The St. Louis Cardinals recently made headlines with their unique home run celebration that seemingly paid tribute to former President Donald Trump. During a game against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, designated hitter Alec Burleson blasted a solo home run over the right-field fence in the second inning. As he rounded the bases, at least three of his teammates in the dugout raised their left fists and covered their right ears with their right hands – a gesture widely recognized as symbolizing Trump’s defiant response after surviving an assassination attempt on July 13, where a bullet narrowly missed his ear.
The 25-year-old Burleson, who is enjoying a stellar season this year following his rookie call-up last year, has been hitting exceptionally well with a .294 batting average, 18 home runs, 59 RBIs, and seven stolen bases to date. The Cardinals’ victory over the Braves, finishing with a final score of 6-2, was made all the more memorable by this unusual salute from Burleson and his teammates.
The story gained traction on social media after Talkin’ Baseball shared a video clip of the event, prompting questions about whether this was a deliberate homage to the former president’s signature gesture. While the players have yet to comment on their motivations behind the salute, it has undoubtedly sparked conversations about the political leanings of baseball professionals and fans alike.
The St. Louis Cardinals, based in Missouri, are known for having a diverse fan base and often attract supporters from across the political spectrum. This unusual home run celebration could be seen as an attempt by some players to connect with the conservative portion of their fan base or simply a light-hearted nod to a recent event that captured the nation’s attention.
Regardless of its intent, this peculiar moment on the baseball field has undoubtedly sparked interest and discussion among fans and pundits alike, demonstrating once again the power of sports as a platform for political expression and commentary. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen if the Cardinals will continue incorporating these gestures into their home run celebrations or whether this was merely an isolated incident that has garnered more attention than intended.