October 14, 2015, was just a normal day for most people, but for Toronto Blue Jays fans and baseball fans, that was the day of Jose Bautista’s famous bat flip. Fast forward two and a half years later and Bautista’s vicious bat flip is still being talked about and debated across baseball.

We’ve heard players defend both sides of the argument. There are players like Bryce Harper who are all for bat flips and celebrations, and then there are veteran guys like Brian McCann who don’t think there’s a spot for that stuff in baseball.  

However, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta has an interesting take on bat flips and sees the debate from both sides. Here’s what the Cubs pitcher had to say when he joined David Kaplan and Jesse Rogers on ESPN 1000. 

 

“Some of that might have to do with the situation, the magnitude of the game and who was doing the bat flipping. If it’s a young guy, he might not have earned that right yet. Somebody might wear the next one in the ribs.

 

“But if it’s a guy like Bautista, then you got to tip your cap. Certain guys have earned the right to do that. It’s something that I think the fans enjoy. It just shows some enthusiasm. In big spots like that, there’s so much on the line and sometimes it’s nice to see guys lay loose and let that excitement really show.

 

“One thing that can be negative is when you see kids in Little League doing it. Obviously, they all look up to us and we’re their idols, role models. I think there’s a fine line, but it really doesn’t bother me that much either.”

Basically, Arrieta thinks guys should earn the right to bat flip after a big home run. However, despite thinking that it’s alright for veteran players, he wants the young players to know that if they attempt to bat flip on him or his teammates then they can expect one of their next pitches to the ribcage. It’s pretty ironic how some pitchers find bat flipping to be so offensive, but don’t see an issue with throwing at a player’s ribs.

Do you think players need to earn the right to bat flip or should they be allowed to celebrate however they want?
 

(H/T For The Win)