New York Mets reliever LaTroy Hawkins was hit directly in the groin by a ground ball during the ninth inning of Wednesday night's game in Los Angeles.
Hawkins was called on to close the game for the Mets in the ninth with a 4-2 lead. With a man on first and one out, Dodgers batter Jerry Hairston Jr. hit the grounder up the middle that nailed Hawkins square in the crotch. Hawkins was able to make the throw to first, but the pain was obvious, and it was revealed later that he was not wearing a cup.
Hawkins was checked out by a team trainer and manager Terry Collins, who allowed Hawkins to continue. In hindsight, that decision by Collins looks like a big mistake, as four pitches later, Hawkins gave up a HR to pinch hitter Andre Ethier to tie the game at 4-4. The Dodgers won the game 5-4 in the 12th. Talk about adding insult to injury.
Sadly, this is not the first time this year that a Mets player has been hit in the groin by a baseball without wearing a cup. That's so Mets.
H/T NIS.
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.
