Baseball is loved in America, and passions run deep in fans’ blood, but there’s a silver lining. And last night was a perfect example of how that passion can run over. The moment arrived Saturday night at Daikin Park, when the Houston Astros suffered a devastating 13-9 loss to the Cincinnati Reds, tainted not only by the scoreboard but also by the aftermath.
A death threat? Seriously?
Yes, you just read it right! Winning and losing are part of the game, but fans giving a death threat to a player and his family? That’s not fair! The team manager is furious. Yes, the Astros’ starter had a terrible game, giving up seven runs and getting just one out before being removed. And following that, fans went gaga, and they just crossed the line with the $85M star.
But the actual catastrophe took place off the field. Following the death threat. The Astros’ pitcher, Lance McCullers, and his family were targeted. Later in the post-game presentation, manager Joe Espada addressed this situation. Visibly upset, he voiced his anger and sadness at the threats directed at McCullers and his family.
“I just left my office, and it’s very unfortunate that Lance McCullers—that there are people who are threatening his life and the lives of his kids because of his performance. It’s very unfortunate that we have to deal with … After all he’s done for this city … … I’ve got kids, too. And it really drives me nuts that … Very sad. Very, very sad.“
Awful situation in Houston following the Reds 13-9 win:
Astros manager Joe Espada said there were disturbing threats were made against Lance McCullers Jr.’s family and life after his start tonight.pic.twitter.com/OSVGnQQfRZ
— Chatterbox Sports (@CBoxSports) May 11, 2025
But why all these threats? Well, it was his second start of the 2025 season, and his performance was terrible. Before being taken out of the game, McCullers could only record one out. In his short stint, he gave up three hits, seven earned runs, three walks, and one batter hit without a strikeout. Throwing 36 pitches and only 17 strikes, he caused a terrible opening inning for the Astros.
And that equally shook McCullers up, too. When asked, he replied, “I understand people are very passionate and people love the Astros and love sports. But threatening to find my kids and murder them is a little bit tough to deal with.”
McCullers and the Astros agreed on a 5 year, $85 million contract extension. Getting McCullers back on the mound has been far from simple. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018 and missed the 2019 season; a flexor tendon operation in June 2023 set him back again, making him miss the 2024 season. His comeback in 2025 was proof of his tenacity and love for the sport.
But death threats? We still can’t process that!
The Astros front office has informed MLB security and the Houston Police Department of the threats and is treating them seriously. This is not a sarcastic comment or a playful jab. It’s serious stuff. Yes, being passionate is okay, but death threats are way too far. Isn’t it?
More to follow…
The post Astros Manager Erupts In Rage After $85M Star Faces Death Threats and Vile Trolling Following Humiliating Loss to Reds appeared first on EssentiallySports.
