Twins Dismiss Catcher Caught Tipping Pitches
The Minnesota Twins let go of minor league catcher Derek Bender on Thursday after he disclosed to the opposing batters the kind of pitches that were to be delivered to the plate during at-bats in a game that saw his team bundled out of the playoffs last week, as sources revealed to ESPN.
Bender signed with the Twins organization as a sixth-round draft pick of the team out of Coastal Carolina University in July and had been playing for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels.
This summer, on September 6, Bender was accused of tipping pitches to Lakeland batters. He allegedly told them what pitches Dunn was throwing.
Lakeland gave four runs in the second and won 6-0 effectively, ending the Mighty Mussels season even though they had a six-game lead over the Ticats three weeks before this match.
But coaches from Lakeland informed coaches in Fort Myers that Bender was tipping pitches with his knuckles after the game.
Lakeland players were shocked that Bender tipped pitches, although Flying Tigers’ sources said there wasn’t anything wrong. Some sources said Bender had informed his teammates he wished for the season to end.
Derek Bender’s Benchwarmer Blues: Contract Negotiations Cast a Shadow
The Mussels benched Bender to the bullpen during their last two games. Eyewitnesses saw Bender sitting on the bench during these games.
About his agency, most of which has been developed through Bender, Mr. Johnson declined to give his comments. Neither of the Twins would agree to present their view regarding the matter.
This year’s catcher and first baseman was picked 188th. Bender agreed to a contract worth $297,500. He was just below the required $320,800 for the 188th pick. He will keep the entire bonus, as per sources.
Bender took part in 19 matches of the games for Fort Myers, with the average rate. 200/. 273/. 333 with two home runs and eight runs batted in. In three seasons of his stay at Coastal Carolina University, he managed to achieve the following: 326/. 408/. He batted.571 with 32 home runs and 153 runs batted in 144 games.
For more follow Sports Dribble on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
