Ian Kinsler Homers In Return To Texas, Waves At Rangers’ Dugout

Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler made his return to Texas Tuesday night for the first time since being traded and promptly hit a home run, after which he waved to the Rangers’ dugout.

After the trade on November 20, Kinsler had some harsh words for the Texas organization, criticizing General Manager John Daniels and saying he hoped the Rangers go “0-162.” He was also quoted as calling Daniels “a sleazeball.”

Kinsler received mostly cheers with a smattering of boos when announced for his first at-bat. He drilled a 1-1 pitch from Colby Lewis into the left field seats. What he did next raised a few eyebrows.

He admired his shot for a moment, flipped his bat, and a few steps into his home run trot he looked in the Texas dugout and gave a little wave. While he ran the bases, Kinsler had a huge smile on his face until he crossed home plate.

There wasn’t much of a reaction from the Rangers and there was no retaliation later in the game as the Tigers won 8-2.

“It was nothing personal at all,” Kinsler said about the wave. “I was having a good time. It was my return home. To get lucky enough to square one up like that and have it go over the fence, it was a good feeling. I was just having fun.”

When asked about the wave, Lewis said “I love Kins, I’m just a little bit disappointed,” he said.

Lewis said something to Kinsler when he crossed behind the mound on his way back to the Tigers dugout after popping up in his second at-bat. Kinsler declined to say what was said, according to mlive.com.

“It’s between us,” he said.

Asked if the conversation with Lewis was in good nature, Kinsler replied, “On my side, yeah.”

“I was just having fun. I wasn’t thinking,” he said. “I was just enjoying the moment, and that’s what happened.”

After the game, Rangers manager Ron Washington was asked about the wave. “I have no comment on that,” he said. “I keep that between us.”

First year Detroit manager Brad Ausmus said “It was funny because it seemed like with every at-bat, he went from mixed boos and cheers to more boos deeper in the game.”

“I’m sure the Rangers fans appreciate what he did here,” Ausmus said. “He was an All-Star here and they went to the World Series, so they certainly have fond memories of Ian Kinsler here.”

As previously reported in The inquisitr, Kinsler spent the first eight years of his career in Texas before being traded for Prince Fielder.

[Image via Dallas News]