The New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers displayed intense competitiveness in their first game of the 2024 season. The tension escalated when Rhys Hoskins of the Brewers slid into second base, stretching his slide beyond the base.
Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil expressed his frustration by shouting at Hoskins. Both teams cleared their benches, although no physical altercations occurred.
This incident may foreshadow future matchups between the Mets and Brewers, as they are both considered postseason contenders.
Benches clear in the Mets-Brewers game after Jeff McNeil got upset at Rhys Hoskins’ slide into second pic.twitter.com/1BPBs9Wers
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 29, 2024
Interestingly, Hoskins and McNeil have a history of playing against each other in the NL East division, adding another layer of rivalry to their interactions.
In the game, Willy Adames of the Brewers hit a grounder, causing a collision between Hoskins and McNeil while attempting a double play.
Get his ass, Rhys! 😂😂😂#RingTheBell | #Phillies pic.twitter.com/l0gCUJygPK
— The Liberty Line (@LibertyLinePHL) March 29, 2024
McNeil was angry, and cameras captured a sarcastic face from Hoskins. The Mets challenged the play, but the umpires upheld the call.
It is noteworthy that Hoskins previously had a contentious relationship with the Mets while playing for the Philadelphia Phillies, as he hit a provocative home run against them in 2019.
? https://t.co/hKRqPd8mjn pic.twitter.com/GamxdPPla0
— IcyVert (@IcyVert) March 29, 2024
During the season opener between the Milwaukee Brewers and the New York Mets, tensions rose when Brewers’ first baseman, Rhys Hoskins, slid hard into Mets’ second baseman, Jeff McNeil, during a potential double-play ball.
Total Bush League slide from Rhys Hoskins pic.twitter.com/Q9CUFFQP1w
— Mets'd Up Podcast (@MetsdUp) March 29, 2024
The slide sparked an altercation as McNeil took offense to what he felt was a late and dangerous slide. Both benches cleared, but no serious incidents occurred. Despite being on a new team in a different division, Hoskins managed to get under the Mets’ skin once again.
I'm no lip-reader but I would venture to guess Rhys Hoskins called Jeff McNeil a crybaby here. pic.twitter.com/GQ3ZhVbZsf
— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) March 29, 2024
After the game, McNeil expressed his dislike for Hoskins’ slide and stated that he was not trying to turn a double play, but rather just catch the ball. Hoskins, on the other hand, believed McNeil overreacted and stated that he was simply trying to prevent a double play.
Although there was no violation of the slide rule upon review, the incident provided some comedic entertainment due to Hoskins’ theatrics.
The New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers had a heated moment during their game on Opening Day. In the top of the eighth inning, Rhys Hoskins of the Brewers slid into second base and collided with Mets player Jeff McNeil.
McNeil took exception to the slide, and the benches cleared as both players exchanged words. Despite the slide being technically legal, as Hoskins maintained contact with the base, McNeil was upset due to the late timing of the slide and the contact with his leg.
Fortunately, no injuries occurred as a result. Both players have had issues in the past, with tensions arising from previous encounters.
The Mets challenged the slide, but the call was upheld after a replay review. McNeil stated that he is not seeking retaliation in future games and wants to focus on playing good baseball and winning the series.
The Brewers went on to win the game 3-1, with the Mets only managing one hit. This altercation between Hoskins and the Mets seems unrelated to their previous history.
Despite wearing a Brewers uniform now, it seems that Hoskins still knows how to rile up the New York Mets.
Fans reacted as follows.
I mean this is kind of hilarious pic.twitter.com/1ObR5Z1Tht
— SkenesMuse (@PaulSkenesMuse) March 29, 2024
Mets being soft per usual. Accidents happen, you’re a professional.
— RicanLegend03 (@RicanLegend03) March 29, 2024
Rhys runs back to the dugout and then runs his mouth behind some old dude 🤣🤣🤣what a sissy move
— Chasing Hits Sportscards (@Elliott0924) March 29, 2024
Real dirty looking slide. He started his slide at the bag. You only do that if you intend to slide PAST the bag which is no longer a legal slide. That's how fielders have gotten season ending leg injuries.
Former Phillies players & current Phillies players will always be dirty.
— Craig Simpson (@CraigSi_Hi) March 29, 2024
its clean by rule…..but seems dirty cause we dont really see take out slides no more…..i blame the jumbo bases
— Magic Okaino (@notimpresed) March 29, 2024
Why are the Mets and their fans always so salty?
— john (@GxckoGFX) March 29, 2024
Except McNeil's cleats aren't deliberately up, trying to take out Atlanta's fielder. Biiiiiiig difference between this and what Hoskins did today. And as far as I recall, McNeil deadass STOPPED his slide once he knew what would happen if he kept going.
— Mulder (@Fox72074152) March 29, 2024
Absolutely incredible that this picture exists and these people are so butthurt over a completely normal play
— D3JV Sports (@D3jvsports) March 29, 2024
if you guys really can't figure out the difference between trying to break up a play, a common and accepted practice, and going cleat first into someone's leg, I am not sure you should be talking.
— Jason Jason (@JasonJason333) March 30, 2024
Yeah that guy is baby. Maybe play another position or jump to get out of the way. There was nothing wrong with that slide.
— David Nolewajka (@david_nolewajka) March 29, 2024
This is a sad look by McEwing . He had plenty of time to take care of the situation right then and there. He looks like a whiney baby.
— FUSE88 (@XXFUSE88XX) March 29, 2024
I think the slide was suspect considering the new rules. That said, McNeil overreacting and pretending like he hasn’t slid this way a hundred times was entertaining.
— Mike Young (@youngmichael3) March 29, 2024
I'm more interested if there's a retaliation on Sat or Sunday when Hoskins is at the plate.
— Tony 𝕏 (@tonyc920) March 29, 2024
I hope McNeil spikes him at first tomorrow. Not because he did anything wrong, but he didn't say anything until he got behind his boys. Didn't wanna end up like Tim Anderson.
— John Rocker (@bravesfan_69) March 29, 2024
McNeill is the most infamous redneck in the league now that Josh Donaldson has exited stage left. It’s actually comical to watch him in action. What a LOSER. 😂😂😎😎
— KenGriffeyJr HOF Player/Person (@CostaRicanSurf) March 30, 2024
Cyrt let me clear this up for you – those gestures are made by Hoskins’ hands, wrists and eyes. You were more so doing hand, wrist and eye reading than lip reading.
Hope this helps.
— Homer Nut Chourios (@BRUHewers) March 29, 2024
Why'd Rhys run away? Jeff eas standing right there but Rhys ran then started barking. Typical of him
— Smart Shaheen Holloway (@WillardSmart) March 29, 2024
This might have decided which jersey I get this year. Hoskins is leading the list after this game.
— Robomummy (@Dr_MechanOman) March 29, 2024
