Torii Hunter on LeBron James’ Game 1 cramps

Jun 7, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Torii Hunter (48) hits an RBI single in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Torii Hunter (48) hits an RBI single in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Torii Hunter has played a lot of baseball and a lot of sports in general. He was one of the best defensive outfielders in the league during most of his career, and now he seems to be that indomitable old guy in the big leagues who keeps chugging along with the Detroit Tigers, hoping for one more shot at the World Series.

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Hunter seemed a perfectly reasonable subject for Jim Rome to ask about the cramps suffered by LeBron James in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. He’s a veteran athlete who noted he’s had plenty of experience with cramps in the first few seconds of his response on Rome’s Showtime program. However, it’s what Hunter said next that really turned heads. We’ll let you watch without comment first.

Well, that’s certainly a take few of us considered. If Torii Hunter can play through the pain at such a crucial moment in his night, why can’t LeBron play through it in the NBA Finals? If Hunter can reach the peak of excellence in his darkest hour, then why can’t LeBron tough it out? Your answer is as good as any. Remember people, cramps are no excuse for poor performance, on the court or elsewhere. So sayeth Torii Hunter.