Sexson Should Have Been Suspended Longer
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.
