The Boys & Girls Clubs of America Should Drop Prince Fielder As A Spokesman

Last night, Milwaukee Brewers slugger Prince Fielder physically attacked his teammateManny Parra by shoving him twice onto the bench in the dugout. Fielder was swiftly restrained by his other teammates. Parra was the Brewers starting pitcher last night and had a bad outing against the Cincinnati Reds giving up six runs in six innings. When Parra was removed for a pinch hitter in the 7th inning, he appeared to have words with Fielder and seemed to indicate he was going to the clubhouse instead of remaining in the dugout for the balance of the inning. This is when Fielder attacked him.

Several things about this incident bothered me. First, the fact that Fielder actually assaulted and did so in such a public fashion. Second, was Brewers manager Ned Yost telling reporters that asking him about the fight was as rude as going over to your neighbors house to ask about a fight after its happened. Um, well, if there's a fight at your neighbor's house and either a spouse is being attacked or a child is being abused or is witnessing abuse it is entirely appropriate to either warn your neighbors about refraining from such activity or calling in the authorities. Third, was the attitude of ESPN's Baseball Tonight panel especially John Kruk who seemed to condone Fielder's actions and that Parra's behavior somehow warranted physical violence. To be sure, baseball has had a long history of violence between teammates. The Oakland A's of the early 1970s that won three consecutive World Series were notorious for such behavior. But it took place in the clubhouse away from the public, especially impressionable children.

This brings me to my final point. Prince Fielder is one of a number of spokesmen for The Boys & Girls Clubs of America & appears in one of their TV commercials talking with a young boy. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America emphasizes their facilities and activities are "a safe place for kids." If Prince Fielder thinks its a good idea to assault his teammates in the dugout for all to see including children I hardly think he is an appropriate or suitable person to represent The Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Thus I think the Boys & Girls Clubs of America should drop Fielder as a spokesman and pull his commercial from the airwaves.