Yasiel Puig arrived in the Majors like a lightning rod in June 2013. His play helped spark the Los Angeles Dodgers to a remarkable turnaround but also drew criticism from analysts, pundits and players outside the organization.
As Puig’s production waned in 2015 and 2016, the critics grew louder. The Dodgers themselves reached a breaking point and demoted their talented yet polarizing outfielder to Triple-A Oklahoma City last season after failed attempts to trade him.
Puig responded by demonstrating a renewed work ethic and focus. It translated to arguably the best season of his career.
That’s carried into the postseason, where the 26-year-old has been one of, if not the Dodgers’ top hitter. While Puig drew rave reviews throughout the year, he was in Keith Olbermann’s crosshairs during Game 1 of the National League Championship Series.
Puig’s RBI double in the fifth inning put the Dodgers on the board and cut their deficit in half. His key hit included a bat flip and subsequent celebration.
That prompted Olbermann to mask a request within criticism of Puig:
So effing tired of Yasiel Puig’s act – particularly his apparently terrible vision #DontBatFlipSinglesAndDoubles
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) October 15, 2017
Puig, who once extended an olive branch to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff, did the same for Olbermann:
Hey @KeithOlbermann I flip on singles and doubles & not on homers. Come watch the show. Need a ticket? I got you #PuigYourFriendToo 🙃 https://t.co/7Ror8AyGRg
— Yasiel Puig (@YasielPuig) October 15, 2017
The political commentator accepted Puig’s offer and apologized for his remarks:
Well if you’re gonna be THAT way about it I guess I’ll have to say yes, and apologize to you ⚾️👍🏻 #OlbermannYouFriend https://t.co/rznaV0LdTn
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) October 15, 2017
Prior to sending his tweet, Puig went 2-for-4 with the aforementioned double and a home run to lead the Dodgers to a 5-2 win. He’s 7-for-15 with two doubles, a triple, home run and six RBI in five postseason games this October.
