Astros' Lance McCullers Jr. says disgruntled fans directing death threats at him and his children
Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. has been receiving death threats directed at both himself and his children following a game against the Cincinnati Reds where he allowed seven runs in a single inning. The threats have deeply affected McCullers, especially since they include harm against his two young daughters, which he finds particularly hard to cope with as a father. McCullers had recently returned to major league play after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus due to injuries, marking his comeback with the recent game. Astros manager Joe Espada expressed his outrage over the threats, emphasizing the inappropriateness and severity of the situation, while also reminding fans of McCullers' long absence from the game. Both McCullers and Espada urge for better behavior from fans, highlighting that such threats are unacceptable and distressing for those involved, especially families.
Context:
Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. has been receiving death threats directed at both himself and his children following a game against the Cincinnati Reds where he allowed seven runs in a single inning. The threats have deeply affected McCullers, especially since they include harm against his two young daughters, which he finds particularly hard to cope with as a father. McCullers had recently returned to major league play after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus due to injuries, marking his comeback with the recent game. Astros manager Joe Espada expressed his outrage over the threats, emphasizing the inappropriateness and severity of the situation, while also reminding fans of McCullers' long absence from the game. Both McCullers and Espada urge for better behavior from fans, highlighting that such threats are unacceptable and distressing for those involved, especially families.
Dive Deeper:
Lance McCullers Jr. has become a target of harassment from baseball fans after a challenging performance in a game, where he allowed seven runs in a single inning, leading to death threats against him and his family.
The threats have been particularly distressing for McCullers because they include violent intentions towards his two young daughters, which he finds difficult to deal with as a parent.
This game marked McCullers' return to major league baseball after a two-year recovery period from injuries, being his second start since the 2022 World Series.
Astros manager Joe Espada expressed his frustration and sadness over the situation, emphasizing the unjust nature of the threats, especially considering McCullers' contributions to the team and city.
Espada highlighted that McCullers is still adjusting to returning to the game after a long absence and called for fans to exhibit better sportsmanship and understanding.
The incident underscores the intense pressure and scrutiny athletes face, as well as the impact of fan behavior on their personal lives and mental health.
Both McCullers and Espada are calling for a change in fan behavior, stressing that threatening family members is crossing a line that should not be tolerated.