Why are so many people upset about this?
By koopharper
@koopharper (7477)
Canada
October 11, 2012 6:43am CST
Al Alburquerque gets a key out that helps his team win an important playoff game. He pitched the ball, it gets bounced back to him by the batter, he fields the ball, gives the ball a kiss and tosses it to first base for an easy out. Here is the clip: http://uservideos.smashits.com/video/tWmeT1fxIQs/al-alburquerque-kisses-the-ball-before-throwing-it-to-first-official-hd-.html I don't understand the big deal. This was an emotional display by the pitcher and if you watch the clip it doesn't look to me like he is doing this to rub anybody's face in it. What do myLotters think? Is this appropriate behavior or not.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@peavey (16936)
• United States
11 Oct 12
I don't see a thing wrong with it. Wasn't it Reggie Jackson who used to hit a homer, then just stand and watch the ball go? What's wrong with a little emotion or pride in a job well done?
To be honest, I think it was kind of cool. 
Only poor losers cry about things like that.
Only poor losers cry about things like that. 1 person likes this
@koopharper (7477)
• Canada
11 Oct 12
I don't mind someone adding a little color to the game. I've seen goal celebrations get terribly carried away but this was just a kiss of the ball. Anyone not paying attention might have missed it. I think it's pretty pathetic to get upset about something like this.
When I was in college emotional displays on the basketball court were very frowned upon. I almost got sanctioned for jumping in the air and pumping my fist after scoring a game winning shot on the buzzer. To this day I still think that was pretty stupid.
@peavey (16936)
• United States
11 Oct 12
I think that's stupid, too. What is the point of competing if you can't enjoy it? If you're not allowed to display any pleasure when you make a good play, you might as well go read a book. Football here in the states is stupid about that, too. They can't get excited after a touchdown without getting into trouble.
I can see stopping things sometimes when they do get carried away, but there's nothing wrong with a little "yeah!"
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
20 Oct 12
I see no harm unless some child picked it up and put it in his mouth. It would not be an insult to any team player although to me it does seem very ridiculous and over the top. Anyway maybe he was doing it for good luck.
1 person likes this
@koopharper (7477)
• Canada
20 Oct 12
Pretty hard for a child to put something that big into their mouth. 
I think the opposing team was just looking for something to motivate themselves. I still think it was a completely harmless celebration.
I think the opposing team was just looking for something to motivate themselves. I still think it was a completely harmless celebration.
@Jollygoodwot (57)
• Canada
15 Oct 12
I would find it hard not to give at least one happy gesture after making a game turner, nothing wrong with kissing the ball as far as I'm concerned. Somehow I find myself watching that video more then once, still baffles me why they got so fired up about it.
1 person likes this
@koopharper (7477)
• Canada
15 Oct 12
I might think otherwise if this was some kind of intentional taunt but if you watch the video I don't think anyone can honestly interpret it that way.
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
11 Oct 12
I see nothing wrong with it. Once he caught the ball a quick glance at where the players were all located was enough to show that he was in control of the situation; had that not been the situation then he would have been rightly criticised by his team mates had the batter made first base; instead he had time and it could be said that the act of kissing the ball was a nerve-calming moment before the ball was dispatched to make the out at first base. Never any doubt about the end result.
1 person likes this
@koopharper (7477)
• Canada
11 Oct 12
I thought it was completely natural, hurt no one. That why I don't understand other players getting into a huff. The batter at the time says he is going to get a hit of this pitcher and then kiss his bat. Hey, more power to you. Silly thing to get up in arms over.
@Magz1989 (271)
• Philippines
12 Oct 12
There's nothing wrong with it....that's his style..its a magical act for himself not for anyone...its for him to have a strength while saying to his self secretly " Your my lucky ball".
