Braves top prospect Ronald Acuna is turning heads at spring training. He's also turning his hat.
Acuna is competing for an opening day starting outfield job.
According to a story on MLB.com, Acuna is learning the ropes from 10-time Braves Gold Glove winner Andruw Jones. Part of that lesson includes baseball decorum and keeping his hat on straight:
The Braves want Acuna to wear his hat straight and maintain a professional appearance while in uniform. But they do not want to change much about the fun-loving, flamboyant approach that has made him one of the game's most exciting young players.
"The main thing he needs to remember is keep your head straight and respect [your surroundings]," Jones said. "Be humble, but a humble-cocky."
As a result Acuna’s hat went from sitting slightly lifted above his locks to firmly down his forehead.
Credit: Curtis Compton
Credit: Curtis Compton
The suggestion has stirred up a debate in social media circles. Does it a titled cap change the perception of a player?
Snitker when Acuña walks in the locker room with his hat sideways pic.twitter.com/FIiBhV6B4u
— Cody (@bravescody) February 27, 2018
The Braves are apparently banning one of their players from tilting his hat, which is straight out of the Donald Sterling School of Racist Baseball Owners. https://t.co/kNTN4BQg2v
— Charlie (@notcharchar) February 27, 2018
I swear if I read any more about the #Braves or any other uptight autocrats losing their collective minds over the way Acuna wears his hat I'm going to lose it. HEY BRAVES!: Win games! UPTIGHT OLD PEOPLE: Take some Metamucil and pet your cat.
— Tim Williams (@timwilliamsart) February 27, 2018
never wearing my hat straight again to show my solidarity with Ronald Acuña
— enasti (@BravesOwner) February 27, 2018
2021: "Yeah Acuna just had a 8 WAR season but he wears his hat kinda crooked so we're thining about selling him off for prospects who can play the game the right way."
— Local BIogger (@fergoe) February 26, 2018
It would be a real shame if Ronald Acuna's youthful personality and slightly askew hat caused a bunch of kids to fall in love with baseball.
— Jason Foster (@ByJasonFoster) February 27, 2018
the organization that just lost 13 international prospects, a 2018 draft pick, & int’l signing ability wants Acuña to wear his hat straight
— enasti (@BravesOwner) February 27, 2018
It would be a real shame if Ronald Acuna's youthful personality and slightly askew hat caused a bunch of kids to fall in love with baseball.
— Jason Foster (@ByJasonFoster) February 27, 2018
Ronald Acuña should always wear his hat The Right Way™️ just like all the other Braves Hall of Famers before him did. pic.twitter.com/O79du5YShi
— Cody (@CodyRogers10) February 27, 2018
Given the proper context, this Acuña hat thing is really not a big deal. It's not a priority. I doubt he cares about it. The dress code is something expected of everyone and not a soul-crushing experience. Honestly, it should/will be long-forgotten by season's end.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) February 27, 2018
Wanting Ronald Acuña to keep his hat straight is such typical Atlanta Braves white ethnocentrism that I almost admire them for staying so hard on brand. https://t.co/7Dsq57dm5c
— Bhavin (@bhbavalia) February 27, 2018
People are keying on this Acuna article for the "keep your hat straight" thing, but more broadly, it's transparent that this is aimed at laying the groundwork for an excuse to keep him in the minors for service time issues to start the season. https://t.co/fRbuN5Y3w5
— Craig Calcaterra (@craigcalcaterra) February 27, 2018