Cubs Broadcaster Clarifies Irked Reaction to Ronald Acuña’s 70th Stolen Base Celebration

Cubs broadcasters Jon “Boog” Sciambi and Jim Deshaies received some heat Wednesday night after they had a controversial reaction to the Braves’ decision to stop their game when Ronald Acuña Jr. made history by stealing his 70th base of the season.

Acuña took the base out of the ground in the 10th inning after becoming the first major leaguer to tally at least 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases in a single season, meaning the grounds crew had to come out and replace the base. Then, the Braves began showing a highlight reel of Acuña’s stolen bases this season. Sciambi and Deshaies seemingly criticized the Braves for the long pause.

Sciambi clarified the comment on Thursday’s episode of Foul Territory, noting that he’s normally the “take your shirt off on the field guy.”

“Last night, 5–5 in the 10th [inning], Game 158, yeah, I mean you probably could’ve waited to take the base after the game, and they probably could’ve waited to play the highlight montage until afterwards. That was my thought,” Sciambi said. “Like, do I care today? No. … I woke up this morning. I don’t give a crap.”

"They probably could have waited to take the base until after the game"

Boog Sciambi defends his thoughts on the Acuña Jr. celebration last night

▶️ https://t.co/fBISmpMusK pic.twitter.com/F9rc5c2lKo

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) September 28, 2023

The Braves went on to win, 6–5, right after the stoppage when Ozzie Albies hit a single to bring Acuña home with the winning run.

Although the Braves locked up the NL East title on Sept. 13, the Cubs are still scratching and clawing for a possible playoff berth. They enter Friday’s games tied with the Marlins for the final NL wild-card spot.