In a jaw-dropping moment during a recent game between the Kansas City Royals and the Toronto Blue Jays, pitcher Aroldis Chapman collided with umpire Vic Carapazza while attempting to avoid a collision with the first baseman. The incident left fans stunned and outraged, with many taking to social media to express their frustration and disappointment with Chapman’s behavior. In this article, we’ll explore the fallout from the collision and the reactions of fans.
With his towering height of 6-foot-4 and his weight well over 200 pounds, it’s easy to imagine Aroldis Chapman excelling in NFL had he grown up in the United States. During a recent game against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Kansas City Royals pitcher gave us a glimpse of what that alternate reality might look like.
Called upon to pitch the top of the ninth inning, Chapman broke towards first base as Toronto’s Kevin Kiermaier hit a slow grounder. However, the ball was fielded by first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who successfully retired Kiermaier with a dive at first base. Chapman had to quickly change his path, but he kept his focus on the play at first base.
This led to a collision with umpire Vic Carapazza when Chapman realized too late that his new path had him running directly at the umpire. Attempting to avoid contact, the pitcher jumped but still ended up crashing hard into the umpire.
Aroldis Chapman runs over an umpire in Kansas City. pic.twitter.com/ISOJK9LUDw
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 5, 2023
What are fans saying about Aroldis Chapman?
The sight of a pitcher tackling an umpire is certainly an unusual occurrence, not something you see every day in baseball, outside the dreams of some pitchers perhaps. Understandably, MLB fans had plenty to say about this bizarre incident.
As news of the unusual collision between pitcher Aroldis Chapman and umpire Vic Carapazza spread, baseball fans couldn’t resist chiming in with their own takes on the bizarre incident.
Some fans took a humorous approach, with one quipping, “Good thing he didn’t have his gun with him.”
Good thing he didn't have his gun with him
— N628TS (@Robbie_gr) April 5, 2023
Another sarcastically joked, “At least he’s hitting grown men this time,” referencing Chapman’s infamous history of violence allegations.
At least he's hitting grown men this time
— Percy Chuggs (@PercyChuggs) April 5, 2023
But not all comments were lighthearted. One fan expressed concern about Chapman’s behavior both on and off the field, writing, “He literally abuses everyone. Even his own girlfriends….”
He literally abuses everyone. Even his own girlfriends…
— Steve 🇱🇹/🇨🇦/🇺🇸 (@LUKADAGAWD_MFFL) April 5, 2023
It was a sobering reminder that while sports can be a source of entertainment and excitement, the actions of the athletes who play them can have real-world consequences. One thing is certain: the collision has sparked an important conversation about sportsmanship and the responsibilities that come with being a professional athlete.
