Yesterday, we had a little fun at the expense of the Tigers’ center fielder, Jacoby Jones, as he needed A VERY last minute adjustment to make an otherwise VERY routine catch in center field:
Where’d it Go? Where’d it Go? There is is! – Jones’ Last Minute Dive Saves The Play https://t.co/UVqQwgfmPY pic.twitter.com/PuTFp6QW9P
— Baseball is Fun (@flippingbats) April 20, 2017
We thought, as did many at the time, that his issue was the infamous Tropicana catwalk that has been known to disrupt outfielders in the past. But NOW, we know it’s something far more devious (and hilarious).
Apparently, Rays’ fans in the outfield of Tropicana Field were yelling, “I got it, I got it!” any time a fly ball would head toward the outfield. And on this and at least two other occasions, it actually messed the fielders up!
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Here’s an example of the fans’ verbal interference from the bottom of the third inning (this is the second time they got the best of the Tigers’ defense):
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After the game, Tigers’ manager Brad Ausmus had this to say, “Unfortunately, the source of confusion was coming from the stands. Someone in the stands was yelling, ‘I got it!’ That’s why Kinsler went out acting like he had it and then he heard someone say, ‘I got it!’ so he backed off.”
The Tigers changed up their calls after the second drop, but given that Tampa Bay eventually won the game by just a single run, I’d say the Rays’ fans got the best of them.
Although, with a listed attendance of just 12,281, I’m not sure the Rays’ fans can call themselves the best in baseball.
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