Rays pitcher Archer catches fan's blown kiss, throws it away

Ever since the Tampa Bay Rays traded away their former ace David Price to the Detroit Tigers, Tampa’s pitching staff has seen a new face rise to the top of the rotation — Chris Archer.

Archer may only be 4-3 this year, but it’s not for a lack of trying. His ERA is 2.01 through 12 starts, and he’s already struck out 97 batters this season.

But do you know what makes Archer even more awesome? His relationship with the fans.

In the video below, someone in the stands blows Archer a kiss, and the pitcher pretends to catch it and then discard it, much to the delight of the fans.

I think my favorite part is how Archer hesitated before suddenly reacting to the kiss hurling toward him. He caught it like a line drive sent right back up the middle at him.

Evan Longoria may still be the face of the Rays’ franchise, but with as many injuries as he’s had combined with the electrifying performance and charisma of Archer, the Rays ace may now be the cornerstone of the team.

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