Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons was ejected in the fifth inning of Thursday’s game against the Oakland Athletics, along with pitcher Marcus Stroman and catcher Russell Martin.
Home plate umpire Will Little tossed the trio for arguing balls and strikes. The Blue Jays were down 3-1 at the time.
With two outs in the inning, Stroman threw a 1-0 pitch to A’s catcher Bruce Maxwell that was called a ball. Cameras caught Gibbons relaying his frustrations to Little, who quickly ejected the skipper.
Three pitches later, after Stroman walked Maxwell, the pitcher yelled at the umpire, prompting an ejection for himself. Martin turned to argue with Little and was also tossed.
An enraged Stroman then rushed toward the plate and had to be restrained, then escorted off the field by acting manager DeMarlo Hale.
Here’s a look at the ball calls for Stroman’s pitches on Thursday, courtesy of Baseball Savant.
Stroman declined to speak about the incident following the game, but did discuss his general demeanour on the mound.
“I’m an emotional guy,” Stroman said. “I’m going to continue to be myself regardless of who doesn’t like it, who likes it. I’m always going to be myself, regardless, from here on out.
“I’m emotional, that’s how I pitch.”
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