Dalton Rushing of the Los Angeles Dodgers is quickly becoming MLB's newest and most compelling "red ass"—and baseball fans can't get enough of it.
On a recent episode of the Effectively Wild podcast, host Ben Lindbergh and co-host Meg Rowley declared the rookie catcher/first baseman/designated hitter as the league's latest player to earn that fiery label. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, a "red ass" is "a tough, angry, intense player; a player who plays hard; a raging competitor who hates to lose." The Society for American Baseball Research adds that such a player is "high-strung, snaps easily, and breaks equipment." Rushing has certainly checked all those boxes in just a few short weeks.
It all started in mid-April. After a tough loss to the Colorado Rockies, Rushing—who was filling in for star catcher Will Smith—didn't hold back. "I think it's odd that some of those hitters that do what they do, they go up there and they're on the first pitch that was thrown," he said. "It's a little fishy, but I'll wear it."
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts quickly dismissed any notion of foul play. "I saw some bad breaking balls, so I don't think there was anything fishy behind it," he said. But the Rockies embraced the drama, adding a new celebration where players mimic reeling in a fish after every extra-base hit.
From Colorado, the Dodgers headed to San Francisco. In the sixth inning of the series opener, Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee tried to score from second on a single. The relay throw beat him, and Rushing applied a hard tag to end the inning. As Rushing walked toward the dugout, Lee stayed on the ground, apparently injured. The dugout camera caught Rushing's reaction when told Lee might be hurt: "F*@k 'em!"
Two days later, Giants pitcher Logan Webb appeared to seek retribution. He plunked Rushing in the ribs with a 93-mph fastball—though Webb, of course, insisted it was unintentional. Rushing and most observers had their doubts, but the moment only cemented his growing reputation as a player who plays without remorse.
In a sport that often prizes decorum, Rushing's raw intensity is a breath of fresh air. Whether you love him or hate him, one thing is clear: this rookie isn't backing down from anyone. And for Dodgers fans—and baseball fans who appreciate a little edge—that's exactly the kind of fire that makes the game great.