Nationals manager enraged by Elly De La Cruz's showboating after hitting a home run

Controversy over rookie's bat leads to bold celebration, angers manager.

In a recent game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals, a controversy arose involving the bat of rookie sensation Elly De La Cruz. This incident not only sparked a bold celebration from De La Cruz but also drew the ire of Nationals manager Dave Martinez.

During the second inning, Martinez requested that umpires inspect the bat knob of De La Cruz to ensure its compliance with the rules. Initially, the umpires instructed De La Cruz to remove a knob from the end of his bat, which was actually a covering for a sensor used to track bat swing metrics. However, after further examination, the umpires determined that the knob was indeed legal and permitted De La Cruz to reattach it.

Once the legality of the knob was established, De La Cruz wasted no time in making his mark on the game. In his very next at-bat, he launched an impressive 455-foot home run into right-center field. However, what caught the attention of many was his subsequent celebration. Before embarking on his triumphant trot around the bases, De La Cruz took a moment to mock the earlier bat investigation. He pointed to the knob on the end of his bat, directing a mocking gaze towards the umpire, as if to suggest that he should check it again.

Martinez, clearly displeased with De La Cruz's antics, expressed his disapproval after the game. According to The Athletic, Martinez stated, "I love the way he plays the game. I didn't like his antics after he hit the home run. We can do without that. He's only got two weeks in the big leagues. But he's gonna be a good player."

This incident not only highlights the tension between the Reds and the Nationals but also sheds light on the contrasting perspectives regarding on-field celebrations. While De La Cruz's actions may have been seen as a playful taunt by some, Martinez viewed them as unnecessary and disrespectful. It remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the relationship between the two teams moving forward.

Share With Others