LOS ANGELES — Conjure up Pete Rose sliding headfirst: Arms outstretched, mop of hair blown back, flying through the air like Superman.
It’s the very essence of “Charlie Hustle,” and it’s one of baseball’s most iconic images. But is the headfirst slide worth the gamble?
I ask this, of course, because Rockies all-star shortstop Trevor Story sits on the injured list after jamming his right thumb sliding headfirst into second base at Chase Field on Wednesday night. Story joined a list of big-league stars who’ve hurt themselves by choosing to lead with their hands (and their hearts) rather than their feet.