Minnesota Twins outfielder Torii Hunter has been suspended for two games, and fined a undisclosed amount after his tirade on Wednesday night against Kansas City.
In the eighth inning, Hunter was called out on strikes by home plate umpire Mike Rippiger on a questionable pitch. He then proceeded to argue with Rippiger, and was ejected. Manager Paul Molitor was also ejected then Hunter really lost it.
First, he took off his batting gloves and threw them onto the field. Next, he took off his shin guard and threw it onto the field. Next he took off his elbow guard Finally, while being restrained, he took off his jersey shirt and threw it onto the field. During the tirade, he also bumped the umpire.
While his outburst was entertaining from a fan's perspective, bumping a umpire is a major offense in the eyes of Major League Baseball, and they showed that with the two game suspension.
Hunter will appeal the suspension, and is in the lineup tonight in Texas.
"I told him that if he ever wanted a day off, he could have come into my office." Manager Paul Molitor said after the suspension was announced.
The suspension will be deferred until after his appeal is heard, which is expected to be early next week.