Down goes Anderson! I mean, this was absolutely wild. Tim Anderson and José RamÃrez exchanged words, dropped the gloves and went at it like they were at center ice of a hockey game. Even the umpire knew the train had left the station and got out of the way.
Unbelievable transition from the announcer as well, straight from a baseball game to a main event boxing match. He caught every detail so flawlessly that it almost felt like he rehearsed it. Shoutout to him.
The only other incident I can remember that remotely compares is José Bautista and Rougned Odor in 2016.
My immediate reaction was baseball needs more of this.
To be clear, I don’t necessarily think the MLB needs more fisticuffs on a regular basis. Maybe that’s not the best example to set for kids. You can’t have Little Leaguers brawling each other all over the country. This is good old America’s pastime at the end of the day, not the UFC.
The occasional fight may not be so bad though, where both players are penalized and further retaliations have consequences. It might add a little spice and incentive for pitchers not to take liberties with up-and-in fastballs.
Generally speaking, the game could use more animosity, more of this spirit. Sportsmanship is a phenomenal thing, but it feels like the pendulum has swung too far, in-between the first and ninth inning.
Nowadays, it feels like way too often that the camera will pan to opposing players playing tummy sticks with each other at second base. Laughing, smiling and joking around like it’s an intra-squad practice. Leave that for the All-Star Game! I understand there are friendships and relationships that naturally form, but you wonder if it can dim the competitive fire. And especially in certain matchups, fans don’t want to see it.
Does anyone else feel like the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry has become completely watered down? There used to palpable anger that made for must watch television. It was the incidents themselves, but also the baseball that followed, plus the post game pressers that demanded attention.
Could you imagine the above scene taking place in today’s game? Astros/Rangers has picked up a little steam this year, but are there any other storied rivalries of old left in the MLB?
The game is at its best when there’s emotion, where there’s tension in the air and something to prove. It’s why October baseball is special. The bat flips, the stare-downs, the trash talking, the taunting, the intimidation, the triumph, and the heartbreak all add to the theater this sport can be. It creates for unforgettable moments and bragging rights for fans that fuel the business of professional baseball.
I’m interested to see what commissioner Rob Manfred does about the altercation that transpired tonight. I hope he realizes the virality of the moment and takes note of how more people were talking about baseball on a random night in August. If he’s smart, the suspensions and fines will be kept to a minimum and a heavyweight championship belt will be sent to the Guardians’ P.O. box for José.
geryblogs 
Leave a comment