If you tuned in for Friday night’s game in the Windy City between the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox, and you had the volume on, you likely heard White Sox fans attempting to get in the head of Javier Baez.
Each time Baez came to the plate, he was booed loudly by White Sox fans but it only seemed to make him stronger as he went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs as the Tigers walked away with a 7-5 win.
In fact, after ripping his 2-run double, Baez threw his hands up in the air while standing at second base, almost as if to say, “bring it on,” to the White Sox fans who he had just quieted down with his bat.
Bases loaded…
Javy opens it up 😎#DetroitRoots pic.twitter.com/2YMljBiucY— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) July 9, 2022
Tarik Skubal hopes opposing fans keep booing Javier Baez
Following the game, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch told reporters that some people cannot deal with fans booing them but Javier Baez is not one of those people.
“Javy’s ability to thrive in those moments is very unique,” manager AJ Hinch said. “Most people, players, coaches, me, we don’t love that environment because it can get a little intimidating. But Javy thrives in it. He asks for it and he delivers when it happens.”
Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal echoed what his manager said about Baez and added that he hopes the boos keep coming.
“I love it,” he said. “He has his hands up after hitting a double. Not many guys can get booed like that. It feels like every time he gets booed he plays better. I don’t know if fans need to get that memo or not.
“For me, I hope they boo him every game. It feels like he plays better.”
Don’t look now, folks, but the Detroit Tigers have now won six games in a row and though there is A LOT of work to be done, it sure seems like they are turning the corner. Finally.
