Former Major League pitcher Mike Montgomery made waves in the Korean Baseball Organization on Friday, as he was ejected from a game before flying into a rage that saw him throw a rosin bag and hit an umpire. Montgomery, a member of the 2016 Chicago Cubs' World Series-winning team, currently plays for the KBO's Samsung Lions.
Montgomery was ejected from Friday's game after a warning about the KBO's 12-second pitch rule. Once thrown out, he proceeded to go berserk as he was guided back towards the dugout. Montgomery charged towards the umpire before being restrained by teammates, and then threw a rosin bag at the back of the umpire, who was talking to the Lions' manager.
Former #Cubs LHP Mike Montgomery made a run at home-plate umpire and threw a rosin bag and connected. He was warned about ‘12 second pitch rule’ and maybe that’s why he got upset? Highly unlikely that he’s going throw another pitch in #KBO after this. #SamsungLions pic.twitter.com/OXE8ITlFEm
— Daniel Kim 대니얼 김 (@DanielKimW) September 10, 2021
Montgomery's tirade ended with him removing his jersey in the dugout and throwing it on the field before making his way back to the clubhouse.
According to ESPN, Montgomery joined the KBO after opting out of a minor league deal with the New York Yankees, with the goal of returning to the major leagues after six MLB seasons spent with the Cubs, Seattle Mariners and Kansas City Royals. Montgomery signed with the Samsung Lions in Daegu, and entered Friday's game 1-2 with a 5.65 ERA in six starts.
In the Major Leagues, Montgomery is 23-34 with a 3.84 ERA for his career.
Assuming that Montgomery faces major discipline for his actions, his transgressions may prove to be costly for the Lions as a whole. As of Friday, the Lions are third in the KBO standings with a record of 57-45 -- four games back of the league-leading KT Wiz Suwon and a game back of the LG Twins.
Friday's game between the Lions and Wiz ended in a 2-2 tie, and the Lions' next game will come tomorrow against the Hanwha Eagles.
