We've had a lot of bad first pitches this year (see John Wall and Doug Glanville), but at least those didn't count for anything. However, we now have a candidate for worst throw ever by a third baseman, and it cost his team a run.
Wilson Betemit was making his debut for the Detroit Tigers Thursday night at third base after being traded from the Kansas City Royals. In the ninth inning, Betemit plays a slow grounder hit to third base, and apparently loses his grip. When he throws the ball, he bounces it in front of the pitchers mound, where Tigers pitcher Phil Coke was ducking out of the way of what would be a normal throw to first base. The ball continued to slowly bounce and roll all the way to the fence in front of the dugout of the hometown Minnesota Twins.
Jason Repko, who was on base for the Twins and was running on the pitch, scored all the way from first base. Fortunately, Detroit had a sizeable lead at the time, and they left Minnesota with a 6-2 victory.
In the end, no harm done, except maybe to Wilson Betemit's ego.
Third to none: Betemit makes hilariously ugly throw in Tigers debut [Big League Stew]
Wilson Betemit was making his debut for the Detroit Tigers Thursday night at third base after being traded from the Kansas City Royals. In the ninth inning, Betemit plays a slow grounder hit to third base, and apparently loses his grip. When he throws the ball, he bounces it in front of the pitchers mound, where Tigers pitcher Phil Coke was ducking out of the way of what would be a normal throw to first base. The ball continued to slowly bounce and roll all the way to the fence in front of the dugout of the hometown Minnesota Twins.
Jason Repko, who was on base for the Twins and was running on the pitch, scored all the way from first base. Fortunately, Detroit had a sizeable lead at the time, and they left Minnesota with a 6-2 victory.
In the end, no harm done, except maybe to Wilson Betemit's ego.
Third to none: Betemit makes hilariously ugly throw in Tigers debut [Big League Stew]
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
