In a thrilling series of events, the Cincinnati Reds swept the struggling New York Yankees in a three-game series at Yankee Stadium. But that’s not all; they also won an exciting “anthem standoff” before the game.
On Thursday, Reds pitchers Graham Ashcraft and Carson Spiers engaged in a unique tradition with the Yankees’ Ian Hamilton and Cody Poteet, seeing who could remain on the field the longest after the national anthem. This game of chicken has become a fun challenge among players, with a notable instance in 2023 leading to ejections and fines for both participants.
However, Thursday’s standoff took an unexpected turn. It lasted a full five minutes without any ejections or fines, ending only when Yankees manager Aaron Boone, a former Reds player himself, signaled for his players to return to the dugout as the game’s first pitch was about to be thrown.
Reds slugger Spencer Steer believes this moment set the tone for their victory. He praised Ashcraft for his role in the standoff, stating that it gave the team an edge even before the game began. Steer’s three-run homer in the fifth inning further solidified their lead, ultimately leading to an 8-4 win for Cincinnati.
A captivating moment as the Reds and Yankees face off in an “anthem standoff”
An intense moment during the anthem standoff, with players refusing to yield
Spiers shared a lighthearted moment from the standoff, explaining how he ended up hatless due to a fellow Reds pitcher borrowing his cap. Despite being a rookie, Spiers stayed in the game until the very end, with Ashcraft joining him in solidarity.
The Yankees’ pitchers, both on the injured list, eventually walked off at Boone’s gesture. Poteet described it as a “little competition within the game,” something he hadn’t experienced before. Ashcraft, a third-season veteran, was determined to win or get ejected, showcasing his playful yet competitive spirit.
Graham Ashcraft stands tall, embodying the spirit of friendly competition
This lighthearted yet intense moment showcases the fun and competitive nature of baseball. It’s these unexpected moments that make the sport so captivating, and the Reds certainly added a memorable chapter to baseball’s rich history.
