Tommy Pham, an outfielder for the Chicago White Sox, got into a heated exchange with the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday afternoon during the team’s 6-3 loss. In the top of the eighth inning, a fly ball was hit to left field, but it didn’t go very far. Despite this, the White Sox third base coach decided to send Pham on a tag-up play to try to tie the game. Pham was gunned down by a mile as William Contreras tagged him out as he slid to end the game. It was a pivotal moment in the game, and Contreras’ emotions caused him to yell something at Pham, who was obviously not pleased with what he said.
Pham turned around and headed back to his dugout, where he was being held back from rushing the Brewers by players and coaches. John Schriffen, the White Sox announcer, was getting hot in the booth too.
“He is being barked at by Contreras. Tommy Pham yapping in return!” Shoving into his headset, Schriffen yelled. “Home plate umpire Edwin Jimenez is now forced to restrain Pham, but he’s not going to back down because he doesn’t like it. No, that won’t work with us. That’s not going to be taken from the Brewers!
During his postgame interview in the locker room, Pham had some fighting words for Milwaukee and the rest of MLB if they were to start something with him on the field. “One-run ballgame, close play at the plate,” Pham said when asked to explain what happened. “Actually it wasn’t even f—ing close. It was a shallow fly ball to left field; you would expect the left fielder to throw the baserunner out on that play.”
“You have to go when the third base coach sends you.” I’m completely glued to my house. I hear, “Tough guy,” with all the hoorah s—, as I head to the dugout. Never will I start something, but I’ll be ready to see it through to the end. I train in many forms of combat during the off-season because I’m ready to f— someone up. things’s okay to accept things as it is.
Pham, 36, started the season in Triple-A but signed with the White Sox this season. After Sunday’s defeat, the team still has the lowest record in the league (15-45), which is what it was when he was called up to the squad in late April when they had a dismal 3-22 record.
Pham, who was a player for the New York Mets and the NL champion Arizona Diamondbacks
Chicago has struggled all season long, and the All-Star break hasn’t even arrived yet. But Pham is demonstrating unequivocally that he has the strength to keep his ground, regardless of what the record may indicate.
