Cincinnati Reds Edd Roush Thrown Out of Game for Sleeping
By David Hill
One of the complaints about baseball is that the games take far too long. Even in the 1920’s, that was a concern, as Cincinnati Reds outfielder Edd Roush fell asleep during a long argument, leading to his being thrown out of the game.
Sometimes, a baseball game can feel like it is going to drag on forever. With managers changing relief pitchers after every batter, that feeling is even worse. Even back in the earlier days of baseball, that same feeling of forever would occasionally occur, as evidenced by Cincinnati Reds outfielder Edd Roush taking a nap.
On this day in 1920, Roush decided that the game had gone on long enough. With the Reds facing off against the Giants, an eventual 5-4 loss for Cincinnati, an extended argument broke out. Roush, who got tired of standing around waiting for everything to blow over and get sorted out, decided to lay down on the the outfield grass and take a nap.
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As hilarious as this may have been for everyone watching, Roush’s nap was no laughing matter to the umpires. Teammate Heinie Groh sprinted out to the outfield to wake him up, but the head umpire had already seen Roush’s impromptu rest. Likely in a foul mood due to the protracted argument as it was, the umpire threw Roush out of the game.
That would turn out to be one of the more entertaining blips in Roush’s career. He would play 18 years in the Majors, posting a .323/.369/.466 batting line, and making the Hall of Fame in 1962. He led the league in batting average twice, and was a league leader in doubles and triples once each. Roush also very likely has the all time record for the most ejections for taking a nap.
Next: Inside Logan Morrison's resurgence
Everyone loves a good nap. That is, everyone except for one angered umpire during a Cincinnati Reds game against the New York Giants.