MLB players have been lauded for their pro-Donald Trump celebrations in the wake of the assassination attempt on his life.
Moments after a Secret Service counter sniper eliminated shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks, Trump rose to his feet – bloodied – and pumped his first, shouting “Fight! Fight! Fight!” to shell shocked supporters.
This heat-of-the-moment, adrenaline-fueled response was captured in an instantly iconic photograph and has become somewhat of a metaphor for Trump’s campaign.
As well as being a prominent feature of last week’s Republican National Convention, the Trump-style salute has been replicated at other events including the MLB.
During a game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday, July 21, players and management from both franchises expressed support for the former president. Rays batter Taylor Walls raised his fist and shouted “Fight! Fight!” upon reaching second base, while the Cardinals’ bench held their ears with fists in the air as Alec Burleson completed a home run.
The salutes resonated with many supporters of the Republican presidential nominee, including one person who was in attendance at the infamous rally in Butler, PA.
Another user noted that the recent acts of defiance mark a shift from conservatives refraining from political gestures in order to appease the left.
Meanwhile, others indicated that the assassination attempt on Trump, followed by his remarkable response, had produced a more united front among Republicans and conservatives against the extremist elements of the Democrats.
A resurgent Trump will almost certainly face Vice President Kamala Harris at November’s election.
