Sometimes, talent tends to run wild. Athletes are prone to playing in high-pressure situations, but only some are suited to that lifestyle. In rare circumstances, it explodes in violent bursts instead of unspent energy being directed toward their sport. That is precisely what happened at a recent minor-league baseball game where a Cleveland Guardians prospect couldn’t control his temper.
George Valera is currently the number two prospect in the team’s farm system, with an undeniable well of talent. However, after the recent Columbus Clippers vs Nashville Sounds match-up, his career direction seems unclear. After all, MLB doesn’t tolerate violence easily, and this instance cleared benches.
Cleveland Guardians prospect George Valera acted on his violent impulses
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The game was only in its third inning when Valera seemed to lose it at his second at-bat of the night. The outfielder took offense at something Sounds catcher Alex Jackson said, who stood up from his crouch. Tanner Moore, the umpire, felt a sense of foreboding and attempted to restrain Valera by placing his arm on his chest. After walking several steps backwards, with Jackson trailing behind Moore, it seemed Valera had had enough.
Guardians #2 prospect George Valera pushed an umpire and threw some punches at the catcher last night pic.twitter.com/xm16fuZcRt
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) July 7, 2023
He pushed the umpire, who immediately got out of the forming crowd. The benches cleared on both sides as teammates approached the plate to stop the brawl. Valera was having none of it and threw a punch at Jackson. The catcher was equally angry and moved toward the Clippers player before being held back.
The entire scuffle lasted almost a minute before both players were led away from the game. The New York Post reports that Jackson and Valera were ejected from the game, pending further action.
Baseball fans are not happy with the drama
While brawls are common in sports and enjoyable to some, it misrepresents the game’s sportsmanship. Valera’s career might see a downward trajectory, or at least some form of extra struggles because pushing an umpire is no minor crime. Add to it the fact that the Clippers player was trying to punch someone with full protective gear, which seems counterproductive to many.
The fans have shown their discontent regarding the Valera’s temper attack on Jackson:
Trying to punch your bare hand into a catcher’s mask is not smart.
— John Kopecky (@Pecker2002) July 7, 2023
Pro tip. Never hit someone pin the face who has a catchers mask on
— TPC (@TimChap56) July 8, 2023
Punching the one guy on the field that's wearing protective gear is a hilarious decision
— josh (@jjjjosh8) July 7, 2023
Some fans mocked Valera’s punch, grateful that he had chosen baseball and not boxing for a career. Although his future in this sport seems murky too now.
I hope he can hit the ball better than hitting somebody… his future is definitely not in boxing 🥊 😬
— Ralph Alonzo (@RalphAlonzo17) July 7, 2023
Ah yea real badass. Pushed the ump and immediately jumped back before throwing a soft punch to the catchers vest. Lol
— Thegoal60 (@thegoal60) July 7, 2023
In any case, it was perhaps not the best decision to get violent with an umpire.
That's not going to reflect well on his employee evaluation.
— Chris 🇺🇸 (@FakeWhiteKnight) July 7, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
A veteran would have an easier time than a rookie. He’s gonna get the short end of the ruling against him
— 🇺🇸Brian🇺🇸 (@Flannelman77) July 7, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Neither MLB nor the Cleveland Guardians have made any statements about further action against Valera as of now. Can you guess what could have the Guardians prospect said to the Sounds catcher? Share your views in the comments below!
WATCH THIS STORY – Two Big Teams of MLB – the New York Mets and the St. Louis Cardinals – End Up With a Bench-Clearing Brawl