There is often an adjustment period needed when an athlete joins a new team, allowing the player to become accustomed to the new surroundings and to the team’s fan base.
Even so, Chris Sale has a simple strategy for endearing himself to Atlanta Braves supporters as quickly as possible.
Sale, who was acquired by the Braves in a December trade with the Boston Red Sox, made his second spring training start for the club in Sunday’s win over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies, earning an ovation from Atlanta fans at CoolToday Park in North Port, Fla. After the game, Sale shared some amusing advice for getting on fans’ good side.
“Just don’t suck, and they’ll like it,” Sale said, per Justin Toscano of the Atlanta-Journal Constitution.
Hilariously simple, yet downright effective. And so far, so good for Sale, who has now pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out nine batters through two spring starts.
Jonathan Dyer / USA TODAY Sports
The 34-year-old left-hander earned seven straight All-Star selections from 2012 to ’18 before injuries robbed him of his entire 2020 season as well as chunks of the ’21 and ’22 campaigns.
Sale signed a two-year, $38 million extension with the Braves in January. He will attempt to regain his All-Star form—and not suck—for Braves fans in 2024.
