Unlike many people in this world, Steven Souza Jr does not want the day off on his birthday.
You’re going to have a hard time finding someone that enjoys their birthday as much as Steven Souza Jr. The 28-year-old is putting the baseball world on notice – April 14th is Souza-day.
Too soon for that?
Today, on his 28th birthday, the Rays outfielder was named American League Player of the Week. In his seven games last week, he led the league in hits (12), extra-base hits (5), and RBI (9), while posting a .414 average. During an interview today with Kelly Nash of MLB Network, Souza talked about his goal this season.
“Just to get back to playing the game with joy, and that’s really my goal getting on the field everyday.”
Not a bad birthday gift! @RaysBaseball OF @SouzaJr joins @KellyNash & Dan O’Dowd on #TheRundown after being named AL Player of the Week! pic.twitter.com/2jbEOtRJHy
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 24, 2017
Souza Opens Big Present at Yankee Stadium
This isn’t the first time that he has celebrated baseball success on his birthday. In fact, just last year, against the New York Yankees, he had quite the day at the plate. Souza belted two home runs off of Michael Pineda in route an 8-1 victory over the Yankees. After that game you could sense some excitement coming from the birthday boy.
“I think just playing in Yankee Stadium on my birthday. Growing up [in Washington] you watch the Yankees and the Mariners and the rivalries, so just being here and winning and the two home runs is obviously exciting.”
Baseball is a lot of fun when you’re having success. So far this season, Souza has done just that. The Rays are in Baltimore to take on the Orioles tonight. Weather conditions are not great right now but, keep an eye out for Hurricane-Souza.
