When the Los Angeles Dodgers gathered at Camelback Ranch for Spring Training it gave players a chance to reconnect and build on the team chemistry that paved the way last season. One of the more interesting developments over the past year has been the Dodgers’ inclusion of Kenta Maeda’s translator, Will Ireton, into team activities.
Affectionately nicknamed “Will The Thrill,” Ireton last season was given a Dodgers uniform with the number “1.8” to play off Maeda’s No. 18 jersey. With an outgoing personality, Ireton is often at the center of any celebration or clubhouse antics.
During the Dodgers celebration after clinching the 2016 National League West title, Maeda placed Ireton into a cart that was used to transport the celebratory beer and champagne. Last year he was included in dress-up day for rookie hazing.
On Tuesday, Ireton was posed with a physical challenge by some Dodgers, including Kenley Jansen. Alex Wood provided word on the weightlifting experiment on his Twitter account:
Check my insta to see how this ends! #WILLtheTHRILL pic.twitter.com/DHQzWz7Z3w
— Alex Wood (@Awood45) March 14, 2017
During the video the entire Dodgers clubhouse attempted to pump up the translator, as he accepted a challenge. With Survivor’s “Eye Of The Tiger” playing in the background, Ireton met the challenge, via Wood’s Instagram:
These hilarious moments just add to the chemistry this team has embraced since Dave Roberts took over as manager. While the Dodgers remain solely focused on returning to the postseason and capturing their first World Series since 1988, taking an occasional step back can serve as a beneficial change of pace.
