Fernando Tatis Jr., the electric and often outspoken star of the San Diego Padres, stirred up a fresh round of MLB drama by publicly calling out Dodgers fans and admitting he doesn’t enjoy playing at Dodger Stadium. His comments came after a recent intense series between the Padres and the Dodgers, reigniting the already fiery rivalry between the two NL West teams.
During a post-game media interaction, Tatis was asked about the atmosphere at Dodger Stadium. His response was clear and surprisingly blunt: “I just don’t like playing here. The fans don’t feel welcoming, and it’s always a lot of noise—not in a good way.” While Tatis has had his share of big moments in Los Angeles, he admitted that something about playing at Dodger Stadium doesn’t sit well with him.
The Padres-Dodgers rivalry has grown stronger in recent years. Both teams are stacked with star players and big expectations. Every matchup feels like a playoff game, especially when played under the lights at Dodger Stadium. But for Tatis, it seems that intensity has crossed into discomfort. “You feel the energy, but it’s not the kind that fuels you,” he said. “It just feels personal sometimes.”
Tatis, who has been one of the league’s most exciting players since his debut, has had mixed performances in LA. He’s been cheered by Padres fans and loudly booed by Dodgers supporters. His flair, passion, and bat flips have made him a favorite for many baseball lovers—but not necessarily in Los Angeles. For Dodgers fans, Tatis has long been a villain, especially after some of his home run celebrations during past games.
On social media, reactions to his comments were quick and divided. Padres fans backed their star, praising his honesty and fiery personality. “He speaks his mind and doesn’t pretend. That’s why we love him,” one fan posted. On the other hand, many Dodgers fans responded with frustration and mockery, calling his comments “soft” and saying he should learn to handle the pressure better.
MLB analysts also weighed in, with some defending Tatis for being real about how he feels. Others noted that as a star player, he will always get extra heat in big rival stadiums and needs to channel that pressure into performance. “It’s part of being the face of a franchise,” one analyst said. “You’re not going to be loved everywhere, especially not in the home of your rivals.”
This isn’t the first time Tatis has sparked headlines with his bold opinions. Known for wearing his emotions on his sleeve, he’s made it clear in the past that he values being himself—no matter how others may react. But these latest comments may fuel even more intensity in future Padres-Dodgers games.
When asked if his dislike of Dodger Stadium affects his play, Tatis responded confidently: “I always show up ready to play. Doesn’t matter if I like the stadium or not. I’m here to win.” That mentality may not change how he feels about the fans, but it shows he’s not letting it stop him from competing.
As the MLB season heats up and the playoff race tightens, every Padres-Dodgers game is likely to carry more weight—not just in the standings, but emotionally. With Tatis’s comments now out in the open, the next time he steps up to the plate in LA, all eyes will be on the crowd’s reaction—and on how he responds.
