Normally, a swap of backup catchers is considered a minor deal but the Los Angeles Dodgers sent shockwaves through their clubhouse at the 2016 non-waiver trade deadline when A.J. Ellis was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Carlos Ruiz.
The trade was to address a deficiency — hitting left-handed pitching — and was notable because of the close friendship Ellis had with Clayton Kershaw. Ellis went on to sign with the Miami Marlins for the 2017 season, reuniting with Don Mattingly and several former Dodgers coaches.
Now the veteran catcher is with the San Diego Padres, which means plenty of matchups against the Dodgers. Ellis was in the lineup on Saturday when he hit one of the team’s four home runs in a 7-5 victory that snapped the Dodgers’ winning streak.
The homer was Ellis’ first this season and eighth since being traded by Los Angeles. It also earned him boos from the fans at Chavez Ravine.
Ellis took that treatment in stride and joked about the true reason for the boos, via AJ Cassavell of MLB.com:
“They were booing because they wanted [the fan] to throw the ball back,” Ellis quipped. “I’ve never been booed here in my life. They don’t boo me here.”
Ellis is correct in his assessment that he’s largely revered at Dodger Stadium. Upon making his first visit since being traded, he was the subject of a tribute video that concluded with a standing ovation from the crowd.
Ellis spent nine seasons playing for the Dodgers and at the time of the trade was the organization’s longest-tenured player. He served as their everyday catcher from 2012-14, then lost that role when the Dodgers traded for Yasmani Grandal.
As part of our efforts to help you understand how we handle the personal information you share with us, and in preparation for the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we’ve updated our Privacy & Cookies Policy. The updated Privacy & Cookies Policy will take effect on May 22, 2018. By using our services on or after that date, you’ll be agreeing to our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy. We recommend that you read our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy in full.
