Watch: Enraged Rays outfielder goes on all-time dugout rampage
There was a time when Carlos Gomez was a pretty good hitter.
Twice, he made the National League All-Star team.
Once, he even finished ninth in the MVP voting.
But the past couple of years, Gomez has hit some hard times.
His batting average has gone from .284 in 2013 and 2014 to an embarrassing .195 heading into Thursday’s action.
But good news, Rays fans! It seems like Gomez may be finding his batting stroke — kind of.
On Wednesday, Tampa Bay was in Miami, taking on the Marlins.
In the second inning, Gomez struck out on three pitches. He had squared to bunt on the 0-1 pitch when the ball appeared to hit his right hand, but the umpire called it a foul ball. Gomez missed the next pitch, and that’s when the Independence Day fireworks really began.
The 32-year-old outfielder hit the ice box so hard that his helmet actually flew off.
When things are going as badly at the plate as they are for Gomez, you’ll probably take any solid contact you can get.
Of course, Gomez’s tantrum is not the only time in recent memory that a player took a bat to an inanimate object.
Remember former Cub Carlos Zambrano?
Future Hall of Fame Red Sox star David Ortiz must have figured, “Hey, I still have my cellphone!”
And some guys aren’t smart enough to actually use a bat.
Pirates utility man Sean Rodriguez didn’t appreciate it when Cubs manager Joe Maddon persuaded umpires to change a ruling against him.
Gomez made sure nobody could say he was hiding behind a piece of lumber.
After smashing the Gatorade box, he went after the cooler as well.
Carlos Gómez is one of many José Ureña HBP victims, but one of few who didn't get awarded first base. He felt some type of way about that… pic.twitter.com/6osRg451oh
— Fish On First Spaces (@MarlinsSpaces) July 4, 2018
Yes, this was a holiday treat for social media.
If baseballs were as stationary as coolers, Carlos Gomez would be 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/Sa3ra7k20O
— Chris Thomasson – KIII Sports (@ChrisThomasson7) July 4, 2018
The Marlins may not have much to cheer about this year, but the organization did get a chuckle out of Gomez.
We weren't *going* to have fireworks at Marlins Park today… pic.twitter.com/7MQAbkbgXU
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) July 4, 2018
Gomez will assuredly get some type of fine for his actions — unless he decides to maul the mailbox.
Even though he’s hit tough times, “Go-Go” still makes $4 million this year. We’re going assume he can pay it.
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