It’s been quite the summer for Dirk Nowitzki. For starters, he took one hell of a pay cut, giving the Mavs the necessary cap space to make some aggressive roster moves. Dallas added Chandler Parsons, Tyson Chandler, Jameer Nelson, Richard Jefferson, Raymond Felton, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Greg Smith. Dirk also got to watch his home country win the World Cup.

One other thing … Dirk played baseball.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JFbMGZm7-k

If you’re a native of Dallas, this isn’t a surprise to you. Dirk’s been playing baseball in the Heroes Celebrity Baseball Game for years. If you aren’t from Dallas, then let me fill you in on one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Dirk plays baseball with all of his Dallas buddies every year, and it’s the best. Just take a peek at this lineup, put together by team manager Tony Romo.

The order is Dez Bryant, Ben Grieve, Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Young, Devin Harris, Jason Witten, Terrance Williams, Brian Cardinal, and Monta Ellis. That’s right. WE LIVE IN A WORLD WHERE TONY ROMO IS COACHING MONTA ELLIS AND HAS HIM SLATED TO PITCH IN THE SEVENTH INNING AND WE WERE JUST CARRYING ON WITH OUR LIVES WITHOUT KNOWING. I LOVE THIS COUNTRY.

So, that’s the game in a nutshell. The city of Dallas just tosses its best athletes on a baseball diamond and shouts “Play ball.” It’s amazing.

Now that we’re all aware of this amazing game, I present:

The top eight GIFs of Dirk Nowitzki playing baseball.

8. Dirk Stretches to Get the Out

7. Dirk and Dez Leap Toward One Another

http://giant.gfycat.com/SpotlessFatAmericanredsquirrel.gif

6. Dirk Catches Fly Ball, Removes Hat, Celebrates

http://giant.gfycat.com/OblongShowyBarnswallow.gif

5. DIRK CANNOT BUNT

http://giant.gfycat.com/EthicalContentHorsemouse.gif

4. Dirk Complains to the Ump

http://giant.gfycat.com/YearlySecretDolphin.gif

3. Dirk Hits, Does the Grapevine, Hugs Ump

http://giant.gfycat.com/RecentBronzeAcouchi.gif

2. Dirk Finds a Way to Flop During a Strike

1. Tony Romo Sends Dirk Home and My Dallas Heart Explodes

http://giant.gfycat.com/DisguisedShoddyCattle.gif