Fernando Tatis Jr. reacts to Joc Pederson trolling him with stutter step move at third base

Fernando Tatis Jr. was asked about Joc Pederson doing the stutter-step after his homer off Yu Darvish, and had a classic response. 

Fernando Tatis Jr. is not changing. He is going to continue to swing at 3-0 pitches and try to hit them into the San Diego night. Tatis Jr. understands he is never going to have universal approval for playing the game the way he does.

“I mean it’s the world,” Tatis Jr. said. “I feel like some people are going to like it, some people are not going to like it. I’m one of those players that really tries to enjoy the game, have fun, have a good time with my teammates. When we are doing good, we’re going to have a blast cause this game is really hard on us. So why not celebrate when we go good?”

The same goes for the opposition. You can accuse Tatis Jr. of being a showboat, but don’t accuse him of being a hypocrite.

Case in point, Chicago Cubs OF Joc Pederson hit a home run off Yu Darvish and enjoyed himself rounding the bases. Pederson mimicked the Tatis Jr. stutter step coming around third base. If you thought that bothered Tatis Jr., think again.

“He probably needs a little more practice (doing the stutter step), Tatis joked. “I don’t have a problem with that. What can I say? He is just having fun.”

Pederson knew he could have some fun since he and Tatis Jr. had built somewhat of a friendly competitive relationship when Pederson was playing for the Dodgers the past two years. Tatis Jr. enjoyed getting to know his former Dodger now Cub counterpart.

“He’s a guy that you can say hi to and have a little bit of fun with between the games,” Tatis Jr. said. “If he gets to second base we can talk a little bit, very professional. He’s a great guy to play against.”

Perhaps the Padres and Cubs will see each other again in the playoffs. The Cubs had their way with San Diego in the regular season winning five of six.

Fernando Tatis Jr. spoke to FanSided on behalf of Gatorade and Gatorlyte.