By CHRIS RASMUSSEN
Thanks to Nadia Pflaum, I recently viewed this classic clip of Kash Beauchamp, a manager apparently managing using an alias in Wichita:
Is this the greatest use of a prop in an argument in a manager-umpire argument? He at least deserves credit for the greatest use of the shoe in providing commentary since Nikita Khrushchev.
It also allowed me to look at the following baseball arguments, in which the manager used a prop with more wit than Gallagher.
Joe Milkulk of the innocuously named Asheville Tourists uses the rosin bag, bats, home plate, the second base bag and a water bottle to illustrate his point:
As a bonus, he gets credit for the post-game quote: "I could get two mannequins at Sears and umpire better than what I saw this whole series.” Oh, and he tried to block the door of the umpires’ dressing room after the game.
Former Red Sox third baseman Butch Hobson of the Nashua Pride takes the first base bag into the crowd and gives it to a fan, then returns to the stadium here:
But these are by no means the greatest use of a prop by a manager.
Witness Phillip Wellman, the winner of greatest meltdown in recent memory. Wellman threw a base and covered home plate in dirt, sure. But that’s de rigueur. He then crawled on his hands and knees, using the rosin bag to pantomime throwing a hand grenade.
How good was that meltdown? The video game "MLB 08’: The Show" pays homage to it, here:
Where did Beauchamp come up with the ol' armpit juke? I mean, you have to give the guy credit for originality on that one. Worse than spitting: pull up your shirt sleeve and shove your armpit in a guy's face. What are the odds Randy Moss does it next year?
Two serious questions: First, does the fact that their clubhouse is apparently always through the outfield gate prompt more outragous meltdowns than if they were merely walking into the dugout through the tunnel? I think so. I mean, if you're gonna get run and then have to walk all the way out to RF, you might as well take a base with you, muddy up home plate, or give the ump a BO whif first.
Second, does this hi-light a problem with alcohol abuse in the minor leagues? I mean, how could these guys have possibly been sober? Is Minor League Manager the only job in America where it is okay to be completely shitfaced?
Posted at: July 17, 2008 12:56 PM