San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb did not mince words when talking about the disrespectful behavior of Los Angeles Dodgers fans after the game on Sunday.
The San Francisco Giants cruised to victory, 7-3, over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday afternoon. That marks the completion of a series sweep, which left Dodgers fans strewing in discontent.
How the LA fanbase handled that discontent, however, has become a source of controversy.
The Giants suffered multiple injuries on Sunday, including 3B Casey Schmitt getting hit by a pitch and LHP Scott Alexander suffering a hamstring injury. In both instances, the game was delayed. And, in both instances, the crowd showered San Francisco with boos.
Giants pitcher has choice words for Los Angeles Dodgers fans who booed injured players
After the game, Giants pitcher Logan Webb — who went seven innings giving up two earned runs with five strikeouts — was quick to criticize the Dodgers' fanbase for their behavior during the game.
He is, of course, in the right. There's never a justifiable reason to boo injured players. Even if you're under the impression that a player is faking their injury, there is no concrete proof — and the burden of proof, in this instance, is on you, the fan. If a player goes down hurt, or is getting his elbow checked after being plainly belted with a professionally thrown fastball, it's wise to keep your thoughts to yourself and to sit quietly in your chair until the game resumes.
Of course Dodger fans are frustrated with the team's recent slide in the standings. On paper, LA should be the best team in the National League, maybe even the best team in baseball. Freddie Freeman is a leading MVP candidate; Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw have spent time in that position in years past. On paper, the lineup is borderline unmatched. And yet, the team has struggled to consistently put its best foot forward lately.
It's hard to imagine the Dodgers not turning the corner eventually. The talent level is too high and frankly, the National League as a whole isn't rife with top-shelf contenders beyond the Braves, Diamondbacks, and Marlins. The Phillies are starting to lurk and Giants are cruising, but a betting man would be wise to keep his money on the Dodgers.
Los Angeles has the biggest fanbase in the country. Dodger games are packed every night and the team has all the tools for success. It's easy to get frustrated during any losing streak, but LA fans have to keep their cool and avoid stooping to the level of disrespect.
