WATCH: Cubs jokingly boo Bryant from dugout during his first plate appearance |
Chicago Cubs third baseman
Kris Bryant was predictably booed by opposing fans during his first plate appearances of the season at Busch Stadium during the Cubs' clash with the rival St. Louis Cardinals on Friday. Bryant poked fun at the city of St. Louis during Cubs Convention this past offseason and referred to it as "boring," which led to St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina bashing Bryant on Instagram and riling Cardinals fans up.
Therefore, Bryant expected to be booed and told reporters on Thursday that he would welcome the jeers. However, Bryant got more than be probably bargained for when he stepped up to the plate for the first time on Friday night, as his own coaches and teammates booed him. Having a little fun at Bryant's expense, the Cubs essentially mocked the silliness of the situation by joining in on the booing, including manager Joe Maddon. First baseman Anthony Rizzo, who is a like a brother to Bryant, even directed a double-fisted thumbs-down motion in Bryant's direction. Clearly, Bryant was unfazed by the sincere booing from the fans and the insincere booing from his comrades, as he swung at the first pitch that he faced and drilled up the middle for a base hit. #Cubs having some fun in the dugout knowing what the reaction in STL would be for their guy @KrisBryant_23...??????????????????#MLB pic.twitter.com/jhrVfGypzf