HEY JOE MADDON? YOU MAD?

There are some names in the game of baseball that transcend a uniform, or any kind of rivalry. Jackie Robinson, Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken, Jr. to name a few. What they represented to the game is far more important than what uniform. They are legends in their own right, and as such, should be respected. Am I right here?

This weekend, the Yankees played the Tampa Bay Rays at the Trop. Not surprisingly, as it has been occurring all season thus far, Derek Jeter was met with a round of applause. Remember those names I said transcend the uniform? Yea, Jeter is one of them. But, what was more surprising was the fans at the Trop, cheering for Jeter during the ninth inning. Of course, Rays manager, Joe Maddon, was not at all pleased. According to CBS Sports (HERE):

"I understand that the people like Derek Jeter. But you've got to come out and root for the Rays, too, you understand. I mean, I totally understand what's going one. But I'm not going to sit here and defend all of that noise in the Yankees' favor in our ballpark. I'm not going to defend that. So we're going to come out and root for the Rays. We'd appreciate that."

Oh, do you really understand what is happening, Maddon?

Okay, let's take a look at it. Let's start with the simple fact that it is Derek Freakin' Jeter! He IS THE Captain! Have you noticed his career accomplishments lately? Also, the Yankees training camp is in Tampa, which brings in local fans as well. And there is our class-A Yankees in Tampa as well. And all the retirees from New York that settle in Florida. The team has a strong fan base in Tampa. It's really not uncommon that Jeter gets the fans recognition. Even if it is in Tampa. This is probably a debate he is not prepared to handle.

Hey, I get the frustration. You want the home crowd to root for your team. That's cool, but you really should consider not saying everything you are thinking. Sure, it must be tough for the home team to seemingly root against you. But there isn't a single baseball fan, that knows the worth of a player like Jeter that isn't going to cheer for him. It's just that simple.

And, hey! Let's be honest for a second. The Yankees being at the Trop was why it was sold out. So maybe you should be thanking Jeter. To the Rays fans, and all fans of other teams, that have showed our Captain such great respect this season, we thank you!

 Come on Joe... you're a baseball guy. Act like you've been there before!

--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer 
Twitter: @e_morales1804

 
  

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