Bert Blyleven's 'I Heart to Fart' Shirt
The Curveball King of Comedy
Some baseball legends are remembered for their stats, while others are remembered for their personalities. Bert Blyleven is one of those rare icons who is remembered for both. He could make a baseball defy logic, dazzling batters and captivating fans alike.
Blyleven’s career stands out with 3,701 career strikeouts, two World Series titles, and a spot in Cooperstown. But what truly set him apart was his personality, which brought humor to a sport often consumed by competition.
And then there’s the legend of that shirt.
Yes, the time Blyleven strolled into the clubhouse wearing the “I ♥ TO FART” shirt. It’s a moment that perfectly captures the spirit of a player who was unapologetically himself.
The Curveball That Made History
Before we get to the laughs, let’s talk about the pitch that made Bert Blyleven a legend. His curveball was otherworldly. Batters flailed helplessly as the ball seemed to evade their swings like one in a Saturday morning cartoon. Scouts marveled at his ability to control a pitch known for its unpredictability — one that Blyleven perfected over a 22-season career. He was a force on the mound, helping the Pittsburgh Pirates claim the 1979 World Series and then again with the Minnesota Twins in 1987.
Finally, in 2011, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Blyleven’s career was filled with unforgettable achievements, like ranking fifth all-time in strikeouts and 12th all-time in pitcher WAR, but it was his personality that truly had fans feeling connected to him.
The Shirt That Broke the Mold
In a time before social media virality, the “I ♥ TO FART” shirt became an instant symbol of the camaraderie and humor behind the scenes of professional baseball. It captured the essence of a sport filled with big personalities and locker-room pranks.
“I LOVE to fart. I’m honest. Have you ever farted?”
That’s what made Blyleven so beloved. His humor wasn’t calculated; it was natural. He wasn’t trying to cultivate an image or play a role. He was just being himself. The shirt, absurd as it was, reminded fans and players alike that athletes are human too — funny, flawed, and real.
Baseball is a sport steeped in tradition and intensity, but Blyleven showed that levity has its place too. He knocked down the walls of stoicism and reminded everyone that, at its core, the game is about joy. For fans, the shirt embodied the camaraderie of professional baseball. At a time when athletes often seemed larger than life, Blyleven brought the game down to earth.
A Legacy Beyond the Numbers
As baseball evolves with analytics, billion-dollar contracts, and a laser focus on performance, it’s easy to forget the personalities that have shaped the sport’s history. Bert Blyleven is a reminder of why baseball isn’t just about stats. It is about connection.
Here’s to Bert Blyleven: a Hall of Fame pitcher, a master of the curveball, and the Curveball King of Comedy.
And as for the “I ♥ TO FART” shirt? Well, let’s just say it deserves a plaque in Cooperstown too.
