The Arizona Diamondbacks have clawed their way to a (38-36) which is good enough for third place in the super competitive NL West, only a half of game behind the San Diego Padres. While 2023 NL Champions have aspirations at a playoff run this season they’re also looking to the future.
The team’s recent call up of dynamic infielder LuJames Groover aka “Blade” proves that team brass is not only looking to win now, but also preparing for the future. Groover is part of a talented group of prospects (Ryan Waldschmidt, Slade Caldwell, Kayson Cunningham and Tommy Troy) but none of them have a nickname like the supremely talented Groover.
Family Gave Groover His Nickname Based On Wesley Snipes
During a recent interview on the Arizona Sports Burns & Gambo show, Groover talked about how he got that nickname which just so happens to be a Marvel film from the late 1990’s.
My family members started calling me that because I was dressed in the costume and things like that. So a lot of people on my dad’s side, that’s what they call me. And I know my teammates ended up seeing that, and they’re like, ‘I never heard anyone call you that.’ I was like, ‘Well, that’s because no one calls me that except for my family members.’ I’ve had some teammates calling me that and it started to stick a little bit.”
In a sport lacking memorable nicknames, there could be potential with Blade, especially if Groover can live up to expectations as a well-regarded prospect. From 1998-2004 the movie screen saw three Blade movies released. Star of the hit film Wesley Snipes of “New Jack City” and “Jungle Fever” fame, also appeared in the 2024 movie “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
Groover Called Up
The former NC State star had been on a tear all season with Triple-A Reno batting a very respectable (.322). For that he received a call up to the majors, and it wasn’t as an injury replacement or late season to see what he could do for a non-playoff team, but solely on his merit as a player.
It didn’t take long for “Blade” to get his base knock, what should’ve been a routine single turned into a triple because of a fielding error by the opponent. As he stood on third base, Blade found himself looking for his family.
“I was really looking in the stands originally. I don’t even know where the family section is yet,” Groover said. “And I happened to look at (manager Torey Lovullo), and when I looked at him, he was already pointing to them. I just thought that was really a really cool moment.”
That’s a moment Groover and his family will never forget, and to have his manager assist in making sure Groover saw them shows how much the team values him already.
Blade Has Been Good Since Day One
Known as an elite contact hitter with a strong track record in the minors, Blade is only batting .161 with five hits and two RBI thus far in the majors.
Prior to his call up to the majors he was the No.10 ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline. Groover’s plate discipline (he is highly regarded for his standout contact skills, rare ability to limit strikeouts, and strong pitch recognition.
His elite ability to make contact with fastballs and avoid chasing pitches is second-to-none and is a huge reason he was promoted to the majors.
