What began as a routine third-strike call quickly escalated into chaos. In the bottom of the seventh against the Pirates, Cardinals slugger Willson Contreras was called out on an 0-2 pitch that was clearly in the strike zone, with an 87.5% probability of being a strike.
Suddenly, umpire Derek Thomas ejected Contreras. Contreras insisted he wasn’t arguing, only asking for consistency:
“All I said was, ‘Call those pitches on both sides.’ Then… I turned around, and the next thing I know, he’s throwing me out.”
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol was ejected shortly afterward as well, accused of using inappropriate language during the incident.
Ump Hate Goes Wild–Bat Toss Hits Own Coach, Gum Flies Everywhere
If you thought that was the end, think again. In the chaos, Contreras hurled his bat—aimed at an umpire but instead striking his hitting coach, Brant Brown. The dugout instantly resembled a war zone.
And then came the candy chaos. Either Contreras or someone nearby flung a container of Hi-Chew gum onto the field, forcing the bat boys to frantically gather the scattered pieces.
What a spectacle.
MLB to Review, Cardinals Somehow Still Win
Crew chief Jordan Baker confirmed that Contreras did make contact with an umpire—a serious offense that will likely draw MLB scrutiny. While Contreras insists he acted unintentionally, the league is expected to review the footage.
“I apologized to him [Brown],” Contreras said. “I wasn’t looking back. I just threw my bat back.”
Despite the chaos, the Cardinals secured the win. Alec Burleson hit a walk-off solo homer with two outs in the ninth inning, sealing a 7-6 victory. Contreras had earlier driven in two runs before the incident erupted.
The emotional win gives St. Louis a boost in the playoff race, even if it came amid controversy.
Contreras has a history of dramatic on-field moments. While with the Cubs, he was ejected and suspended for throwing a mask that struck an umpire in the shins.
He’s not the only one with bat-throwing issues: Mariners outfielder Victor Robles recently received a 10-game suspension for hurling a bat at a pitcher, though he continued playing while appealing.
All told, this episode highlights Contreras’s fiery personality—he wears his emotions on his sleeve and plays with maximum intensity.
Fans, Media, and the Cardinals’ Camp Weigh In
Teammates and coaches rushed to calm the situation and prevent Contreras from making it worse. Marmol, who was also ejected, stepped up to defend him. “He wasn’t disputing that particular pitch … I believe him,” Marmol said after the game.
Cardinals commentators summed it up vividly: one said, “Willson was furious … then Mount Vesuvius erupted,” while another added, “Frustration is understandable, but not to this extreme.”
Media coverage was swift and sharp. At RedbirdRants, a writer criticized, “Contreras’ wild charge at the umpire has no place in Cardinals baseball,” cautioning that it could result in a suspension and damage his reputation as a team leader.
Fans were equally stunned. One posted a clip with the caption, “Things just got very ugly at Busch Stadium … then Contreras threw a bucket of Hi‑Chew.” Online reactions ranged from amused disbelief to outright disapproval.
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