Jose Offerman had a somewhat prestigious career, one that spanned 15 years and included two All-Star appearances. Offerman, who is still boppin around in the Atlantic League for the Long Island Ducks, lost his cool last night after getting drilled in the back. Instead of charging the mound with his fists of fury, he took a bat and started swinging, breaking the pitchers hand and giving the catcher a concussion.
Talk about career suicide. Not only did Offerman get run and pick up a serious suspension, but he also got hit with assault charges. Rightfully so. You can’t lose your cool and start swinging a bat around like Offerman did. It’s ok for a young minor league manager to lose his cool and it’s ok for a young minor leaguer to go postal and start kicking people. It’s not okay for a 20 year veteran, a guy who is supposed to be the mentor to a lot of the young guys, to blow a gasket and take his 38 ounce 32 inch Louisville Slugger to the mound to beat the pitcher with. Bats are used for hitting fastballs and curveballs, not hands and domes. Offerman has been around long enough and seen his share of beatings at the mound, he should know that.
If he thought he had an outside chance at getting a phone call from the Red Sox for post-season roster expansion, he can think again. During his time, Offerman could play. He was fast, hit for a decent average, and played a good defensive shortstop. Now, he hits minor league jacks, gets pegged every once and a while, and takes a bat to the pitcher. My oh my, how people have changed.
