Javier Baez knows Tigers fans are frustrated, but says booing doesn’t help

On Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Detroit, Javier Báez of the Detroit Tigers celebrates hitting a home run against the Minnesota Twins during the eighth inning of a baseball game. (Photo by Paul Sancya/AP) AP

DETROIT: On Sunday afternoon at Comerica Park, shortstop for the Detroit Tigers, Javier Baez, drove a ball to the seats and heard thunderous applause from the home crowd.

In 2024, both of these have been uncommon.

Early this year, Baez began to hear the same boos, complaints, and jeers that have followed him around the Tigers during his tenure. It hasn’t helped that Baez has had a slow start; prior to Sunday’s home run, he was 5-for-42 with 14 strikeouts.

Baez said he doesn’t mind the jeers because he has dealt with hostile fans before, both at home and away. He simply believes they aren’t very effective.

He remarked, “I think that doesn’t really help the team and the organization. I know it’s frustrating for the fans.” “If we work together, we should rise to the occasion together and stick together when things get tough. It’s not limited to this place. It involves other players and occurs in other organizations. To be honest, it has no effect on me. To be honest, I don’t think it’s very polite when people disparage and belittle you in front of an open forum. All that matters to me is performing well on the field and for my team and organization. Thus, they are free to act however they please.

When pressed for details, Baez said that some fans go too far, especially considering that his wife and two small children frequently attend.