Mariners minor leaguer Jesus Montero tries to attack heckling scout with bat
By Dan Zinski
Mariners minor leaguer Jesus Montero had to be physically restrained from attacking a scout Thursday night during a game in Boise, after Montero was reportedly heckled by the Mariners employee.
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Montero was coaching first base for double-A Everett when he became involved in an escalating war with the scout who was seated nearby. It began when the scout reportedly yelled at Montero to hustle as he was coming off the field at the end of an inning.
The scout then took things a step further by ordering an ice cream sandwich and having it sent to Montero in the dugout (a shot at his weight, I guess). This was one insult too many for Montero who, according to witnesses, grabbed a bat and attempted to go into the stands and get the scout.
Montero reportedly threw the ice cream sandwich at the scout while shouting obscenities. The catcher had to be physically restrained by members of the Everett team.
Montero was not ejected but he was pulled from the field and spent the rest of the game seated in the Everett dugout. The matter was addressed by Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik in comments to the Seattle Times:
"“I am aware of the incident in Boise. We are currently in the process of gathering information, but until I have all the details, I cannot comment.”"
The 24-year-old Montero has spent most of the season in triple-A Tacoma with a short stint on the Mariners club, and is with Everett as part of a rehab assignment as he recovers from a strained oblique.
He’s now dealing with a case of wounded pride as well.