You know how baseball players are supposed to run to first base no matter what happens? They teach that in Little League, don't they? Well, apparently Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee doesn't think he has to abide by this rule.
In the top of the fourth inning in Cincinnati yesterday, Cliff Lee hit a grounder to second base. Instead of running it out, he walked a few steps toward first base with the bat in his hand, then turned around and waved his hand as if to say "Aw, forget it, I'm not going to bother running." It would have looked really silly if the ball was dropped by the first baseman, or thrown away.
Granted, Cliff Lee would probably rather focus on his pitching, and he pitched very well last night with over 8 innings of shutout ball en route to a 3-0 Phillies victory over the hometown Cincinnati Reds. However, it just leaves a bad taste in people's mouths when you watch a player not hustling to first base, even if it is the pitcher.
The Cincinnati fans certainly let Cliff Lee hear their displeasure, and the Reds broadcast team couldn't help but point out Lee's lack of effort on the play as well.
Lee doesn't run it out [MLB]
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In the top of the fourth inning in Cincinnati yesterday, Cliff Lee hit a grounder to second base. Instead of running it out, he walked a few steps toward first base with the bat in his hand, then turned around and waved his hand as if to say "Aw, forget it, I'm not going to bother running." It would have looked really silly if the ball was dropped by the first baseman, or thrown away.
Granted, Cliff Lee would probably rather focus on his pitching, and he pitched very well last night with over 8 innings of shutout ball en route to a 3-0 Phillies victory over the hometown Cincinnati Reds. However, it just leaves a bad taste in people's mouths when you watch a player not hustling to first base, even if it is the pitcher.
The Cincinnati fans certainly let Cliff Lee hear their displeasure, and the Reds broadcast team couldn't help but point out Lee's lack of effort on the play as well.
Lee doesn't run it out [MLB]
Click Here to Shop for Phillies Baseball Gear & Apparel at the MLB Shop!
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.
