Kipnis brings quirky stance to WS stage

CLEVELAND — There is a statue of Rod Carew on a street corner on the southwest side of Target Field in Minneapolis. Every time Jason Kipnis walks by the bronzed likeness of the Twins great, with his bat frozen in time and parallel to the ground, the Indians second baseman has the same thought.

“I laugh every time,” Kipnis said. “I say, ‘I know what you’re going through, buddy.'”

• Game 2: Tonight, 7 p.m. ET game time on FOX (6 p.m. ET pregame show on FS1)

Fans of the Indians are familiar with Kipnis’ unique batting stance, but a much wider audience was introduced to it during Cleveland’s 6-0 win over the Cubs in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday. What began as an experiment in the Minor Leagues to improve Kipnis’ bat speed has turned into a permanent quirk every time the second baseman settles into his stance in the batter’s box.

Game Date Time (air time/game time) Matchup TV Gm 1 Oct. 25   CLE 6, CHC 0 Gm 2 Oct. 26 7 p.m. (6 p.m. pregame show on FS1) CHC @ CLE FOX Gm 3 Oct. 28 7:30 p.m./8 p.m. CLE @ CHC FOX Gm 4 Oct. 29 7:30 p.m./8 p.m. CLE @ CHC FOX *Gm 5 Oct. 30 8 p.m. CLE @ CHC FOX *Gm 6 Nov. 1 7:30 p.m./8 p.m. CHC @ CLE FOX *Gm 7 Nov. 2 7:30 p.m./8 p.m. CHC @ CLE FOX * If necessary | All times listed ET • World Series coverageShop for postseason gear: Cubs | Indians

Before every pitch, Kipnis pulls his right arm back and keeps it close to his chest, with the bat resting in his fingertips. Kipnis’ left palm is facing skyward, …

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