Call to the pen
Fansided

Five World Series overrun by controversy

By Daniel R. Epstein

20 Oct 2000: Roger Clemens of the New York Yankees is interviewed by the media the day before game 1 of the World Series against the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn/ALLSPORT
20 Oct 2000: Roger Clemens of the New York Yankees is interviewed by the media the day before game 1 of the World Series against the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn/ALLSPORT /
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2000: New York Yankees vs. New York Mets

Modern World Series contestants often have previous history with each other that was never possible before inter-league play. When the New York Yankees and New York Mets played each other in July, 2000, they had no idea they would meet again in October. Regardless, Yankees ace Roger Clemens frightened the crowd by beaning Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza in the head on July 8, 2000.

So when Clemens faced Piazza again in game 2 of the World Series the atmosphere was especially tense. Clemens fired a 1-2 fastball up and in and Piazza’s bat shattered. The barrel happened to fly in Clemens’ direction. Clemens grabbed the splintered wood and threw it back towards Piazza. Immediately, both benches emptied.

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Perhaps Clemens thought Piazza intentionally flung the barrel at him? Maybe he wanted to reassert his machismo? Regardless of the reason, cooler heads prevailed and the game continued without ejections. The Yankees would win the Subway Series in five games.

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