Jim Palmer doesn’t sound like he’s a big fan of David Ortiz.
The former Baltimore Orioles pitcher and Hall of Famer ripped into Ortiz on Sunday after the Boston Red Sox designated hitter was ejected during Boston’s eventual loss to the Orioles. Ortiz was given the gate for arguing a checked swing call that went against the Red Sox slugger.
[tweet https://twitter.com/Jim22Palmer/status/589895068233830400 align=’center’]
ESPN.com reached out to Palmer via email, and the former underwear model expanded on his criticism of Ortiz.
“Who needs a home plate umpire when David’s at the plate?” Palmer wrote in an email to ESPN.com. “He’s always complaining about close pitches. What I found objectionable was that the Red Sox are playing an important series — game tied, fifth inning — and his actions get him tossed.”
This game is about winning. What did he do yesterday to help the Sox win? Was there any redeeming or positive outcome from his actions? Only for the Orioles.”
Ortiz was ejected in the fifth inning of Boston’s 8-3 loss to the Orioles.
Palmer also seemed to hint there might be something of a double-standard, wondering how things would be different if a pitcher did what Ortiz did.
“How long would a pitcher last on the mound if he had the same histrionics as Ortiz had yesterday?” Palmer questioned in the email. “I’m not his judge and jury. I was tweeting about his conduct yesterday, which, in my opinion, is indefensible.”
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
