How the Los Angeles Dodgers reached the World Series for the third time in six years
USA TODAY Sports’ Gabe Lux explains how the Dodgers dominated the Brewers en route to a World Series appearance.
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TORONTO — George Springer has heard just about everything from his opponent’s fan base throughout his career. That’s the price every postseason player pays as their career progresses. Since the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scheme was uncovered in 2019, this trend has become even more prevalent in road games.
So when asked before Game 7 of the ALCS how he felt when he was booed by Seattle Mariners fans as he fell to the ground after being hit by a 95 mph pitch in Game 5, he demurred. He said he was just worried about his health.
But for Springer’s father, George Jr., it felt a little different. He had to watch his son get beaten by a packed crowd at T-Mobile Park and fans taunt the slugger as he writhes in pain.
Even as Springer and the Toronto Blue Jays got their revenge by hitting a game-winning three-run home run that sent the Blue Jays to the World Series and eliminated the Mariners, the father was still in pain, still bitter about his son being booed.
“I’ll be completely honest about that. That was the most despicable fan behavior I’ve ever witnessed, anywhere,” Springer’s father told USA TODAY Sports. “I’ve spent the last 12 years watching soccer games, football games and, of course, Major League Baseball games in playoff environments, tough places to play.
“I’ve never seen fans boo an injured player. Celebrate the injury. Those fans are going to have a very long offseason to reflect on their actions.”
springers 23rd He hit a career postseason home run off Mariners relief pitcher Eduardo Buzzard, overturning a two-run deficit for the Blue Jays for a 4-3 victory. The Mariners are still trying to make their first World Series appearance, but they’re wondering what next year will bring, and it’s been much sooner than expected.
The eldest son, Springer, hopes he will be given enough time to explore the hearts of the fans who taunt him right behind him at T-Mobile Park.
“We hope they come back in the spring and cheer on the team,” he says. “It’s going to make them better fans and better people.”
