Even when Cody Bellinger’s bat went inexplicably silent for the Los Angeles Dodgers, his defense remained superior.
The former Gold Glove winner flashed the leather Saturday night, leaping and reaching above the Dodger Stadium fence to take away a certain home run.
Dodgers fans reacted with a loud chorus of boos. Why wouldn’t they? Bellinger, of course, now patrols center field for the Chicago Cubs. Wait, it gets even stranger. The man who hit that would-be home run for the Dodgers, Jason Heyward, spent the last seven years with the Cubs before signing with Los Angeles in the offseason.
Cody Bellinger robs Jason Heyward of a 2-run homer!
Last year, Bellinger was a Dodger and Heyward was a Cub. ⚾️pic.twitter.com/uTBmvg9IkL
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 16, 2023
Bellinger shrugged and held out his arms as the boos from Dodgers faithful rained down. To be fair, the broadcast showed some fans in Dodgers jerseys applauding.
After two dreadful seasons in 2021 and 2022, Bellinger, the 2019 NL MVP, is looking to rediscover his stroke in Chicago.
Heyward, 33, is also hoping to bounce back after two tough years. So far, he’s looking great in LA, with a 1.008 OPS and three home runs.
It would have been four, if not for Bellinger’s robbery.
MLB fans loved the bizarre symmetry of the moment.
Robbing a home run from the guy you got traded for at your old team's stadium is an "I'm him" moment
— Sporty Tyle (@SportyTyle) April 16, 2023
The Cody Bellinger catch for the Cubbies. Poster this catch. pic.twitter.com/LOA86DDfdS
— Michael Salomie (@MtAlbertMasher) April 16, 2023
If you're wondering what it takes for Cody Bellinger to get booed in his return, robbing Jason Heyward of a home run will do it.
Bellinger extended his arms out after making the catch and had a nice laugh at the boos.
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) April 16, 2023
Cody Bellinger getting an applause for his catch! That’s our Cody! I think we need joint custody!!! Yeah, he knows we love him! @Cubs
— Cheryl Romano (@cherylmromano) April 16, 2023
If I went back in time to January 2020 and explained this moment to myself, it would rank number 1 on a list of 10 things I could say that past me wouldn’t believe
— Cubraham Lincoln (@cubraham) April 16, 2023
Best Defensive CF
— President Kershaw (@Juice_County714) April 16, 2023
[Photo Credit: SportsNet LA]
