Follow up: The kid got a ball autographed by Freddie Freeman, was invited to a June game for his birthday, and the guy that interfered? He got to return to his seat. http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/...s-security-takes-ball-young-fan-gets-one-back
What a load of bullshit. First of all, motherfuckers, quit using the phrase "overzealous" about the security guard. He did EXACTLY what he's been told to do. And, had he not done that, he'd have been reprimanded. Instead of "overzealous" (have seen that elsewhere, too), how about "competent, well-trained." If you want to criticize or discuss the policy or get the rule changed, so bit. But, he did his job. Second of all, he requested the ball, but he actually took it from the mother, not the kid. Third of all, one of the reasons it took awhile - which they don't include in that video - is that when the security guard had to leave his post, because the jackass interfered, the wall gate stayed open. So, the guard had to ensure the gate was closed so play could continue. He kept going back and forth, because he knew he had to escort the shit head out, but he also needed to return to his own seat to close the gate. Whatever. Let's make sure we reward the turds who break the rules, so no one else will think twice about messing with live balls.
I got to watch Robbie Ray of the D-Backs pitch again last night. I've been a fan of his since the D'Backs picked him up and he finally appears to have put it together. This was his second consecutive start of 7 innings, 2 hits, 0 runs. You may not realize it, but last year the only NL pitchers to K more then Ray were Scherzar, Fernandez, and Bumgarner. That's pretty select company. His 11.25 K per 9 IP was second only to Fernandez's 12.48. Anyways, he's made some adjustments...mainly working quicker and not over thinking everything...and it seems to be working. His pace is one of the fastest I've seen in a while. Get the ball, get the sign, set, pitch, repeat. It's refreshing watching a fast worker. Catch one of his games if you get a chance, he's probably the best 18W- 34L pitcher on the planet.
Here's on oddity from '74/'75 you may never have heard of: Spoiler That is Herb Washington. Notice his position....Pinch Run. He was a world class sprinter and A's owner Charlie O Finley thought he would be a wonderful addition to the team. He never batted, he never fielded, he never pitched. He sat on the bench taking up a valuable roster spot so he could occasionally go run for some one. I was 11 years old at the time and even I realized that was bat shit insanity.
Herb Washington also has a World Series ring from the Athletics five game victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1974.
Who, Strickland? Strickland is a dick. I've got no love for Bryce Harper, but Strickland beaned simply because he doesn't like him. That's bush league. (You notice Buster Posey didn't even TRY to hold Harper back.)
Strickland is a prick, and I wish Harper's helmet hit him in the fucking face. They're talking about giving Harper a longer suspension. Fuck. That.
Ray just threw a 4 hit CG shutout with 10K & 0 BB. He's thrown 24+ consecutive IP without allowing a run.
Agreed that Strickland should get more, but it's really not considering Strickland is missing(at the most) 2-4 innings and Harper is missing anywhere between 12-20 PAs(in addition to his defense on the outfield for 36 innings). Suspensions to douchebag pitchers pretty much always don't take into account that they don't play every day. And thus provide absolutely no incentive for them to stop said douchebaggery.
Then level the playing field. Let them charge the mound WITH the bat if they get beaned because "muh feels". Two and a half. Two anda half FUCKING years ago where this sand-in-vag assault blossomed, and you won the goddamn World Series to boot. Cry harder, you mouth-breathing ape. I hope you get Billy Wagnered.
Harper's suspension reduced to 3 games. That seems about right considering Strickland started the shit.
They're pussies for firing him. Fuck families, fuck children and fuck fake outrage. For once he represented NYC in true, honest fashion.
I don't know about you guys, but I always keep my phone held low, ready to video, just in case this sort of thing happens. I feel certain Mr. Met wasn't baited into this at all, and he also kicks puppies when no one is looking. I worked as a mascot escort during the 2000 All-star game. Being in that costume sucks - you can't see well, kids are always pulling and poking you, and it's hot as balls. Most of those guys (and gals) were former cheerleaders or gymnasts in college, and they don't get paid enough to take a lot of shit. Most of them are also hilarious. After a session in the fan plaza, I rode down the elevator with Lou Seal (San Fran), Baxter (at the time, Arizona Diamondbacks) and Fred Bird (St. Louis). It was those three, and the three escorts and the elevator operator. 99% of the time, none of them broke character and didn't say a word. The doors close, and the dude wearing Lou (who was shorter than the other two) starts into this profanity-laced tirade about some kid doing something to him, how the Braves had a shitty organization, and just on and on - Mother Eff this, GD that. It was hilariously surreal to watch Fred Bird not say a word, and look back and forth at Lou, to me, to Lou. So funny.