Bullpen Catcher Not Sure What To Do During Bench Clearing Incident

SEATTLE--When the benches cleared Sunday during the Yankees-Mariners game, Seattle bullpen catcher Mark Walsh was faced with a crucial decision: stay at home in the bullpen or jog to the middle of the field with the rest of the team. Walsh, in his first year as bullpen catcher, was unfamiliar with the brawl protocol for uniformed non-roster players like himself.

“When the benches started to clear in the seventh, I wasn’t really sure what to do,” said Walsh, 32. “My options were pretty limited: either run in there or stay home. But what’s the normal procedure for a bullpen catcher? Am I even part of the team? I didn’t know the answer to that, so I just stood there and watched everybody clear out. Even the bullpen coach joined in, and that was the first time I’ve ever seen him stand up.”

As players from both teams spilled out of their dugouts, Walsh made the decision to step on to the field – but them immediately changed his mind and stepped back to the bullpen.

“I felt really weird stepping on to the field,” said Walsh. “I knew I didn’t belong there. They have all kinds of weird little rules and traditions regarding bean balls and bench clearers and stuff, and for all I know it could be considered some kind of breach of etiquette for me to get involved. On the other hand, I’ve always wanted to punch Jorge Posada.”

Walsh was finally forced into action when he observed the Yankees bullpen catcher sprinting across the field to join his teammates. Seconds later, Walsh was sprinting across the field himself, hoping that someone in a Mariners uniform might recognize him. His arrival, however, was greeted with nothing but awkward silence.

“It was a very awkward moment when I got there and everybody ignored me,” Walsh said. “They were all standing around in little groups, and I just kind of hung in the back and paced around a little bit, trying to blend in as much as possible. Nevertheless, I definitely felt a kinship with my teammates just being out there. We all stuck together and stood up for what’s his face, who was hit by that pitch. Yea! Go Mariners! Not in this house!”

When the players disbursed, Walsh made his way back to the bullpen, none the worse for the wear. His only regret? No punches were thrown, and he still has not experienced a good old fashioned bench clearing brawl.

“That was an interesting experience, but it would have been nice if it was an actual brawl, and not just an ‘incident,’” Walsh said. “It would have been nice if I could have thrown a punch or two. Then I would have really felt like part of the team. I’d have gotten on Sportscenter, too. They’d probably put me in the opening montage.

“Ah, what am I talking about? I’m a bullpen catcher! None of that stuff would ever happen to me. I’m still not even sure if I was supposed to be out there in first place. My contract states that I’m only here to warm up the pitchers, lug some equipment, and get weed for J.J. Putz. Which reminds me – that asshole owes me 200 bucks. That shit doesn’t grow underneath the bleachers, you know.”

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