Jim Edmonds Rips Cubs Slugger Morel for 'Joke' Celebration

Former St. Louis Cardinals star Jim Edmonds criticized Chicago Cubs designated hitter Christopher Morel for his elaborate home run celebration on Sunday, calling it "a joke" and comparing him to a .229 hitter.

Former St. Louis Cardinals star Jim Edmonds did not mince words when criticizing Chicago Cubs designated hitter Christopher Morel for his flamboyant home run celebration on Sunday.

Morel, who hit two home runs in the Cubs' 8-3 victory, drew Edmonds' ire for his exuberant celebration after his eighth-inning blast off Andrew Kettredge.

Jim Edmonds Rips Cubs Slugger Morel for 'Joke' Celebration

"His celebration is a joke, I don't mind saying it at all. I've never seen anything like it," Edmonds said on the Bally Sports broadcast. "I just don't get it. You're a .229 hitter in the big leagues, and you're running around like you're Barry Bonds."

Edmonds, a former Gold Glove center fielder and eight-time All-Star, was particularly irked by Morel's excessive use of space while rounding the bases.

Jim Edmonds Rips Cubs Slugger Morel for 'Joke' Celebration

"He's also taking up plenty of room out there. ... It's a joke," he added.

Morel, who has 18 home runs on the season, has been known for his enthusiastic celebrations. However, Edmonds' criticism suggests that his antics have now crossed the line.

Jim Edmonds Rips Cubs Slugger Morel for 'Joke' Celebration

The Cubs' win on Sunday took their record to 47-51, while the Cardinals fell to 50-46 as the league entered its All-Star break.

Meanwhile, former Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong also made his mark with two home runs in the game.

"It was fun to watch for sure," Cubs manager Craig Counsell said, via MLB.com. "We did a really nice job. We got down early, but swung the bats really well. A lot of just good swings, drove the ball really well. Pete had his best day in the big leagues and that was fun to watch."

The Cubs entered the All-Star break 8.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central Division race, while the Cardinals are 4.5 games behind the Brewers.

Edmonds' criticism of Morel has sparked debate among baseball fans, with some questioning the unwritten rules that govern on-field celebrations. However, the former Cardinals star's comments reflect a growing sentiment among some traditionalists who believe that Morel's antics are disrespectful and unsportsmanlike.