By Cory Fallon
Charging the mound is one of the most insane things that could happen in a baseball game. But when is it ok to go after the pitcher?
Fighting is a part of every sport, but in baseball it’s rather subdued. For the most part, a baseball brawl or fight will begin as a verbal confrontation with a bunch of yelling and screaming, with teams slowly making their way out of the dugouts and bullpens. While most of them are dull, there have been some legendary fights over the years. Here are some examples:
Jose Bautista / Rougned Odor from 2016
May 15, 2016: A dust up between the Blue Jays and the Rangers includes a clean shot by Roughned Odor to Jose Bautista’s face. pic.twitter.com/ldKOKZPh3y
— This Day In Sports Clips (@TDISportsClips) May 15, 2021
Chan Ho Park dropping a flying knee
underrated brawl from baseball is when Chan Ho Park tried to jump kick Tim Belcher lmfao pic.twitter.com/vQHjIQR5Ql
— Taiki Green (@itstaiki) June 1, 2019
And who could forget Izzy Alcantata?
Izzy Alcantara wasn't happy with getting thrown at… 😲🤣 pic.twitter.com/weDVO116sq
— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) March 6, 2018
But what warrants a hitter charging the mound? When is it acceptable to drop the gloves so to speak and start a fight on the middle of the diamond? There are a couple of factors to consider before doing so if the situation dictates:
Have a plan
Take the famous Nolan Ryan and Robin Ventura fight for example. You can see the indecisiveness going through Ventura’s head as soon as he gets hit. He eventually meanders on out to the mound, it doesn’t really look like he is going to throw hands, pretty much lets Ryan have his way with him and land about a half dozen punches. Sad part is, Ventura had one of the more impressive careers in his era, but is only remembered for this fight.
OTD in 1993, Robin Ventura charged the mound.
46-year-old Nolan Ryan was ready. pic.twitter.com/eUdsPozJkv
— MLB Vault (@MLBVault) August 4, 2021
Know who is on first
I don’t mean a baserunner; I mean who is actually playing first base. If you’re a smaller guy, make sure there isn’t a mountain of a man who will squash you. Fielders are going to defend their pitchers, and if you have Mo Vaughn running at you, you better land that first punch otherwise you’re going to have a bad time.
September 6, 1993: Red Sox’s Mo Vaughn (@MoVaughn_42) goes in on George Bell after Bell charged the mound at Aaron Sele. pic.twitter.com/2synhTYpG7
— This Day In Sports Clips (@TDISportsClips) September 6, 2020
LAND YOUR PUNCH
If you’re lucky, a hitter is only going to be able to get a punch or two off before the rest of the world comes in to break up the fight. You better make sure that first swing lands and you get your point across, otherwise you’ll end up looking awfully stupid.
I’ll never forget this brawl. Coco Crisp absolutely embarrassed James Shields.
Gotta retire after this if you’re Shields. You can’t come back from a clean dodge and right hook to your face. pic.twitter.com/VqgPps52CP
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) May 14, 2020
Photo Credit: Kevin Bedell
