Minnesota Twins outfielder Torii Hunter had a must-see meltdown during the eighth inning of Wednesday’s 7-2 loss to the Royals after striking out on a called third strike by home plate umpire Mark Ripperger.
Hunter was up during the bottom of the eighth with one out and felt the 2-2 pitch was outside. Ripperger obviously did not agree and the two exchanged words before Hunter was ejected from the game. Twins manager Paul Molitor came out of the dugout to get in between the two and was also ejected.
Hunte then decided to get his money’s worth, and boy did he ever. After being restrained and walking away, the Twins veteran took off his elbow pad and shin guard and tossed both out onto the field. Hunter didn’t stop there. He also took off his batting gloves and threw them. For his finale, the 39-year-old snatched off his jersey and flung it across the diamond before heading into the clubhouse, leaving the bat boy to retrieve all of his belongings.
Generally, we see meltdowns from managers like this incredible one by Lloyd McClendon. However, this is as good as you’ll see from a player. Torii Hunter has never been shy about expressing himself, and it is proven yet again.
