MLB suspended Mariner’s first baseman Richie Sexson six games for “violent or aggressive actions” after he charged the mound against Texas Rangers’ pitcher Kason Gabbard. The suspension should have been longer.
First, this pitch was nowhere near him. It was high, but it was also over the plate. Had he not moved his head, there was still a foot between his face and the ball. He had no legitimate gripe. His mound charge was a nuisance.
Second, he used his helmet as a weapon. It is one thing to charge the mound, but another to hurl a projectile at someone in the process. The helmet could have seriously injured him. It was a violation of etiquette and a serious injury threat. And, with his enormous size advantage (6′8″ 237 lbs), throwing the helmet was unmanly.
Richie Sexson had no reason to charge the mound. When he did, he did so in an ungentlemanly fashion which could have seriously injured Gabbard. He responded to a situation where no one was in danger by creating a situation where every player was in danger.
He was lucky to get a mere six games, and should have received more. Unfortunately, baseball cannot add to a penalty for frivolous appeal.
Any Boston Team: Since there has been a New England, it has been universally disliked. People have an active hatred for the education, the conceit and the image of the snobbish Boston Brahmin. There has been an upsurge of disquietude with Boston teams since they’ve been successful. The Red Sox have a large payroll. The Patriots have Bill Belichick and Spygate. But the hatred of Boston teams is time and success specific, not a general trait.
New York Yankees: This one requires no thought. Every casual fan not of Yankee ilk hates the Yankees. True baseball fans hate them even more passionately.
Los Angeles Lakers: People do despise the Lakers. They are successful. They are from Los Angeles. Kobe Bryant eludes likability for numerous reasons. But it is a passive rather than an active hatred. When thrust into their face, people root against them. But no one actively checks scores and cheers when the Lakers lose.
Ohio State Unviersity: Ohio State does not belong on this list, and this is coming from a Michigan fan. They aren’t the most hated school regionally, Notre Dame. Michigan are more maligned in the Big Ten (see the 1973 Big Ten Title Decision). Notre Dame football and Duke basketball are far more universally disliked.
Chelsea: Chelsea is an incongruous choice because they are English-based. English fans dislike the arrogance, the money, the knuckle dragging football and the baby Bentley sense of entitlement. But, I am not sure the hatred is really of the same magnitude as in American sports. Chelsea doesn’t have a major rival. The other successful clubs Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal also have their detractors. There are also clubs like Newcastle and Leeds that are often maligned. It just seems out of place.
Omissions: I mentioned two before, Duke Basketball and Notre Dame football. I would throw the Dallas Cowboys in there as well. My general critique is that there should be a tradition of hatred and it should transcend rivalry. Only the Yankees, the Cowboys, Duke and Notre Dame really fulfill that.
USA Baseball GM Bob Watson confirmed that he will not select Roger Clemens for the 2008 U.S. Olympic squad, according to Captain Obvious the Associated Press
Clemens’ agent Randy Hendricks stated that the Olympics were “something to consider” last November. A month before the Mitchell Report, the fatuous congressional hearing and the exposure of his extra-marital sex life.
The family man would have been eligible, as he is not on a 25-man major league roster.
