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“Was it a burden for Lee Jung-hoo, too?” Controversial celebration draws fresh scrutiny from U.S. media
“Was it a burden for Lee Jung-hoo, too?” Controversial celebration draws fresh scrutiny from U.S. media
The San Francisco Giants piled up a 9-3 victory over their rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, but one postgame moment drew more attention than the final score. Immediately after the May 12 game, Lee Jung-hoo, Drew Gilbert and Harrison Bader gathered in the outfield and put on a distinctive celebration to mark the win.
The three embraced in celebration, and some of the gestures—viewed by some as provocative or risqué—sparked an intense reaction among fans. The playful side shown by Lee Jung-hoo, a sharp contrast to his usual composed image, spread quickly across broadcast replays and social media, turning the moment into more than a one-off quirk; it became a hot topic inside and outside the organization.
Even legends weighed in
Even legends weighed in
When the clip surfaced, MLB fans reacted with laughter and a rush of attention. CC Sabathia quipped, \”Lucky for me, I’m retired.\” Local outlet New York Sports noted that Bader and Gilbert genuinely seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Some observers, though, picked up a subtle expression from Lee Jung-hoo that suggested he preferred to rein it in. The celebration reportedly originated with Pete Alonso during his time with the New York Mets, and Harrison Bader — who played with Alonso in New York — appears to have brought the routine to San Francisco as a way to showcase clubhouse bonding.
Vitello’s measured response
Vitello’s measured response
Since the start of the season, cameras have repeatedly captured Drew Gilbert leaning in for surprise kisses with Lee Jung-hoo and Lee nudging teammates’ heads together — small, playful displays that underline an uncommon closeness. Local baseball channels even ran standalone features on their chemistry, a sign of a clubhouse that’s rarely been this upbeat.
As the controversy grew, manager Tony Vitello steered clear of a direct comment but protected his players with a wry smile, saying the team is a tight-knit group. His response underscored a leadership approach that respects players’ spontaneous enjoyment while emphasizing clubhouse unity.
‘A one-off’ — how the episode ended
‘A one-off’ — how the episode ended
The lighthearted celebration ultimately prompted an internal club meeting. The Giants won the second game against the Dodgers the next day, 6-2, but fans didn’t get another bold display. After the game, Lee Jung-hoo, Gilbert and Ramos replaced the earlier routine with a respectful bow in the outfield.
Vitello acknowledged after the game that the club held an internal meeting about the matter, and Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reported the organization sent a clear message that this celebration would be a one-off event. While the episode was brief, it highlighted how central Lee Jung-hoo has become to the team’s internal bonds as he settles into Major League Baseball.
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