If you watched highlights of the Indians and Twins game in Cleveland, I’m certain you saw Torri Hunter get hit by a pitch in the ribs. If you followed the season series with those two teams, you know that they have a history of dislike.

(I took a different position in my Daily Dish. AL pitchers get away with this all the time. Marty Lurie)
However, when Torri Hunter hit by Danny Baez with runners on base in a close game, it was obviously unintentional. In fact, Baez sincerely apologized to Hunter after the game. However, after being hit by the pitch, the frustarted and emotional Hunter glared at Baez and slowly walked to first and discovered the ball on on the line. In an unpredictable manner, Hunter picked up the ball and fired it at Baez’s knee cap.

Benches emptied, and Baez maintained his composure unlike many pitchers would have.

That action by Torii Hunter has to be addressed by Major League baseball. Hitters are beaned all the time and mostly handle it in a professional way and walk to first. Although they are frustrated and angry, they realize it’s a part of the game.

Remember when Shawon Dunston was intentionally hit by Mark Mulder earlier this year in retribution for Mabry getting hit? Although obviously displeased, Dunston walked to first like a professional and acknowledge after the game, “It’s part of the game.”

When Hunter thew the Ball at Baez, it was a very immature and stupid display of baseball and when he made the comments after the game, “Well, he threw the ball at me!” that lowers Hunter’s credibility even more.

Just think if Baez wasn’t looking and Hunter threw that Ball and seriously injured him somewhere. Hunter’s behavior reminds me of an uncontrollable little leaguer that crys when things don’t go his way. Or was he thinking, “Hey, Im Torii Hunter–the All star! Don’t you know I robbed Bonds of a homer in the All Star Game!”

Sorry Torii, you went way to far and crossed the line. Batters are hit all the time, and don’t throw a tantrum and throw the ball as hard as you can at the pitcher. Grow Up!

Dale