MLB proved it has a sense of humor when the Philadelphia Phillies pulled off an elaborate prank, orchestrated by pitcher Brett Myers, and “punk’d” second year rookie Kyle Kendrick.
Kendrick was called into manager Charlie Manuel‘s office on Saturday and told that he had been traded to Japan for a player named “Kobayashi Iwamura,” a fictitious name which means “hot dog eater.”
The media, who was also involved in the ruse, asks Kendrick questions about being traded, as the stunned 23-year-old responds as best he can.
“Do they have good food in Japan?” Kendrick asked reporters, as the first words out of his mouth. “I don’t know what to think right now. I guess it’s going to be a whole new chapter, huh?”
Kyle buys into the prank, even though such a trade is prohibited. Myers eventually lets Kendrick off the hook, saying “You’ve been punk’d!” as Kendrick breathes a sigh of relief. “I’ve never been so happy. Seriously. Wow. I was not going on that flight in the morning.”
View video of the prank below.