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Colton Cowser mistakenly throws important ball in fountains
During a recent game where the Baltimore Orioles claimed victory over Kansas City, left fielder Colton Cowser made a critical error by throwing the ball from the final out into the Kauffman Stadium fountains. Cowser, who came in as a replacement, caught Salvador Perez’s fly to secure the win. However, his hasty decision to toss the ball away led to a realization that it might be a significant milestone ball for pitcher Craig Kimbrel.
The Crucial Save and the Mistaken Throw
Craig Kimbrel, the Orioles’ pitcher, achieved his 422nd save during the game, tying him with Billy Wagner for seventh place on the career save list. Upon reflecting on his actions, Cowser admitted to the oversight, stating, “Right when I threw it I said, ‘Craig has a lot of saves, that one might be important.'” Realizing his mistake, Cowser frantically searched for the ball he had thrown away into the fountain, only to find an old ball and the crucial one lost.
Kimbrel, a seasoned player at 35 years old and a nine-time All-Star, has already made significant contributions this season with five saves out of six chances and allowing only one run in nine innings. The importance of preserving the ball for his career milestone was underscored by Orioles manager Brandon Hyde, who expressed disappointment in Cowser’s actions, noting the need for greater awareness in such crucial moments.
A Lesson Learned
In response to the incident, Cowser acknowledged his mistake and vowed to exercise more caution in the future. He stated, “Every time I catch the ball and it’s a last out from him now, it’s staying in the glove,” demonstrating his commitment to avoiding similar errors in upcoming games.
As players and fans alike recognize the significance of milestones in a player’s career, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of attentiveness and respect for the game’s history. Cowser’s mishap, though unfortunate, offers a valuable lesson in mindfulness and responsibility on the field, contributing to the ongoing narrative of sportsmanship and dedication in baseball.
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