We've seen our share of managerial meltdowns that included a base being used as a prop. Whether it was kicked, covered with dirt, outright stolen, or even hammer tossed to release a little anger and frustration, it's always a good source of unexpected entertainment for those in attendance. But I don't think we've ever seen one end with the base becoming an immediate addition to one lucky fan's memorabilia collection.
That was until Sunday, when former Boston Red Sox player and manager, now skipper for the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League, Butch Hobson, was tossed during the second game of their doubleheader against the Somerset Patriots.
In the fourth inning, infielder Gilberto Mejia dragged a bunt up the first-base line and was called out on a bang-bang play. Mejia immediately argued and was tossed by umpire Chris Rick. Not far behind was Hobson, who decided if Mejia couldn't have the base he felt he earned, no one else on the field should have it either.
Out on his way out the door, he added his signature to the base and handed it to a very happy lady seated next to Lancaster's dugout:
Never has a managerial outburst ended so calmly and kindly. Well, at least not since Hobson was the manager of the Nashua Pride in 2007, where he picked up first base and walked it to a young fan sitting high in the stands behind the first-base dugout. Unfortunately, that fan didn't get to keep his base, so Hobson probably figured adding his signature would assure that wasn't repeated this time around.
I'm sure the lady in Lancaster will appreciate that, especially if she ever decides to part with it for a little spending money.
By the way, in case you were wondering, the play that led to Hobson and Mejia's ejection also plated the game-winning run in Lancaster's 2-1 victory.
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