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Jose Bautista’s bat flip: Watch it again and again

BASEBALL

Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista flips his bat into the air after hitting a three-run homer in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series on Oct. 14, 2015 in Toronto.

Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista flips his bat into the air after hitting a three-run homer in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series on Oct. 14, 2015 in Toronto.

Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail

It was the toss seen round the world: Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays hit the series-winning three-run homer in Game 5, giving Toronto a 6-3 lead in the bottom of the seventh

This article was published more than 8 years ago. Some information may no longer be current.

THE GAME

Missed the iconic Game 5 from the Jays' ALDS series against the Texas Rangers last year? Here are the highlights:

Russell Martin calls Blue Jays' Game 5 win an 'instant classic'

0:28


THE BAT FLIP

Here you go. You're welcome.

WHAT BAUTISTA WAS THINKING

THE IMITATORS

Nine-year-old Oscar Wood – affectionately known by Jays fans, and now even his own father, as Mini Bautista – was filmed swinging a phantom bat while donning his painted Bautista-esque beard at the precise moment the real Blue Jay launched his game-changing homer. By the time Oscar woke up Thursday morning, the video had gone viral online. "I've got Mini Bautista next to me, he's all swung out and his arm is tired from high-fiving people," Oscar's father, Benn Wood – who skipped work to stay home with his son – told The Canadian Press.

Oscar sported the beard every time he went to watch the Blue Jays play. He mimics his idol's entire batting routine, from his warm-ups in the on-deck circle to the slugger's tics in the batter's box.

After Oscar's swing, the family jostled their way to the front row to celebrate with the Jays. First baseman Chris Colabello came out and was on top of the dugout spraying champagne on fans. "I was screaming 'yeah!' and got a bunch in my mouth – it tasted horrible," Oscar told The Canadian Press.

Bautista has had some adult imitators too:

THE MERCHANDISING