For the 10th time in baseball history, the ALCS has reached Game 7 — Mariners vs. Blue Jays. And before the first inning even ended, Josh Naylor stole the spotlight. What looked like a routine double play turned into chaos when the Mariners’ first baseman made a daring move that stunned everyone. Social media exploded, calling it one of the wildest moments in recent playoff memory.

A controversial moment occurred in the top of the first inning during a potential double-play ground ball hit by Jorge Polanco. Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement fielded the ball and threw it to first base, aiming to complete the double play. In an unusual move, Josh Naylor left his feet and turned his head directly into the path of the throw.

The baseball struck his helmet and bounced into foul territory. Initially, Polanco was called safe, but after the umpire crew huddled together, they ruled that interference had occurred and called both runners out.

What happened next revealed just how controversial the play really was. Mariners manager briefly stepped out of the dugout to argue but quickly retreated, seemingly recognizing the futility of the protest.

Baseball rules are clear: runners can slide into a base standing up at their own risk, but they cannot interfere with a throw. Naylor seems to be violated that rule by leaving his feet, even if his vertical leap wouldn’t win any slam dunk contests.

Additionally, Shane Bieber, Taylor’s former teammate from Cleveland, was caught on camera visibly upset and cursing at 28-year-old. He openly questioned Josh Naylor’s judgment regarding his dangerous and illegal maneuver. Bieber said, “What the f–k are you doing?” This reaction from a teammate in a winner-take-all game highlights how reckless the play was.

Well, the reactions extended beyond the diamond. It ignited immediate debate on social media, with fans expressing vastly different opinions on Naylor’s decision-making.

Voices from the social-media

Many saw the play as yet another unpredictable, daring moment in Naylor’s career that too in the high stake situation. “Josh Naylor is one-of-one. Zero reaction to taking one off the dome. Crystal cleats. Slow guy that steals bags. Great character.” Despite being one of baseball’s slowest runners, he managed to steal 30 bases while being caught just twice—a success rate that defies conventional baseball wisdom. The reference to “crystal cleats” likely alludes to Naylor’s distinctive style and confidence on the field.

Meanwhile for others that play crossed the line. “TOTAL BUSH LEAGUE ALL RESPECT LOST FOR NAYLOR.” e. This reaction likely stems from the belief that deliberately interfering with a throw—especially in such an obvious manner—violates the unwritten rules of baseball. Even Bieber’s visible anger from the dugout suggests there’s something to this criticism. And let’s not forget it might have caused him the injury, too.

Then comes the nostalgia. “Every few months Josh Naylor does something so unhinged, it makes you love his game even more.” Remember how on June 29, 2022, Josh Naylor smashed a two-run walk-off home run for the Cleveland Guardians. Then, in a crazy celebration, he charged at his own manager and head-butted his helmet. And on April 20, 2024, he hit a 410-foot home run and then smashed his bat on his helmet, which was part of his way of celebrating.

There comes the sarcastic jab! “Naylor is such King idc if that’s illegal hahahahahahaha.” It suggests admiration for Naylor’s mentality and refusal to back down in any situation. This fan explicitly acknowledges the play was illegal but doesn’t care, finding joy in the chaos and aggression he brought to a Game 7 tensed situation.

Others framed it through a different lens altogether. “Josh Naylor, our nations greatest traitor.” This dramatic statement likely comes from a Canadian fan, given that Naylor is from Mississauga, Ontario, and represented Canada in international competition including the 2017 World Baseball Classic. The “traitor” label stems from now that he is playing against them in their home stadium during the biggest game of the season.

The play resulted a chaos, Not only that but it kind of highlighted how do-and-die games feel like!