Colorado Rockies Rundown: Chad Bettis’ Start And Jose Reyes’ End

Jul 7, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Y. Flande (58) throws to first during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Coors Field. The Angels won 10-2. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Yohan Flande’s family follows me on Instagram

(via Instagram)

Consider this your fun story to end the Colorado Rockies’ Rundown for the day: Yohan Flande’s family members connected with me on Instagram.

It started when I (jokingly, but seriously) changed my Twitter bio to reflect how much I liked Flande (see here for more). They found that on Twitter, reached out to me via Instagram (2015! Technology! Social media!) and we had a nice moment. Made my day!

[ Related: Reminisce on the best game of Yohan Flande’s career ]

That interaction with Flande’s family (who you can tell are unbelievably proud of their boy) is just your friendly reminder that despite the criticism these athletes sometimes take (and open themselves up to as pro ball players; these guys know the drill), they are still human beings. They absolutely read the stuff you write and hear the stuff you say about them.

You don’t have to sugar coat or lie on a player analysis to make people feel good, and you can’t be afraid to hurt feelings over baseball, as long as your analyses and opinions on a player are fair and just.

But when you do that, always remember family members, friends, and loved ones see these things. Don’t be a jerk. (And seriously, Colorado Rockies fans, you ought to join my Yohan Flande Fan Club — memberships are going fast!)

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