To plunk or not to plunk a beanball primer
AP Baseball writer Ben Walker outlines seven guiding rules for beanballs. Orel Hershiser hits Alex Rodriguez with a first pitch after Rodriguez injured Jeff Kent, yet Rodriguez keeps calm. The piece traces history, players, and the evolving unwritten norms of retaliation in baseball.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Orel Hershiser
Alex Rodriguez
San Francisco Giants
Jeff Kent
Hershiser
Seattle
Rodriguez
Nolan Ryan
Bob Gibson
Don Drysdale
Pitchers and Punches Rule Debated After Hitting Incidents
The article recalls a series of flare ups as Armando Benitez hit Tino Martinez near the neck after a homer, drawing an eight game suspension. It cites managers and players arguing about inside pitches, retaliation, and nonviolent ways to settle scores, including Jim Riggleman’s parking lot proposal.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
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Armando Benitez
Tino Martinez
Benitez
Riggleman
Yankees
Anaheim Angels
Kansas City Royals
Tigers
Doug Brocail
Oakland
Rickey Henderson
Hershiser
Giants
Mariners
Cubs
Jim Riggleman
Mob mentality dominates modern baseball brawls
Senior adviser Bill Rigney laments a rising mob mentality as fights erupt in major league games. Managers Torre, Miller, Muser, and Collins face suspensions, while Bud Selig and Bud Beeston push for stronger penalties. Other legends weigh in on fines, leadership, and the sport’s policing.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bill Rigney
Rigney
Los Angeles Angel
Oakland Athletics
Joe
Paul Beeston
Baseball
Players’ Association
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