Five Cox ejections to remember

[braves guru]

• June 15, 1979 at Shea Stadium, New York: After the Mets' Craig Swan hits Phil Niekro in the head, Cox rushes the field. But his ejection by Paul Runge doesn't stop him from going to the mound and challenging Swan to a fight. Said Mets catcher John Stearns, "It was like Cox lost his mind." • Aug. 6, 1980 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium: In the ninth inning of a one-run game against the Dodgers, second base umpire Jerry Dale rules Braves rookie Rafael Ramirez missed the bag while trying to turn a double play. Arguing with a new wad of tobacco, Cox lets some saliva slip while in mid-debate. Dale, unimpressed, tosses him for spitting in his face. • July 8, 1990 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium: Barely two weeks after firing manager Russ Nixon and returning to the dugout, Cox disputes a ninth-inning check-swing call by Eric Gregg and gets the heave in a one-run loss to the Mets..

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[Chief]

• July 29, 1998 at Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati: Hunter Wendelstedt, in his first season, makes a call at third and, while backing away from the play, collides with John Smoltz, who was backing up the throw. Wendelstedt accuses Smoltz of rushing into him, tosses him and then thumbs Cox for putting his arm on him while trying to pry off Smoltz. A 10-minute R-rated tirade ensues, Cox in essence doubting Hunter came from the same genes as his father, longtime umpire Harry.

I vividly remember that one. The umpire completely screwed the pooch. It was one of the few times when I've seen Cox argue where I became concerned that he might have a stroke on the field.