Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. revealed he received death threats directed at his children after a challenging start against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday night.
A Tough Start and the Threats
Lance McCullers, who was making just his second start since Game 3 of the 2022 World Series, struggled against the Reds, allowing seven runs while securing just one out in the Astros’ 13-9 loss. After the game, McCullers shared that he had received disturbing threats on social media.
“I understand people are passionate about the game, but threatening to find my kids and murder them is a bit too much,” Lance McCullers explained. “There have been many threats aimed at me over the years, and some people have even been jailed for similar actions. But when kids are involved, it hits different.”
Houston Police and MLB Involved
The Astros organization, in response to the threats, confirmed that both the Houston Police Department and MLB security had been informed.
Lance McCullers and his wife Kara have two young daughters, and the pitcher emphasized the difficulty of managing threats while trying to perform at his best on the mound.
Support from Manager and Colleagues
Astros manager Joe Espada voiced his frustration about the threats during his postgame news conference, emphasizing that the threats not only targeted Lance McCullers’ life but also the lives of his children.
“There are people threatening his life and the life of his kids because of his performance,” said Espada. “It’s very sad and unfortunate that we’re dealing with this. After everything McCullers has done for this city and team, this is something no one should ever have to go through.”
McCullers’ Struggles and Passion for the Game
McCullers, who has faced multiple injuries in recent years, shared how challenging it is to balance the pressure of returning to form on the field while dealing with personal threats. He spoke about the emotional toll these threats have on him and his family.
“If you fail, you fail on a large stage with a lot of eyes watching, and there’s nowhere to hide,” McCullers said. “But at the end of the day, I just want to do my job. I want to be a good pitcher for the Astros. Having to deal with these threats only makes it harder.”
Conclusion
McCullers’ situation highlights the darker side of fandom, where passionate support can sometimes cross the line into unacceptable behavior. As McCullers continues to recover from injuries and strive for success on the mound, it is essential to remember the importance of decency and respect, especially when it comes to personal lives.
