Gamesmanship, fair play, sportsmanship or cheating.
All those words can be used when describing a messy scene between the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays.
Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk lost a piece of paper from his wristband during a play at the plate with Kevin Kiermaier.
That piece of paper was data info on how the Jays wanted to set up on the Rays’ hitters.
Kiermaier took the paper and when you see him get to the dugout, he slides it over to one of the coaches. The Jays send over a ball boy to get it back. The Rays refuse.
So that’s where this story becomes one of sports ethics. Were the Rays thieves? I was told growing up when you find something that isn’t yours, you turn it in or search for the actual true owner.
Or were the Jays at fault? If the information is so important on that sheet of paper, do a better job of protecting your precious info.
In the world of pro sports, where you find any chance to get an advantage on your opponent to win, I’ll side with the Rays on this one.