Tim Anderson, The King of Swag, Comes Off Suspension Smokin’ With Three Hits

Anderson made his return to the lineup Sunday against the Tigers and was 3-for-5 in Chicago’s 10-1 win over Detroit. His return to the lineup came after being suspended for the first two games of the season due to an incident that happened last season back in September, also against Detroit. 

During last season, a scuffle happened on the field between the White Sox and Tigers, where Anderson made contact with an umpire. Anderson was originally handed down a three-game suspension by the league, but after an appeal, his suspension got reduced to two games. Anderson said that he received a $10,000 fine from the league for the incident as well.

Anderson’s appearance is much needed for the White Sox, as their typical leadoff hitter, not only brings his vital energy, but his incredible ability at the plate. Last season, Anderson had a batting average of .309, with 17 home runs, and 61 RBI, earning him a 2021 All-Star appearance. 

Not only is Anderson’s presence needed as a whole, but he has been known to do very well against Detroit. Over his career, Anderson has had a .350 batting average against Detroit, with 13 home runs, 55 RBI, along with an OBP of .389, and a slugging percentage of .514.

After a decent start to his career when he was called up back in 2016, Anderson really took that next step to elite company back in 2019, as had a .335 batting average, which earned him the AL batting title. In the shortened 2020 year, Anderson was able to earn the Silver Slugger Award. 

Anderson has been known for being a somewhat controversial player, as back in 2019, after Anderson hit a home run against pitcher Brad Keller and the Royals, Anderson had a very noticeable bat flip, in which Keller ended up intentionally hitting Anderson on his next at bat. The result of this incident earned Keller a five-game suspension.

The bat flip was also a very controversial subject throughout the league, as many people and shows were debating on whether or not what Anderson did was breaking tradition, and unwritten rules. On one side, people were saying that Anderson was showboating, and that that style does not belong in the MLB.

On the other hand, people were saying that all Anderson was doing was having a good time, and that it is good for baseball when the players are making the game more fun and exciting. MLB has seemingly sided with Anderson on this matter, as they created and embraced the campaign “Let The Kids Play,” trying to appeal to a younger audience by promoting a more fun style of overall play, which is exactly what Anderson does.

Anderson is one of MLB’s top shortstops and one of the league’s most exciting players. One thing that you can count on for certain, whether you like it or not, Anderson will always make his presence felt.