Elegance, sophistication, and beauty. That’s what a peacock symbolizes. But a smiling and dancing one—that’s a mischief-maker. You might think, Why are we talking about a bird in a baseball article? That’s because a top MLB insider decided to drop the ultimate reference. He compared the Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. to a peacock. Yes, you read that right. 

But hold on—not just any peacock, a smiling, dancing peacock. You might now say, “But why?” The ongoing National League Division Series between the San Diego Padres and their rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been filled with dramatic moments over the three games played so far. Game 3 was no exception. 

Fernando Tatis Jr.’s tale of a peacock emoji and a dancing man emoji 

After the Padres’ victory in Game 3 on Tuesday, All-Star Fernando Tatis Jr. added yet another hot topic to the mix! After a controversial Game 2 at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, where Fernando Tatis Jr. had some lively exchanges with Dodgers fans in the stands, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal described him as a “smiling dancing peacock” in his column. Tatis Jr. had a playful response to Rosenthal’s “smiling dancing peacock” comment after his clutch two-run homer capped a crucial six-run second inning on Tuesday. He took to his Instagram story, posting a peacock emoji along with a dancing emoji, clearly poking fun at the insider’s remark. It’s all part of the fun and flair that Tatis brings to the game! 

With six runs in the second inning, Tatis Jr. stole the show with a majestic two-run home ball that helped the San Diego Padres hold on for an exciting 6-5 victory. The Padres grabbed a 2-1 lead in the tightly contested NL Division Series with this victory. With this win, the Padres will have eliminated the Dodgers from the NLDS for the second time in three years! Game 4 is set to take place at Petco Park on Wednesday night. When Robert Suarez struck out Gavin Lux on a full-count pitch to close the score with four outs, the fans applauded. There’s a tangible excitement—can the Padres complete the assignment with flying colors? 

A stern warning for fans from the Padres 

Did you hear about what happened in Game 2? At Dodger Stadium on Sunday night, there was a heightened level of tension and intensity in the fans as well as on the field. After overenthusiastic fans hurled baseballs toward San Diego left fielder Jurickson Profar and then poured debris onto the field, Game 2 was delayed for twelve minutes. When Profar made an amazing grab in the first inning, stealing a home run from Mookie Betts, by reaching into the seats behind the low left-field wall, commotion broke out. 

Just how heated this rivalry can get? Before the San Diego Padres take on the rival Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of their NL Division Series, they reminded everyone about their zero-tolerance rule for misbehavior. In an email to season ticket holders and social media posts, Erik Greupner, the president of the Padres club, expressed gratitude to fans for creating the best home-field advantage in baseball. 

He made it clear that any spectator who throws anything onto the field or makes rude, indecent, or abusive remarks would be asked to leave. With 56 of their 80 games selling out, the Padres established a club record this season by bringing an amazing 3,314,593 people to its downtown field. It’s evident that Petco Park is one of the best spots to be this season because of the Padres’ growing fan base!