Baseball is a cult in Baton Rouge. LSU Baseball, specifically (note the capital "B" in baseball). I really could give a rat's ass less what happens in other LSU sports--but I pay close attention to baseball.
One of the things that is a MAJOR draw for LSU baseball is the fact that, for as long as damn near anyone can remember, it's been a very classy group of young men. Year in and year out, the LSU baseball team has exhibited strong work ethic, great sportsmanship and, very regularly, a strong academic performance. On the field, they comport themselves VERY well -- winning or losing (case in point--during the LSU/Southern U. game at the beginning of this season's regional, the Southern starting pitcher put on a PERFORMANCE...he held LSU's batters at bay and kept the game really close. When Roger Cador decided to pull him, he got a round of applause from the stands AND the LSU dugout). Being a sport is just expected.
Enter this week's douche, Todd Oakes. Todd is the pitching coach for Minnesota and his little boy was a senior pitcher for the club this year. Apparently, nepotism is no big deal in the frigid north.
After a particularly bad call during the LSU/Minnesota final of the Baton Rouge regional, the Minnesota bench got their panties knotted up and started giving the umpire crew a hard time. Out goes the younger Oakes. Hey...it was a REALLY bad call--no one doubted that at all, and you're entitled to make a little issue of it. But know when to say "when," and get on with the game...and certainly...CERTAINLY...don't hold that grudge past the close of the inning.
So, we're down one Oakes (who was apparently going to make his last pitching appearance before being shown the door) and be damned if several innings later, while Minnesota is getting ass-raped, Daddy Oakes decides to give the home plate umpire the what-for for the bad call three or four innings ago. Apparently the douche doesn't fall far from the vinegar bottle.
Out goes the elder Oakes.
Unbelievable.
Dear Minnesota Baseball--next time you come to play in a BR regional, please have your A game on--on the field and from the dugout. If there's anything we don't appreciate on our diamond, it's a display of classlessness.
(Photo of Mr. Oakes linked from the Minnesota Athletics website)
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