Dodgers fans cheered as Blue Jays star George Springer exited Game 3 of the World Series mid-at-bat in the seventh inning.
Springer had just fouled off a pitch during the first at-bat of the inning, but before Justin Wrobleski could throw another pitch, the Jays outfielder stepped out of the batters box holding his side at Dodger Stadium on Monday night.
While Blue Jays fans started to hold their breath over the status of Springer, Dodgers fans at the ballpark started to cheer at the fact that the designated hitter was leaving the game with an injury, which led to a rebuke from Joe Davis, who was calling the game for Fox.
“That shouldn’t be cheered, ever, under any circumstances, no matter the history,” said Davis, who is also the lead television play-by-play announcer on Dodger broadcasts.
Springer went on to leave the dugout and go into the clubhouse.
Springer has been regularly booed by Dodgers fans due to being part of the 2017 Astros, who were found to have illegally stolen signs.
The Astos defeated the Dodgers in that series in seven games and fans in Los Angeles have not forgotten it.
When he was introduced during pregame introductions, Springer was loudly booed by the LA fans.
Teammate Earnie Clement told The Athletic that Springer has done a good job of using the boos as motivation when he’s at the plate.
“Every time we hear the boos, I’m up on the top step of the dugout booing him and telling him he sucks. And he’ll hit a home run, and he shuts everybody up,” Clement said. “So it’s just special to watch him, especially on this stage. He just continues to do it over and over again.”
Springer has been a powerhouse in the postseason with a .932 OPS with four home runs.
“Heck of a player, having a great postseason,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters before the game. “Dodger fans have a long memory, and that’s what makes them great. I’m just going to manage the game, and I’m not in the stands, so they can do whatever they feel is going to help the club win.”
