Bench Clearing Bull

For the third time in a week I’ve watched the highlights on the sports channels showing the benches clearing in a baseball game. Why does this always have to happen? Seriously, it’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen, pitchers running in from the bullpen to join in the fracas. It’s like waiting for the undressed players in the NHL running down the stairs from the press box to jump into the melee. Imagine Tiger Woods getting mad at Phil Mickelson for stepping in his line, so Stevie and Bones throw down the bags and slug it out. It’d be different if ball players could actually fight, but let’s face it; it usually looks like to high school girls scrapping over the last designer imposter Gucci bag at the summer flea market. There hasn’t been a good fight on the diamond since Nolan Ryan beat the crap out of Robin Ventura. And I love the double standard. Where are all the cries of too much violence in baseball? Two guys in the NHL square off and fight and it’s the worst thing ever, yet at the slightest sight of a pitch inside, and a batter can storm out towards the mound and chuck his helmet at the pitcher, yet no liberal groups say boo about it. Why? What’s the difference? Hockey has taken strides to rid itself of bench clearing brawls; even basketball has no time for it. Remember Amare Stoudemire getting suspended for simply stepping on the court during an altercation in the playoffs. Where the hell is baseball on this? Oh yeah, the same place they are on everything, behind. Remember that whole steroid thing? I know baseball is America’s pastime, but the double standard that it operates puts it well past its time in my eyes. But those are just the thoughts rattling around in my big head. Derek Meyers – CJDC-TV Sports