Spring training fans boo Will Smith (no, not that one) at Dodgers-Rangers
Will Smith, the actor, isn't the only Will Smith seeing repercussions for the slap heard 'round the world.
Four days after Smith entered Hollywood infamy with his striking of Chris Rock at the Academy Awards, Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith somehow got the booing treatment during a spring training game against the Texas Rangers in Arizona.
It wasn't a raucous jeering, but it was noticeable for anyone with their volume on.
Will Smith -- the Dodgers' star catcher -- was booed today in Spring Training. pic.twitter.com/g46DaBEukQ
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 31, 2022
It's hard to imagine anyone confused Smith the catcher with Smith the actor or believed the former should bear responsibility for the latter, but it was a bizarre sight nonetheless.
Smith the catcher at least managed to pay back the boos with a triple smacked to center field:
Will Smith proceeded to triple after hearing the boos. pic.twitter.com/g6l4ICEXdk
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 31, 2022
Actor shenanigans aside, this Will Smith is already considered one of the top catchers in baseball. In three MLB seasons, the 27-year-old has hit 262/.365/.527 with 48 career home runs. This season, he's a solid component of what is expected to be a historically good Dodgers lineup.
Smith the catcher also isn't the lone Will Smith in MLB, as there is also Atlanta Braves reliever Will Smith (the two have met before). In his first spring training appearance since the Oscars, Smith posted a hitless inning.
The confusing trio of Will Smiths are very much aware of one another. Smith the actor even included the catcher in a video last year making light of the dueling public personas.