When it comes to the spirit of the game, baseball fans have always expressed a desire to keep the game fair and to play using their own abilities. Despite the league having come far from some of its most tumultuous days, the PED questions refuse to go away. But the players of the game are doing more than ever to help the game escape from its shadow. And the fans are responding.

The San Diego Padres aren’t really enjoying the greatest season in 2023. With a losing record so far, they are comfortably behind other teams in the NL West chasing a Wild Card Spot for the post-season. But it’s not like they were boasting a star-studded lineup for the entire season. One suspension in particular will have given them trouble. But the shadow of the accusation seems to be fading fast.

San Diego Padres Star Emerging From Clutches of Suspension To Win Fans Hearts

Fernando Tatis Jr. was serving part of an 80-game suspension to start the 2023 season after having the same given to him as a part of an alleged PED violation. While the star denied the same, league commissioner Rob Manfred was insistent that the same must be served.

However, after returning to the fold with the Padres, the star shortstop has truly done wonders for his reputation. Hitting at an elite 0.262 this season, Tatis Jr. only won more hearts with his gesture to honor his father. Although doing it against the St. Louis Cardinals themselves may not have been the greatest move.

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Fernando comes from a baseball family with his father too, featuring in the MLB. His father made a name for himself featuring for the St. Louis Cardinals and once made history snagging 2 Grand Slams in the same innings. Tatis Jr.’s cleats wore cleats featuring the scroll from papers the next day, all honoring his father as a sign of respect for the statistic.

There may have been some detractors for Tatis Jr., but it appears that the baseball community has agreed to leave behind his scandal and instead respected Tatis for the gesture.

Fans React To The Gesture of Fernando Tatis Jr.

MLB fans may be a fickle bunch, but they recognize the drip when they’re given the chance. In fact, the cleats’ design was enough for many to simply forget who was wearing them and appreciate the thought and design that had gone into them.

After Brutal All-Star Snub, Padres Shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. Claps Back With Another Classic Home Run Move

Some fans meanwhile were simply appreciative of the gesture and what it meant for the star.

The cleats were undoubtedly the envy of every fan who was watching the game and perhaps even some players who were on the diamond. Tatis is a part of MLB history and Tatis Jr. is making a case to soon become one too. Provided his fitness holds up and he can get the right team around him. Who knows, maybe the former All-Star can even end up with a pennant or two.

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