Baseball has a long history of unwritten rules and traditions that players follow to maintain respect and integrity within the game.
One of these unwritten rules is the concept of retaliation, where players may take matters into their own hands when they feel an opponent has violated the rules or acted inappropriately.
In July 2020, this concept of retaliation took center stage when Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly threw a fastball near the head of Houston Astros player Alex Bregman and later made a pouty face gesture towards Astros player Carlos Correa.
This incident was believed to be in retaliation for the Astros sign-stealing scandal that occurred in 2017. We will explore why Joe Kelly made the pouty face gesture and the larger implications of this incident in the baseball community.
Background on the Astros Sign-stealing Scandal
The Astros sign-stealing scandal refers to the revelation that the Houston Astros illegally used technology to steal signs from opposing teams during the 2017 season.
In baseball, sign-stealing is the practice of decoding the signs that the catcher is using to communicate with the pitcher to predict what type of pitch will be thrown.
The Astros were found to have used a camera positioned in center field to record the catcher’s signs and relay them to their players in the dugout, who then signaled the batter about the upcoming pitch.
Consequences for the Astros Organization and Players Involved
The scandal resulted in significant consequences for the Astros organization and players involved. The team was fined $5 million, and their first and second-round draft picks for the next two seasons were revoked.
Astros manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow were suspended for the entire 2020 season and subsequently fired by the team.
In addition, Astros players Alex Cora, Carlos Beltran, and others were implicated in the scandal, and Cora was fired from his position as the manager of the Boston Red Sox.
Impact on the Baseball Community
The Astros sign-stealing scandal had a significant impact on the baseball community. It tarnished the team’s 2017 World Series championship and called into question the integrity of the sport.
Many players and fans expressed outrage over the Astros’ actions and called for stricter penalties for players and teams who engage in cheating.
The incident also sparked a broader discussion about the use of technology in baseball and the need for greater regulation and oversight in the sport.
The Incident: Joe Kelly’s Actions on the Field
The Events Leading Up to the Pouty Face
On July 28, 2020, the Houston Astros faced off against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This was the first time the two teams had played each other since the 2017 World Series, which the Astros won amid allegations of sign-stealing.
During the sixth inning of the game, Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly threw a fastball near the head of Astros player Alex Bregman, causing both benches to clear. Later in the inning, Kelly threw a curveball that ended up behind Astros player Carlos Correa.
Correa then hit a single off Kelly and was seen mouthing something at him as he ran to first base. Kelly responded by making a pouty face gesture towards Correa, which he later explained was a mocking reference to a face his wife Ashley makes when he complains too much about minor ailments.
The Pouty Face Gesture and Its Significance
The pouty face gesture that Joe Kelly made towards Carlos Correa was seen by many as a taunt or an insult. Some fans and analysts speculated that the gesture was a reference to the Astros sign-stealing scandal and that Kelly was mocking Correa for being part of the team that cheated.
Others saw it as a harmless expression of frustration or a way for Kelly to get under Correa’s skin and throw him off his game.
Reaction of the Astros Players and Fans
The Astros players and fans were not happy with Joe Kelly’s actions on the field. After the game, Correa called Kelly “unprofessional” and accused him of intentionally trying to injure Bregman with his pitch. Other Astros players also criticized Kelly for his behavior.
Meanwhile, Astros fans took to social media to express their anger and frustration with Kelly, with some calling for him to be punished by the league.
The incident sparked a broader discussion about the appropriateness of pitchers intentionally throwing at batters and the role of retaliatory actions in baseball.
Kelly’s Explanation for the Pouty Face
Kelly’s Post-game Comments on the Incident
After the game, Joe Kelly spoke to reporters about his actions on the field. He denied that he was trying to hit Alex Bregman with his pitch and claimed that he was simply trying to pitch inside.
He also explained the pouty face gesture towards Carlos Correa, stating that it was a reference to a face his wife Ashley makes when he complains too much about minor ailments.
The Mocking Gesture Towards His Wife
Joe Kelly’s explanation for the pouty face gesture towards Carlos Correa was met with some skepticism and controversy.
Some fans and analysts questioned whether his explanation was genuine or whether he was using it as a cover-up for his actions.
Others pointed out that making a mocking gesture towards an opponent was unprofessional and could be seen as a violation of the unwritten rules of the game.
Criticism and Controversy Surrounding Kelly’s Actions
Joe Kelly’s actions on the field and his subsequent explanation for the pouty face gesture sparked a great deal of controversy and criticism. Many fans and analysts felt that he had acted inappropriately by throwing at Alex Bregman’s head and making a mocking gesture towards Carlos Correa.
Some felt that his actions were an attempt to retaliate against the Astros for their sign-stealing scandal and that he was using the game as a way to exact revenge.
Others argued that his behavior was simply a part of the game and that he was well within his rights to defend his team and stand up for what he believed was right.
The incident once again highlighted the tensions and unwritten rules that exist within the baseball community and sparked a broader discussion about the role of retaliation in the sport.
Retaliation and Intentional Throwing in Baseball
The Unwritten Rules of Baseball
Baseball has a set of unwritten rules that dictate the behavior of players on the field. These rules include things like not showing up opponents, not celebrating excessively after a home run, and not stealing bases when your team has a large lead. One of the most well-known unwritten rules is the concept of retaliation.
If a player feels that their teammate has been intentionally hit by a pitch or wronged in some other way, it is often seen as appropriate to retaliate by throwing at an opposing player.
Debate Over the Appropriateness of Retaliatory Actions
The issue of retaliation and intentional throwing in baseball is a controversial one, with many fans and analysts divided over whether it is appropriate or not.
Some argue that retaliation is a necessary part of the game and that it is important for players to defend their teammates and send a message to opponents who cross the line.
Others argue that intentional throwing is dangerous and can lead to serious injury, and that players should find other ways to express their frustrations or defend their teammates.
Comparison to Other Incidents of Intentional Throwing in Baseball
Joe Kelly’s actions on the field were not the first incident of intentional throwing in baseball, and they likely won’t be the last. Over the years, there have been many other incidents where pitchers have intentionally thrown at batters or retaliated against opposing teams.
One notable example is the 2003 ALCS between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, where Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens threw a broken bat at Red Sox player Manny Ramirez after he felt that Ramirez had shown him up on the field.
Another example is the 1984 NLCS between the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres, where Cubs pitcher Rick Sutcliffe threw at Padres player Alan Wiggins in retaliation for a play earlier in the game.
These incidents and others like them have sparked debates about the role of retaliation and intentional throwing in baseball, and have highlighted the tensions and unwritten rules that exist within the sport.
Retaliation and Intentional Throwing in Baseball
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Overview | Retaliation and intentional throwing are controversial tactics used in baseball. Retaliation involves a pitcher throwing at an opposing player as a form of punishment for perceived wrongdoing, while intentional throwing involves a pitcher throwing a pitch with the intent of hitting an opposing player. |
| Unwritten Rules | Retaliation and intentional throwing are often part of the “unwritten rules” of baseball, which govern the sport’s code of conduct and are not explicitly stated in the rulebook. These unwritten rules can vary from team to team and from player to player. |
| Consequences | Retaliation and intentional throwing can lead to serious injury and have the potential to escalate into larger conflicts. In addition, players who engage in these actions can face disciplinary action from the league, including fines and suspensions. |
| Debate | The issue of retaliation and intentional throwing is a controversial one in baseball. Some argue that these actions are necessary to maintain order and protect players, while others argue that they are unsportsmanlike and go against the spirit of fair play. |
| Examples | There have been many examples of retaliation and intentional throwing in baseball over the years, including the recent incident involving Joe Kelly and Carlos Correa. Other notable examples include the 1993 brawl between the Texas Rangers and the Chicago White Sox and the 2000 World Series incident involving Roger Clemens and Mike Piazza. |
| Solutions | Some have suggested that stricter punishments for players who engage in retaliation and intentional throwing could help deter these actions from happening. Others have suggested a greater emphasis on sportsmanship and fair play within the sport. |
Note: This table is not meant to be exhaustive, but rather to provide a brief overview of some of the key aspects of the topic.
FAQs
Did Joe Kelly receive any punishment for his pouty face gesture towards Carlos Correa?
Yes, Kelly was initially suspended for eight games by Major League Baseball for his actions. However, he appealed the decision and had it reduced to five games.
Why is retaliation and intentional throwing so controversial in baseball?
Retaliation and intentional throwing are controversial in baseball because they can lead to serious injury and have the potential to escalate into larger conflicts. Additionally, some argue that these actions are unsportsmanlike and go against the spirit of fair play that should be at the heart of the game.
Are there any players who are known for using retaliation and intentional throwing as a strategy on the field?
Yes, there are some players who are known for using these tactics as a strategy on the field. However, most players and teams try to avoid these actions whenever possible.
Is there anything that can be done to address the issue of retaliation and intentional throwing in baseball?
Some have suggested that stricter punishments for players who engage in these actions could help deter them from happening. Others have argued that a greater emphasis on sportsmanship and fair play within the sport could help reduce the incidence of retaliation and intentional throwing.
How has the baseball community responded to the issue of retaliation and intentional throwing?
The baseball community has been divided in its response to this issue, with some defending the concept of retaliation as a necessary part of the game, while others argue that these actions are dangerous and unsportsmanlike. The debate is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
Joe Kelly’s pouty face gesture towards Carlos Correa during a game against the Houston Astros sparked a great deal of controversy and criticism within the baseball community.
The incident highlighted the tensions and unwritten rules that exist within the sport, and sparked a broader discussion about the role of retaliation and intentional throwing in baseball.
While some fans and analysts defend the concept of retaliation as a necessary part of the game, others argue that intentional throwing is dangerous and can lead to serious injury.
Regardless of one’s opinion on the matter, it is clear that the issue of retaliation and intentional throwing will continue to be a controversial topic in baseball for years to come.
