Single-A Cubs and Mariners Players Have Epic Standoff in Outfield for Literally 4 Hours
By Sean Facey
The lower minor leagues are home to some crazy moments, but this one probably ranks as the wildest.
In a Single-A game between the Everett AquaSox (Mariners) and the Eugene Emeralds (Cubs), two pitchers, Garrett Westberg and Chris Allen, engaged in a standoff at the outset of the Sunday afternoon matchup. But, after continuing their battle of wills throughout the game, neither of them were willing to budge. The two met in the outfield and continued into the night, lasting for a total of at least four hours.
Now that's the type of iron will coaches like to see out of their pitchers.
Both Westberg and Allen seemed throughouly pleased with themselves from the smiles on their faces, and they absolutely should be. It's this type of competitive fire that makes baseball so much fun to watch!
Standoffs have become increasingly common throughout baseball, even at the major league level. Even rivals like the Yankees and Red Sox will goof around with pregame standoffs from time to time.
Some might call it a distraction, but it's nothing more than a friendly way for opposing teams to poke fun at each other from across the diamond. It's good for sportsmanship and easing tensions in a sport that sometimes takes itself just a bit too seriously.