After losing Game 6 of the National League Championship Series to the St. Louis Cardinals, the Los Angeles Dodgers ended what many called a terrific run in 2013.
Although their Game 6 defeat has been defined by throwing errors, poor hitting and an atypical pitching performance from Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers may also be remembered by some for their alleged unsportsmanlike conduct.
Plagued by brawls and controversies all season, the Dodgers came into the playoffs with a bad reputation.
When several Dodgers players celebrated their playoff-clinching victory in Arizona by jumping into the opposing team’s swimming pool, many disapproved of the LA sports team’s actions.
While the events of the NLCS may be cause for concern among some baseball fans, it’s apparent there was no ill will meant by Dodgers players, like outfielder Yasiel Puig and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.
According to ESPN, Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran took offense to Puig’s RBI triple celebration in Game 3 of the NLCS.
“As a player, I just think he doesn’t know [how to act],” Beltran said. “That’s what I think. He really doesn’t know. He must think that he’s still playing somewhere else.”
Beltran’s comments stemmed from two incidents in the game.
After hitting a near-home run, Puig threw his arms up at home plate and watched the ball fly. When the ball landed inside the park, however, Puig clapped his hands as he ran to third base, according to ESPN.
Yes, Puig is a brash young player who isn’t afraid to proudly display his emotions.
What is wrong with throwing one’s arms up and clapping hands?
Clearly, Puig should be allowed to celebrate as long as he does not taunt or make fun of the other team.
Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright also expressed frustration toward the Dodgers when he said Gonzalez was doing “Mickey Mouse stuff” at third base, according to USA Today.
Wainwright believed Gonzalez had yelled at him following a clutch hit, according to USA Today. Gonzalez denied such actions.
“Everybody shows emotion,’’ Gonzalez said, according to USA Today. “You watch every game, every hit, people show emotion. Everybody has gestures when they get a hit.”
Hype over the Dodgers’ alleged misconduct has cast an undeserved shadow on the team.
According to ESPN, several Cardinals players also displayed their emotions on the field.
Very few media sources, however, picked up the information.
According to ESPN, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina celebrated by pounding the dirt when Beltran threw out a Dodgers player at home plate.
In addition, Cardinals pitcher Michael Wacha celebrated by pumping his fists.
Acting like emotions and celebrations are not part of Major League Baseball is ridiculous.
Players on all teams should be allowed to celebrate in their own ways, especially during the playoffs.
Instead of casting blame on the Dodgers, baseball fans should focus on what’s more important: the World Series.
Shane Newell is a junior journalism major and the opinions editor at the Daily 49er.