Tigers outfielder Tyler Collins wasn’t happy with the crowd in Detroit, and he let them know it.
Collins lost a fly ball in the lights at Comerica Park, allowing Marcus Semien to double. He reached third on an error from Justin Upton.
@Chadantl @FIPmyWHIP pic.twitter.com/jLcigXw1mm
— WFANtrades (@WFANTrades) April 26, 2016
As the fans booed Collins for the misplay, he appeared to flip off the crowd. The game’s television broadcast showed the incident as it unfolded live.
@matthewbmowery Here it is. pic.twitter.com/Otp1hZjHpq
— Garrett Elliott (@GVLaker68) April 26, 2016
Collins will certainly be asked about that gesture after the game, but that’s some serious frustration to direct that at a crowd, especially the home crowd.
Pitcher Jordan Zimmerman’s scoreless streak to start his season was alive at the time of the play. The crowd wanted that streak to continue — as did Collins, obviously — so emotions were high on both parts.
Semien scored on the next at-bat.
But Collins has to realize that he’s both on TV and a professional athlete. Fans will boo from time to time, and he can’t get caught up in that.
Update: Collins spoke after the game and apologized.
He said via the Associated Press:
“To be at home and to hear boos after that play hit a trigger inside of me and I lashed out completely inappropriately. I’m absolutely embarrassed it happened and I’m very sorry to everybody in Detroit.”
Tigers manager Brad Ausmus also commented:
“Clearly, it’s something that can’t happen. I spoke to Tyler immediately in the dugout, in the tunnel, after it happened and I spoke to him after the game. He regrets it.”
