Cardinals’ Willson Contreras Blows Up at Umpire, Throws Bat at Coach
August 26, 2025 – In a chaotic scene during the St. Louis Cardinals’ 7-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night, first baseman Willson Contreras was ejected after a heated outburst over a called third strike, inadvertently striking his own hitting coach with a thrown bat and tossing a bucket of Hi-Chew candies onto the field. The incident, which unfolded in the seventh inning at Busch Stadium, has sparked widespread discussion, with potential disciplinary consequences looming from Major League Baseball (MLB). Here’s a detailed breakdown of the event, its context, reactions, and what might happen next, drawn from reports, video evidence, and social media buzz.
What Happened: The Ejection and Meltdown
In the bottom of the seventh inning, with the Cardinals leading 6-5, Contreras faced Pirates pitcher Yohan Ramírez. On an 0-2 pitch, home plate umpire Derek Thomas called a third strike—a pitch later calculated by TruMedia to have an 87.5% probability of being a strike, landing squarely in the zone. Contreras, visibly frustrated, began walking back to the dugout but turned to argue with Thomas, reportedly saying, “Call those pitches both sides.” Thomas promptly ejected him, escalating the situation.
As Contreras charged toward Thomas, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol and bench coach Daniel Descalso intervened to restrain him. In the heat of the moment, Contreras flung his bat toward first-base umpire Stu Scheurwater, who had stepped in to de-escalate. The bat instead struck Cardinals hitting coach Brant Brown on the arm, an unintended but jarring moment. Contreras then entered the dugout and tossed a bucket of Hi-Chew candies onto the field, creating a mess that batboys scrambled to clean up. Marmol was also ejected during the ensuing argument with umpires.
Video clips of the incident went viral, with Jomboy Media posting: “Willson Contreras was so mad at this umpire that he threw a bat that hit his own coach and then launched a bunch of Hi-Chew onto the field.” The Pirates’ broadcast captured another angle, amplifying the chaos.
Contreras’ Perspective and Apology
Post-game, Contreras expressed confusion over his ejection, insisting he didn’t argue the strike call itself but sought consistency: “I don’t think he had a reason to throw me out. I didn’t argue any pitch in my last at-bat. The only thing I said was, ‘Call those pitches both sides.’ Then I turned around. The next thing I hear, he threw me out.” He acknowledged the pitch was a strike and denied physical contact with umpires, emphasizing the game’s close score (6-5) made his ejection surprising.
Contreras apologized to Brant Brown for the bat toss, stating, “I wasn’t looking back. I just threw my bat back,” clarifying it was unintentional. Brown, who was hit on the upper body, appeared unharmed, and no immediate reports confirmed injury.
Context: Contreras’ History and Game Impact
Contreras, a three-time All-Star, is no stranger to on-field intensity. During his Cubs tenure, he was ejected and suspended for throwing a mask that hit an umpire’s shins, suggesting a pattern of emotional outbursts. Just last month, he sparked a benches-clearing incident, per Larry Brown Sports. His 2025 stats—batting .261/.345/.460 with 19 home runs and 70 RBIs over 120 games—underline his value to the Cardinals, who are 65-67 and clinging to playoff hopes. In Monday’s game, Contreras went 1-for-4 with two RBIs before his ejection, contributing to a five-run fifth inning. Alec Burleson’s walk-off homer in the ninth sealed the win.
Reactions: From Outrage to Amusement
The incident lit up social media and sports media:
- Cardinals Broadcast: Commentators Chip Caray and Brad Thompson described it as “Mount Vesuvius erupted,” noting, “Frustration understood, but not this level of chaos.”
- Media Criticism: RedbirdRants called Contreras’ actions “unhinged,” warning of reputational damage and a possible suspension. ClutchPoints labeled it “absolutely ballistic.”
- Fan Reactions on X: Posts ranged from @PlatinumKey13’s “oh no Willson Contreras is about to be suspended” to amused takes about the Hi-Chew spill: “Things just got very ugly at Busch Stadium … then Contreras threw a bucket of Hi‑Chew.”
- Team Support: Manager Marmol defended Contreras, saying, “He wasn’t arguing that pitch specifically … I believe him.”
Potential Consequences: Suspension Looms?
MLB is expected to review the incident, particularly since the bat toss appeared aimed at an umpire, even if it struck Brown. Crew chief Jordan Baker confirmed Contreras made contact with an umpire, a serious offense. A recent precedent—Seattle Mariners’ Victor Robles receiving a 10-game suspension for throwing a bat at a pitcher during a rehab game—suggests Contreras could face a multi-game ban, though he may appeal to continue playing.
However, Contreras’ claim that he didn’t intend to hit anyone and his apology to Brown may mitigate penalties. MLB’s decision will hinge on video evidence and intent, with a ruling likely within days. A suspension could hurt the Cardinals, already struggling to stay in the NL Wild Card race.
Broader Implications: Passion or Problem?
Contreras’ outburst reflects his fiery personality, which teammates value for its intensity but critics see as a liability. Cardinals broadcasters noted, “Willson was hot … then Mount Vesuvius erupted,” capturing the fine line between passion and recklessness. This incident echoes other MLB tantrums, like Robles’ bat-throwing, highlighting the league’s scrutiny of player conduct.
For fans, it’s a polarizing moment: Some admire Contreras’ fire, others condemn his lack of control. As Heavy.com put it, “The Cardinals won, but the Willson Contreras ejection had everyone talking after one of the wildest moments of the season.” With playoff hopes on the line, Contreras’ next steps—on and off the field—will be closely watched.
Stay tuned for MLB’s ruling, and check X for real-time fan reactions or ESPN for updates on the Cardinals’ season. This moment of chaos underscores baseball’s emotional stakes, where a single pitch can spark a firestorm.