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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy has retired from the Dayton Daily News after covering the Cincinnati Reds for 37 years. Hal's blog, though, will continue to be a must-read for Reds fans. He'll share his thoughts on the team this season and will file updates from Great American Ball Park. You also can catch Hal in print every Sunday in his popular Ask Hal columnHome > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2009 > May > 09 > Entry
Of Fraternizing and looking not-so-sharp
When Jason LaRue was with the Cincinnati Reds, he hated it, loathed it, when he saw a teammate talking around the batting cage with an opposing player. And he hated it more when an opposing player walked into the Reds clubhuse to talk to a teammate.
It’s called fraternizing and it used to be frowned upon. The league would fine players caught talking to each other before games, no matter where it was. An umpire used to arrive early and sit in the stands and make notes as to who was talking to whom. And then U.S. Grants would gber lifted from offending players’ wallets.
No more. It’s open gab season.
LaRue was on the field Saturday before the game while the Reds took batting practice, but he was not in his St. Louis Cardinals uniform and he stood behind a rope near the backstop. He talked to Reds media relations direction Rob Butcher, Marty Brennaman and me.
As we talked, a Cardinals player approached a Reds player at the batting cage and LaRue shook his head in disgust. Then he noticed the way the Reds player was wearing his cap and said, “That’s a disgrace. That’s a disgrace to baseball right there.”
No, it wasn’t Brandon Phillips, who wears his hat off-kilter, the bill off center. It was a Reds player who was wearing the bill flat, not rounded as is the accepted manner. And it was sitting atop his head.
We won’t mention names, but I agree with LaRue on two counts: the fraternizing stinks and wearing the cap in that manner is ugly - almost as ugly as nearly ALL the players wearing their pants over the tops of their shoes.
The Fraternizing Rule is no longer enforced because what’s $50 or a $100 or even $500 to these guys? But, as a fan, don’t you hate seeing your favorite player high-fiving and hugging and bumping fists and laughing with somebody with the other team - somebody they are supposed to later go out on the field and knock senseless on a play at second base or run over at home plate to win a game?
Albert Pujols was hanging around the Reds’ batting cage and Reds GM Walt Jockeltty was guilty of fraternizing. He gave Pujols a hand shake and a hug. While he had him, he should have kicked him in the groin. But Jocketty had a slight excuse. He did used to be to be Pujols’ boss as GM of the Cardinals.
But LaRue talking about how somebody else looks is kind of funny. I told him, “Every time I see you, you look different.” And he said, “That’s because I’m getting old.” No, it isn’t. It’s because his hair is down to his shoulders and his facial hair makes him look like - and pardon me for saying this, Jason - but he looks like Charles Manson, without the swastika on the forehead.
While he isn’t the regular catcher, LaRue likes playing for manager Tony LaRussa, “Because it is all about baseball, it’s down-to-businesss stuff, not much horsing around,” said LaRue.
BRANDON PHILLIPS was back in the lineup Saturday after misisng two games with the flu, but Joey Votto was still absent with the same flu and manager Dusty Baker said he may not be bgack until Monday when the team starts a six-game trip in S=Phoenix against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
And Alex Gonzalez believes he might be back Monday, too. He made 150 long toss throws Saturday, took some infield and some batting practice.
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By Jim
May 10, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this
Who anointed LaRue the MLB etiquette police chief? Maybe you should ask him how it was acceptable to pout an entire season after losing his job to a better player. Really, I have little respect for the guy, especially after the way he went after Hairston last season. The guy is really full of himself.
By NYCRedsfan
May 10, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this
it’s a game for cryin’ out loud. we ain’t making war here.
By sam
May 10, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this
If Larue loathes fraternization so much,then why is he talking to anyone associated with the Reds? Some of these players have been teammates or friends for years.Now you can’t talk to them? Baloney!! Larue ought to look at his own appearance if he wants to see what a disgrace to the game looks like.
By Sergeantdave
May 10, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this
On fraternization, its really no big deal. Just look at how Pete went out to dinner with Ray Fosse the night before the All Star game and then virtually ended his career in the All Star game.
By Aaron B.
May 10, 2009 3:15 AM | Link to this
iTS ACTION — REACTION.
By bob
May 10, 2009 2:27 AM | Link to this
Flat hat is diffently Herrera. I’m also tired of these players in baggy uni’s. It looks like they are playing in their PJ’s. The worst one’s at fraternization is Welch and Grande. Welch admitted on the telecast today to giving up info on Bruce to an American League scout.
By Sal Monella
May 9, 2009 9:04 PM | Link to this
Speaking of Pujols, looks like big mouth Albert — who is so fond of trashing the Reds and bashing everyone on this blog — is a bit off on his prediction that StL would take all 3 games and Pujols would hit 3 jacks. Uh, I believe Pujols is 0 for 7 so far? So where is blabbermouth Albert? Hiding in shame under mother’s apron in preparation for Mommy’s Day?
By FLRed
May 9, 2009 8:44 PM | Link to this
If I saw a player texting at all I’d go nuts. He’s not exactly driving a subway, but he should be focused on the game.
By Mark in Sun Valley
May 9, 2009 8:25 PM | Link to this
That same fraternization was a benefit last year when Votto got tips from Albert on playing first. Now, some players change teams almost every year. I have never had a hard time buzzing a friend off the plate or sliding hard into someone as long as it is a clean play. Just because these guys catch up does not take away a competitive edge. I will say, if I saw someone texting another team player during a game, I think I would go nuts. You’re paid a lot for a few hours of concentration. Stay focused.
By FLRed
May 9, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this
Perfect example: Nix could’ve “helped” his team by knocking Lohse “senseless” just now… guess someone taught him to play hard but fair.
By FLRed
May 9, 2009 8:04 PM | Link to this
We love good “chemistry” on the field and in the clubhouse… but guys are frequently shipped to other teams — can we expect them to switch it off and only speak to their own team? That’s not real life. When do we stop expecting players to be good sports? We teach our kids (hopefully) that they can play hard without being jerks…
By WVRedsFan44
May 9, 2009 7:07 PM | Link to this
C’mon guys……not talking and hanging with the other guys is a little extreme….with all the money they make there prolly changing tips on the stock exchange…wait till the playoffs then we can complain about being to friendly with the opponent…as for the Unis the flat bill is annoying but if you are a relief pitcher I guess its ok cause u need to be a bit goofy
By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
May 9, 2009 6:48 PM | Link to this
One thing overlooked as part of the fraternization is unlike the old days, a lot of these players come up together—playing against each other on high school elite teams, in college, the minors, even having the same agents. The really bizarre part is how they text each other, oftentimes during a game.
By Gerry
May 9, 2009 6:48 PM | Link to this
The whole idea of “other team is my enemy” is ridiculous. The way they wear their uniform pants on the other hand. You would think hitters would pull them up just to define their knees better for the home plate ump.
By Ron
May 9, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this
I was never a big Jason LaRue fan when he was a Red and I am sorry I wasn’t. Don’t get me wrong…I did not dislike him…just was not a big fan. His comments on fraternizing is right on. How do you hug a guy before the game then knock him down or run over him during the game? If you want to catch up with former teammates and friends, do it in the off-season. Gosh, I miss the 60’s and 70’s version of baseball. Players can, and do, make a lot of money when they win games for their teams. Kabitzing with them before the game doesn’t help. Fans could care less if you had a past relationship with certain opposing players. It’s disgusting.
By FLRed
May 9, 2009 5:35 PM | Link to this
I’d say I hate seeing one player knock another guy “senseless” more than I hate seeing guys acknowledge friends from other teams.