You’ll Love How This Major League Star Shows His Pride For Buffalo

Even though the Buffalo Bills let us down this weekend, we still have a win from Sunday we can celebrate in Western New York. 

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It’s hard to believe it, but the 2023 baseball season is coming to a close. Last night, the Texas Rangers rallied to beat the Houston Astros 9-2 in game 6 of the ALCS. With the series now tied at 3-3, tonight’s game will determine which Texas-based team will make an appearance in the World Series. 

So, why should we care here in Buffalo?

Well, even though our beloved Yankees and Blue Jays didn’t make the cut this season, we can still have a favorite in the series thanks to a local connection.

All Eyes On Texas Rangers’ Jonah Heim

Rangers’ starting catcher Jonah Heim has had quite the 2023 season. 

After spending seven years in the minor leagues with the Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays, the 6’4” switch hitter finally made his major league debut with the Oakland Athletics in 2020. The following year, he was traded to the Texas Rangers, where his career has flourished. 

The 28-year-old started in his first MLB All-Star Game this past summer, and his postseason performance with the Rangers (including a 2-run homer last night to help force a game 7 showdown) has once again put him in the national spotlight.

(See Heim’s at-bat at the 47 second mark.)

Does Jonah Heim look familiar in other ways? Because to Buffalo baseball fans, he should…

Jonah Heim Grew Up In Western New York

Yup, Jonah Heim is one of our own.

Heim was born in Buffalo, New York, and went on to have a stellar career with Amherst Central High School, during which he was invited to several showcases and exhibition games with MLB scouts. After graduating in 2013, instead of opting for college, he decided to go pro and was drafted 129th overall in the MLB draft. 

Amherst even retired his jersey shortly after his 2013 graduation.

Even though he’s never spoken publicly about it, eagle-eyed fans can tell his love for his hometown, thanks to some well-placed ink on his arm.

How Jonah Heim Shows His Love For Buffalo, New York

Like many other athletes, Heim is not one to shy away from covering his arms in tattoos. One tat in particular is easily recognizable to Western New Yorkers, and clearly shows his affinity toward the place he was born and raised.

On Heim’s left arm, just above his elbow, you can see his large tattoo of the Buffalo city skyline.

It’s such a cool way to pay tribute to our city, and we wouldn’t hate seeing that arm lifting up the Commissioner’s Trophy after a World Series championship.

Good luck to Jonah Heim and the Texas Rangers! We hope you make Buffalo proud with a win tonight.