Puig surprises Little Leaguers at practice

Say what you will about his style of play.

He’s a showboat. He doesn’t respect the game. Taking it further, Arizona pitcher Ian Kennedy described Puig’s style of play as “arrogant,” and catcher Miguel Montero called some of the rookie’s actions on the field “stupid.”

Or…perhaps he’s just a big kid at heart.

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig would like you to believe it’s the latter of the choices, and he proved it just the other day.

Members of the Texas Rangers of the Northeast Los Angeles Little League program were getting ready for a late-afternoon practice when Puig stopped by unannounced at the fields at Elysian Park (next to Dodger Stadium) and asked if he could hang out.

What 8-year-old would say no?

Puig ended up running the entire practice, and then apparently spent 30 minutes signing autographs for everyone before taking the mound to pitch, while the kids took turns batting.

Thanks, Yasiel Puig, for reminding us that this is, after all, a game that we are playing.