LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 03: A general view of Dodger Stadium during batting practice before a game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros on August 3, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Dodger Stadium is already becoming hostile territory for the Houston Astros hours before their game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Once the 2021 scheduled was released, everyone circled the date of Aug. 3. On this day, the Houston Astros make their return to Dodger Stadium for the first time since the sign-stealing scandal came to light. That means they will have to face the venom of the Los Angeles Dodgers fanbase.
Hours prior to the game, Dodgers fans began chanting “cheater” at the Astros players during batting practice. In said practice, fans began throwing home run baseballs back onto the field.
Dodgers fans ‘welcome’ Astros to Dodger Stadium for first time since sign-stealing scandal
Regardless of how you feel about the Astros, fans should not be throwing items onto the field, especially when they are directed at the players. It is simply inexcusable.
Last year, MLB concluded its investigation into the Astros, determining that the team illegally stole signs from opposing teams via cameras and messaging relayed through trash can bangs at Minute Maid Park throughout the 2017 season. Of course, this was the very year that they won the World Series by defeating the Dodgers. Even though then-manger A.J. Hinch and general manger Jeff Luhnow being fired, the Astros players did not face any punishment.
The two teams did meet last season, where the benches cleared following an altercation between Astros shortstop Carlos Correa and Dodgers relief pitcher Joe Kelly. The pitcher mocked Correa following a strikeout, where he made a “boo hoo face” expression towards the shortstop. As a result, Kelly was suspended for eight games, but it was later reduced to five.
Dodgers fans have waited over a year to vent their frustrations towards the Astros. Hopefully things do not escalate in a manner that puts the players in danger.