Sunday hero Trent Grisham said his go-ahead 3-run HR "wasn't about" sending a message to fans, though he admitted he liked hearing them reverse course later with a "We want Grisham!" chant. AP Photo/Noah K. Murray
In a recent showdown between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Trent Grisham, a player who has been under the radar, made a statement that left everyone amazed. Grisham was in the Yankees’ lineup for their Sunday night game against the Dodgers, filling in for Juan Soto, who was out with forearm inflammation. Despite his .083 batting average, he was batting fifth. The decision by manager Aaron Boone to place a left-handed bat in the middle of the order was strategic, valuing Grisham’s ability to punish fastballs with the hard-throwing Tyler Glasnow on the mound.
The Crowd’s Initial Reaction
However, Yankees fans were initially not thrilled with this decision. During Grisham’s third plate appearance in the sixth inning, the crowd made their thoughts clear with a pointed “We want Soto!” chant. This chant echoed through the stadium, reflecting the fans’ desire to see their favorite player, Soto, on the field. But Grisham was not fazed. He remained focused, understanding that baseball is a game of unpredictability and that every player has the potential to make a significant impact.
Grisham’s Response
Moments later, he flipped those feelings, launching a fastball from Glasnow into the right-field seats for a go-ahead, three-run home run. This was not just a home run; it was a statement. A statement that he belonged in the lineup, that he could contribute to the team’s success, and that he could handle the pressure of a high-stakes game.
The Crowd’s Change of Heart
This unexpected turn of events led to a shift in the crowd’s sentiment. The next time Grisham stepped into the batter’s box, some fans reversed course with a different, tongue-in-cheek chant: “We want Grisham!”. This chant was a result of Grisham’s determination and his ability to win over the crowd with his performance.
Teammates’ Support
Yankees captain Aaron Judge defended Grisham after New York’s 6-4 win. “I wasn’t too happy with it,” Judge said, referring to the initial treatment of Grisham. “But I think he made a good point, got his point across there with that homer.” Judge’s words highlighted the team’s support for Grisham and their belief in his abilities.
Conclusion
Grisham’s performance on Sunday night was a testament to his skill and resilience. Despite the pressure and the initial negative response from the crowd, he stepped up and delivered when it mattered the most. His go-ahead, three-run home run not only helped the Yankees secure a win but also earned him the respect and admiration of the fans and his teammates.
As Judge aptly put it, “Grish is a heck of a ballplayer.” This game served as a reminder that in baseball, as in life, it’s not about how you start, but how you finish. And Grisham, indeed, got the last word. Moreover, his story serves as an inspiration for all aspiring athletes, reminding them that determination, resilience, and belief in oneself can overcome any obstacle.
