There has been a lot of talk this year about pitchers such as Joba Chamberlain celebrating too much on the mound.We obviously know that things get magnified when they have something to do with the Yankees, but the recent backlash at Joba is uncalled for.
Here is some background.
On Tuesday May 6, David Dellucci hit a three-run home run off of Joba, which resulted in the game's winning runs. Moving on to Thursday May 8, Joba struck out Dellucci on four fastballs and a slider, followed by his usual fist pump and yell.Here are Dellucci's post game comments.
"If he wants to yell and scream after a strikeout and dance around the mound, that's what gets him going," he said. "My home run was in a much bigger situation, a much more key part of the game, but I didn't dance around and scream. If a hitter did something like that, everybody would say it was bush and that you shouldn't do that," he said. "It's kind of funny how a pitcher can get away with it."Well first of all, there is not a double standard, because when a batter hits a walk-off hit, there is a whole team waiting for him at the plate. Even if you are the Washington Nationals!
In a walk-off hit, the team has won, and they have every reason to celebrate. For a pitcher, and even more so for a relief pitcher, an inning-ending strike out is a win for him. He did his job and walks off the mound celebrating, which is perfectly fine.
In addition, I am also sure everyone has witnessed some batters standing at the plate with their arms out after a big hit and watching the ball sail out.
I am not saying this is a bad thing. While it is amusing to watch, and we do make comments about it, it is a part of the game. When an athlete performs well, he/she likes to celebrate. Sometimes this celebration is a way to let their energy out and keep them motivated for the next play or next pitch.
Moving on, this backlash against Joba seems unfair because this is not a new fad that he has started. Many pitchers show emotion as they walk off the mound after a big strike out; which is I repeat, is not a bad thing.
Click here for pictures of other pitchers doing the same.
Comments (4) Add a comment »
from 6 days ago
I think baseball at times takes itself a little too seriously with some of these unwritten rules. i remember when lastings milledge hit i think his first career home run and received a lot of negative attention because on his way back to the dugout, he was slapping hands with fans in the front row. I understand where Dellucci is coming from - Chamberlain should likely learn to save his celebrating for a more meaningful situation then getting the final out of the 8th inning in a 6-3 game in May with no one on base. but if you don't like something another player does, whether it is celebrate on the mound, or stand at the plate after a HR, then do something about it - get the guy out, or don't let him strike you out next time.
from 6 days ago
I thought the celebration was fine. If Joba had gestured at Dellucci, it would be a different story. Let the guy show some emotion. I think more players should do the same because it gets the fans pumped up
from 6 days ago
Let me say that I think the only reason he got so pumped up was because Dellucci took him deep two days before. I think that prompted him to do what he did.
I love guys who show emotion.. I really do.
But even I can't support him doing what he did this early in the year. Look I love it, but wait till it means something
This was a 3 run lead.. In May.. In the 8TH inning. You didn't even win yet. I'd have toned it down if I was him, and saved the big time screaming and fist pumping for when the game means a little more.
Like I said.. I love the emotion, but just not the time or the place for it.
I do think though too much is being made of it. Obviously though ESPN loves to do that.
from 3 days ago
i think goose should keep his trap shut because its been a long time since hes played so shut up old man who cares what you did because odds are Joba is going to break any record you set.
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