Let's Look At Jon Lester's Top 3 Funniest Throws To First Base To Celebrate His 33rd Birthday

The idea of Jon Lester throwing to first base has become somewhat of an oxymoron throughout most of his illustrious career. The three-time World Series champion has had the pitcher version of the "yips" since 2012 that hasn't allowed him to throw the ball to first base via pick off or simply fielding his position. Thank God Lester's mental block hasn't cost the Cubs in the long run but it's something that Cubs fans have become well aware of. Lester is also very aware of the issue but gives zero f*cks about his inability to throw to first. As a matter of fact, he sees the humor in it. He tweeted this last month once Major League Baseball’s player’s union and the owners agreed to a new CBA which avoided a lockout. https://twitter.com/JLester34/status/804318576853352448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw So my rationale is if Lester can poke fun at himself, I should be able to as well. To wish the Cubs ace a happy 33rd birthday, I created a list of my favorite Lester throws during his time in Chicago but be warned....they're not very pretty. Happy birthday Jonny! ________________________________________________________________________

3. Lester Bounces One To First

If you noticed during the tail end of his 2016 starts, Lester didn't even ATTEMPT to field a bunt from an opposing team. Hell, on the biggest stage in baseball, during the biggest game of the season, Lester didn't want to make an ass out of himself so he let his catcher field Jason Kipnis' bunt during Game 7 of the World Series. I was at this game and remember yelling at Lester for not trying to get to the ball. As a result, David Ross threw wildly to first base which eventually let the Indians right back into Game 7. Then I remembered why Lester doesn't attempt to field the ball anymore. Coming in at my number three funniest throw from Lester was this gem from April 17, 2016. I'll be an optimist and say, "at least he got the out." (use the arrow at the top to continue)

2. Can't Throw The Ball To First? Try Throwing The Glove.

I'm a firm believer in finding solutions to problems in your life. It's easy to sit and sulk about whatever is ailing you but it takes a strong-willed person to figure out what they can do to rectify whatever their situation is. Early last year, it looked like Jon Lester was attempting to fix his problem. On April 19, 2015, Lester fielded a one-hopper back to the mound and THOUGHT about throwing to second base. When he knew that wasn't going to happen, he wheeled and looked at the dark hole better known as first base. He reached for the ball and instead of pulling the ball out and making the simple throw to first, Lester trotted towards Anthony Rizzo and just threw his entire glove to first -- ball included. People will say that the ball got stuck which may be true in this scenario but there are at least two more times I can think of that Lester did the ol' glove toss to first base. Whatever works for ya Jonny. (use the arrow at the top to continue)

1. "Maybe I'll Try To Throw It Just Once."

When Lester came to the Cubs in 2015, his inability to throw to first base was rarely mentioned. Cubs fans were excited that the front office went after the biggest arm in free agency and were even more excited when he decided to sign a long-term contract with the Cubs. As stated earlier, Lester has had the throwing issue since 2012 when he pitched for the Boston Red Sox. Maybe he thought that a change of scenery would magically solve his issue because in just his second start with the Chicago Cubs, Lester did the unthinkable. He attempted a pick off move. From April 30, 2013 - April 13, 2015, Jon Lester never attempted a pick off move to first base. During that 66-game streak, opposing team's base runners were taking bases at will so the Cubs lefty knew he had to at least TRY to trick them into thinking he could make the simple toss. Not a good idea. Here's the number one funniest throw from Lester which was his first pick off attempt as a Cub from April 13, 2015. Yikes. I'll speak for Cubs fans everywhere when I say, "Just worry about the hitter Jon. You have the best defense in baseball behind you and a catcher with a freaking cannon of an arm to take care of any would be stealers." You just keep being the goddamned bulldog that you are.