Penn State

Managers gone wild at Medlar Field

Guy Cipriano

July 21, 2011 05:05 PM

The State College are honoring managerial implosions during tonight’s game against Mahoning Valley.

Here is our list of the top three in Medlar Field at Lubrano Park history. Please, no chest-bumping, shouting or cussing if you disagree.

1. Aug. 7, 2006 -- Mark DeJohn wasn’t just the first manager in State College Spikes history. He was easily the feistiest

DeJohn illustrated his fiery side against Mahoning Valley, storming from the dugout to argue a third-inning call at second base. DeJohn stomped and shouted at umpire Keith Rogowski. DeJohn’s words echoed throughout the ballpark.

Rogowski ejected DeJohn. The move didn’t sit well with the manager. DeJohn stared at Rogowski and mockingly ejected the umpire. To DeJohn’s dismay, Rogowski didn’t exit the field. DeJohn retreated the clubhouse for the rest of the 6-3 loss.

The implosion had a delay effect. The Spikes won their next seven games.

2. Aug. 27, 2010 -- Ah, the infamous base signing.

The source of tonight’s replica base giveaway, this incident started with Spikes manager Gary Robinson debating with plate umpire Roberto Ortiz whether Brooks Pounders’ pitch hit Batavia’s Victor Sanchez. Ortiz ruled it did.

Part 1 of the argument proved mild. Robinson started retreating to the dugout.

Part 2 was zany, with Robinson chirping at Robinson during his retreat. Ortiz then ejected Robinson. Robinson reacted by kicking dirt onto the plate. He then dropped to his knees and covered the plate with more dirt.

On his way to the clubhouse, Robinson swiped first base, grabbed a pen from his pocket, signed the base and handed it to 13-year-old fan Dan Kozar of Centre Hall.

Robinson made ESPN the following day.

3. July 20, 2009 -- Medlar Field even brings out the boisterous side of opposing managers.

This implosion started with State College’s Craig Parry barreling a ball toward the right-field foul pole. Because the Spikes had runners on base, the call was left to plate umpire Joe Muenzer, who ruled the ball foul.

Spikes manager Gary Robinson discussed the call with base umpire Chris Nguyen. Both umpires then conferred, and Muenzer reversed his initial call.

Forget easing into an argument. Lowell manager DiSarcina, a former major league infielder, flipped. His stay in the game lasted just 10 seconds after the argument started. DiSarcina continued yelling at both umpires as he walked down the right-field line toward the visitor’s clubhouse. DiSarcina wasn’t shouting food suggestions.

Replays showed the ball was fair. Lowell managed to win 8-5, anyway.

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