San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., one of the most exciting rising stars in baseball, hit his first career grand slam against the Texas Rangers on Monday night.
After the game, he apologizes.
Because, of course, the almighty unwritten rules of baseball were broken.
See, the Padres were up 10-3 with one out in the eighth inning. The bases were loaded. Tatis had worked a 3-0 count against Rangers pitcher Juan Nicasio.
And Tatis swung in front of the gates for his second home run of the night.
His blast picked up a 14-4 victory, but many people at Globe Life Park in Arlington were not excited about Tatis’ actions. Pitcher Ian Gibault, who loses Nicasio to the grand slam, throws behind Padre’s slugger Manny Machado with his first pitch. Rangers manager Chris Woodward later commented on Tatis’ actions: “I do not think we liked it as a group.”
Padres manager Jayce Tingler was not enthusiastic about it either, saying “We are not trying to raise the score or anything like that” and “It is a learning opportunity” and “He will grow out of it.”
Tatis said after the game, Tingler informed that he had missed a take-off sign on the field.
“I told him right away that it was on me,” Tatis said. “I did not look into it.”
The son of longtime Major League leader Fernando Tatis sr. Added: ‘I’ve been in this game since I was a kid. I know a lot of unwritten rules. I was somewhat lost on this. … Those experiences, you have to learn. After all, I will take a pitch next time. ”
Judging by the response on social media, most people – even current and former players – think that Tatis should not change a thing.
Hee @tatis_jr Listen:
1) Keep weighing 3-0 if you want to, regardless of the game situation
2) Keep hitting homers, no matter what the situation is
3) Keep bringing energy and flash to baseball and make it fun
4) The only thing you did wrong was apologize. Stop that.– Trevor Bauer (@BauerOutage) August 18, 2020
Fernando Tatis continues to play hard and play great, it’s a pleasure to see you play, love your success and the Padres stand up to become a winner. Stay on the road. It’s not easy to hit Hrs. Keep bringing energy you have to the game, we have players just like you. In All Star
– Reggie Jackson (@mroctober) August 18, 2020
That you take a pitch … now you’re 3-1. Then the pitcher comes back with a great set up pitch … 3-2. Now you are ready to start in a double play. Everyone would have to go 3-0. Grand Slams are an enormous stat. @tatis_jr https://t.co/4D3ilsD9Sh
– Johnny Bench (@ JohnnyBench_5) August 18, 2020
We were not close to baseball at all this year. However, we are pissed that Tatis Jr. won a Grand Slam.
– Lane Adams (@LA_Swiftness) August 18, 2020
Swinging in a 3-0 count would not have to go against any rules, despite the score.
Before a game I would always watch to see what% a man swings 3-0. If it’s more than 20%, it means I just can’t grow one.
The guys who will never “give a pitch” on the record are the most expensive ABs.
– Collin McHugh (@Collin_McHugh) August 18, 2020
3-0 counts rule 😒😒 you just have to pitch better if you do not want that to happen. I never see that rule and I take my self as an example because I am the king. From 3-0 counts 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️ https://t.co/TkMDDOCIkX
– Eduardo Rodriguez (@ eduardorod5) August 18, 2020
I’m more under the impression that Tatis jr has 11HRs in 25 games, we should pump this kid up! Promote MLB, stop the negative BS!
– Rob Dibble (@ robdibble49) August 18, 2020
I do not follow unwritten rules …
– CountOnAG (@Amir_Garrett) August 18, 2020
My 2 cents on the Tatis grand slam on a score of 3-0 in the 7 with the game already out of hand:
This is not a small league. This is the existence of man. Every hit, every RBI, every HR is important. You do not like …. pitch better.
– Ben Verlander (@ Verly32) August 18, 2020
Dear @tatis_jr,
1. Congrats with your first career grand slam.
2. Keep weighing 3-0 if you enjoy winning and success.
3. Ignore the haters and do not apologize for it.
4. Keep doing what you do. It’s good for the game. pic.twitter.com/0nSl6AhTC0
– Matt Lisle (@CoachLisle) August 18, 2020
I found it FREE that Tatis even brought a bat with him to the record with such an unmanageable lead !!!!!
– John O’Connell (@ jacko2323) August 18, 2020
Is there anything more stupid in sports than the “unwritten rules of baseball”?
Instead of playing an incredible talent like Tatis Jr., they apologize for destroying a 3-0 pitch. Sorry. How about … throwing a better pitch? pic.twitter.com/w7SLXazcgr
– Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 18, 2020
I’m sorry … has anyone in the history of baseball ever returned from a 7-run deficit ???? This may be the single most ridiculous critique I have ever seen when it comes to “unwritten rules” in baseball. @tatis_jr do not change a thing !!! You are the Star who needs this game! https://t.co/yerp97FLnA
– Ryan Ruocco (@RyanRuocco) August 18, 2020
I treat Hall of Famers Tony Gwynn and Trevor Hoffman. I have witnessed #padres en #Padres games since 1954. Still a short sample size, but Fernando Tatis Jr. the most exciting player I have ever seen in a #Padres uniform. Stay away. Damn to all those “unwritten rules.”
– Bill Center (@billcenter) August 18, 2020
What do you think?
