The rivalry between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres has long been one of geography, history, and imbalance. But for Fernando Tatis Jr., it’s also deeply personal.
The Padres’ star outfielder recently told The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Kevin Acee that he simply doesn’t enjoy playing at Dodger Stadium—despite some of the biggest moments of his career coming there.
“I just don’t like it,” Tatis said, laughing—though clearly not joking.
“Everybody knows Dodgers fans,” he added. “It’s part of the circus.”
Tatis Says Los Angeles Dodgers Fans Are A Part Of The Circus
The comments came in the wake of a tense four-game series at Chavez Ravine that saw Tatis hit by a 95-mph fastball for the third time in just nine days. The benches cleared after the incident, with Padres manager Mike Shildt and Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts getting into a heated exchange that culminated in a shove from Roberts. The moment encapsulated just how volatile this rivalry has become.
Tatis’ dislike stems not just from the repeated hit-by-pitches, but from the reception he receives in Los Angeles. On Tuesday night, many in the crowd cheered after he was drilled in the back—a moment that cemented his unease.
“That provides context for how bad it must be,” Acee wrote, “that Tatis Jr. said, ‘I just don’t like it.’”
The vitriol, however, cuts both ways. Tatis hasn’t been shy about playing the villain, famously blowing kisses to the Dodger Stadium crowd during the 2022 NLDS. And despite the animosity, he has performed well against L.A.’s elite pitching staff, slashing .264/.346/.514 with five home runs and seven RBIs.
Still under contract through 2034, Tatis will have to continue navigating the “circus” in Chavez Ravine. LA won’t see the San Diego again until August, but when they do, expect another emotional chapter in a rivalry that only continues to intensify.