After Yordano Ventura’s gem of a pitching performance in World Series Game 6, which the Kansas City Royals won 10-0 to force a decisive Game 7 on Wednesday, a Royals minor leaguer named Zeb Sneed took to Twitter to criticize Ventura for wearing and displaying the Dominican flag over his back during postgame interviews.
As most of the viewers were aware, Ventura dedicated his Game 6 performance to Oscar Taveras, who was killed along with his girlfriend, Edilia Arvelo, in an automobile crash in the Dominican Republic on Sunday. Taveras, 22, was a blooming star out of the Dominican just like Ventura.
During the game, Ventura also wrote Taveras’ name, initials and uniform number on his shoes, glove and cap in tribute. This wasn’t a case of Ventura shoving his patriotism down the throats of viewers, but rather honoring a friend who he’d never see or compete against again.
This was apparently lost on Sneed at first. However, the self-described “hardcore American” either on his own or with some assistance became aware of the jingoistic silliness and lack of sensitivity reflected in his original tweet. He returned to Twitter on Wednesday morning to attempt an apology.
The wording and the thought behind it was painfully clear. That was not the issue in the original tweet. Ignorance and lousy judgment are what stand out here.
Yes, Sneed is allowed to feel however he wants about this or any other topic, but this was clearly not the proper time, place or circumstance to make a stand. That it also involved a pitcher attempting to keep the same organization he plays for alive in the World Series only makes it look worse. Let’s just say it won’t endear him to the organization or future teammates, which could still include Ventura somewhere down the road.
With that in mind, Sneed is not exactly on the fast track. As the Royals’ 11th-round draft pick in 2012, he posted a 5-3 record with a 2.71 ERA this past season at advanced Class-A Wilmington. At this point, it’s just as likely Sneed will be viewed as “not worth the trouble” as he will a potential major leaguer, and no one could blame the Royals if it’s the former.
BLS H/N: Kansas City Star
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
