A Little Late, or a Little Early
Sports Illustrated did a lengthy feature story on five-year-old Ariel Antigua this week that took a peek into this peewee Internet sensation's life. Don't remember Antigua? He was the so-called five-year-old slugger who could hit 85-mph fastballs. Honestly, I didn't remember Antigua either. Like many "YouTube" celebrities, they are forgotten almost as soon as the clip airs (kind of like this blog to our readers).
Anyway, many people doubted the Antigua story. He wasn't really five. The ball wasn't that fast. He really didn't hit the ball that well. SI, which is known for its in-depth reporting to get on top of these kinds of stories, sent a writer to talk to the Antiguas in May. He spent a few days with the boy, his parents and his siblings. The story painted a picture of a little boy from a lower, middle class background who probably didn't get to be a little boy like he should, but obviously loved to talk. And pout. And cry. And get scared by all the attention, yet love the attention all the same.
The story, though, didn't quite answer all of the hype. It was a fascinating story and it was one free of spin by the parents and a hype machine. Of course, if Antigua is the real deal, the hype machine will come and be very well armed.
Did SI report the story a little early or a little late? That question may never be answered. If they got him early, SI will let us know ala they did with Bryce Harper. If not, he is another...hold up, who was that guy they overhyped again?
Anyway, many people doubted the Antigua story. He wasn't really five. The ball wasn't that fast. He really didn't hit the ball that well. SI, which is known for its in-depth reporting to get on top of these kinds of stories, sent a writer to talk to the Antiguas in May. He spent a few days with the boy, his parents and his siblings. The story painted a picture of a little boy from a lower, middle class background who probably didn't get to be a little boy like he should, but obviously loved to talk. And pout. And cry. And get scared by all the attention, yet love the attention all the same.
The story, though, didn't quite answer all of the hype. It was a fascinating story and it was one free of spin by the parents and a hype machine. Of course, if Antigua is the real deal, the hype machine will come and be very well armed.
Did SI report the story a little early or a little late? That question may never be answered. If they got him early, SI will let us know ala they did with Bryce Harper. If not, he is another...hold up, who was that guy they overhyped again?
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