Current, ex-players back Tatis on social media
Fernando Tatis Jr., the Padres’ 21-year-old shortstop and emerging superstar, had a historic game on Monday night at the Rangers, hitting two home runs and driving in seven runs, thus becoming the youngest player with seven RBIs in a game since Ron Santo in 1961. His second homer, a grand
Fernando Tatis Jr., the Padres’ 21-year-old shortstop and emerging superstar, had a historic game on Monday night at the Rangers, hitting two home runs and driving in seven runs, thus becoming the youngest player with seven RBIs in a game since Ron Santo in 1961.
His second homer, a grand slam which added four of those RBIs, has been a topic of discussion since the game ended, both among the teams themselves and online. He hit the grand slam on a 3-0 pitch, with Tatis’ team up by seven runs.
For as far back as pitch-count data is available (since 1988), it was the largest lead for a player who had hit a grand slam on a 3-0 count. After the game, Rangers manager Chris Woodward indicated a dislike for the decision to swing there.
“There's a lot of unwritten rules that are constantly being challenged in today's game,” Woodward said. “I didn't like it, personally. You're up by seven in the eighth inning; it's typically not a good time to swing, 3-0. It's kind of the way we were all raised in the game. But, like I said, the norms are being challenged on a daily basis, so -- just because I don't like it doesn't mean it's not right.”
Woodward’s comment has sparked further discussion that has continued today, with a number of current and former players weighing in, supporting Tatis.
Pitcher Collin McHugh noted that he would check data before the game to know which batters might swing 3-0, simply to help prepare himself.
Swinging in a 3-0 count should not be against any rules, no matter the score.
— Collin McHugh (@Collin_McHugh) August 18, 2020
Before a game I would always look to see what % a guy swings 3-0. If it’s over 20%, it means I can’t just groove one.
The guys who will never “give you a pitch” at the plate are the toughest AB’s.
Former infielder Trevor Plouffe sent his message loud and clear, tweeting a few different versions of the message throughout the night -- even saying that 3-0 swings should be a “regular part of baseball.”
This is my hill. I will die on it.
— Trevor Plouffe (@trevorplouffe) August 18, 2020
3-0 swings should be a regular part of baseball, no matter the score. @ me all you want. The ONLY thing wrong is that it might get your teammate hit because the opposing pitcher had his feelings hurt. So is the wrong in the act or retribution?
It isn’t just younger players chiming in to encourage Tatis. Hall of Famers Johnny Bench and Reggie Jackson also spoke up.
So you take a pitch...now you're 3-1. Then the pitcher comes back with a great setup pitch...3-2. Now you're ready to groundout into a double play. Everyone should hit 3-0. Grand Slams are a huge stat. @tatis_jr https://t.co/4D3ilsD9Sh
— Johnny Bench (@JohnnyBench_5) August 18, 2020
Fernando Tatis keep playing hard and playing great, it’s a pleasure to watch you play, love your success and the Padres rise to be a winner. Keep leading the way. It ain’t easy to hit Hrs. Keep bringing energy you have to the game, we need players like you. An All Star
— Reggie Jackson (@mroctober) August 18, 2020
Reds Trevor Bauer shared his support as well, encouraging Tatis to continue bringing electricity to the game.
Hey @tatis_jr listen up:
— Trevor Bauer (@BauerOutage) August 18, 2020
1) Keep swinging 3-0 if you want to, no matter what the game situation is
2) Keep hitting homers, no matter what the situation is
3) Keep bringing energy and flash to baseball and making it fun
4) The only thing you did wrong was apologize. Stop that.
Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez, who threw 28 pitches in 3-0 counts last season, gave Tatis the green light, too.
3-0 counts rule 😒😒 you just have to pitch better if you don’t want that to happen I never see that rule and I take my self as an example because I’m the king🤴🏽🤴🏽of 3-0 counts 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️ https://t.co/TkMDDOCIkX
— Eduardo Rodriguez (@eduardorod5) August 18, 2020
Rays reliever Colin Poche echoed a similar sentiment, noting that the best way to avoid a 3-0 swing is to not end up in that count.
🗣 if you dont’t like giving up 3-0 grand slams, PITCH BETTER. https://t.co/zQ5sqS34q6
— Colin Poche (@colinpoche) August 18, 2020
Sarah Langs is a reporter/editor for MLB.com based in New York. Follow her on Twitter @SlangsOnSports.
