One of the greatest episodes on the greatest TV show of all-time was centered around third-person references. On Seinfeld’s “The Jimmy,” the title character constantly refers to himself by his own name … confusion and hilarity ensue:
Jimmy: "Jimmy doesn’t like misunderstanding … Jimmy and misunderstanding kinda clash."
Jerry: "You said, ‘George likes spicy chicken.’"
George: "No I didn't."
Elaine: "Yes, you did. You said, ‘George likes spicy chicken.’"
Jerry: "You're turning into Jimmy."
George: "George is getting upset!"
Jimmy: "Well, Jimmy's very unusual."
That real-life sitcom, Rickey Henderson, elevated third-person references to an art form. Even Wikipedia recognizes this phenomenon, writing, “Henderson has also been reported to take practice swings in the locker room in front of a mirror completely naked while repeatedly saying, ‘Rickey’s the best! You tha man, Rickey!’”
One of the few teams that Henderson didn’t play for was the Chicago Cubs, but a current Windy City player has apparently been visited by the illeist (Scooter learned a new word today) spirit of Rickey. According to ESPN.com, Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano has been stumping for a new contract, saying, “If they don't sign me, sorry, but I must go. That's what Carlos Zambrano thinks.” If that wasn’t enough, he took the third-person reference to new heights by invoking a nickname – a self-imposed, little-known one!
“[Cubs general manager] Jim [Hendry] spent a lot of money,” he said. “I hope he has more for 'Big Z.’”
It’s enough to make Jimmy roll over in his grave and make Scooter shake his head ... because illeism makes Scooter weep for the future.
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