16 Suspended for 82 Games for Roles in Chicago Brawl

A tenacious player during his Hall of Fame career, Frank Robinson delivered a stinging message Thursday in his first action as baseball’s new disciplinary czar over on-field behavior.

He suspended 16 members of the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox for a total of 82 games and fined a total of 24 players, coaches and managers for their roles in last Saturday’s brawl.

It is believed to be the largest mass suspension and harshest penalties for a field incident in baseball history.

Industry sources said that Robinson, who was appointed to the new position when Commissioner Bud Selig dissolved the American and National League offices, also may ask owners to approve a rule that would result in an automatic five-game suspension for any player who leaves the dugout or bullpen to join a fight.

In delivering his sweeping punishment, Robinson acknowledged that baseball wants to send a message that fighting is not an acceptable part of the game and that similar incidents will be “handled in a swift and serious manner.”

“They’re trying to set an example for the rest of the league, and I think it will,” Chicago General Manager Ron Schueler said. “I think you’re going to see a little more reluctance to start fights or get involved in one. I respect the decision, but I don’t necessarily agree with it.”

Eleven players were ejected in the two fights between the Tigers and White Sox, both stemming from a series of hit batters. Managers Phil Garner of Detroit and Jerry Manuel of Chicago were suspended for eight games each, and Tiger coach Juan Samuel was suspended for 15 for throwing punches rather than serving as a peacemaker.

Detroit third baseman Dean Palmer, who charged the mound after being hit by former UCLA pitcher Jim Parque in the first fight and came back to participate in the second after being ejected, was suspended for eight games and fined $3,000, the largest financial hit. Parque received a three-game suspension, and White Sox reliever Keith Foulke also was suspended for three--which was adding insult to injury since he needed five stitches to close a cut under his left eye, the most serious injury.

Several White Sox players expressed anger that Detroit pitcher Jeff Weaver was fined $750 but not suspended. Weaver ignited the bad blood by hitting Carlos Lee with a pitch and then returned from the dugout to join the second fight even though he was done pitching and had his uniform off.

The suspensions are staggered so that neither team will be severely hampered.

Several of the suspended players said they would appeal, meaning their penalty will not start until the appeal is heard.

Since Robinson is judge and jury, there is little likelihood any will be overturned or shortened.

“I didn’t expect the treatment would be this harsh,” Manuel said. “Frank Robinson is a baseball man who I have great respect for. I can’t dispute his decision one way or the other. I don’t agree with it, but I won’t dispute it.”

Said Detroit General Manager Randy Smith: “All you can ask for is consistent and equal penalties. I think he made every effort to do that.”

The teams begin another three game series in Detroit tonight, but Chicago pitcher Bill Simas said, “I don’t think we’ll see anything else this weekend. If guys couldn’t take care of what they needed to during the three games last weekend, then where were they?”

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

Costly Brawl

The 24 Tiger and White Sox players and coaches who were suspended and/or fined for their fight Saturday:

DETROIT

Player Games Fine Dean Palmer 8 $3,000 Bob Higginson 5 $2,000 Robert Fick 5 $2,000 Doug Brocail 4 $1,000 Luis Polonia 3 $1,000 Juan Encarnacion 3 $1,000 Karim Garcia 3 $1,000 Phil Garner 8 N/A Juan Samuel 15 N/A Doug Mansolino N/A Jeff Weaver $750 Matt Anderson $750 Todd Jones $750 Jim Poole $500 Danny Patterson $500

*--*

*

CHICAGO

*--*

Player Games Fine Magglio Ordonez 5 $1,000 Jim Parque 3 $1,000 Keith Foulke 3 $1,000 Bob Howry 3 $1,000 Tanyon Stutze 3 $1,000 Carlos Lee 3 $1,000 Jerry Manuel 8 N/A Bill Simas $750 Joe Nossek N/A

*--*