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Young Gets 50 Game Suspension for On-Field Incident |
Bulls outfielder Delmon Young has received the International League’s longest ever suspension for an on field incident. |
The International League announced on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, Durham Bulls outfielder Delmon Young has been suspended for 50 games without pay and must perform a minimum of 50 hours of community service for the incident on April 26th during the Bull’s game at the Pawtucket Red Sox. After being ejected during the first inning for arguing balls and strikes with the home plate umpire, Young flipped his bat in the umpire’s direction hitting him in the chest protector.
“The goal in reviewing this very serious matter was to arrive at a fair and just action against Mr. Young,” International League President Randy Mobley said, “With the 50 game suspension, longer than any other uncovered in the League’s 123-year history, and the significant fine as a result of the loss of salary, I believe this has been accomplished.”
Young has agreed to perform a minimum of 50 hours of community service while under suspension which will be divided between the Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League and the Miracle League of Gulf Beaches. The Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League is sponsored by the Durham Bulls and is operated by the Durham Department of Parks and Recreation for the benefit of the neediest of inner-city youth in Durham.
Bulls General Manager Mike Birling was encouraged by Young’s suggestion to have community involvement included in the ruling.
“I’m pleased with the community service requirement. I trust that says something about Delmon’s character and aspirations beyond this unfortunate incident,” he said. “Our league president is a fair and thoughtful man. I am confident that he looked at every facet of this issue as he made his decision.”
Young will be eligible to return to action on June 19th when the Bulls return home to play the Charlotte Knights.
Young, 20, is batting .329 with three doubles, a triple and eight runs batted in through 21 games with the Bulls this season. He was named the 2005 Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America and was recognized as the top prospect in Minor League Baseball for the last two years. Young was drafted by the Devil Rays as the first overall selection in the 2003 Amateur Draft.
Thanks to DBBC’s Matt DeMargel for this capcom story & photo.
