George Springer faced a chorus of boos at Dodger Stadium during Game 3 of the World Series, a direct response to the 2017 Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. This controversy, which emerged publicly in 2019, continues to haunt Springer as he plays on the road.
Booed at Dodger Stadium
The Los Angeles Dodgers fans demonstrated their disdain for Springer, who was instrumental in the Astros’ victory over the Dodgers in the 2017 World Series. The crowd’s reaction was particularly intense on October 27, when Springer led off the game.
Context of the Scandal
The 2017 World Series title taken by the Astros is viewed as tainted by many fans, especially in Los Angeles. An elaborate sign-stealing scheme involved using a hidden camera and a video monitor to relay pitch information to batters. This manipulation culminated in a dramatic Game 4, a match that the Astros won 13-12 in 10 innings.
- Date: October 27, 2023
- Event: Game 3 of the World Series
- Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
- Notable Outcome: Springer booed and called a “cheater” by the crowd
Fan Reactions
The jeering began as soon as Springer approached the plate, lasting for an impressive 25 seconds. The atmosphere became even more electric after he missed Glasnow’s first pitch, prompting further chants of “Cheater! Cheater!” and cheers when he struck out.
Long-lasting Effects
The fallout from the sign-stealing incident led to significant changes within the Astros’ management, including the firings of their manager and general manager. However, the players themselves faced no direct punishment, leading to ongoing hostility from fans in various stadiums.
While some key players have since left the Astros, the memories of the scandal linger, especially for Dodger fans. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the significance of the fans’ reactions, emphasizing their historic knowledge and sentiments regarding the controversy.
The Bigger Picture
Springer, who played with the Blue Jays in previous seasons, has frequently faced backlash as a consequence of past actions. Despite emphasizing the passage of time, the emotions surrounding the 2017 World Series are far from forgotten for Dodger supporters.
As the World Series intensifies, the echoes of past misdeeds continue to shape the narrative, reminding everyone of the impact of integrity in the game of baseball.
