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.

It took a while, but Homer Jay Simpson is finally—and deservingly so—a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Well, at least for now. Homer was “inducted” for his contributions to the game, most notably The Simpsons’ episode “Homer At The Bat”—not to mention his star turn as a mascot for the Isotopes.

In reality, Homer was inducted Saturday morning in Cooperstown, N.Y., as part of an event to kick off a Simpsons-themed exhibit. D’oh!

Homer Simpson, welcome to “immortality.” #FirstLook #HOFHomer #HOFClassic @TheSimpsons pic.twitter.com/PFapQbfruz

— Baseball Hall ? (@baseballhall) May 27, 2017

The Chicago White Sox have a rich history of Cuban ballplayers and upon signing the latest, Luis Robert, welcomed Robert to the South Side.

Welcome to Chicago, Luis Robert!

Passion. Pride. Tradition.

Welcome to Chicago, Luis Robert! pic.twitter.com/x91lAkGa62

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 27, 2017

Sure, Franchy Cordero got his first big league hit Sunday, but did you know he’s also skilled at making balloon animals?

Handshakes, especially of the presidential variety, have gotten much more publicity this year than in recent years. But this one will be tough to top.

Handshake of the year nominee right here (via @SoConSports) pic.twitter.com/YfVdY7KUsZ

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 28, 2017

Things got testy in the normally collegial Midwest League.

Things got awfully spicy tonight between the Dayton Dragons & the West Michigan Whitecaps. pic.twitter.com/CGTOLPPofK

— 120 Sports (@120Sports) May 29, 2017

Cedar Grove (N.J.) High sophomore Mia Faieta struck out all 21 batters in a 4-0 win over North Warren in a state playoff game Friday. Check out some footage here.

Isn’t Alex Rodriguez busy enough? He’s mentoring young Yankees, taking copious notes, dating J-Lo. Now, according to Page Six, the former Yankees slugger has landed a deal with ABC News in which he’ll appear on “Good Morning America” and “World News Tonight.” Look out, Ryan Seacrest, A-Rod wants all the jobs.

Speaking of the Yankees, The New York Times reported that despite their success on the field, ticket sales and suite revenue has fallen sharply since their 27th World Championship in 2009.

PAT ON THE BACK

We’d be remiss in not mentioning some of BA’s terrific coverage from this weekend including a new mock draft from John Manuel; Kyle Glaser’s swing through the Northeast that culminated with Max Scherzer’s gem; and our final Projected Field of 64 before the official one drops at noon ET.

OFF TOPIC

Who wouldn’t click on this headline? “MICHAEL JORDAN VS. LEBRON IS THE AVOCADO TOAST ARGUMENT FOR SPORTS.”