May 20, 2006: The Michael Barrett-A.J. Pierzynski fight
White Sox baserunner A.J. Pierzysnki collides with Cubs catcher Michael Barrett at home plate during the second inning at U.S. Cellular Field on May 20, 2006. The result?
White Sox baserunner A.J. Pierzynski’s shoulder block into Cubs catcher Michael Barrett spawned a second-inning, bench-clearing brouhaha at home plate on May 20, 2006, at U.S. Cellular Field.
The fight boiled over into another fight that led to four ejections and made headlines around the country. Pierzynski said he was simply trying to score and Barrett was in his way. Barrett grabbing Pierzynski and landing a hard right cross was an apparent misunderstanding. “I hit Michael (who was blocking home plate) and I got up and my helmet was right behind him,” Pierzynski said. “I went to get my helmet and the next thing I know I’m in a bearhug and he said, ‘I didn’t have the ball, b----.’ The next thing I know I got punched.”
The White Sox wound up beating the Cubs 7-0.
