There’s nothing like intentionally pelting an opponent with a 93-mile per hour fastball to heat up an already sticky sports rivalry. And that’s exactly what happened on Sunday, when Phillies’ pitcher Cole Hamels plunked Nationals’ outfielder Bryce Harper in the back with a pitch in the first inning. Hamels later admitted, with no apology, that he threw to hit, and his actions were simply “old school” protocol. He was slapped with a five game suspension and fined by MLB. The punishment seems arbitrary, at best, and left many wondering, “Is it enough?”
I’ve often asked myself why violence on a baseball field, basketball court or any other playing ground is treated any differently than the violence that occurs on the streets, amongst “regular” civilians. Why is Cole Hamels any different from the average Joe who picks up a hard object and throws it in the direct path of another human being? Why do we abhor the common assailant, yet feel a sense of allegiance to a member of our favored team who, essentially, is guilty of the same offense?
All I have deduced from contemplation of such questions is because we, as fans, allow it. We somehow interpret such behavior as the honorable defense of our team, our fan base and our hometown. We justify such acts by trying to reason that sports is a perpetual effort towards retaliation, and that people deserve to be mistreated simply because they support a team other than ours. It’s a vicious cycle when treated with such gravity and we, as fans, have it in our power to put an end to it.
Whether you’re a Nationals’ fan, a Phillies’ fan, a fan of a different team, or not a baseball fan at all, please do not condone Sunday’s events. Do not allow Hamels’ poor judgment to escalate the problem of uncivil, unfriendly rivalry. Keep in mind that his conduct not only could have resulted in the serious injury of an up-and-coming 19-year old who was just trying to do his job, but will likely create more hostility amongst the two organizations and their supporters. And this is something we at FAV desperately want to prevent.
While ultimately the Phillies defeated the Nationals 9-3, Bryce Harper managed to steal home after he was hit by Hamels’ pitch, a feat in its own right. When asked to comment about the incident, Harper simply said, “Hamels threw a great game tonight.” Perhaps these “old school” players can learn a thing or two about good sportsmanship and class from these young rookies.
Being a aspiring paralegal and a recent graduate of St. John’s University myself (well graduating on Sunday, May 13th), I wanted to connect with an Alum via this message. Yes, we have the above common, but I cannot help but disagree with some of your opinions. I want to convey my sympathy for what happened to your brother. I am a victim of aggravated assault as well, and I suffered some serious injuries. So I can relate. It is a disgrace that it happened, and I wish him good health. Before I begin and for the record, I am a Philadelphian and Phillies fan. And while your conductive reasoning is logical and possible (violence on the field leads to violence in the stands), I am having trouble how you compared Cole Hamels to someone who commits assault with a foreign object. It is an ignorant comparison. Being in the field of law, you should be familiar with the term “assumed risk.” Every baseball player steps into that batters box with the assumed risk of getting hit by a pitch. He did not maliciously injure him. Keep in mind, this is a world-class pitcher. If he wanted to injure him (seriously), the ball would have been thrown towards his head. Rather, he pelted a classless punk in the meat of the back. I’ve played baseball, and it hurts; however, that is the game. Further, do not put Bryce Harper on a pedestal. I use the word classless without mistake. You are talking about the guy that blew a kiss at a pitcher after hitting a home run in the minor leagues. I am obviously passionate about this so I apologize if I come off to be condescending, but every time I publish an article, I make sure I am completely aware of my subject. Yes, Hamels and Harper was an example, but a poor at most. Best wishes and good luck
Tommy,
I use this incident as an example because in my opinion, and based on my interpretation of tort law, Hamels’ conduct was “intentional” and therefore the “assumption of risk” defense does not apply. I understand that in baseball, as in most sports, there is always the chance that an injury can occur, and in no way am I suggesting that athletes should be held liable if they inflict said injury upon another through an act of negligence. But when you deliberately cause bodily harm to another person (and the term “bodily harm” includes physical pain), in a sport in which any human contact is considered incidental, you cross the line that separates an accident from an act of malice. Do I believe this happens all the time? Of course. Do I think it would even be discussed had Hamels not openly discussed his intention? Never. But he did, and that makes him, in my opinion, culpable of something far more serious than an accidental hit.
To clarify, I have no opinion of either of these men. I don’t know them personally, I am not a fan of either of their teams, and I did not mean to give the impression that I put Harper on a pedestal. I simply respect the way he handled the situation and admire his ability to maintain his composure.
While we can argue the legalities of this situation until the cows come home, I’d much rather focus on the main premise of my article, and of the FAV organization: violence should not be tolerated, on the field, in the stands, or anywhere else, for that matter. As sports fans, I’m sure we can agree that the the actions that take place on the field can and often do directly affect the attitudes and the behavior of the spectators. Athletes should be aware of this, and make an effort to conduct themselves accordingly, i.e. not unnecessarily hitting one another. I hope that bringing attention to the issue encourages better sportsmanship amongst athletes and diminishes the number of incidents that occur amongst riled up fans. I am not on a campaign to have Cole Hamels indicted. I merely want to point out that what he did was uncalled for, sends the wrong message and should be taken seriously.
On that note, I thank you for taking the time to read my piece and appreciate your take on the matter. Congratulations on your impending graduation and best of luck to you.
– Anna
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