Update:
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels has been fined and suspended five games for intentionally throwing and hitting Washington Nationals rookie outfielder Bryce Harper last night.
Unless appealed, Hamels is scheduled to begin serving his suspension Monday night when the Phillies hosted the New York Mets.
Original Post 12:00 PM
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels admitted last night that he intentionally hit Washington Nationals rookie phenom Bryce Harper with a pitch in the first inning of Sunday night’s game.
“I was trying to hit him,” Hamels said. “I’m not going to deny it.”
As crazy as that may sound to you, his reasoning for it borders on insanity. Hamels told reporters that he plunked Harper in the spirit of old-time baseball and that it was purely a nostalgic gesture.
“That’s something I grew up watching, that’s kind of what happened. So I’m just trying to continue the old baseball because I think some people are kind of getting away from it. It’s just my way of saying welcome to the big leagues.”
Harper simply took it like a man and then made Hamels pay for it stealing home later in the inning. Now that’s what I call old-time baseball.
In case you missed it, here it is courtesy of MLB Advanced Media.
This kid’s amazing. Expect great things.
As for Hamels? A fat fine and a nice suspension should be coming his way…
