This Minor League Manager That Is Famous For His Tantrums Is Clearly Feeling The Pressure To Outdo Himself

As much as I love what Joe Mikulik brings to the table as a Minor League Baseball Manager, I don't - in any way - envy the position he has put himself in. It's one thing to be A manager that goes above and beyond in arguing against a bad call, but it's a whole different animal to be THE manager that notoriously goes above and beyond argues against bad calls. I don't know if he even meant to do it, but somewhere along the line he was forced into accepting the responsibility to entertain the hundreds of men, women, children, and drunks in the crowd every single time he felt his team was wronged. He's basically a semi-professional manager that is simultaneously on-call as a performance artist and unfortunately for him, the audience is always left wanting more. He can't just go out there, lob a couple derogatory insults the way of the umpires, kick some dirt of the plate, and be done with it. Not unless he's okay with disappointing his loyal fanbase. 

It's gotten to the point where Joe Mikulik isn't even in it for the love of the tantrum anymore. He's simply trying to live up to the highest of expectations. The deadly accurate helmet toss? Two slides into second? Untucking his shirt in such an aggressive manner that he actually managed to flash his unsightly torso? The base punt that undoubtedly is going to leave him with a sore right foot by the time his adrenaline wears off? The kicking of the rosin bag and the scuffing of the base path? Dance monkey, DANCE! What could this guy possibly have on the docket the next time the boys in blue inevitably botch a decision that puts the Frisco Roughriders at odds? You can bet your ass that Joe Mikulik hopes his next appearance happens on the road, because he looked like he was about to pass out about halfway through an outburst that was accentuated strictly on behalf of the home crowd. That kind of pressure either bursts pipes or it makes diamonds. Joe Mikulik is currently a gem, but managing a Minor League Baseball is a "what have you done for me lately" position, and I don't know how many rants he has left in those lungs.


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