Hunter Goodman Denies Asking Umpire About Cardinals Rookie's Tilted Cap in 6th-Inning Flap
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 6
Hunter Goodman Denies Asking Umpire About Cardinals Rookie's Tilted Cap in 6th-Inning Flap
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 6
Summary
Hunter Goodman said Saturday he "never once mentioned the hat," rejecting reports that he asked umpire Doug Eddings whether Cardinals reliever Hancel Rincon could pitch with a crooked cap.
Friday's dispute began in the sixth inning of Rincon's MLB debut, when Eddings told the Cardinals catcher to have Rincon straighten his cap; manager Oli Marmol later argued and was ejected.
Goodman said he has taken online abuse after being tied to the complaint, while MLB.com noted Eddings did not identify the batter by name in his postgame explanation.
MLBPA has contacted players involved and the commissioner's office, but no discipline for Eddings or Marmol had been announced as backlash spread across players, managers and social media.
Saturday, Cardinals players mocked the controversy with tilted caps, and Rincon was allowed to keep his cap askew in his second appearance, though he gave up 4 runs.