In a sport where the conversation is often dominated by “unwritten rules,” Minnesota Twins manager Paul Molitor is offering a refreshing take.
The Twins and their fellow AL Central rival Cleveland Indians are currently overseas playing two regular season games in Puerto Rico. Tuesday’s contest was highlighted by an awesome moment where Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor, a Puerto Rican native, homered in front of his home country fans.
Puerto Rico native Francisco Lindor's hype level after going yard back home is through the roof. pic.twitter.com/lOGQMQmNuh
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 18, 2018
After the eventual 6-1 win for the Indians, Lindor apologized if his jubilant celebration of the home run offended anyone, saying he meant no disrespect.
Lindor said he loves the game, respects the game and did not try to disrespect Twins. He apologized if he offended anyone while celebrating his home run on the bases. #PuertoRicoSeries
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) April 18, 2018
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday though, Molitor said that no offense was taken and that Lindor had nothing to apologize for. Molitor also indicated that some emotion here and there was “good for the game.”
Paul Molitor with another good take. Said Francisco Lindor had nothing to apologize for. Lindor apologized last night if his exuberance after the homer offended anyone. Molitor said no offense was taken.
— Dan Hayes (@DanHayesMLB) April 18, 2018
Molitor: "Our game has changed in what you may call acceptable showism. I think it's good for the game."
— LaVelle E. Neal III (@LaVelleNeal) April 18, 2018
The 24-year-old Lindor is known to play the game with a lot of joy, and it was definitely cool of Molitor to recognize how special that moment was for him.
