MLB: Pat Neshek rips Zack Greinke for All-Star autograph snub
By Tim Haberin
Pat Neshek had some choice words for Zack Greinke after the D-Backs pitcher supposedly backed out of an agreement to provide him some autographed items.
Pat Neshek is not very happy with Zack Greinke at the moment. The Rockies reliever slammed the Diamondbacks starting pitcher on a sports collectors online message board for refusing to autograph some items as he earlier promised. It’s certainly not your average dispute between MLB players, but to Neshek it’s no laughing matter.
According to ESPN.com, the right-hander posted a detailed message under the username “heat17” recounting his story on SportsCollectors.net. He explained that he asked Greinke for an autograph back at the All-Star Game in July, when the two hurlers were teammates on the National League squad. Neshek claimed the D-Backs ace agreed, but when asked to follow through a couple weeks ago by signing some baseball cards, he declined, citing Neshek’s tiring requests.
On Twitter, Neshek added that Greinke attributed the misunderstanding to confusing him with Marlins relief pitcher Brad Ziegler, who was teammates with the former Cy Young winner last year in Arizona. Not buying it, Neshek declared Greinke a “turd” and “a-hole.” So you know this is getting serious.
Neshek is well-known for his autograph-seeking efforts. Philly.com did a story on his hobby prior to the season. The pastime dates back to his college days at Butler University, when he would go to great lengths to pursue athletes and land coveted signatures. His collection also includes items signed by legendary figures outside the sports world like Buzz Aldrin, Jimmy Hendrix and, yes, even Napoleon Bonaparte.
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It’s no surprise that Greinke was on Neshek’s wish list. The reliever, then with the Phillies, shared his plans to get the elusive autograph at the Midsummer Classic after being named to the NL team. He acknowledged Greinke’s reputation as a “tough” signature to get, but toyed with the idea of sending his three-year-old son out to make the request.
What could have been a cute story has instead turned into a clash between two players who you probably wouldn’t place among MLB’s most beef-worthy personalities. Greinke hasn’t responded to Neshek calling him out, and given the righty’s typically understated demeanor, we wouldn’t really expect one. His majors-leading 17 wins and 2.87 ERA, along with his postseason-bound D-Backs club, are likely of much more interest.
It’s not unusual for players to ask for and swap autographs among themselves. Some do it for charitable endeavors, others just for fun. Neshek was within his rights to ask for a signature, just as Greinke was well within his to turn him down. But if he did actually renege on a promise, then it’s easy to understand why Neshek is steamed.
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The pitchers may soon have the chance to settle the score on the field, however. The division-rival Diamondbacks and Rockies could meet in the NL Wild Card Game.