Chris Sale Gets Custom Sword for Mastering Strikeout Art

When you're one of baseball's best at making batters look foolish, sometimes you get rewarded with more than just trophies.

Chris Sale, the Atlanta Braves' veteran left-hander and 2024 National League Cy Young Award winner, received an unusual gift from sporting goods company Mizuno: a custom sword. The present honors both his loyalty to the brand and his skill at producing what baseball fans call "swords."

In baseball lingo, a sword happens when a pitcher forces a batter into such an uncomfortable swing that it looks like they're swinging a sword through the air. Since Statcast started tracking this metric in late 2023, Sale has racked up 65 swords, putting him in the top 10 among all pitchers.

Sale couldn't contain his excitement about the gift. "I'm going to tell my catchers that I'm finally calling my own pitches," he joked, brandishing his new blade.

The timing of the gift coincides with even bigger news for the 35-year-old pitcher. Sale just agreed to a one-year contract extension worth $27 million, with a $30 million option for 2028. He's expected to be Atlanta's Opening Day starter for the upcoming season.

Why This Inspires

Sale's journey shows how mastering your craft leads to recognition in unexpected ways. After winning the Cy Young Award and a Gold Glove in 2024, he proved that veteran players can still dominate at the highest level. His playful response to receiving an actual sword demonstrates the joy that comes from doing what you love at an elite level.

The gift also highlights how baseball culture celebrates creativity and personality alongside raw statistics. Mizuno didn't just send a plaque or a bonus check. They crafted something memorable that connects to Sale's specific talent and the community's appreciation for his artistry on the mound.

Now Sale has hardware for his trophy case and a sword for his wall, both symbols of excellence earned through years of dedication.