The first time took place on May 26, when Jarrod Saltalamacchia blasted a game-winning home run against the Rays. Then, on Thursday, Cody Ross rose to the occasion, clubbing a three-run bomb to topple the White Sox.
In each scenario, players swarmed the hero at home plate and mobbed him. Red Sox infielder Nick Punto adds to the madness by shredding the uniforms off the man of the hour — thus living up to his nickname, "The Shredder."
But there are injuries that occur as a result of the celebrations. Two years ago, Angels first baseman Kendrys Morales suffered a fractured leg when he stomped on home plate –– in the mob –– after unloading a walk-off long ball against the Mariners.
Despite launching his helmet and jumping into the horde, Ross is cognizant of the risks.
"Of course somebody could [get injured], but everybody's so excited," Ross said. "You’re trying not to step on anybody’s feet when you're jumping up and down. It’s a little more cautious nowadays."
Boston's Alfredo Aceves also escalated Thursday's celebration by tossing blue Gatorade over the players congregated at home plate. But Boston manager Bobby Valentine downplayed the potential of injury.
"You're always concerned, but that doesn't mean that I don’t want to see it happen again," Valentine said. "The more practice you have in those celebrations, the better you get at it. I believe in practice."
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