Australian Player Criticized for Refusing Handshake at World Baseball Classic

Catcher Robbie Perkins' viral moment sparks debate about sportsmanship at international tournament.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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An Australian baseball player is facing backlash on social media after a video went viral showing him refusing to shake hands with an opponent from Czechia following a World Baseball Classic game. Catcher Robbie Perkins apologized and told the other player "I don't shake hands," sparking criticism from fans who saw it as poor sportsmanship. Perkins later explained it was just a "competitive thing" and not personal, but the incident has become a talking point around the tournament.

Why it matters

Sportsmanship and respectful conduct between opponents is an important part of international competition. Perkins' refusal to shake hands, even if not intended maliciously, goes against the spirit of the World Baseball Classic and could negatively impact perceptions of the Australian team.

The details

In a World Baseball Classic Group C game in Tokyo, Australia defeated Czechia 5-3. After the game, a Czechia player approached Aussie catcher Robbie Perkins to shake hands, but Perkins declined, saying "I don't shake hands." The moment was captured on video and quickly went viral, with many fans criticizing Perkins for poor sportsmanship. Perkins later explained to a reporter that it was just a "competitive thing" and not personal, but the damage to his reputation had already been done.

  • The incident occurred on Friday, March 6, 2026 following Australia's 5-3 win over Czechia in the World Baseball Classic in Tokyo, Japan.

The players

Robbie Perkins

The Australian catcher who refused to shake hands with a Czechia player after their World Baseball Classic game.

Czechia Player

The unidentified Czechia player who approached Robbie Perkins to shake hands after the game, but was denied.

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What they’re saying

“Talked to Aussie catcher Robbie Perkins about this. He said it's just a competitive thing, and nothing personal. If he sees the Czech team at the hotel he'll check in. 'There's absolutely no malice.'”

— Sam Blum, Reporter, The Athletic (The Athletic)

What’s next

The World Baseball Classic organizers may review the incident and determine if any disciplinary action is warranted against Perkins for his refusal to shake hands.

The takeaway

While Perkins claimed his actions were not malicious, the viral video of him denying a handshake has sparked a wider debate about sportsmanship and respectful conduct at international sporting events. This incident serves as a reminder that even small gestures can have a big impact, and athletes must be mindful of how their behavior is perceived by fans and the public.