Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez has recently been a target for fans mocking him on Twitter after his performance against the Toronto Blue Jays in spring training.
The world of sports can be a cruel and unforgiving place, especially when it comes to social media. That came to the fore once again recently when MLB Twitter took a dig at Baez after a video of him being struck out in Spring Training went viral. Fans and pundits alike quickly jumped on the bandwagon, making snide comments and sarcastic jokes at the expense of the Tigers' star player.
The video in question shows Baez facing off against pitcher Ricky Tiedemann during a spring training game. Baez got struck out by Tiedemann with a 99.4 MPH fastball. The video quickly made its way across social media, with many fans and pundits chiming in with their thoughts.
Unfortunately, not all comments were lighthearted. Some took the opportunity to criticize Baez's overall performance, claiming that he's overrated and not worth the hype. That's despite Baez being widely regarded as one of the best infielders in the league.
Despite the negativity, many fans came to Baez's defense. They pointed out that Spring Training is just a warm-up and that Baez has a proven track record of success during the regular season. They also noted that no player is immune to striking out, and that even the best batters in the league have off days.
In a Twitter thread that went viral, one fan wrote:
"Don't all pitchers strike out Baez, though?"
Another chimed in:
"Nasty, but I think Farmer Jim could walk up throwing 62 mph and blow Baez away."
Here are the other reactions:
Javier Baez will look to prove doubters wrong in his second season with Tigers
The Twitter backlash against Javier Baez was just another reminder of how quickly public opinion can turn around in the world of sports.
One minute you can be a hero, and the next you can be the target of cruel and unfounded criticism. However, with a strong support system and dedication to one's craft, it's possible to rise above negativity and continue to succeed on the field.
Such criticism is something professional athletes face regularly, but they cannot let that affect their game. Javier Baez, a former World Series champion, will look to excel for the Detroit Tigers in his second season with them.