Jake Burger is a slugger for the Miami Marlins.
He’ll be keeping a close eye on the crosstown Florida Panthers as they play for the Stanley Cup.
Recommended Videos
Burger grew up with Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk in St. Louis and even played hockey with him.
“The community in St. Louis, you just start running into guys,” said Burger. “Some were three-on-three skates, a lot of pond hockey. He’s a great dude and the Tkachuk’s are such a great family.”
They played baseball against each other as well.
“Here’s the question, he has a great slap shot but could he hit a 98 mph baseball,” asked Local 10 News’ Rosh Lowe.
“I think there’s a direct correlation with having a great slap shot and hitting the baseball,” replied Burger.
Burger said his childhood friend is such a good athlete he would have been a star in any sport.
“It’s crazy,” he said. “I think it’s a testament that St. Louis is a sleeper city with a lot of professional athletes.”
The only question remaining is whether Burger is going to score tickets to see Tkachuk and the Panthers in action.
“Hopefully it falls on a day when we are not playing a night game,” said Burger.