West Halts Fight Before It Starts

Umpire Joe West figured the best way not to be part of a fight was to stop one from breaking out.

West, ordered by National League president Bill White not to get involved in any fights, halted Eric Davis from getting at Greg Maddux, after the Chicago pitcher had plunked the Cincinnati outfielder.

In the fourth inning, Maddux hit Davis with a fastball that appeared to get away from the right-hander.

“No, I wasn’t throwing at him,” Maddux said. “I always try to work him with fastballs inside. That was an inside fastball.”

Davis took a couple of steps toward the mound before his path was blocked by catcher Joe Girardi and West.

Earlier, Cincinnati starter Jose Rijo threw a pitch which Maddux had to duck under to avoid.

“I’m not supposed to comment on this at all,” West said. “But major league baseball has told (umpires) not to stop (players) from fighting. That comes from Richie Phillips (head of the umpires union). We’re supposed to just let them fight.

“But I don’t want to see a fight any more than anyone else. It was just instinct.”

West escorted Davis to halfway to first base.

Maddux was fined $200 and West issued a warning to both dugouts.