In game 2 of the Red Sox and Chicago Cubs series. Pete Crow-Armstrong not only hit the homer, but he also gave a moment that made the atmosphere lively at Wrigley Field. But it looks like not everyone was happy with his basepath moves. And this college baseball coach has made it quite clear.

Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a crisp double into right-center with Lucas Giolito on the mound. Then he stopped at second and did his famous hop-and-shake move. When the ball bounced back, it was Boston’s second baseman who caught it while PCA showed off a little flair on the bag. But that little moment led to a lot of criticism.

Matt McLaren, the college coach at Olney Central College, criticized by replying to the video of that moment. He wrote, “LOL… I’ve marked a ton of kids off a roster while recruiting that just don’t respect the game,” he said. “The standard in baseball is way too low at the top end and it is bleeding into the lower levels. Kudos to the good programs that don’t allow it.” McLaren was clear and unapologetically harsh.

So, who is this coach with the sharp take? Matt McLaren is the head coach of the baseball team at Olney Central College and follows an old-school philosophy that values discipline and tradition over flair. His Blue Knights have struggled recently, with a record of 42–57. McLaren’s principles also guide his recruiting, as he has a zero-tolerance policy for any behavior he views as disrespectful to the game.

Meanwhile, Pete Crow-Armstrong shook off the noise and got the job done. In that same game between the Cubs and the Red Sox, he hit his 26th home run of the season and stole a base. That home run, a single blast off Chris Murphy in the eighth inning, made the score 6–0.

It was a defining moment for a player who was quietly mounting a case for MVP in 2025, with a slash line of.268/.304/.551, 28 steals, and 72 RBIs in 97 games.

Yes, he does dance. But every time Pete Crow-Armstrong swings, he hits for power, steals bases, and changes the game. He is not a sideshow; he is the real thing. And like that, he just got accolated for his performance in the NL.

Pete Crow-Armstrong’s swagger scores midseason MVP

Fans voted for Pete Crow-Armstrong as the Midseason National League MVP, and Fox Sports confirmed it. This shows that his attitude and style on the field aren’t just for show; they demand attention.

He won the MVP award in part because of his clutch power, speed, and defense. He is now sixth in home runs, seventh in RBIs, fourth in steals, and eleventh in slugging. This was enough to get him his first All-Star selection. PCA is also one of the greatest fielders in the league, coming in seventh in Defensive WAR.

Kyle Tucker was impressed and said, “He’s got more than me now, so I expect him to finish with more than me. He’s been a lot of fun to watch and be part of the team with him every day.”  That kind of compliment for a teammate keeps things honest and shows how PCA’s game is affecting everyone in the clubhouse.

His mid-base dance, his brazen style, and his on-field swagger all seem earned now. PCA’s mix of personality and excellent performance isn’t a distraction. It’s the perfect mix that’s fueling the Cubs’ World Series chase.