Everyone’s got an opinion about it.

Top of the 8th, up by 7, and the count is 3-0.

MLB’s rising star Fernando Tatis Jr. cranked a grand slam over the right field fence and ignited a firestorm that has everyone talking.

21-year-old Fernando Tatis Jr. is a rising star in the big leagues, leading the MLB in home runs this season after his performance on Monday.

To say the young San Diego Padres shortstop had a big night is an understatement.

With a three-run homerun in the top of the 7th, Tatis swung on a 3-0 fastball from Rangers’ Juan Nicasio and wound up with a grand slam.

The incredible feat made him the youngest player to drive in seven RBI’s since Chicago Cubs Ron Santo did it back in 1961, according to ESPN Stats and Info.

But it wasn’t without its controversy.

Immediately after the game both managers criticized Tatis for breaking an “unwritten rule” of baseball – that it wasn’t “sporting” of him to swing on a 3-0 pitch with the bases loaded and his team sitting on a seven run lead in the top of the 8th.

Padres manager Jayce Tingler was miffed Tatis “missed” (re: ignored?) a sign from his coach to take the pitch.

Rangers manager Chris Woodward complained to reporters, “There’s a lot of unwritten rules that are constantly being challenged in today’s game. I didn’t like it, personally. You’re up by seven in the eighth inning; it’s typically not a good time to swing 3–0. It’s kind of the way we were all raised in the game. But, like I said, the norms are being challenged on a daily basis, so—just because I don’t like it doesn’t mean it’s not right.”

Woodward’s not wrong. The game is changing.

And the truth is, the old school ethic of not running up the score isn’t really valued in sports like it used to be – even in baseball.

But current players, commentators, and many fans want to make it more “fun” – i.e. hitting home runs, grand slams, etc.

It’s easy to see both sides to this argument and it seems everyone’s got an opinion.

Including Mr. October himself, Reggie Jackson, who congratulated Tatis.

The Binger Banger Johnny Bench also chimed in showing his support for Tatis and explaining how taking that pitch could’ve easily backfired on the young athlete.

“So you take a pitch . . . now you’re 3-1. Then the pitcher comes back with a great setup pitch…3-2. Now you’re ready to groundout into a double play. Everyone should hit 3-0. Grand Slams are a huge stat. @tatis_jr”

Of course, not everyone sees it that way as the discussion on MLB Network show . . .

Our Sports with Balls team of experts had differing opinions as well, so we’d like to hear from you.

Please vote in the poll below to let us know where you stand! Also, let us know your thoughts on Twitter @SportswBalls.

 

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