St. Louis Cardinals: Fireworks in Memphis

A storm blew into Memphis on Monday afternoon that pushed the start of the AAA-affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals later than scheduled.  A late start and the approaching fourth of July brought about fireworks during the game.

The St. Louis Cardinals have had a middle-of-the-line AAA-affiliate team this season but have started using this location as a rehab and rediscovery stop for many players.  Of these facing rediscovery, Jeremy Hazelbaker just recently joined the Memphis roster.  Never did he imagine that he would be involved in a brawl within days of joining.

In the fifth inning of Monday night’s contest, after both benches had previously been warned, an inside pitch nearly hit Hazelbaker.  Deciding obviously to take out his demotion frustrations (I’m significantly speculating here) on the situation at hand, Hazelbaker charged the mound.

After what had already been a chippy game on both sides, this charge was too much to take and both benches cleared.

The brawl was lengthy and violent.  Within minutes, the local newscast had grabbed iPhone video and posted to their site.  Check out the information-lacking article (and video) here.  The YouTube posted video is posted below as well.

For a quick image shot, check out this tweet:

According to the Memphis Redbirds Twitter, ejections were issued:

So, what happens now?  Best guess is that suspensions and fines will follow.  The most likely recipients of these outcomes will be Hazelbaker and Jose Martinez for Memphis.  These are two power bats that will be missed and two bats who need the exposure for their progression and value.

Next: Replacing Rosenthal

Let us hope that tonight’s fireworks will be the last ones of this kind until the celebratory, actual fireworks fly on July 4!  Follow me on Twitter and I’ll keep you updated on the penalties of this kerfuffle.