LITTLE ROCK — Ejection just wasn’t encouraging
Don Mattingly was ejected from the Los Angeles Dodgers’ game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday night. That’s not surprising. The Dodgers’ manager has been ejected six times this season, tops of all major-league bosses.
But what Mattingly was arguing took him and Dodgers star outfielder Matt Kemp by surprise: Kemp was cheering for his teammate from the dugout.
Mattingly told MLB.com after the game that Kemp was yelling from the dugout about a second strike called against Andre Eithier. The home-plate umpire, Angel Campos, told him to stop complaining.
“So the next thing that came out of [Kemp’s mouth] - I heard it, clear as a bell - he said - because Matt knows where to stop - and Matt said ‘Let’s go, Dre!’ And [Campos] looked over, and he threw him out of the game.It’s unacceptable.”
Kemp was just as surprised as Mattingly.
“It’s unbelievable, man. I don’t get it,” he said. “I’m sitting here, watching the game. There’s some big moments, you know, bases loaded. You think about things like that. You might be up to bat.
You might get that big hit.”
Kemp didn’t get the chance in the Dodgers’ 10-6 loss. But maybe he’ll learn to temper his encouragement next time.
Unique chance
The Chicago Cubs aren’t having a very good season. But a fan still has a chance to have a memorable experience at Wrigley Field this year - a very rich fan, that is.
The Cubs have placed a deal on the popular website Groupon.
com offering a “game-day experience” unlike few others.
The deal offers a fan a chance to throw out the first pitch for the Cubs’ Aug. 30 home game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The price? Just $30,000.
“Groupon has been a partner of the Cubs since the beginning of the season, and this was an opportunity to raise money for Chicago Cubs Charities through their Epic Deal program,” said Julian Green, the Cubs’ vice president of communications and community affairs.
The deal also includes a Cubs uniform, a chance to watch batting practice and team memorabilia for up to 13 friends.
Also, a fake news conference with fake reporters asking questions about the game.
“Given the unique elements of the deal, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Green said.
Green didn’t mention the likelihood of the Cubs signing the lucky buyer.
Good advice
Washington Nationals rookie outfielder Bryce Harper held his first youth baseball camp Thursday.
In Fairfax, Va., Harper hosted hundreds of kids, while also donating $25,000 to the Greater Washington Urban League and offering a bit of worthwhile advice.
“Really just enjoying myself with them and letting them know that I’m here for them,” Harper told an area news station.
He also offered those gathered a bit of sageful advice.
“Be as sexy as you can!” he said to the campers.
That’s wisdom the kids can keep with them for awhile.
Quote of the day “Tate’s going to run a lot more.” Arkansas Coach John L. Smith after tight end Austin Tate’s impression of Smith during the Arkansas Razorbacks’ kickoff luncheon Friday
Sports, Pages 22 on 08/18/2012