On Wednesday, Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia learned a hard lesson: be careful what you say around the media, even if they aren't directly talking to you.
During the National League Division Series between the Braves and Philadelphia Phillies, Arcia was heard yelling "Atta boy, Harper!" in the clubhouse after his team took Game 2 of the series in Atlanta. That game ended with Phillies star Bryce Harper getting doubled up at first to end the game after Michael Harris' amazing catch.
The sarcastic dig -- reported by the media -- was toward Harper, who smashed two homers in the Phillies' 10-2 win in Philadelphia in Game 3. Arcia's quip was plenty of fuel to fire up Phillies fans and Harper, who stared down Arcia following one of his homers in Game 3.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 11, 2023
After Game 3, Arcia spoke through his translator, expressing his frustration that a reporter wrote about his comments, believing that clubhouse banter should stay in-house:
“What happens is that some people put out what they shouldn’t put out. They’re snitches (or gossips),” Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia says of the media who reported the comments he says he was making to teammates about Harper after Game 2.
— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) October 12, 2023
pic.twitter.com/ZuRhGLLScW
Players talk smack about their peers all of the time, and most certainly since the advent of social media and other digital platforms, they may choose to send those messages themselves.
There's a school of thought among beat reporters and media personalities that if it's overheard in the locker room or clubhouse, it's reportable.
Arcia's comments only made Wednesday's game that much more incredible to watch if you are a sports fan -- unless you root for Atlanta. The words didn't exactly add more power to Harper's swing or make his eyesight ever sharper, but they gave incredible backstory to his exploits, making his night the stuff of legend in Philadelphia.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!