Texas Longhorns Bullpen Catcher Filmed Drinking From Fan’s Flask Gets Hit With Indefinite Suspension

Getty Image

• The Texas Longhorns handed a bullpen catcher an indefinite suspension for a fairly wild reason
• Preston Hoffart was filmed taking a swig from a fan’s flask during a game
• Read more college baseball news here

It’s been a fairly rough few days for the Texas Longhorns baseball team, as the school that entered the week as the top-ranked squad in the country found itself on the losing end of an upset on its home field courtesy of Texas State, which got some sweet revenge after dropping a close game on its own turf the previous day.

However, it’s been an even rougher few days for Preston Hoffart, the Texas bullpen catcher who may not be a member of the Longhorns for much longer thanks to what unfolded during the win on Tuesday.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a cushier gig in the entire world of sports than Hoffart’s, as you could argue the most difficult part of being a bullpen catcher is figuring out ways to entertain yourself over the course of a game.

Based on my knowledge of the position, bullpen catchers primarily subsist on a diet of bubble gum and sunflower seeds. However, during the showdown in San Marcos, Hoffart appeared to incorporate another substance after grabbing a flask that was offered to him by a fan, taking a knee, and helping himself to a couple of gulps.

It would appear the Longhorns frown on their players drinking in the middle of a game, as Austin Statesman reporter Danny Davis says Preston Hoffart has been hit with an indefinite suspension (others are speculating he’s actually been kicked off the team, as he is no longer listed on the official roster).

While I can understand how some people might argue Texas is blowing the incident out of proportion, Hoffart could’ve also avoided ending up in this situation by, you know, not drinking from a flask in the middle of a baseball game.