St. Louis Cardinals celebrate Donald Trump-inspired home run

The St. Louis Cardinals just threw an interesting celebration.

In the second inning of Sunday afternoon’s game against the Atlanta Braves, designated hitter Alec Burleson hit a solo home run off starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach. As Burleson scampered around the bases, the Bally Sports broadcast showed the Cardinals dugout and several players holding their right ears and raising their left fists.

Burleson looked in their direction, smiled and made the same motion as he rounded third base.

Whether intentional or not, the gesture bears an uncanny resemblance to one made by former U.S. President Donald Trump after his assassination attempt on July 13. Trump was shot in the right ear by a sniper at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and it didn’t take long for a photo of him raising his fist as he was escorted off stage to go viral.

Burleson’s home run and subsequent celebration came just 30 minutes after U.S. President Joe Biden announced he would not seek reelection later this year. Trump, meanwhile, just accepted his nomination to the Republican National Committee on Thursday.

The Cardinals then beat the Braves 6-2, clinching the series victory over their National League opponents. Burleson finished the day going 2-for-5 with two RBIs and a run.

Burleson, a 25-year-old from North Carolina, was a top-five prospect in St. Louis’ farm system heading into 2023. After a mediocre rookie campaign last year, the outfielder is now hitting .294 with 18 homers, 59 RBIs, seven stolen bases, an .824 OPS and a 1.4 WAR in 2024.

The Cardinals are now 52-47 this season, putting them in contention for a National League wild card spot.

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