Top 2: Jim Thome struck out swinging against Mark Buehrle

Top 4: Thome called out on strikes against Buehrle

Top 6: Thome struck out swinging against Buehrle

Top 9: Thome struck out swinging against Jesse Crain

Final Line: 0-for-4, 4 K

Notes: The novelty of a Jim Thome golden sombrero faded a long time ago, as the 40-year-old veteran is second on the all-time strikeout list with 2,431 – only 166 behind Reggie Jackson.  Thome’s also five home runs shy of joining the 600 HR club.

Total 2011 Sombreros: 68

Top 2: Matt Tolbert struck out swinging against Gavin Floyd

Top 4: Tolbert singled to center against Floyd

Top 5: Tolbert struck out swinging against Will Ohman

Top 7: Tolbert called out on strikes against Brian Bruney

Top 9: Tolbert struck out swinging against Jesse Crain

Final Line: 1-for-5, 4 K, 5 LOB

Notes: Tolbert’s sombrero on Friday against the White Sox was his first of the season, although his fourth inning single did snap a 1-for-20 skid.  Dating back to June 15^th, Tolbert is now two for his last 23 and is currently hitting .181.

Total 2011 Sombreros: 67

He’s no semi-pro

After playing six games over the last three days—and going 5-1—the St. Louis Recruits 16U baseball team that I help coach has a much needed off day.  Therefore I’ve decided to take a little time today to catch up on something that the boys have been talking about all summer. Considering that I’m only slightly more mature than them (not really), I had a good feeling that these videos would live up to the hype.

His name: Domingo Ayala.

His purpose: Showcase his god-given talent.

They also recommended this (very NSFW) video, which is the source of 90% of our team’s chatter while on offense:

What is it about Fridays and MLB Debuts? On June 10 we celebrated Mike Moustakas Day here at the Sombrero, and just one week later we celebrated Dustin Ackley Day.  Today we are thrilled to celebrate another prospect debut: Mike Trout.

Ranked as The Golden Sombrero’s No. 2 Prospect headed into the 2011 season, Trout has done everything (and more) at Double-A to deserve the call to the Big Leagues.  At the time of his promotion, the 19-year-old outfielder was slashing .324/.415/.534 with 12 doubles, 11 triples, nine home runs, 27 RBI and 28 stolen bases.

However, like most Trout enthusiasts (namely MTD over at Off-Base Percentage), none of us sincerely expected his arrival until this time next season – maybe a bit earlier.  But after a hamstring injury to fellow speedster Peter Bourjos during last night’s game, the door officially opened for Trout.

So, to usher in the Mike Trout Era, here are several videos of the phenom in action from the last two years.  I’m now more excited about his debut than seeing Jeter collect his 3,000^th hit (to an extent). Regardless, this is a great day to be a baseball fan.

And cue the celebratory tunes: