In a lengthy feature by ESPN, Nationals star Bryce Harper said baseball is a “tired sport” and supported players showing more emotion during games.
While some players disagree with Harper and choose to honor the “unwritten rules” of the game, Astros outfielder Carlos Gomez believes Harper might be on to something.
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“Right now, we’re the only sport that restricts — you’re not allowed to do this,” Gomez said about players being emotional on the field (via USA Today). “I’m not saying do something stupid, I’m saying show emotion.”
Harper mentioned NFL star Cam Newton and the NBA’s LeBron James and Stephen Curry when discussing players who show “flair” when they play. Harper said it should be accepted if players want to watch a long home run or if pitchers want to celebrate an important strikeout. Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez was named by Harper as someone he enjoys watching.
Gomez agreed, saying he loves watching Fernandez pitch but said his favorite pitcher is Detroit’s Max Scherzer for the way he openly challenges hitters.
“If you hit it, he’s excited to face you again! That’s his motivation,” Gomez said. “Everybody’s not like that. Everybody has different (ways) of showing emotions, but, like the fans, if I‘m gonna pay to watch somebody pitching, I pay for Scherzer. I pay to see Fernandez.”
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Gomez, 30, is known to showboat and talk after just about anything he does, but he hasn't let the negative reaction to his antics change his attitude. Most recently, he dabbed in a spring training game after hitting a double.
Dabbin on em! #Astros @RealCarlosGomez pic.twitter.com/QCT3DROWaH
— Astros Future (@AstrosFuture) March 9, 2016
“What I say is, you play the game how you enjoy it. If you enjoy the game doing this, don’t let nobody get in your head and stop you. If you’re good that way, keep doing your thing.
“I think baseball fans will enjoy it more. When I don’t enjoy playing baseball, I go home.”