The Upper Deck

Welcome to The Upper Deck, Baseball America’s daily look at the biggest stories around the game and some lighter fare. If you have videos, GIFs, photos or stories you want us to know about and feature in this space, hit me up on Twitter at @vincelara or email me here.

Happy Father’s Day!

Had to introduce my dad to my buddy @ymoncada19 !#happyfathersday #dragonfamily #raddad

📷: @laurawolffphoto pic.twitter.com/E7KCkryrdt

— Homer the Dragon (@CLTKnightsHomer) June 19, 2017

Teams at all levels of baseball celebrated Father’s Day on Sunday. Charlotte Knights mascot Homer the Dragon decided to join in on the fun by introducing White Sox top prospect Yoan Moncada to his dad.

Hold Your Phone, He’s Got A Cannon

Release the cannon, @asben16. pic.twitter.com/zTAgSsWw5R

— MLB (@MLB) June 19, 2017

Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi has done plenty of damage at the plate for Boston this year. On Sunday, he showed off he’s a complete player by throwing out a runner at home from left field.

He Did What?

Rockies’ Nolan Arenado finished the game in style. Already with a single, double and triple, Arenado hit a walk-off home run for the cycle to beat the Giants on Sunday. The last player to complete the cycle with a walk-off homer? Arenado’s teammate current teammate Carlos Gonzalez, who did it in 2010.

Down and Dirty

George Janca… WHAT A PLAY!! ??

An incredible snag to rob a base hit… then throws from his knees to get him at first. #SCTop10 #CWS pic.twitter.com/G3mJOWidHC

— NCAA Baseball (@NCAACWS) June 18, 2017

Texas A&M third baseman George Janca laid out for a ball against Florida and made a throw from his knees to get the out at first. While the Aggies lost the game (see more below), Janca made sure it wasn’t without an effort.

No Hat Needed

😱 SCOTT HURST 😱

INCREDIBLE. #SCTop10 pic.twitter.com/qxHbLjcTYj

— NCAA Baseball (@NCAACWS) June 17, 2017

Cal State Fullerton outfielder Scott Hurst lost his hat in the process of making a highlight catch after crashing into the wall during Fullerton’s game against Oregon State on Saturday.

Happenings at Baseball America

The College World Series began this weekend. Teddy Cahill wrote about Florida pitcher Alex Faedo’s dominant start on Sunday . . . Mississippi State commit Carter Stewart dominated at the Perfect Game National in Florida this weekend. . . . Josh Norris took a look at Orioles’ top prospect Chance Sisco and his swing changes in his latest edition of Analyze This.