Current:Home > InvestRays SS Taylor Walls says gesture wasn’t meant as Trump endorsement and he likely won’t do it again -WealthMindset Learning
Rays SS Taylor Walls says gesture wasn’t meant as Trump endorsement and he likely won’t do it again
View
Date:2025-04-15 13:13:41
TORONTO (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Taylor Walls said Tuesday that his Donald Trump-inspired celebration of a hit Sunday was not intended as an endorsement of the Republican presidential candidate and added he was unlikely to do it again.
Walls pumped his fist and shouted “Fight! Fight! Fight!” after hitting a double against the New York Yankees on Sunday, mimicking Trump’s reaction after a bullet hit his ear during a campaign event in Pennsylvania on July 13.
“I think it’s pretty inspirational when any person, in the blink of an eye, their life could be taken from them,” Walls said before the Rays faced the Toronto Blue Jays. “They don’t really know what’s going on in the heat of the moment.
“To immediately stand up and show strength, to me, speaks pretty loudly,” Walls added. “Anyone in that situation or that type of event, when it happens, it’s strong. It kind of represents character to me, and something that similarly I feel like I’ve faced those challenges in baseball, but on a much suppressed level.”
The fifth-inning double off right-hander Marcus Stroman was Walls’ first hit since the shooting. He has five hits in 33 at-bats this month, including four singles.
Still, Walls said he isn’t likely to make the gesture again.
“That was kind of more of a joke that we have with guys in the locker room,” he said. “Joke may not be the right word. It was kind of just something that we had together that we thought was kind of funny, that we thought would be all right. I don’t really see that going much further than that. I don’t foresee myself doing it again.”
Walls declined to say who he intended to vote for in November, referencing President Joe Biden’s recent decision not to seek reelection.
The four-year veteran from Georgia said the values he was brought up with are important to him and typically inform his political choices.
“You can read between the lines of how I carry myself, how I was raised, how me and my family coordinate, how we’re going to go about things and do things,” Walls said. “That’s kind of what I base my vote on and my view on.”
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
veryGood! (74965)
Related
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- How Las Vegas evolved from Sin City to Super Bowl host
- 'Extremely dangerous situation' as flooding, mudslides swamp California: Live updates
- You can order a test to find out your biological age. Is it worth it?
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Stevie Wonder pays tribute to Tony Bennett at Grammys: 'I'm going to miss you forever'
- 'This show isn't the facts': Drake criticizes Grammys, honors 'all you incredible artists'
- Indiana man started crying when he found out he won $250,000 from scratch-off
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- American Idol’s Lauren Alaina Marries Cam Arnold
Ranking
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Black and Latina women helped propel gains for unions in 2023, finds a new study
- The Skinny Confidential’s Lauryn Bosstick Talks Valentine’s Day Must-Haves for Your Friends and Family
- Red carpet looks from the 2024 Grammy Awards
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- 1000-Lb Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Fires Back at “Irritating” Comments Over Her Excess Skin
- These Grammy 2024 After-Party Photos Are Pitch Perfect
- Paris Jackson covers up over 80 tattoos at the Grammys: 'In love with my alter ego'
Recommendation
The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
Bijou Phillips Gives Rare Life Update Amid Danny Masterson Divorce
'We're better together': How Black and Jewish communities are building historic bonds
Dr. Cornel West Is Running to Become President of the United States. What Are His Views on Climate Change and the Environment?
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Stevie Wonder pays tribute to Tony Bennett at Grammys: 'I'm going to miss you forever'
Marilyn Manson completes mandated Alcoholics Anonymous after blowing nose on videographer
TikTok is full of budgeting and other financial tips. Can they boost your financial IQ?