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CLEVELAND (AP) — Josh Naylor’s postseason ‘baby’ has grown into more than he intended.
Cleveland’s fiery first baseman insists he wasn’t making fun of New York pitcher Gerrit Cole or the Yankees by hitting an emotional home run in Game 4 of the American League Division Series in last season’s playoffs.
That’s when he circled first base after making the connection, swinging his arms playfully like a baby rocking, and letting out a vulgar yell at Cole. It is said that it was an attempt to
“I’ve been doing it all year, but I probably wasn’t as aggressive as I was then,” Naylor said Saturday at Cleveland’s Guards Fest. I think I made it look like I was doing it directly at him (Cole).”
“I was doing it on the bench and I was winning that series, so I really wanted to motivate my guys.”
When asked if he regretted his actions, Naylor initially replied, “Maybe.” The Yankees not only rallied to win Game 4 in Cleveland, and even the series, but in Game 5 he lost to the AL East as his champions beat the Guardians 5–1 in his ALCS.
Naylor was ridiculed by Yankees fans as “Who’s Daddy?” in the final game. And New York second baseman Gleyber Torres trolled by mimicking Naylor’s “baby” behavior at the Yankees’ postgame celebration.
While helping the Guardians, the youngest team in baseball, reach 92 wins last season, there were other moments where Naylor had unbridled emotions. He trash-talked with Chicago fans after a second-half grand slam, interrupted by slamming his helmet into the dugout wall. In May, Naylor smashed Cleveland manager Terry Francona’s glasses with a headbutt after hitting a walk-off home run against Minnesota.
Naylor said he had nothing personal to Cole or the “amazing” Yankees. He also understands that his celebration was received differently in New York and Cleveland.
“I was just trying to provoke everybody a little bit and try to win somehow,” he said. It was just to motivate everyone. For example we can do this: ”
New York fans are unlikely to give Naylor the past on future trips to Yankee Stadium.
And Guardians pitcher Triston McKenzie thinks Naylor’s “baby” celebration rattled the Yankees: “It’s crazy you guys won that game, you won the next game. .Your head is free.
“For me, I can’t wait for this year if I lose by making a big impact on them.”
Mackenzie then clapped his hands.
“I can’t wait.”
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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