A boxing-like brawl broke out during a Major League Baseball (MLB) game.
Cleveland Indians star player Jose Ramirez, 30, and Chicago White Sox infielder Tim Anderson, 30, threw punches at each other during the 2023 MLB game at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 6.
The incident occurred in the bottom of the sixth inning during Cleveland’s offense.
Ramirez hit a double down the right-field line with two outs and the bases loaded.
He sprinted to second base and made a head-first slide.
Ramirez then slid between the legs of shortstop Anderson, who was waiting at second base.
As Ramirez got to his feet, he pointed a finger at Anderson to show his displeasure, and Anderson responded with some harsh words.
The two players couldn’t contain their excitement. Ramirez pushed the referee back and assumed a boxing stance with his arms protecting his face.
Anderson was the first to land a punch to Ramirez’s face with his right arm. Ramirez responded with a punch and they exchanged punches in earnest.
Coaches and players from both teams poured onto the ground and engaged in bench-clearing, with some excited players and coaches getting into a scuffle with members of the opposing team.
The bench-clearing continued for some time, delaying the game for about 15 minutes.
The umpires ejected the two players, White Sox manager Pedro Griffol, and Cleveland manager Terry Francona.
Also ejected were Cleveland coach Mike Sabo and Cleveland bullpen pitcher Emanuel Clouseau.
There were also injuries. White Sox outfielder Eloy Jimenez injured his left leg in a running play.
After the game, both teams blamed the other for the incident.
“I don’t know exactly why the two players fought, but I was told that Anderson had an inappropriate response to the umpire about the behavior of (rookie Gabriel) Arias,” said Cleveland manager Francona.
Ramirez says he complained to Anderson about the behavior, which led to a verbal and physical altercation.
“He asked for a fight, and I had to defend myself,” Ramirez said.
Anderson was unavailable for comment after the game. However, White Sox manager Griffol said that “a lot of players were upset” and that he would “make sure the MLB office gets the facts straight.”
Regardless of who was responsible, members of both teams are likely to be disciplined.
“It was a very disorderly situation,” MLB.com reported, “and the MLB office will be disciplining the bench-clearing parties.”
The White Sox won 7-4 to snap a five-game losing streak. 토토사이트
