It’s not everyday that you see a player get ejected for arguing balls and strikes from centerfield. But that’s exactly what happened on Sunday when Phillies’ outfielder Shane Victorino was tossed during a loss to the Marlins.
Here’s the umpire’s explanation for ejecting Victorino from the Philadelphia Inquirer:
“The third pitch was called a ball and he was out there waving his arms like this,” said Rapuano, imitating Victorino. “So I stepped out, took my mask off, looked out there and gestured. Again, he went [waving his arms] and I said that’s it. You can’t do that from center field. I gave him the chance to not do it again.”
Wow – great explanation. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a player being ejected for raising his arms in frustration over an umpire’s (brutal) ball and strike calls.
Umpires feel way too empowered these days.
