Whenever Ronald Acuña Jr. steps to the plate, Atlanta Braves fans have a level of engagement that is lacking with the rest of a frustrating lineup. No matter how the at-bat plays out, Acuña plays the game in a way that demands attention. The former MVP is going to put on a show and have fun doing it, no matter how much it might offend an older generation of baseball fans. It appears that this is the case after Monday night's win over the New York Mets. Atlanta's star hit a key homer that he celebrated in typical Acuña fashion, dancing around the bases and enjoying the moment. In what seems to be a lost season for the Braves, this is welcome joy.
You're playing a child's game and getting paid millions of dollars to do so. This salary is based on fan interest in the entertainment industry. Love it or hate it, Acuña is enjoying the moment, and celebrating a rare accomplishment should be embraced. This isn't done in an effort to show anyone up or harm any opposing players. If you don't like it, find a way to do the impossible and get the former MVP out consistently.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Offends Mets Fans with Epic Celebration
Any heat or critique of the play is based on dangerous commentary that defined an older generation that seemed allergic to fun. This isn't to say that openly taunting or doing anything over the line should be embraced. Rather, pointing out the reality that this is who the Atlanta outfielder has always been and will continue to be. It is great for the sport and brings more juice to a league that often borders on embracing stoicism when it comes to big moments.
If the league wants fans to continue to return and the sport to gain more national attention fans must stop freaking out every time a player shows a bit of personality. Mets fans are understandably salty about having lost four straight games to a bad Atlanta team. However, taking shots at Acuña Jr. based on this frustration is unfair.
Atlanta's outfielder didn't do anything out of bounds and has been the same energizing force his entire time in the league. If opposing fan bases must clutch pearls over this, they should spend more time worrying about how to prevent Acuña from having the chance to celebrate and less worrying about whether or not a tame celebration is out of bounds.