Maybe if Josh Bard were a more notable player, playing on a more notable team, and in more important circumstances, this outburst would've received the type of recognition it deserves. It was brilliant. Truly magnificent. A site to behold. In fact, Gaslamp Ball has pictures for you to peruse. The outburst has resulted in a three game suspension which Bard will appeal. Bard was suspended for "aggressive actions, including making contact with umpire Ed Rapuano" at Pittsburgh.Yes, it was truly reminiscent of George Brett. And Bard has now learned the hard way -- no matter how upset you might be, you cannot make contact with an umpire. Good luck with that appeal there, buddy.
Bard hit an 11th-inning drive that appeared to reach the right-field seats for his second homer of the game. Bard took his home run trot and put his catching gear back on, only to have Joe West's umpiring crew reverse the call after Pirates manager Jim Tracy successfully argued the drive struck a thin metal railing above the right-field wall and did not leave the park.
The reversal changing it to a double caused Bard to race off the bench and start yelling at the umpires. Bard chased the umpires from second base to first. Padres manager Bud Black also was ejected for arguing.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-03-2007 @ 12:10AM
Bard said...
Yeah, it was a beautiful Snap...no doubt about it, but Bardo barely [inadvertently] brushed the Ump. He deserves the suspension but it'll probably be reduced to two games down from three.
Reply
6-03-2007 @ 11:55AM
Martin said...
There never seemed to be much of a problem calling home runs until this year. However this year, it seems like every week there is a blown call on a home run. During the game, there are a lot of tough calls to make, such as whether a 95 mph pitch is a ball or a strike or whether a runner was tagged on the leg prior to his hand touching the bag. But a home run should be an easy call and a missed call can really change the game. Either use re-play or set up the ballpark fence so that these issues don't come up.
Reply