Key Highlights
- Tanner Scott’s wife receives death threats directed at their newborn child.
- Maddie Scott reveals the disturbing messages on her Instagram.
- Multiple MLB players experienced similar threats during the 2025 season.
- The rise of sports betting is linked to an increase in such threats.
Baseball’s Dark Side: Threats and Betrayal
Tanner Scott, a one-time All-Star pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is no stranger to the spotlight. But his wife Maddie’s recent ordeal brings into sharp focus the dark underbelly of professional sports.
A Scary Revelation
Maddie Scott took to Instagram to share her horror story: “When did it stop being a game?” she wrote, echoing the frustration felt by many. She revealed that after Tanner’s recent outing against the Philadelphia Phillies, she received threatening messages directed at their newborn child.
Deadly Threats in the Baseball Community
The incident is not isolated to just one player or team. Ryan Gaydos, senior editor for Fox News Digital, notes a concerning trend: “Multiple MLB players experienced death threats during the 2025 season.” Seattle Mariners pitcher Tayler Saucedo and Boston Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks both shared harrowing stories of their own.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith attended Tanner’s post-game celebration, adding context: “It’s not just in MLB that it is happening. A lot of people need to log off completely.” This sentiment resonates with Maddie, who has spoken out against the anonymity and impunity granted to those who send such threats.
Rising Tide of Threats
The rise of sports betting appears to be a significant factor in this alarming trend. The New York Post reported that “the rise of sports betting has coincided with an increase in threats directed at MLB players.” This connection underscores the need for greater vigilance and protection within the league.
Expert Perspectives
“Dan Dakich, host of ‘Don’t @ Me With Dan Dakich’ on OutKick.com, argues that these bans will spark additional suspensions and that the WNBA needs to do more to protect players,” Gaydos adds. The calls for change are growing louder as incidents continue.
A Call to Action
As Maddie’s words echo through the social media sphere, it’s clear that this issue extends beyond individual players. It touches on the broader culture of sports and how we handle the pressures and expectations placed upon athletes and their families.
You might think this is new, but… It’s not.
It’s just more visible now. The MLB and other organizations must step up to address these threats before they become worse.
