Fernando Tatis Jr., a player who has attracted significant attention since his MLB debut in 2019, recently addressed his difficult relationship with Dodger Stadium. Known both for his rising stardom and a suspension related to performance-enhancing drugs in 2022, Tatis expressed clear discomfort with the venue during a recent four-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This tension stems partly from hostile fan reactions, including two occasions where Tatis was hit by pitches during the series at Dodger Stadium.
When asked about the crowd’s reaction at Dodger Stadium after being hit by a fastball to his back, Tatis responded with notable frustration. Dennis Lin of The Athletic reported Tatis’ remarks, highlighting his candid dislike for the stadium and its fans:
“Everybody knows Dodgers fans. It’s part of the circus.” —Fernando Tatis Jr.
“I just don’t like it.” —Fernando Tatis Jr.
“I don’t like it at all.” —Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tatis’ Performance and Experience at Dodger Stadium
Despite his apparent aversion to Dodger Stadium, Tatis Jr. has posted impressive statistics there. Over 38 career regular-season games at this venue, he has maintained a batting average near .297, an on-base percentage of .363, and a slugging percentage of .579. His tally includes five doubles, 12 home runs, and 23 runs batted in—figures that reveal a strong performance even in a stadium he openly dislikes.
His 12 home runs at Dodger Stadium mark his second-highest total at any ballpark, trailing only his 71 homers at Petco Park and slightly surpassing the 10 he has hit at Oracle Park. Among his memorable hits at Dodger Stadium is a home run that cleared the stadium entirely, adding to the lore connected to this ballpark, where his father famously hit two grand slams in one inning—a rare MLB feat yet to be matched.
The High Number of Pitch Hits Reflects Ongoing Rivalry
The rivalry between the Padres and Dodgers has been intense, with Dodgers pitchers hitting Tatis Jr. six times in his career, the most from any team he faces. However, this is not the highest number of times any player has been hit during this rivalry. Dodgers catcher Will Smith has been hit 11 times by Padres pitchers, while first baseman Max Muncy has been hit nine times in their head-to-head matchups. Mookie Betts and Tatis Jr. are tied with six times each, underscoring the frequent pitching confrontations that mark these meetings.
Tatis’ Complex Relationship With Dodger Fans and What It Means
During the 2024 National League Division Series, Tatis described his engagement with Dodger fans as “wild,” reflecting the broader conflict that defines the Padres-Dodgers rivalry. Although he has achieved considerable success hitting at Dodger Stadium, his verbal rejection of the venue highlights a deeper emotional and competitive tension inherent in these matchups. This discord is both a reflection of his individual experiences and an emblem of the ongoing battle between the two teams.
As the Padres and Dodgers continue their fierce rivalry, the dynamics at Dodger Stadium will remain a focal point for both players and fans. Tatis’ frank comments and continued on-field performance signal that this rivalry will stay heated, potentially influencing future encounters between these National League foes and the passionate fan bases supporting them.