VIDEO: Benches Clear in Japan's Pro League After Pitcher Hits Batter in Head
By Brian Cass
We're all for bench clearing brawls in baseball, it adds to the intensity and makes for a more enjoyable watch. Even if it's in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league, and we don't understand anything the commentators are saying. While brawls are exciting, they are less enjoyable if its the result of a batter getting plunked in the head, as that presents a serious injury risk.
This brawl didn't get nearly as heated as we've seen some get in the MLB. There were no punches thrown, and the only player who seemed aggravated was the batter that got beaned. It turns out the hitter was former Oakland A's infielder Hiroyuki Nakajima.
The pitcher was ejected for throwing a dangerous pitch, and ultimately Nakajima took his base, but the look in his eyes was that of a stone cold killer. He was NOT happy with the pitcher.