Hayhurst, a former big league pitcher and current Toronto radio host, accused Clay Buchholz of doctoring the baseball during Wednesday’s Red Sox-Blue Jays game. That kicked off a media firestorm, and Hayhurst has since received plenty of backlash on Twitter.
Hayhurst wrote a column that ran on SportsNet’s website on Friday, and he stood by his allegation that Buchholz doctored the baseball during his start against the Jays. He also brought a new pitcher into the mix, albeit in a rather nonchalant manner.
Hayhurst wrote: “Pitchers break the law, folks. Some do it in the accepted ‘it’s only five miles over the limit, officer,’ way. Some have big enough names that they can get away with it even when it’s plain for all to see — Cliff Lee‘s hat, anyone?”
Well then. Making claims against Buchholz is big. Making claims against Buchholz and a former Cy Young is huge, although Lee seemed a bit thrown off.
“Who is Dirk Hayhurst?” Lee asked the Philadelphia Daily News when asked about the allegations.
Once briefed on who exactly Hayhurst is, Lee reportedly rebuffed the claims.
“That’s nothing,” Lee reportedly said of tugging on his hat bill in between pitches.
“That’s a completely inaccurate statement,” Lee reportedly added of Hayhurst’s claims. “I’ll go get you my hat right now. I’ve been wearing the same hat for three years. It’s sweat and rosin.”
Buchholz also denied any wrongdoing, and he too said the substance in question was rosin.
Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.
