Anderson believes Verlander, Perez are 'trying to take the fun out of baseball'

Despite upsetting opponents on different teams in a little over a week, Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson vows he won't change how he plays.

Anderson drew the ire of Justin Verlander for celebrating a single and following it up with a stolen base in a 5-0 game last weekend, something the Houston Astros right-hander deemed as "overaggressive" baserunning. On Saturday, Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez exchanged words with Anderson for celebrating a leadoff home run. Perez said Anderson "didn't even play in a f------ playoff game" and doesn't know about getting excited.

"They're trying to take the fun out of baseball," Anderson said, according to James Fegan of The Athletic. "This game is fun, and I went through too much last year to not have fun. I'm having fun this year. It's exciting and I'm going to continue to be me. I'm playing this game and being me, and that's fun."

Playing on a young and rebuilding club, Anderson says he's tasked himself with being a leader on the team and his excitement stems from trying to get his teammates motivated, and has nothing to do with trying to show up anyone on the field.

"I'm a leadoff guy, so my job is to get my teammates going," Anderson said. "If they celebrate a home run, I'm not bothered by it. I'm not stunting on the pitcher or the catcher or the whole team. I'm doing it for the boys. I get excited for my teammates. That's who I bring this energy for. That gets my teammates going. I led it off with a home run and I got excited."

The 24-year-old Anderson is in his third season in the majors and enjoying the most success he's ever had at his plate; through 26 games, he's hitting .267/.315/.436 with four home runs.

He won't stop celebrating any of his accomplishments on the field anytime soon, even if it ruffles some feathers.

"If we hit home runs, we’re going to keep celebrating and have fun," he said.

(Video courtesy: MLB.com)