Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. is one of the majors’ most exciting players.
He is also among the most divisive among fans: everybody recognizes his raw talent and production (there should really be no discussion there, in reality), but some fans don’t like his cocky demeanor.
He tends to admire his home runs, he celebrates them (recently, he has adopted LeBron James’ ‘Silencer,’ for example) and is not shy about it.
Take his latest home run, for example: it came on Sunday against the Colorado Rockies, and his trot was a bit longer than usual.
“Acuña Jr.’s home run trot lasted over 30 seconds,” Codify Baseball tweeted, with a laughing emoji.
Acuña Jr.'s home run trot lasted over 30 seconds. 😂pic.twitter.com/JV7DVKLTXe
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) June 6, 2022
Acuna Is One Of The Most Exciting Players In Baseball, And There Is Nothing Wrong With That
Some may find it against the nature of the game, but the truth is that baseball needs more players like Acuna.
Younger audiences like exciting baseball: they love home runs, pitches that move a lot, close plays, bat flips, and creative celebrations.
There is an argument to be made that Acuna provides that and more.
Beyond his stats (which are, otherworldly, highlighted by a .313/.408/.475 hitting line, three homers, and 10 stolen bases after knee surgery, in just 26 games), Acuna always seems to have an incredible play in his pocket, whether it is a highlight-reel catch or a tape-measure home run.
Younger fans like flair; and while more traditionalists may prefer a more discrete approach, having Acuna as one of the game’s best stars is good for the game.
Even if it sometimes feel he rubs in his greatness a bit too much, he is not harming or affecting anybody: it’s in his DNA; and it’s the way he plays.
That has earned lots of fans around the country and the world.
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