the doors opened, 22 came out. Oh man, that’s something I’ll never forget.”
Kershaw retired the two batters faced to strand the tying run at second base and earn his first career save. Earlier in the afternoon, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said his left-handed ace was unavailable to pitch in any capacity due to starting Game 4 on short rest.
Turner earned his first career All-Star selection this year, which was an experience he thoroughly enjoyed. The utility man turned MVP candidate is a prime example of what a strong work ethic and drive can lead to.
“Don’t let someone tell you [that] you can’t do something. In this game we get labeled all the time and it doesn’t mean anything,” Turner said. “You can do whatever you want to do as long as you put the hard work in, you put the effort in. Dream as big as you can and don’t let anyone keep you from reaching it.”
“Play Ball” is a weekly series that features MLB stars discussing reaching the Majors, providing advice to kids trying to get better at the game, and sharing tips in one-on-one demonstrations with MLB Network analysts.
In May, Corey Seager and his brother, Seattle Mariners All-Star third baseman, Kyle, were highlighted in an episode.
