In a game between the Phillies and Nationals yesterday, Roy Halliday threw a high fastball over the head of a Nats' batter. It has been suggested that it was intentional. It came soon after Nats phenom Stephen Strasburg cracked Chase Utley in the shins with a 99 mile per hour fastball.
The news is that Utley had suggested to Halliday earlier in spring training that the pitcher utilize the "purpose pitch" more often as part of his arsenal.
Fotunately there was no further retaliation. Charlie Manuel Phils manager was quoted as saying the brush back is a necessary part of the game. True, but waht happens if retaliation gets out of hand?
See my novel A PITCH FOR JUSTICE that imagines a criminal prosecution for homicide.
http://www.amazon.com/A-Pitch-for-Jus...