Image Courtesy of Brian Blanco/Getty Images
David Ortiz hit a three run home run that was the key in ending the Tampa Bay Rays nine game winning streak. That home run came with a celebration that rubbed the Rays Chris Archer the wrong way. Archer did not feel the celebration was warranted. According to Roger Mooney of The Tampa Tribune, Archer reportedly said the following:
#rays Archer said Ortiz HR trot is “perfect example” of when Price said Ortiz feels he’s “bigger than the game.”
— RMooneyTBO (@RMooneyTBO) July 27, 2014
For those that have not seen it, here is the home run and celebration in question. What you cannot see is an overt bat flip by Big Papi towards his dugout.
httpv://youtu.be/d5vNbez0ZH4
Video Courtesy of MLB
So here we go again. A hitter’s celebration appears a bit over the top and a pitcher complains about the celebration. This is not news anymore. It is part of baseball. Yes, there are many fans and media that will say that the celebration is not warranted and there is no place for it in baseball. To those people I offer the following: It is time to get over it. Back to Chris Archer of the Tampa Bay Rays. According to Roger Mooney of The Tampa Tribune, Archer was not finished with his earlier comment:
#rays Archer said Ortiz “feels the show is all about him.”
— RMooneyTBO (@RMooneyTBO) July 27, 2014
Frankly Chris Archer just needs to shut his mouth. It is true that some players, fans or media will be critical of David Ortiz. However, Chris Archer forfeited that right in its entirety. If you are not familiar with the phrase, “Pot Calling the Kettle Black,” then let me offer a visual depiction courtesy of Chris Archer.
httpv://youtu.be/0zn7b3ODPjA
Video Courtesy of MLB
As a player or spokesman you have relinquished your right to complain when you are an offender. You cannot pump your fist, puff your chest, and point to your biceps one month then turn around and criticize a player for actions similar to yours the next month. Chris Archer does not have an issue with celebration. He has an issue with celebration when it affects his mistake. Here is a novel idea for players taking offense to the celebrations. If you do not want to be shown up then don’t give up the home run.
This is a new era, an era with showmanship, energy and celebration. Traditionally baseball was not that type of sport but times are changing and that change is probably needed. We live in an era where the youth are not watching baseball like before. Instead they are gravitating to football or basketball. The median age of a fan watching the World Series is over 53 while sports like the NBA are averaging a 41 for the NBA Finals and any given NFL game averages below 45. There is over a decade disparity between the sports from data collected by Brad Adgate of Horizon Media.
Clearly something needs to be done to change the adage. Pace of play, length of game and the like are clearly reasons the fans are not gravitating to the game. While MLB attempts to change the metrics and bring a younger audience, let’s not criticize the actions that the younger generation would enjoy. Remember there is a line between bullying or incendiary celebrations and adding a bit of fun to the environment. A little emotion and jocularity never hurt anyone.
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