WATCH: Phillies Kyle Schwarber loses his mind, is ejected after bad third-strike call by Angel Hernandez
Angel Hernandez #AngelHernandez
Given that it happened on April 24, we can’t really declare something the best of the season, right? Call this more of a prediction than a declaration, in that case, because we doubt there will be a more fun ejection of a Major League Baseball player. Our champion here would be Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber. The offending party would be home-plate umpire Angel Hernandez.
Background: Both sides were unhappy with Hernandez due to his, um, we’ll say inconsistent strike zone throughout the game that aired nationally as ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. Schwarber himself was rung up on a pitch outside the zone in his previous at-bat, so there was plenty of baggage here.
Also realize this was the ninth inning of a 1-0 game in which the Phillies trailed and it was a 3-2 count (it would end 1-0 as well).
Take it away, Angel and Kyle.
Let’s break it down.
It’s rare to see a player hit all these notes in such a short period of time. Bonus points for it not being contrived or extra over-the-top. Just a short-and-sweet, epic performance.
The only let down was Phillies manager Joe Girardi being so subdued. I guess he thought Schwarber did enough to speak for everyone. No argument there. It was quite the effort.