Al Alburquerque Kisses Ball Before Throwing to First, Josh Reddick Not Happy With Gesture (Animation)

by Doug Kyed on Sun, Oct 7, 2012 at 5:54PM

Josh Reddick probably isn’t happy that his Athletics are down 2-0 in the ALDS to the Tigers, but that’s not all he was fuming about after Game 2.

As Tigers pitcher Al Alburquerque recorded the final out in the top of the ninth inning, he kissed the ball before tossing it underhand to first baseman Prince Fielder.

Reddick wasn’t pleased with the gesture. Dave Hogg from Fox Sports Detroit tweeted the following quote from the former-Red Sox outfielder.

“We didn’t appreciate that. I thought it was immature and not very professional. You don’t do that on the field.” – Reddick on the kiss.

— Dave Hogg (@Stareagle) October 7, 2012

Reddick wasn’t the only A’s player that was upset, outfielder Jonny Gomes told Bob Nightengale from the USA Today that the Tigers reliever must be a baseball atheist.

Jonny Gomes:on Albqurquerque:”He must not believe in baseball gods. Baseball gods take care of that stuff.#Athletics #Tigers

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 7, 2012

The Athletics wound up losing 5-4 in the bottom of the ninth inning and are now trailing 2-0 in the five game series. You can see the video of the controversial kiss on MLB.com or see the animation below from @WorldoOfIsaac.