Torii Hunter Tosses Gear Across Baseball Field in Epic Outburst

The Minnesota Twins outfielder erupted following a controversial call.

ByABC News
June 11, 2015, 3:04 AM
Minnesota Twins outfielder Torii Hunter tosses his jersey following his ejection after he was called out on strikes in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, June 10, 2015, in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Twins outfielder Torii Hunter tosses his jersey following his ejection after he was called out on strikes in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, June 10, 2015, in Minneapolis.
Jim Mone/AP Photo

— -- Minnesota Twins outfielder Torii Hunter erupted in anger Wednesday, scattering his gear across the baseball field after being ejected.

Hunter, batting in the eighth inning of Minnesota’s 7-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals, became incensed after he was called out on strikes by umpire Mark Ripperger. Hunter thought Luke Hochevar’s pitch was outside, and later replays appeared to support Hunter’s assessment.

PHOTO: Torii Hunter throws his batting glove onto the field after being ejected from the game against the Kansas City Royals during the eighth inning on June 10, 2015 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Torii Hunter throws his batting glove onto the field after being ejected from the game against the Kansas City Royals during the eighth inning on June 10, 2015 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

As soon as the strikeout was recorded, Hunter walked to Ripperger and started arguing. He was ejected within seconds.

Twins manager Paul Molitor came out of the dugout on Hunter’s behalf and was also ejected, the first time he was tossed as a manager.

Another umpire, Jeff Kellogg, held Hunter back.

PHOTO: Umpire Jeff Kellogg restrains Minnesota Twins? Torii Hunter, left, who argues a call third strike after he was ejected by plate umpire Mark Ripperger during the eighth inning of a baseball game, June 10, 2015, in Minneapolis.
Umpire Jeff Kellogg restrains Minnesota Twins? Torii Hunter, left, who argues a call third strike after he was ejected by plate umpire Mark Ripperger during the eighth inning of a baseball game, June 10, 2015, in Minneapolis.

Hunter, 39, removed his elbow pad and shin guard and flipped them across the diamond. His batting gloves were next.

PHOTO: Minnesota Twins player Torii Hunter tosses his batting glove after he was ejected during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Wednesday, June 10, 2015, in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Twins player Torii Hunter tosses his batting glove after he was ejected during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Wednesday, June 10, 2015, in Minneapolis.

Then he slipped his jersey over his head, hurling it as he left the field, leaving the bat boy to clean up the mess. The outburst came as Minnesota endured its first sweep at home this season. Following the game, Hunter continued to blame Ripperger.

"We have bad days, all of us, as hitters, pitchers. Even umpires have bad days, and he had one," Hunter said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.