Yankees and Phillies Minor League Coaches Engage in Massive Brawl Following HBP
A minor league baseball game on Sunday between the Tampa Tarpons and the Clearwater Threshers turned violent after a hit by pitch triggered a massive brawl. The altercation began in the third inning when Tampa pitcher Alex Bustamante hit Clearwater batter Erick Brito. Clearwater’s manager and third base coach, Marty Malloy, took issue with the pitch and exchanged words with the Tampa dugout. Malloy was then ejected from the game.
As Malloy walked towards home plate, Tampa’s pitching coach Gerardo Casadiego approached the catcher and stood in front of him. Malloy and the catcher exchanged words before Casadiego intervened. In response, Malloy threw a right hand at Casadiego, knocking off his hat. Casadiego then attempted to strike back but instead hit another Threshers player. The brawl escalated quickly, and Tampa's hitting coach Rick Guarno was tackled to the ground by several Threshers players.
The game was delayed for 20 minutes, and several individuals were ejected from the game. In the end, the Threshers emerged victorious with a score of 12-3. The incident highlights the intensity and emotions that can run high in minor league baseball games, even at the coaching level.