High school athletes often experience heightened emotions during league championships, and a recent game showcased just that.
Last week, a tense moment nearly turned into a brawl when La Salle faced off against Bishop Amato.
Bishop Amato, vying for the Del Rey League title, came back from being down 5-0 and later 8-5, clinching the game with a walk-off hit by pitch in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded. After the batter reached first base, he celebrated by running toward the left field stands, with many teammates following him from the dugout.
Things were relatively calm when the Bishop Amato players crossed paths with La Salle’s second baseman and shortstop. However, once they reached the left field area, tensions escalated.
At least four players, including the one hit by the pitch, confronted La Salle’s left fielder, taunting him. Initially, the left fielder didn’t seem too bothered, but when he hit a Bishop Amato player intentionally, frustration grew. After turning to respond, more players from Bishop Amato joined in, which triggered a pushing match with several La Salle players entering the fray.
While a brawl almost erupted, cooler heads prevailed. Coaches and players from both teams stepped in to separate the instigators.
Following the game, La Salle’s head coach, Andy Nieto, expressed strong feelings about the incident. “As for Bishop Amato, it’s embarrassing,” he said. “They deserved to celebrate, but rushing at me in left field isn’t acceptable.” He also mentioned, “I respect President Richard Beck and Principal Gabe Escobar. I think they’re doing a great job, but I feel embarrassed for Bishop Amato.”
Nieto added, “I was proud of my time in that uniform, but this situation isn’t okay.”
Bishop Amato’s head coach, Robert Prieto, also shared his thoughts, stating, “These kids got out of control… totally uncalled for, and I’m a bit disappointed. They need to find a better way to express their excitement.”
