Josh Naylor Breaks Out the Rock-The-Baby Celebration; Ends up Losing to Gerrit Cole and the Yankees
Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Josh Naylor took on Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees in the fourth round of the American League Division Series. He launched a solo home run on Sunday night but the thing that fans will remember about Naylor’s shot and him rounding the bases will be his celebration after an amazing hit. Naylor was gesturing as though he was rocking a baby in his arms as he rounded the bases.
The @CLEGuardians are climbing back, they only trail by 1. #Postseason pic.twitter.com/NhnjfM3APH
— MLB (@MLB) October 17, 2022
In the video, it is clear from Josh Naylor’s lip movement that he used a few expletives while referring to Cole as his ‘Son’. Earlier this month, fellow teammate Triston McKenzie shared his insights on why Naylor uses that particular celebration. He said, “Nayls, when he hits homers off people, he calls them his son. Hence the rocking the baby as he runs around the bases.”
After the game in the post-game press conference, Cole shared his thoughts on Naylor’s celebration. He said, “Yeah, whatever. It’s cute… I didn’t see it in the moment. It wouldn’t have bothered in the moment and it just is kind of funny.”
Gerrit Cole was asked about Josh Naylor's celebration:
"Yeah, whatever. It's cute… I didn't see it in the moment. It wouldn't have bothered in the moment and it just is kind of funny." pic.twitter.com/JQy9DfgJk9
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) October 17, 2022
While Naylor did enjoy the celebration in the moment, it was Gerrit Cole and the Yankees who had the last laugh as they won the game. Thus having the proverbial last laugh in this exchange.
What is next Josh Naylor and the Cleveland Guardians?
Despite being hit for a home run, Cole had a brilliant night himself. He delivered a high-quality start for the Yankees in an elimination game, tossing seven innings and surrendering just two runs on six hits and a walk. Cole struck out eight batters before departing in favor of the Yankees bullpen.
Coming Monday, the Guardians and the Yankees will finish their best of five ALDS at Yankee stadium. The winning team will face the Houston Astros in the AL championship series in a best-of-seven series for the pennant. The winner will then take part in the World Series for the ultimate prize in baseball. The Yankees pulled out an extremely clutch performance on Sunday night to save their season and give themselves a chance at potentially winning World Series number 28.
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