Why Joba Chamberlain Shoulda Stuck It In Huff's Ear!

In the first inning of the Yankees-Orioles game in Baltimore yesterday, O's first baseman Aubrey Huff hit a three run homer off Yankee starter Joba Chamberlain.

Then, as he rounded first base, Huff looked right at Joba and made an exaggerated fist pump.

As Huff crossed home plate he made another fist pump—even more exaggerated.

Huff was mocking Joba's excited fist pumps he makes when he strikes someone out in a big situation.

Huff was showing Joba up, and in doing so he was breaking an unwritten rule in baseball. You don't show up the opposition.

What goes around, comes around. 

There are those who will say that Joba was getting what comes around because of his celebrations after strikeouts.

But Joba celebrates spontaneously and in the moment. His team needs more of that kind of excitement.

But Huff was clearly showing up the kid pitcher.

If Huff had played thirty years ago and had done that to Bob Gibson, he would have been looking for somewhere to hide the next time he came to the plate.

You can bet your sweet bottom that Huff would never have tried that with Roger Clemens or Randy Johnson.

Joba Chamberlain should have stuck the ball in Huff's right ear the next time he showed up at the plate.

Joba brushed it off in post game interviews, saying he didn't care if Huff did back flips after he hit a home run.

Manager Joe Girardi was obviously upset about Huff's antics—even though he said nothing.

But Huff might have to bat against Joba again. I hope the kid has enough understanding of this game to put Huff on his butt.