The Los Angeles Dodgers were embroiled in a controversy last weekend when Atlanta Braves broadcaster Joe Simpson heavily criticized the team for its batting practice attire before a game at SunTrust Park.
Simpson questioned the Dodgers’ professionalism for wearing t-shirts rather than jerseys with names on the back, and specifically called out Chase Utley, one of the sport’s most respected players, for sporting high pants and low socks.
Simpson’s direct shaming of Utley was especially puzzling, given he was wearing a shirt that supported Jason Motte’s foundation and cancer research.
That prompted an immediate response from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who defended the generally relaxed and loose clubhouse atmosphere, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“Baseball – I think the word we hear the most is ‘grind,’” Roberts said.