June 12--Minnesota outfielder Torii Hunter didn't like being called for a third strike during the eighth inning of Wednesday night's game against Kansas City. He also didn't like being ejected for arguing the call.
Just how displeased was he? Well, if temper tantrums can be rated by the number of items thrown, this one was a five.
With the Twins trailing, 7-2, Hunter and Manager Paul Molitor were ejected for arguing the called third strike with home-plate umpire Mark Ripperger.
But Hunter wasn't going to leave quietly. After gently dropping his bat and helmet, he continued to shout and gesture, eventually having to be restrained by Molitor and others.
So the former Angel just started throwing whatever he could get his hands on, scattering an elbow pad, shin guard and batting gloves around the batter's box area.
Hunter then ripped off his jersey and heaved that down first base line before finally retreating to the dugout.
"We have bad days, all of us, as hitters, pitchers," Hunter said after the game. "Even umpires have bad days, and he had one."
Royals Manager Ned Yost -- whose team won, 7-2, to complete a sweep of the Twins -- said of Hunter's meltdown: "It's a bit entertaining."
