Sometimes, when a new baseball is put into play, the catcher will throw the ball to the pitcher. Sometimes, the umpire will throw the ball to the pitcher.
When Umpires Attack (With Their Words)
But it really should be the catcher’s choice, don’t you think?
Wednesday night in Anaheim, it wasn't. According to Russell Nathan Coltrane (Jeanson) Martin, he wanted to throw the new baseballs to the pitcher but plate umpire Laz Diaz ... wouldn't ... let him. After the jump, Martin's post-game quotes ...
“He told me I had to earn the privilege,” said Martin, a seven-year veteran, three-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner. “Even at the end of the game after I get hit in the neck. I’m like, can I throw the ball back now? He’s still like no. I’m like you’re such a (expletive). Like for real. Unbelievable. I even told him like when there’s guys on base, I like to keep my arm loose. No. I’m not letting you throw a ball back. That’s pretty strange to me.”
--snip--
Said Martin: “He’s not a bad guy. It’s just, I don’t know... There’s pride involved right there. I don’t know. It’s strange. It’s all right. We won the game. That’s all that matters to me.”
Martin said he and Diaz had no history of ill will before last night’s terse exchange. “No, not really,” he said. “But I know he can hold a grudge.”
This strikes me as inexcusable. I hope Major League Baseball agrees, and disciplines Diaz. Or gives him a good talking-to.
(source: Marc Carig in the Newark Star-Ledger)
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