Big League Stew - MLB

Between the Aubrey Huff-Joba Chamberlain dustup, Ryan Braun's cocky homer trot after a near beaning by the Cubs and Bobby Jenks throwing behind Ian Kinsler, it was a busy weekend for baseball teams being steamed by the actions of their opponents.

But none of the above run-ins brought out more emotion or have as much potential for future retribution than what happened between Dodgers third baseman Casey Blake and Giants reliever Brian Wilson on Sunday afternoon.

The Cliff Notes version: After hitting a homer off Wilson in the 12th inning of the Giants' 7-5 13-inning victory, Blake was seen on television making the same well known gesture that Wilson makes after every save in tribute to both his Christian faith and his late father. 

By the time Wilson returned to the clubhouse after securing the win in the 13th, some friends had sent images of Blake to his cell phone, sending him into an agitated state that his teammates instantly had to calm him down from.

While Wilson wouldn't address the situation with reporters a few minutes later, fellow Giants pitcher Jeremy Affeldt(notes) was more than happy to offer the following: "Blake knew what he did."

(Blake, meanwhile, had left Dodger Stadium before reporters could get a comment.)  

We'll see if Blake issues any clarifying statements today; the Dodgers don't play until Tuesday and I'm saying it's 50/50 we get an explanation. Until we do, consider these two previous stories (for whatever they're worth):  

• The meaning of Wilson's gesture was pretty well-guarded secret until last season, when the All-Star reliever finally told Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News that he adapted a slogan for an ultimate fighting clothing company to reflect his own personal beliefs and that he has never intended to offend any opponents with it.

"It shows no disrespect toward anybody. It's all positive praise. It's not for showboating. It's not to start an epidemic. It's just me getting a quick message out to the world and to Christ and that's it. I just thought, `What more perfect time to display my faith than at the end of a game?'"

• Since he's considered one of baseball's good guys (a fact I think I can attest to), it doesn't seem in Blake's DNA to get that personal with an opponent. Then again, just last season he expressed his distaste for showboaters, as Diamond Leung so excellently recalled from a rivalry game with the Giants last season, so who knows?:

After Giants reliever Billy Sadler(notes) struck out Casey Blake(notes) to end the eighth, the rookie made a demonstrative celebratory gesture similar to the one he did after getting Manny Ramirez(notes) last month. This time, Blake and Matt Kemp(notes) exchanged words with Sadler, causing both dugouts to empty.

"Apparently, that's his gig," Blake said. "It's dumb. If I hit a home run off him, I'm not going to pump my fist and yell, especially if I'm not in the race."

Personally, I'm willing to bet that Blake wouldn't have done what he did if he knew of the move's significance, especially the part about the tribute to Wilson's dad. I mean, haven't we all laughed at the guy in the distance who trips over the curb, only to feel monumentally bad once we draw near and find out he's blind and handicapped?

I'm thinking that's what happened here. 

A big BLS head nod to Sons of Steve Garvey for the screen cap and for pointing out that the Dodgers and Giants won't meet again until Aug. 10. 

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  1. Aaron M
    1. Posted by Aaron M Mon May 11, 2009 12:57 pm EDT

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    can't wait for the next series when Casey Blake takes one off the shoulder...Nice series Dodgers, how did if feel to blow that rubber match after going after Wilson, get a life Casey, you should be more concerned about your withering lead in the standings than what B Dub does when he closes out a game...
  2. cuffablimp
    2. Posted by cuffablimp Mon May 11, 2009 12:57 pm EDT

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    He's hitting a more respectable .260 after a recent 3 for 3 but he's quietly become an unexpected game buster with many repeated efforts during the past month. Maybe he's stating he belongs for a few more years, which he obviously does. I believe he came up late [old rookie] in his career and manned 3rd base for the indians rather well for a few years before going to LA in '08 during the Cleveland firesale.
  3. enr p
    3. Posted by enr p Mon May 11, 2009 12:57 pm EDT

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    1 st. !!!!!
    (..now what..?)
  4. enr p
    4. Posted by enr p Mon May 11, 2009 1:00 pm EDT

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    Some players have their "trademark" stance, pitching motions or even up to the sky gestures. Not everyone knows for sure what they all mean. It's obvious Blake had no idea what that gesture meant. Now he knows.....
  5. Hambone
    5. Posted by Hambone Mon May 11, 2009 1:01 pm EDT

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    This might not be the best example of what I'm talking about, but I've never felt making elaborate gestures "as a symbol of faith" was any different that an exaggerated fist pump or an end zone dance. YOU are making a show of YOUR beliefs on a national stage. I'm pretty sure that the omnipotent Lord in Heaven knows that you're thinking about him, and that he doesn't need you to kneel down in the end zone for 5 minutes to show it.
  6. gottagotowork3
    6. Posted by gottagotowork3 Mon May 11, 2009 1:38 pm EDT

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    #4 and #5 are right. When you make any signs up on that mound your leaving it open for people to mimic you and throught that in your face. So what Blake did it throw at him and dont make a big deal of it after that. I cant wait for the next series... lol
  7. David J
    7. Posted by David J Mon May 11, 2009 1:47 pm EDT

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    So why do these folks like Wilson only make their tributes to God and family when they win or do something positive for themselves? Not worth a tribute when they lose-- guess it's just a good time God. Why not point to the sky with an error, or blown save? And, if Wilson retaliates for this, will he point to God? Does God want him to retaliate. Let's have an earthly rivalry and Brian, God loves you when you blow it too-- give Him a tribute then as well for public display.
  8. Sean S
    8. Posted by Sean S Mon May 11, 2009 1:57 pm EDT

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    #7) I'm from Northern California, so my grammar may be sub-par. That being said, I believe "throw it" it one's face makes more sense than "throught," which is almost through, and almost thought, but in fact neither. Also, it may be problematic that the verb "throw" isn't even in your sentence. Enjoy playing .250 ball until July 3rd. Also, please let me know if you need help understanding any of the words in this or other articles.
  9. Brian K
    9. Posted by Brian K Mon May 11, 2009 2:01 pm EDT

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    Perhaps, Casey Blake also wanted to honor Christ and Brian Wilson's dad.
  10. DICK SMOTHERS
    10. Posted by DICK SMOTHERS Mon May 11, 2009 2:03 pm EDT

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    Casey blake would slap brian wilson all over the field.
  11. joedfarris
    11. Posted by joedfarris Mon May 11, 2009 2:12 pm EDT

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    Casey must've been still upset after Wilson struck him out on Friday nights game with runners on, after a 13 pitch at bat. Inside corner, grab some pine meat!! BEAT LA!!!
  12. Bill Walsh
    12. Posted by Bill Walsh Mon May 11, 2009 2:12 pm EDT

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    #9....Excellent.
  13. Philousa
    13. Posted by Philousa Mon May 11, 2009 2:27 pm EDT

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    I agree with Hambone in that you have to answer to everything you do on the field, and Wilson had to know that gestures are not welcome by many ball players. Considering Blake did this in the dugout and not on the field, and the secretive nature under which "B Dub" kept his gesture, how is this any more offensive than what Huff did to Chamberlain?
    And anyone advocating violence like j dubb is really watching this sport for the wrong reasons. I want to watch the best players play from each team and a suspension only gets in the way of good baseball.
  14. smooth v
    14. Posted by smooth v Mon May 11, 2009 2:29 pm EDT

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    Withering lead? You gained a game you tool. Funniest part is that without Manny for a third of the season, everybody knows the division race is over. Get a clue.
  15. eight inches
    15. Posted by eight inches Mon May 11, 2009 2:45 pm EDT

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    It's obvious that Blake is trying to get into Wilson's head and I guess it's working because Wilson had a fit and his team mates had to calm him down. As a ballplayer, you can't allow people to get into your head like that. It shows weakness. Instead of making it known that he was upset, Wilson should just shut up, and next time he faces Blake just throw a fastball into his ribs.
  16. bobby spectacular
    16. Posted by bobby spectacular Mon May 11, 2009 2:51 pm EDT

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    hope blake brings his flack jacket the next time he comes up to bat against wilson .. he throws tripple digit heat
  17. laballer
    17. Posted by laballer Mon May 11, 2009 2:53 pm EDT

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    showboating is showboating. you can give any reason for making a stupid gesture...(joba chamberlain's fist pump is dedicated to his grandmother....etc.) they do it for a reason.....cuz they're on tv. professional ball players don't need to do any stupid gestures....they just play the game. if he wants to make a gesture to his christian faith then go to church. and nobody needs a relief pitcher to preach to the public sports audience.
  18. Mat M
    18. Posted by Mat M Mon May 11, 2009 2:59 pm EDT

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    So this great "Christian" has forgotten to turn the other cheek? That the meek inherit the earth?
    What a fraud! And there is no mention of his dad when talking about the gesture. Just more excuses that he's selling christian-themed ultimate fighting apparel.
    This is weak compared to Huff-Joba, Jenks-Kinsler, or Braun-Dumpster.
    Casey Blake can rip that "sportsmanship" any day of the week.
  19. Tom B
    19. Posted by Tom B Mon May 11, 2009 3:00 pm EDT

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    Ha ha ha. Brian Wilson sure got his panties in a bunch.
    He adapted it from an ultimate fighting clothing company? Really? It should be an obligation to mock Wilson just for that.
    His friends sound like d-bags too. "Oh I better send him a text right away and tell him!" Let the man handle his own crap.
    And now he's gonna retaliate? Real Christ-like, buddy. Jesus didn't whine and cry either. Or shop at ultimate fighter clothing stores, for that matter. Or steal - I'm sorry, "adapt" - someone else's marketing material or brand image.
    Laugh it off, Wilson, before you look like more of a jerkwad.
  20. FernanJoe
    20. Posted by FernanJoe Mon May 11, 2009 3:07 pm EDT

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    The significance of the gesture really doesn't matter. Blake was purposefully trying to show up Wilson, but the best part is he's stupid enough to think he's the man for barely (and that homerun barely stayed fair and barely got out) getting the tying run...news flash, you ended up losing that game, I guess your homerun didn't mean horse dump. Maybe if you didn't strike out on Friday against Wilson, you might have a reason, too little too late I guess. But oh yeah I forgot, "It's dumb. If I hit a home run off him, I'm not going to pump my fist and yell," which is exactly what you did. If you try and make some show up moves towards the other team, you better well win that game, otherwise you look like a fool.
  21. monkey_alan999
    21. Posted by monkey_alan999 Mon May 11, 2009 3:08 pm EDT

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    Oh sure, because he's an "in your face" Christian he gets to act like a jack-hole and make these stupid little gestures on the mound. Brian Wilson will get a free pass and everyone in the media will rush to his aid because he wants to let everyone know how religious he is. Stop the evangelizing and do your job.
  22. njpal@...
    22. Posted by njpal@... Mon May 11, 2009 3:19 pm EDT

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    xtians are funny
  23. Grant J
    23. Posted by Grant J Mon May 11, 2009 3:26 pm EDT

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    What did Wilson do wrong here? People are reacting like he threw at Blake's head or started a brawl. I'm pretty sure Blake was the one throwing mocking gesttures and Wilson simply pitched the rest of the game. So I ask againg, why is Wilson getting ragged on because Blake mocked him?
  24. Grant J
    24. Posted by Grant J Mon May 11, 2009 3:33 pm EDT

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    And its not showboating. He doesnt make the gesture towards the players. He only does it when the game is over and he turns towards center field and makes the quick gesture, for himself, not for everybody else. He doesnt make a scene at all, he just flashes it real quick and that's it.
    When Wilson struck out Blake on Saturday, he didnt make any gestures towards Blake. When Blake hits a jack, he makes the gesture towards WIlson openly mocking him. Tell me again how Wilson is the bad guy here? Blake is talking smack aimed at Wilson. Why wouldnt Wilson respond? He didnt start it.
  25. LakerDeez
    25. Posted by LakerDeez Mon May 11, 2009 3:41 pm EDT

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    If he's a good Christian he won't respond to it. You're supposed to turn the other cheek and be a professional. Its just like a fan heckling you man, just let it roll off of you. That's what Barry Zito said last year when he lost like 50 games and had an ERA in the stratosphere. Who knows, maybe he turned the corner this year, I would expect that with all the money you're paying him. I heard some Giants fan say they didn't want to OVERPAY for Manny in the offseason. You mean with all the money you saved from the Zito signing hahahaha!!! The Dodgers have some nice prospects coming up too, but to go out and sign a guy like Randy Johnson, makes no sense. The guy is like Rich Aurilia, nothing left in the tank.

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