Many people have labeled Chase Utley’s slide last night as “dirty.” In fact, one Dodger Blogger labeled it “100% dirty.” Not only do I think that is an unfortunate choice of words, but I think it is 100% wrong!
Why does a slide have to be “clean” or “dirty?” “Dirty” is when a player steps on another players hand with his spikes on purpose. “Dirty” is twisting a players ankle in a tackling pile in football or biting them on the arm or gouging they eyes (things that have all happened to my son who plays football). “Dirty” is intentionally trying to hit a player in the head.