Venturing forth on this one, here are my random thoughts:
Throwing the bat & hitting the umpire was inexcusable, contemptible, unforgivable, (insert negative adverb/adverbs of choice here). Based solely on what I’ve read in this thread, the player has what I’d describe as a significant history of this behavior. I believe those involved in determining the disciplinary action should throw not just the book, but the entire law library aw him, although I know that won’t realistically happen.
After reading the posting that mentioned Mass. assault law (I believe it’s on the second or third page), I wonder what the manager’s reaction would have been if he’d been told his player would be leaving the stadium in a police cruiser instead of the team bus?
The umpire is in need of some good advocacy in this situation, which would otherwise be provided by the umpire’s union. However, the umpire involved was involved because he was working as a replacement during a strike by union umpires. Can’t help but find the dichotomy interesting. Also, I think the union could probably lend some measure of support to the guy without compromising their position or looking weak.
Before continuing, please press and hold the “Suspension of Disbelief” button.
If no umpires had crossed the picket line, I don’t think the incident would have happened because I don’t think the games would have gone on. If coaches or managers had been put behind the plate for the games (and therefore struck by the thrown bat in this game), there would have been a bench-clearing brawl for the record books or some serious “wall-to-wall counseling” in the locker room afterward.
Okay, now back to reality. I think the resolution on this issue is going to swing to one extreme or another. Either that the player will get off lightly on this one and go on to a big-money, big-league career or he’ll be labeled as a cancer to any team who signs him and end up ignored by the majors.
Just my opinion, thanks for the chance to say my bit.