iStockphoto
Chaos erupted in a minor league baseball game on Thursday night in the Music City. In a matchup between the Nashville Sounds and Columbus Clippers, benches cleared when a batter got into an altercation with the opposing catcher.
An umpire attempted to get in between the players, which only led to his getting shoved out of the way. A haymaker was soon thrown before the teams entered a standoff at home plate.
While we’re not exactly sure what sparked the explosion, a video clip appears to show Columbus centerfielder George Valera taking offense to something Nashville catcher Alex Jackson said behind the dish.
Before getting settled into the box, Valera responds to Jackson leading the catcher to pop up out of his stance. Then, madness.
The boys are ROWDY after a batter shoved an umpire at the Nashville Sounds game 😳pic.twitter.com/KVb2NCgbvi
— The Game Day MLB (@TheGameDayMLB) July 7, 2023
Not only does Valera look to settle his beef with the opposing player, but he also takes some frustration out on the ump. After moving the blue aside, a right hook is thrown at the facemask of the catcher.
Not the most effective tactic.
The two players then got into an all-out brawl leading to benches being cleared.
Fans were quick to respond to the scene on social media.
One person wrote, “Nashville Sounds catcher Alex Jackson absolutely ate this punch from Guardians prospect George Valera.”
Someone else said, “Punching someone in catcher’s gear warrants a demotion to AA in itself.”
This fan commented, “I can’t believe he shoved the umpire and hit the catcher with right jabs!!”
Both players were subsequently ejected from the game.