Houston Astros fans persist in vehemently booing Adolis García, a behavior that continues to defy reason even nine months later. Each time the Texas Rangers slugger steps up to bat, the crowd at Minute Maid Park, numbering 39,666 on a recent Friday night, showers him with boos as if he were a notorious figure like Kermit Washington, Sam Wyche, or Bud Adams (depending on your generation).
Here’s the backstory: During Game 5 of the 2023 American League Championship Series at Globe Life Field, García’s three-run homer off Justin Verlander gave the Rangers a 4-2 lead in the sixth inning. In his next at-bat, Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu intentionally hit García with a 99 mph fastball to his left shoulder. This clear act of retaliation was met with ejections for Abreu, García, and Astros manager Dusty Baker. MLB later suspended Abreu for two games and issued an undisclosed fine, citing concerns over player safety.
Despite these events, the booing of García by Astros fans began in earnest during Game 6, escalating with each at-bat, even though García was clearly a victim of aggressive pitching tactics. The climax came in Game 7, when García’s grand slam sealed a decisive win for the Rangers en route to their first World Series championship.
Even after these dramatic events, Astros fans continue to boo García whenever he takes the field against them, seemingly without justification. García himself has taken the boos in stride, even expressing flattery and enjoying the attention, but the persistent animosity from Astros fans remains perplexing and unjustified.
Leave a Reply