There is a tradition, probably not limited to the Chicago Cubs, where rookies dress up in costumes for a road trip near the end of the season, at the prodding of veteran players. Particularly as we head deeper into the social media era, it can lead to some hilarious moments.

Obligatory comment on hazing at the outset: in general, hazing can be a dicey thing, BUT, done in a limited way where controls are in place to ensure that everyone is on board and having a good time, it can be a fine thing. I say that as a fraternity guy who saw both kinds (our fraternity stuck to the gentle, everyone-is-definitely-having-a-good-time variety). I’ve always gotten the sense that the Cubs’ iteration was good-natured fun.

Yesterday was the magic day for Cubs rookies, and there are a few pictures floating out there of the good time.

Jorge Soler got it pretty easy – and accurate – I’d say (from his Instagram):

Llego el dia de los rookie A post shared by Jorge Soler (@jorgesoler12) on Sep 7, 2014 at 3:36pm PDT

Whereas Javier Baez got the tougher flip side of that one (from his Instagram):

It is what it is A post shared by Javier Báez ⚾ (@javy23baez) on Sep 7, 2014 at 3:25pm PDT

Matt Szczur and Logan Watkins appeared to enjoy their selections as Spider-Man and Flash (from Watkins’ Instagram):

Rookie Hazing Day. #Flash #Spiderman A post shared by Logan Watkins (@watkinslogan) on Sep 7, 2014 at 4:09pm PDT

Folks happened to catch the players all together outside the ballpark after the game:

I can’t exactly tell what he’s supposed to be, but it looks like Justin Grimm got it roughest.

And somewhere in Florida, Kyle Schwarber is softly caressing his Hulk costume, whispering, “Soon …. “