Out Classed

     I'm a New York Yankee fan. I was born and raised in New York so don't think I'm one of those guys who just jump on the winning team's bandwagon. So of course I am somewhat biased in my thought's on what happened in the ALCS playoff game in Boston Saturday...

     For those who have no idea what went on I can only say I have never witnessed a more disturbing sight in a professional sports game in my life. Boston's pitching ace, 31 year old Pedro Martinez grabbed the Yankees 71-year-old coach, Don Zimmer by the head and threw him to the ground.

     There's much more to it than that needless to say. Don Zimmer was the one who charged Pedro after all. Pedro evidently felt so threatened by the 71-year-old that his legs were paralyzed and he was unable to step aside to avoid the old mans attack.

     Granted, Zimmer did take a swing at Pedro. And Pedro did somehow manage to dodge that lightning fast roundhouse swing from Don. However, his mental facilities failed him under the pressure and he could see no other possible response to the rampaging 71-year-old than to toss him violently to the ground.

     Um hmm. I told you I was biased, but my feelings are hardly unreasonable. Pedro showed a remarkable lack of class. The camera kept showing his reaction after the fact and to me he showed absolutely no remorse for what he had done, or any visible concern for Don Zimmer.

     Don Zimmer was hit in the head with a pitch when he was in his twenty's. He was unconscious for thirteen days I think. He had three holes drilled in his head to relieve the pressure and so they could pump in a bone like protective substance instead of putting a plate in his head.

     Shortly before the melee, Pedro threatened -- from the pitching mound -- to hit one of the Yankee players in the head with a pitch. Don Zimmer went balistic. Can you blame him?

     I realize it was a huge playoff game and tempers flair. The natural competitive spirit of the players gets the better of them and any borderline misbehavior is magnified no matter how innocent or accidental a particular event might be.

     Don Zimmer is a short pudgy little old man, but he far exceeds Pedro Martinez in class and as a human being. He truly regretted what happened. He apologized to the city of Boston, to all the fans, to the baseball organization in general and to his family for his actions. And he cried like a man. Pedro apologized to no one. He was only protecting himself after all.

     I hate to think how the Yankee fans are going to greet Pedro when the series returns to New York. A 71-year-old man will be the least of his worries...

Footnote: Pedro Martinez was fined $50,000.00. Don Zimmer was fined $5,000.00. Pedro is protesting his fine. Don Zimmer isn't. Don, you da man!