Day 17
Ejection by Balking Bob was a favor
Los Angeles -- That's the first time I've ever been thrown out of a major league game (for arguing a strikeout call in the 13th inning). Bob (plate umpire Bob Davidson) did us a favor because it was Mike (Mordecai) that came in for me and got the big hit. Otherwise, we might still be playing.
I was upset at the strike call. He heard something from the dugout and threw me out. I said something, but he didn't hear. Well, I guess the way I have to look at it is Bob had to sit out there for two more hours and I didn't. I threw my helmet out on the field. It was brutal.
I hope Bob is proud he costs me $200. I'm such a troublesome player, but he always has to be the center of attention. It was like every time we were up at the plate he was playing the speed up rules. After I got thrown out I came into the clubhouse and saw Mike Bielecki throw the same exact three pitches as the one called on me and Bob called them balls. Players hate umpires that have to be the center of attention. He has nicknames all over the league ... Balking Bob, because he is the only umpire that calls one unless it is just very obvious.
The only other game I have been thrown out of was at Richmond. I slid into the plate and beat the throw in a big game and was rung up. I went berserk and was tossed.
This time I came into the clubhouse and we tried everything to try to change our luck. What finally worked was John Smoltz and Tom Glavine put their uniforms on and went back out to the bench. Also, (conditioning coach) Frank Fultz did jumping jacks for the entire inning which was around 20 minutes. I guess Franky was the big thing.
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