Torii Hunter Tosses Gear Across Baseball Field in Epic Outburst

— -- 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.

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.

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

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.