Since it wasn’t Michael Jackson Day at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies closer was promptly ejected.
Heading into Sunday’s game against the Miami Marlins, Jonathan Papelbon had saved 37 of 40 games and compiled a 1.56 ERA and 0.84 WHIP. But Philadelphia’s stopper had also made it known that he wanted to play for a contender, drawing the ire of some of the Phillies faithful.
After yielding four runs on four hits in one pathetic inning of work, it was Papelbon’s right arm that drew a chorus of boos Sunday afternoon, and to say he didn’t take too kindly to it would be a bigger understatement than saying Kate Upton is kind of attractive.
Umpire Joe West immediately ejected the Phillies closer from the game, invoking a psychotic march onto the field by Papelbon a la George Brett getting the hook for having too much pine tar on his bat. Things became so heated at one point that West had to grab Papelbon by the jersey just to get him out of his grill.
Papelbon told reporters after the game that he “had to make an adjustment,” and it was in no way directed at the booing fans.
Let’s be honest: If you’re buying that, then you probably also believe everything Roger Goodell says.
This is still worse than Papelbon’s effort Sunday afternoon: There is Somehow a New Worst First Pitch of All Time
