‘Put That in Your Pipe’ – Dodgers’ Keke Hernandez Fires Back at Noah Lyles after World Championship Comments Spark Debate
When Noah Lyles took the stage at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, he not only captured gold in the 100m and 200m events but also ignited a controversy that spread far beyond the track. After winning, Lyles voiced his frustration about the title “World Champions” often being applied to U.S. sports league victors, particularly in basketball and baseball. For him, these leagues didn’t represent a global competition in the same way Olympic or World Championship events did. His remarks swiftly went viral, provoking responses from athletes across American sports leagues. One of the more colorful responses came recently from Los Angeles Dodgers’ outfielder Keke Hernandez, who playfully mocked Lyles with a phrase that has now taken on a life of its own: “Put that in your pipe.”
Lyles’ Comments and the Backlash
Lyles’ initial comments came after his final win in Budapest, and the track star didn’t hold back:
“I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have ‘world champion’ on their heads,” Lyles said. “World champion of what? The United States? Don’t get me wrong. I love the U.S. — at times — but that ain’t the world. We are the world. We have almost every country out here fighting, thriving, putting on their flag to show that they are represented. There ain’t no flags in the NBA.”
These remarks immediately struck a nerve with NBA players, including the likes of Kevin Durant and Draymond Green, who defended the league’s competition level and global influence. But the reaction didn’t stop with basketball players. MLB players also took notice, and Dodgers’ fan-favorite Keke Hernandez was one of the most vocal.
Hernandez’s Response: “Put That in Your Pipe”
In a post-game interview following a Dodgers win over the Colorado Rockies, Hernandez was asked if he had heard about Lyles’ comments and if he had any thoughts. With a sly smile, he responded: “Put that in your pipe and smoke it, Noah,” adding, “You think anyone from another country would be taking the title from us? You’re welcome to come try.”
Hernandez’s retort might have been delivered in jest, but it struck a chord with many MLB players and fans. Baseball, much like basketball, has a deep international reach, with stars from countries like Japan, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Cuba shaping the game. To Hernandez, the competition within MLB is enough of a proving ground that calling the World Series champions “World Champions” makes sense. His light-hearted jab at Lyles underscored how seriously American sports leagues take their titles—and how much pride these players have in competing at the highest level.
A Broader Debate: What Makes a “World Champion”?
While Lyles might have voiced his opinion in a moment of passion, his comments sparked a legitimate debate: what defines a “World Champion”? In track and field, as well as other Olympic sports, “world” competitions are open to athletes representing their respective countries, similar to the Olympics, and invite direct global competition. Athletes like Lyles believe that only such formats warrant the title of “world” champions.
On the other hand, U.S. sports leagues are known for drawing top talent from across the globe. MLB, for instance, has a considerable international presence, with foreign-born players making up a significant portion of rosters. For proponents like Hernandez, this influx of international players already places MLB in the category of world-level competition. From the perspective of NBA or MLB players, the talent pool in these leagues represents the best players from around the world, rendering the title of “World Champion” legitimate even if the teams themselves are based solely in the U.S.
Media and Fan Reactions
The Hernandez-Lyles exchange quickly made its way across social media, with many fans and commentators adding fuel to the fire. Some were quick to defend Hernandez, pointing to the international stars who have become icons in U.S. leagues, while others sided with Lyles, suggesting that leagues like the NBA and MLB should adopt terms more accurate to their regional competitions.
Sports journalists have also weighed in, with some suggesting that both Lyles and his critics have valid points. In a recent article, ESPN’s Tim Keown wrote, “Lyles raises a fair point that global representation is lacking in American leagues. But it’s also undeniable that leagues like the NBA and MLB are stacked with international talent, making them global showcases in all but name.” This sentiment was echoed by many fans who recognize the global influence of American sports leagues, even if they don’t technically involve teams from multiple countries.
What’s Next for Lyles and Hernandez?
While it remains unclear if Lyles will continue to comment on the topic, the debate has highlighted an interesting cultural divide between American sports and the broader international athletic community. For players like Hernandez, the suggestion that their achievements are less meaningful without a formal global stage might come off as dismissive. For Lyles, however, the conversation is less about specific players and more about the importance of a truly global platform in determining a champion.
Hernandez, for his part, seems to be enjoying the moment. After his post-game comments, he followed up on social media with a tongue-in-cheek post featuring him with his bat, captioned, “Ready for any challengers. Bring your best, world.”
It’s clear that Hernandez isn’t taking Lyles’ comments personally. Rather, he seems to appreciate the chance to highlight how much international talent makes up the Dodgers roster, as well as MLB as a whole. “We play with the best in the world every single game,” Hernandez said, “and if anyone thinks differently, they can come and see us on the field.”
The Larger Implications of the Debate
Beyond the banter between Lyles and Hernandez, the discussion brings attention to the ways sports titles are perceived differently depending on one’s perspective. For many American fans, the “World Champion” title is a badge of pride that reflects the dominance and international appeal of their leagues. For others, it might be a reminder of the insular nature of American sports leagues, where teams seldom face off against international competitors on their own fields.
While there may never be a clear answer to whether U.S. sports leagues should use the term “World Champion,” Lyles’ comments and Hernandez’s response have sparked a dialogue that resonates with fans and players alike. As globalization continues to influence sports, perhaps this conversation will lead to more opportunities for direct international competition, as seen in the Olympics or in the FIFA World Cup. Until then, American champions like Hernandez will continue to defend their titles with pride—on their terms, and with a bit of humor to boot.I
In the end, the “Put that in your pipe” saga serves as a reminder of the passion athletes have for their craft, and the pride they take in competing on their respective stages, whether local or global.