The San Diego Padres’ showdown with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Division Series has been filled with drama, flair, and big plays. And who’s right in the middle of it all? None other than Fernando Tatis Jr., whom The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal recently dubbed a “smiling dancing peacock.” This unexpected comparison came after Tatis, with his usual flair, delighted fans and irked opponents alike with his spirited presence on the field.
In Game 3 on Tuesday, Tatis added fuel to the rivalry with a crucial two-run homer, part of a six-run second inning that ultimately led to a thrilling 6-5 victory for the Padres. Embracing the “peacock” label, Tatis posted a playful peacock and dancing emoji on Instagram, adding humor and charm to the fierce postseason rivalry. Tatis’ performance has helped push the Padres to a 2-1 lead, giving them the chance to eliminate the Dodgers from the NLDS for the second time in three years.
This heated series saw tensions boil over back in Game 2 at Dodger Stadium, where fans threw baseballs and debris onto the field, causing a 12-minute delay after Jurickson Profar robbed Mookie Betts of a home run. The Padres quickly reminded fans about their zero-tolerance policy for misbehavior. Padres President Erik Greupner even sent a message to season ticket holders, emphasizing that any fan causing disruptions would be removed from Petco Park. With 56 sellouts and over 3.3 million fans this season, Petco Park has become a powerhouse of support for the Padres.
Now, as they prepare for Game 4, Tatis and the Padres have a chance to end the Dodgers’ season. So, is Tatis MLB’s most entertaining player, or simply a showman with flair? Regardless, he’s certainly keeping fans—and his opponents—on their toes.
