Following backlash over recent comments made about the lack of meaningful baseball games at the Oakland Alameda Coliseum, Houston Astros outfielder Josh Reddick has now clarified his comments.
Reddick, who played for the Oakland Athletics from 2012-’16, recently spoke about Oakland’s recent success this season and what it’s like to see big games at the stadium.
“Playing some meaningful baseball in this ballpark doesn’t come around a whole lot,” Reddick said, via The Houston Chronicle. from a guy that’s been there before in the past. It’s a lot of fun when the fans do come out here.”
His comments infuriated Oakland’s fan base and led to fans at the stadium showering him with boo’s during Saturday’s game.
Following the game, which Oakland won to tie Houston for the A.L. West lead, Reddick took to Twitter to clarify his comments.
“What I said yesterday was taken out of context. I never meant that “meaningful” games were never played at Rickey Henderson Field,” Reddick said, via Twitter. “I played for 5 years in a great organization where I played in a lot of memorable games. 3 of those years were playoff teams and VERY meaningful games. So for my words to be taken the wrong way by so many people is heartbreaking. I would NEVER bash Oakland or the fan base regardless of who I play for. That being said, I’m happy for all those guys in that clubhouse. It’s good to see them winning and playing so well. But in the end, we will #NeverSettle. Go Astros.”
Redick was previously loved by Oakland’s fan base and was a major contributor for the team for several seasons.
It remains to be seen how Oakland’s fans will react to his latest statement, though an answer could come on Sunday when Houston concludes its four-game series in Oakland.
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