The Los Angeles Dodgers were embroiled in a controversy last weekend when Atlanta Braves broadcaster Joe Simpson heavily criticized the team for its batting practice attire before a game at SunTrust Park.
Simpson questioned the Dodgers’ professionalism for wearing t-shirts rather than jerseys with names on the back, and specifically called out Chase Utley, one of the sport’s most respected players, for sporting high pants and low socks.
Simpson’s direct shaming of Utley was especially puzzling, given he was wearing a shirt that supported Jason Motte’s foundation and cancer research.
That prompted an immediate response from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who defended the generally relaxed and loose clubhouse atmosphere, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“Baseball – I think the word we hear the most is ‘grind,’” Roberts said. “When you’re playing 7-1/2 months of baseball, it’s a grind. So to be so non-emotional, stoic, quote-unquote professional every single day is unrealistic in this day and age, in my opinion. And I don’t think it’s necessary. You have to have fun. This game is a game. It’s fun. So to hold players to a certain standard that they have to act a certain way to be professional, for me, is absurd. To say I have a loose clubhouse, yes. But I have players that watch the game, they talk about the game, they talk about the opposition, they run balls out, they go first to third, they go on balls in the dirt. When they get hit by a pitch, they take their base. We don’t throw at hitters intentionally to hurt people. We celebrate small victories within our team. And I think that’s a good thing.”
After receiving flack for his comments, Simpson took it upon himself to personally apologize to Utley after the game. He further expressed remorse through a released statement, though he didn’t get a chance to speak with Roberts.
The Dodgers have since put the incident behind them and can take solace in the fact that they clinched a series win over the Braves at the conclusion of a 10-game road trip.
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