Buster Posey and Scott Cousins shared a moment in baseball history 12 years ago that Giants fans will never forget. On May 25, 2011, Cousins of the then-Florida Marlins raced home to tag up on a pop fly, plowing into 24-year-old Posey and fracturing his fibula and tearing multiple ligaments in his ankle.
Since then, Posey has gone on to have a legendary career with the Giants, racking up three World Series titles, an MVP award, and a comeback player of the year award. As he nears his 36th birthday, Posey recently told The Athletic’s Andrew Baggarly he would be open to having a conversation with Cousins.
“I most definitely would be open to a dialogue with him,” Posey said. “It was one of those things. In the moment, I didn’t want to talk right away. There was a lot of frustration on my part. But I’d most definitely have a conversation with him.”
The day after the collision, Cousins was reportedly in tears discussing Posey’s injury. He expressed regret that he potentially ended someone’s season.
In the aftermath of the collision, MLB implemented new rules designed to protect catchers from collisions at home plate. Since then, wounds have healed and Posey hasn’t personally spoken to Cousins since that fateful day.
Now, if the two were to talk, Posey explained what he would say to Cousins.
“Well, I’d have to talk to him first,” Posey said. “Figure out what he’s been doing the last 10 or 11 years, how he processed that play. I don’t know. I’ve never talked to him.
“But … I hope he’s not carrying a burden. That’s what I would tell him. And if I could help him in some way to not carry that burden, that’s what I would want to say to him.”
The collision between Posey and Cousins served as a reminder of the physicality of the game, and the impact it can have on players. It also served as a reminder of Posey’s resilience and determination, as he bounced back with a remarkable career.
Now, Posey is looking to the future, as he transitions into an ownership role with the Giants. But no matter what, the memories of his collision with Cousins will always remain.
