Bryce Harper (31, Philadelphia Phillies), a two-time National League MVP award winner, was furious. He could not hold back his anger at the provocation of Colorado Rockies pitcher Jake Byrd (28).
The match between Philadelphia and Colorado was held on the 15th (Korean time) at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, USA. Colorado pitcher Byrd, who finished the inning in the top of the 7th inning, engaged in a war of nerves while looking at the third base dugout of Philadelphia. He acted mockingly, clapping while banging on his gloves.
Harper jumped out of the dugout excitedly and ran screaming at Bird. Players from both teams rushed out and the bench cleared. Opponent catcher Elias Diaz and Philadelphia players and coaches had a hard time trying to stop the angry Harper with all his body.
After the situation calmed down, referee Ryan Wills Simpa dismissed both Harper and Bird. On this day, Harper retired with no hits in three at-bats and two strikeouts, and the game ended with Colorado’s 4-0 victory.
According to ‘MLB.com’, Harper said after the game, “Emotions came up. I felt very bad, and I just did what I had to do. That was the heat of the moment. I am grateful to my colleagues who jumped out with me,” he said.
[Photo] Jake Bird clapping while looking at the Philadelphia dugout ⓒGettyimages (unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)
Byrd, on the other hand, clarified that the call was not directed at anyone in particular. “There is nothing personal,” he said. He was only a little excited as he finished the inning. Sometimes emotions rise on the mound. Philadelphia is a good team, and it’s because they block important moments well.”안전놀이터
Philadelphia coach Rob Thompson said, “I don’t want to see a star player get ejected, but Harper is out to protect our teammates. Our players fight for each other. I am proud of Harper who fought for his teammates.”
Among fans, what Harper said during the bench clearing is becoming a hot topic. Through a relay video, Harper said to the Colorado players, “You guys are a loser organization. A voice shouted, “One person, one person, everyone.” Although they won the game that day, they failed to advance to the postseason for the past four years in a row, and this year too, it was a painful word for Colorado, which finished in fifth place in the National League West with a record of 17 wins and 24 losses.