Watch: Royals fans go crazy when Jazz Chisholm Jr. strikes out during Yankees vs. Royals showdown
New York Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. has become the latest pantomime villain in the long laundry list of Yankee players that fans across the league have chosen to jeer. The designation came on the back of comments made by the infielder about the Kansas City Royals winning by sheer "luck" in Game 2 of their American League Division Series.
As the series moved to Missouri, the Royals fans freely expressed their distaste for Chisholm. But in Game 4 of the ALDS clash between the Yankees and the Royals on Thursday, fans at Kauffman Stadium cheered as Chisholm struck out in the second inning.
At the time of writing, it seems that the Royals fans have the upper hand on the rivalry as Jazz Chisholm has yet to record a hit in Game 4 while being walked once and striking out in the aforementioned game.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. gives thoughts about the Royals
The New York Yankees lost in Game 2 of their American League Division Series clash at home against the Kansas City Royals, 4-2. After the game, third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. had some choice words for the opposing squad.
"We're gonna win it... We had a lot of missed opportunities tonight. (The Royals) just got lucky." - Jazz Chisholm Jr. in an interview via the YES Network.
The comment drew the ire of Royals fans that led to the boos and jeers every time Chisholm stepped up to bat. However, the Yankees' infielder remains unfazed about the situation—seemingly embracing his new villain persona.
In an interview with The Athletic, Chisholm stated that drawing the ire of the Royals faithful serves as fuel for his motivation to perform better on the field.
“I just feel like it gets my juices flowing. It gets me going. I’m hearing the loud noises and everything is going in my head. I ain’t never seen nobody boo a bum. You feel me?” Chisholm said.
Entering Game 4, the former All-Star was batting below the Mendoza line in the series against the Royals, with just two hits in 12 at-bats (.167). Only time will tell who will prevail in the rivalry between the infielder and the Kansas City fans.