As baseball fans, we've heard every story and seen every possible moment in the book. Rain delays, lightning scares, funny fan moments, paper airplanes flying onto the field, animals running rapidly in stadiums, moths that cause injuries, hot dog vendors that make phenomenal catches and circus lights causing postponements. We've seen it all, heard it all, and have witnessed every moment-- whether good or bad-- that baseball has to offer...or so we thought.
On Saturday, the White Sox entered U.S. Cellular Field for a game against the Tigers. Thousands of fans entered the stadium in anticipation for this AL Central matchup, featuring the solid pitching of the White Sox against the dominant offense of the Tigers. Many White Sox fans wondered if this would be the last time they would watch Chris Sale with a White Sox uniform on (part of the pun). With the Trade Deadline looming, rumors have been running rapidly about the future of the southpaw, and what it would take to get him. Many wondered how he could increase his trade value with a solid start against the Tigers. Unfortunately, he never saw the mound...or the dugout.
Reports began circulating that Chris Sale was scratched from his start. At first, an illness was reported. Over the course of the morning, the illness rumor was quickly replaced, and by the start of the game, it was reported that Sale was sent home over a clubhouse incident. Upset with the White Sox choice of uniforms for the game, Sale decided to protest, and he began to cut the uniforms up which made them unwearable. The throwback uniforms were being worn as part of a fan giveaway at the stadium. Fortunately for the fans, they would still receive their jerseys. The team, however, didn't, and were forced to wear a new uniform for the game.
Unfortunately for Sale, this could negatively affect his trade value. Sale's actions, to many, were very selfish and unprofessional. Teams may look at his actions and think twice about allowing unprofessional conduct and attitude into their organization(s). With the Trade Deadline looming and a White Sox team that isn't going anywhere, it will be an interesting story to follow. Sale may stay in the White Sox organization, but he is definitely going to be known as baseball's "diva."
