Angels Fire Team Employee Who Allegedly Supplied Illegal Substances to Opposing Pitchers
By Jack Murphy
Cheating has become prevalent in baseball as the Houston Astros sign-stealing scheme has yet to fizzle out in the world of MLB. The Angels seem to have no tolerance for any type of tomfoolery in baseball as they made changes to their organization because of attempts of cheating from one of their own.
The Los Angeles Angels have fired their visiting clubhouse manager Brian "Bubba" Harkins for allegedly supplying illegal substances for opposing pitchers to use on baseballs.
From @maria_torres3: #Angels fire employee for allegedly furnishing illegal substances to put on baseballs https://t.co/qc4frbqdRD
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) March 6, 2020
The Angels confirmed the firing of Harkins, however they did not elaborate on the reasons for his dismissal.
Harkins was part of the Angels organization since 1981 and was named the visiting clubhouse manager in 1990. In 2005, he was named Visiting Clubhouse manager of the year. Perhaps most confusing was that Harkins was supplying the Angels' opposing pitchers with such practices, rather than LAA hurlers.
The Angels fired their longtime visiting clubhouse manager after an internal investigation confirmed that he was providing opposing pitchers with illegal ball-doctoring substances. MLB, which vows to enforce that rule this season, tipped them off. ... https://t.co/EBzVI15SE4
— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) March 6, 2020
Whatever the case may be, kudos to the Halos for finding out about this activity and firing the man involved immediately. It shows the organization has a no-tolerance policy for cheating.