Cardinals' Burleson's Home Run Celebration Raises Political Speculation

St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Alec Burleson's home run celebration against the Atlanta Braves sparked discussions on social media, with some speculating it was inspired by former President Trump.

St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Alec Burleson's 435-foot home run against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday was not just a significant contribution to his team's 6-2 victory; it also sparked a buzz among baseball fans due to his peculiar celebration.

As Burleson rounded the bases, he and his teammates were seen putting a fist up and covering their right ear. Burleson performed the gesture after rounding third base, and several of his fellow players in the dugout joined him. It marked Burleson's 18th home run of the season.

Cardinals' Burleson's Home Run Celebration Raises Political Speculation

The celebration's significance immediately became a topic of discussion on social media, with many wondering if it was inspired by former President Trump and his resilience after being wounded in an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania the previous week.

However, Cardinals veteran Matt Carpenter clarified that the celebration was a nod to Burleson's college days when he was a rapper known as Biscuit. The hand over the ear supposedly symbolized invisible headphones.

Cardinals' Burleson's Home Run Celebration Raises Political Speculation

"Definitely not a political statement, that is off base," Carpenter stated.

The timing of Burleson's celebration, coinciding with Trump's participation in the Republican National Convention after being shot, undoubtedly fueled the political speculation. Trump delivered a speech accepting the party's presidential nomination despite his injuries.

Cardinals' Burleson's Home Run Celebration Raises Political Speculation

Statistically, Burleson's performance was equally impressive. He went 2-for-5 with two RBI, raising his batting average to .294 and amassing 59 RBI on the season.

The St. Louis Cardinals improved their record to 52-47 with the win, while the Atlanta Braves fell to 54-44.

The celebration sparked a wider discussion about the role of politics in sports, highlighting how even seemingly apolitical gestures can be interpreted through a political lens, especially in today's highly polarized climate.

Burleson's celebration also served as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of sports and its ability to connect athletes and fans beyond the realm of competition.

As the Cardinals and Braves resume their series on Friday, it remains to be seen whether Burleson will continue his unique celebration or revert to more traditional home run trots.

Regardless of its interpretation, Burleson's celebration has injected a dose of intrigue into the MLB season, demonstrating how sports can continue to captivate and generate conversations on both the field and beyond.