Ex-Cubs pitcher Mike Montgomery ejected in KBO game, throws rosin bag at umpire
Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Mike Montgomery was ejected from a KBO game on Friday and threw a rosin bag at the umpire while trying to charge him.
Montgomery, who played for the Cubs from 2016-18 and was on their World Series team in 2016 before joining the Samsung Lions in Korea’s top league this year, was ejected after violating the KBO’s pitch time rule.
Pitchers must throw the ball within 12 seconds of receiving it when the bases are empty, something Montgomery was warned about during their game against the KT Wiz.
When he violated it again, the umpire ejected him — which set Montgomery off.
The 32-year-old charged the umpire and had to be held back by his teammates. He then drilled the umpire in the back with a rosin bag.
Former #Cubs LHP Mike Montgomery made a run at home-plate umpire and threw a rosin bag and connected. He was warned about ‘12 second pitch rule’ and maybe that’s why he got upset? Highly unlikely that he’s going throw another pitch in #KBO after this. #SamsungLionspic.twitter.com/OXE8ITlFEm
— Daniel Kim 대니얼 김 (@DanielKimW) September 10, 2021
He eventually walked into the dugout and into the clubhouse, but not before he ripped his jersey off and threw it back out onto the field.
Montgomery played in Major League Baseball from 2015-2020 for the Seattle Mariners, Cubs and Kansas City Royals. The lefty had 70 starts in his six seasons and had a career record of 23-34 with a 3.84 ERA.
Montgomery, who opted out of his minor league deal with the New York Yankees last offseason, signed a $450,000 deal with the Lions this season in Korea, per ESPN. He was 1-2 with a 5.65 ERA in six starts before Friday’s 2-2 tie.