In the midst of the grueling regular season and the ever-tightening playoff races, even the most dedicated figures in Major League Baseball need a moment to step back and find their slice of relaxation. For Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, that slice comes in the form of golf videos on Instagram. But what might seem like a simple pastime unlocked a unique intersection between baseball and entertainment, thanks to starting pitcher Dane Dunning and a well-known YouTube group known as Dude Perfect.

Bruce Bochy, the seasoned manager with a career that spans decades and includes three World Series titles, has found an unexpected way to unwind. It’s not strategizing for the next big game or dissecting his team’s last performance that brings him peace; instead, it’s watching golf videos on Instagram. This hobby might seem distant from the diamond, but it inadvertently opened the door to a special interaction between the Rangers and the digital entertainment world.

The bridge between Bochy’s hobby and the Rangers’ world was built by Dane Dunning. The starting pitcher is a fan of Dude Perfect, a group of five entertainers who have catapulted to fame with their sports-related stunts and comedy videos, amassing a staggering 60 million subscribers on YouTube. Dunning’s admiration led to an invitation extended to Dude Perfect, inviting them to experience the life of a Major League Baseball player at the Rangers’ spring training complex.

The visit from Dude Perfect wasn’t just a meet-and-greet; it was an immersive experience. The group, known for their high-energy antics and mesmerizing trick shots on YouTube, dove headfirst into the baseball world.

They partook in the nitty-gritty of team activities, from shagging fly balls to engaging in catcher’s drills, blurring the lines between professional athletes and internet celebrities. This wasn’t just an opportunity for some laughs; it was a moment that showcased the accessibility and human side of our sports heroes.

In the batting cages, outfielder Wyatt Langford got his chance to be part of the cross-over experience. Langford, who spends his professional career aiming to send baseballs far into the stands, found joy in lobbing practice pitches to Dude Perfect.

The outfielder’s thrill at hitting fly balls for the YouTube stars during batting practice highlighted the mutual respect and admiration between the athletes and entertainers. It was a simple act—a baseball player hitting fly balls to a group of internet personalities—yet it symbolized the connection and understanding that can exist between the worlds of professional sports and digital entertainment.

This unexpected confluence of interests, hobbies, and professions serves as a reminder of the universality of sports and entertainment. Bruce Bochy’s seemingly mundane interest in golf videos not only provided him with a needed respite from the stresses of his job but also facilitated a unique interaction between his team and some of the most recognizable faces in digital media. It’s a story of how small worlds often collide in the most delightful ways, creating unforgettable experiences for those on both sides of the screen.