Benchs Clear

[BumsTC]

Last night I was at the Chillicothe / Traverse City game. Late in the game one of the paints players back swing struck Clay Blevins (TC Catcher) in the back of the head. Paints player said something then Blevins said something. Then the benchs and bullpens cleared. Nothing happened but words and pointing fingers. So my question is has anyone ever seen a player charging the mound or a bench clearing brawl in this league?

GO TC!!!!

[Paintsfan]

Yes, I have seen a brawl take place. At VA Memorial Stadium, I was at the August 17, 2005 game. The Paints played the Grizzlies. A Paints pitcher beaned a Grizzlies batter and the batter took offense to that. He tried to charge the mound but he got stopped by the catcher, Jeff Funaro, who was pulling him away. Instead, as a result, the Grizzlies batter fought Funaro.

It's funny that you mention last night's brawl. I've been thinking about the possibility of a serious Beach Bums/Paints rivalry. ;)

[BumsTC]

I agree with your last post. I really did feel that both teams dont like each otehr too much. I sat on the third base side and each time the paints got a hit they were just givin it to Casoli. He was getting pissed as well. Im sure TC was doing the same but I couldnt see into the dugout. The fans were really getting into also. Last night I also heard about Wilson getting ejecting and they had to get security down there to get him out of the dugout. I guess that the fans just gave it to him. This sure does sound like a great rivalry brewing.

[Paintsfan]

As far as I know, there has only been two real rivalries in the FL:

River City Rascals and Gateway Grizzlies. The teams are so close to each other, so it makes sense.

In the past, it was the Chillicothe Paints and the Richmond Roosters. This rivalry lasted for alittle while until the Roosters headed north to TC. I think it would make sense for the same franchise to get into a rivalry with a familiar foe.

I think this rivalry is going to grow. Will it be the FL equivalent of the Yankees/Red Sox? Well, I don't think it would go that far. I can see it having a Cardinals/Cubs or Dodgers/Giants-like feeling to it, though with a FL twist. I also believe that these teams just don't like each other.

The Beach Bums have a natural rivalry with the Kalamazoo Kings, as they are just down the state of Michigan. I think that would be a great rivalry as well.

[Battra]

Every team in the minor leagues needs that one team that they just hate and hate...and hate!

For the Missouri River Otters it was the Quad City Mallards (I'm gonna miss that rivalry...RIP Otters)
For the St. Louis Jr Blues (CSHL) for me, it's the Toledo Chiefs...they play cheap and dirty...and that's how their fans and coaches want it...JUST HATE ON THEM
the Grizzlies and Rascals' Rivalry is too damned friendly for my tastes. Oh well...at least we have it. :)