A day after receiving a standing ovation from the Dodger Stadium crowd, Cody Bellinger gave those same fans a reason to boo him on Saturday.
Now with the Chicago Cubs, Bellinger robbed his replacement, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Jason Heyward, of a sure home run in the second inning. After his thievery, the Dodgers faithful lustily booed Bellinger, who responded with arms outstretched and an unapologetic grin.
While the booing of Bellinger was largely good-natured, it’s a stark contrast to the welcome he received on Friday. In his first game back in L.A. since signing with the Cubs during the offseason, Dodgers fans showed Bellinger their appreciation with an ovation that went on long enough to force a pitch clock violation.
Selected by the Dodgers in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft, Bellinger spent the first six seasons of his MLB career in Los Angeles. Over his time with the Dodgers, Bellinger was a two-time All-Star, 2017 National League Rookie of the Year and the NL MVP in 2019. However, after two down seasons in 2021 and 2022, the Dodgers let Bellinger walk in free agency last offseason.
In December, Bellinger signed a one-year, $17.5 million contract with an option for 2024 with the Cubs.
Even though Bellinger has moved on, he had nothing but good things to say about Dodgers fans.
“The fans here showed me nothing but love for seven years,” Bellinger said via Dodger Insider. “So I’m excited to go out and roam centerfield.”
Bellinger is off to a solid start with his new team. Ahead of Saturday’s action, Bellinger had recorded two home runs and nine RBI, slashing .239/.308/.413 through 12 games.
