Giants’ closer Wilson upset with Blake’s mocking gesture
Not all Giants players were ecstatic in the clubhouse following their 7-5 victory over the Dodgers in 13 innings on Sunday (and taking two of three from their most hated rivals in the process).
Something ugly apparently happened after today’s 7-5, 13-inning win. Dodgers third baseman Casey Blake apparently insulted Brian Wilson with a gesture.
One by one, the Giants visited Wilson in the clubhouse to console him after a friend sent to Wilson’s cell phone an image of Blake mocking the cross-armed gesture the closer makes after each save.
Wilson’s gesture partly relates to his religious faith and partly to his late father. Wilson seemed very distraught about the incident. As Tim Lincecum was about to address reporters, a team employee interrupted and pulled Lincecum away, presumably to talk to Wilson.
Wilson did not seem eager to discuss the incident. Asked if he might discuss it with Blake the next time they meet, Wilson stood silent while Jeremy Affeldt, standing in the next locker said, “Blake knew what he did.”
Blake, who homered against Wilson in the 12th inning to deal the Giant his second blown save, had left the clubhouse when two San Francisco reporters sought his response.
Baseball players are a little sensitive on a whole, but I could see why Wilson would be upset with Blake mocking a gesture that was created to honor his faith and his late father. It’s not like Wilson does it to show anyone up – he always turns his back while walking off the back of the mound and he never gestures to the opposing team while doing it. These situations have a tendency to blow over, but nevertheless, this could add another log in the fire to an already great Giants-Dodgers rivalry.
Either way, Blake should worry more about his team losing three of four since losing Manny Ramirez for 50 games.
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I understand why the gesture is so significant for Wilson, but really? When you do those kinds of things on the field, you open yourself up to this kind of mockery, especially if you’re a closer who does it after the final out of the game. No matter the motivation behind the gesture, I’m sure Blake isn’t the only opposing player who’s grown tired of seeing it after Wilson closes out a win for the Giants.
First of all, Willy needs to learn how to spell.
Blake is a nice guy he just got out of hand. Blake has to remember that his actions can cause others pain. At least he was in the dugout when he did it and not out in the field.
If Wilson is religious I hope he remembers to forgive and forget next time he sees Blake.
What else do you expect…its the Dodgers and Giants..
JC has it right. If Wilson makes a gesture on the field after every save he opens himself up to being mocked. Hopefully Linecum told Wilson to suck it up, be a be a man, not a freaking crybaby. He can’t exepct other players to know his personal reasons, even if they’ve been documented in an interview.
Hey Sammy…I wonder if Wilson ever thought about his actions hurting someone’s feelings by showing them up after every save? Seriously…can anyone say anything or make a gesture without having to worry about pissing someone off? Or does the 1st amendment mean nothing to the people in this country?
In the Yankees-Orioles game the other day, Aubrey Huff jacked a homer off Joba and twice mocked Chamberlain’s 3rd out K fist pump…on his way to first and again when he crossed home plate. I hope Joba didn’t cry in the clubhouse.
By the way…Chaimberlain K’d a batter to end that inning and walked off the mound with his glove covering his face. I’m a Yankee fan and I thought Huff’s mockery was great…he apparently got his message across…twice.
I don’t disagree that baseball players are a little sensitive (I said so in the article).
But have any you guys actually seen Wilson do the gesture? He turns to his back to the plate (towards his teammates) and does it for a millisecond. It’s the equivalent to a guy pointing to the sky after he gets a hit, home run, etc.
T-Bone – you’re right, guys open themselves up when they do any kind of gesture on the field, and Blake didn’t know Wilson did it to honor his faith and deceased father. But this is slightly different from Joba (or any pitcher) almost doing a cartwheel off the mound to celebrate striking a guy out. I hardly doubt anyone would notice Wilson doing it if the cameras weren’t on him.
And as far as Wilson having to be consoled in the clubhouse – he’s a closer, he’s a little whacky. This is the same guy who is growing out a mo-hawk mullet to honor Randy Johnson. He’s a great personality and if you liked Huff’s fist pump retaliation then you’re going to love Wilson ear-holing Blake in August when these two teams play each other again.
I admit, I’ve never seen him do it but if he’s turning his back to the player, he’s obviously making an attempt to not show the guy up, which is cool. Blake needs to lighten up.
I’m not a big fan of orchestrated gestures, for sportsmanship reasons. If it’s something true and emotional, it’s great, otherwise it’s to gain attention and get a clip on Sportscenter. Or have it added to your likeness in the latest video game.
Revenge is a dish best served on the field…if Wilson is going to drill him or send him a high and tight message, do it on the first pitch the next time he faces Blake. I’m going to start watching Giants-Dodgers just to see it happen!
What a looser….people who have to make fun of others just to make them selves feel better seeing as they’ve lost to the rival GIANTS and are behind in the wild card race…..just a first class Dush! And so is anyone else who feel’s upset by his ‘closing gesture’….hey, don’t hate the player just cus he has talent.
I guess this is Blake’s way of crying about loosing….lol.
Go Giants!