Nyjer Morgan, Brawlin' S.F. Native, Slammed By Major League Baseball
Categories: Sports
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After charging the mound Wednesday -- and getting the worst of it, including a flying clothesline from Florida first baseman Gaby Sanchez -- the Washington Nationals center fielder has been suspended for eight games. When you consider Morgan was already appealing a seven-game suspension for intentionally beaning a fan with a thrown ball, Morgan will have plenty of time to work on his non-baseball skills in the coming weeks.
Morgan has been auditioning for baseball's role of Public Enemy No. 1 for much of the past month. In addition to winging that fan, he also ran over St. Louis catcher Bryan Anderson -- who didn't have the ball. Morgan managed to miss home plate on the play, and was called out. His manager, Jim Riggleman, called out Morgan as "unprofessional," and benched him the next day, ostensibly to stave off a beanball war.
On Tuesday, Morgan collided with Marlins catcher Brett Hayes at home, separating the catcher's shoulder. A beanball war had already commenced on Wednesday, when Marlins hurler Chris Volstad sailed a pitch three feet behind Morgan. The center fielder charged the mound, triggering a wild brawl. League officials certainly noted that Morgan cursed the crowd, raised his arms, and generally behaved in a manner befitting a professional wrestler while leaving the field.
In addition to Morgan's eight-game suspension, Volstad was docked six games; Marlins pitcher Alex Sanabia for five; forearm-throwing first baseman Sanchez took a five-game suspension; and Marlins manager Edwin Rodriguez was suspended for a game. On the Washington side, pitcher Doug Slaten and third base coach Pat Listach were each suspended for three games, while manager Riggleman will miss a pair.
What Morgan will do with his new free time is uncertain. Perhaps he'll ice skate -- he was, after all, a former minor-league Canadian hockey star.
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