Aug
3
2012

Valdespin Gets Hazed, Learns Lesson

An article by XtreemIcon

The locker room incident involving Jordany Valdespin’s t-shirt before Wednesday’s game has broken out and become a “thing.” In what probably doesn’t count as his rookie hazing, Valdepin’s plain white t-shirt he wore to the ballpark before Wednesday’s win in San Francisco was jokingly altered by some veterans to remind Valdespin of the club’s self-imposed dress code of collared shirts.

The sleeves were shredded, and the back sported “El Hombre” and his uniform number 1. ”NY Loves Valdy” graced the front of the shirt. According to reports, ‘Spin was initially angry at the violation, but calmed down about as quickly as he flared up after a private conversation with David Wright about the incident. Valdespin was later seen wearing the shirt out of the clubhouse, laughing and joking with teammates and even posing for pictures in his new duds.

While understanding of the stunt, Valdespin reflected on his options if the situation were reversed. “No, no, no, no. I’d never do that,” he said. “You know why? You’ve got to respect everybody. The example here is this guy, David Wright. He’s the captain of the team and he respects everybody…The respect is very important on this team.”

The rookie atoned for his gaff Thursday, arriving to the ballpark in a pink button-down shirt with white collars and cuffs and floral print on the inside.

Glad to see the situation was diffused and it was a non-issue. Valdespin had been known for exhibiting some immaturity in the minors, but from all accounts, he’s been a perfect citizen on the big club. With Valdespin’s history, this easily could have gone the other way, so props to him for exhibiting some professionalism.

About the Author: Jesse Elgarten

12 Comments + Add Comment

Alex68 August 3, 2012 at 9:03 am

Very Funny stuff… Real Man wear pink….
Lorenzo August 3, 2012 at 9:07 am

Pretty sure he hasnt learned his lesson. He cant play outfield either and has no arm.
- BadBadLeroyBrown August 3, 2012 at 11:06 am
  
  SMH….Yeah you would know since you have a personal relationship and grew up with him.
Donal August 3, 2012 at 9:16 am

I think ‘Spin and Bryce Harper are suffering from reputations that proceed them. Both did some silly things before coming up to the big club, but not enough to warrant some of the criticisms they’ve taken once promoted. People just love a good public flogging.
- BadBadLeroyBrown August 3, 2012 at 11:07 am
  
  Wow good job Donal you were actually unbiased there….kudos to you!
  
  probably the last time I’ll say this but good point.
Des August 3, 2012 at 9:42 am

Keith on the television broadcast wasn’t sure it’s “Case Closed” on this incident. He thought it was immature and endangers the stay of anybody who pulls a gaffe like this one. Keith said if a player is playing terrific ball, the team will be more tolerant. But if a player has some playing issues it might mean a trip back to the minors. Will it impact Spin? We’ll see. He does some things very well and some not so as opposing pitchers are now throwing him more change ups and sliders. Over the past 28 days, 14 days and 7 days, Spin’s AVG is .302, .222, and .133 respectively. Of course the normal precautions about small sample sizes needs to be considered.

Finally, Keith indicated the potential problems are sometimes down the road. If a player doesn’t adhere to clubhouse norms, it can be a big problem with other players. He and Gary recalled a couple of clubhouse brawls between players, one of which involved Bill North who took offense at Jackson when he played for the A’s.
- Des August 3, 2012 at 9:48 am
  
  I was referring to the straw that stirs the drink, Reggie Jackson.
- BadBadLeroyBrown August 3, 2012 at 11:13 am
  
  Surprised Keith didnt mention when he got punched in the face by Darryl Strawberry during a team photo shoot…lol
  - Des August 3, 2012 at 12:33 pm
    
    Bad Bad — Strawberry was a true bad ass. You might claim to be bad. But you’re not in the same league as the strawman. He was a true thug. Ask Tim Teufel or a half dozen others from the eighties.
Metsie August 3, 2012 at 10:17 am

There was another issue earlier in the year where Valde ruffled some feathers so this is not an isolated incident.

What is encouraging was hearing Wright played the leader and set the kid straight!

We need that from Wright.
No one else is capable of doing it at the moment and the only other guy who could is a role player (hairston)
Joey D. August 3, 2012 at 11:34 am

Still remember the “know your place, rook” note directed toward Lasting Miledge that was posted for all to see.

But another problem with Lastings is that he didn’t listen to anyone regarding instructional advice – he knew it all sort of speak. I just hope that is not the case with Valdy for rubbing teammates the wrong way is different and can be resolved with the learning experience.
- Des August 3, 2012 at 12:13 pm
  
  Joey D. — I hope so too. It’s all up to Spin.
  
  “Lastings Darnell Milledge, who but a half-decade ago went from being the Mets star outfielder of the future to an arrogant kid with a ‘tude who strikes out too much, walks too little and who cannot quite handle that breaking pitch.”
  
  http://bleacherreport.com/articles/975025-lastings-milledge-from-mets-top-prospect-to-wash-up-in-japan

NL East Standings

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB
Braves	23	18	.561	-
Nationals	23	19	.548	0.5
Phillies	20	22	.476	3.5
Mets	16	23	.410	6.0
Marlins	11	31	.262	12.5

Last updated: 05/18/2013

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