Yasiel Puig has often been criticized for his celebratory methods since joining MLB in 2013.
Puig comes from Cuba, where celebrations such as his outlandish bat flips are a big part of the game. There is a culture clash when many of these players come to play baseball in America, because American players consider such actions disrespectful.
In an article written by Puig that was published on MLB.com Tuesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder explained why he and fellow Latinos celebrate.
“There is a passion I have and we have as Latinos because we love to have fun, we love to show our joy on the field, and I think sometimes that confuses people,” Puig writes. “Sometimes, other teams get upset with our bat flips or expressions, but that’s how we show our joy. The pitcher can strike you out four times in a game so we like to show our joy when we hit that one home run. Baseball is fun. It’s exciting. I enjoy it. It’s a game.”
The issue of the culture clash came to a head during the WBC, which showcased many different countries competing in the same baseball event. Ian Kinsler in particular made some comments about this that received some backlash.
What it all comes down to is an understanding from American players that many of these Latino players who celebrate are not intending disrespect when they do so. It’s hard for American players to understand that when they were taught their whole life that celebrating is considered an act of disrespect.
