Yankees minor leaguer Max McDowell has called out the pitcher that struck him in the head with a 95-mph fastball.
The 27-year-old catcher stormed the mound and had to be restrained from going after David Paulino, a pitcher for the Phillies affiliate, in the RailRiders’ game at Lehigh Valley on Sunday.
Both McDowell and Paulino were promptly ejected, but McDowell evidently took things personally.
In a now-deleted Instagram story following the incident, McDowell said Paulino targeted him. He added that he believed it was the second time Paulino had purposely thrown at a Yankees hitter.
“I never want to represent myself, the Yankees, or baseball like I did today when I charged the mound,” he wrote. “I had just been hit in the head with a 95 mph fastball. Without a doubt this was done purposely. No one at the game will argue otherwise. This was the second time this year this pitcher targets a hitter with malicious intent this season. Inexcusable.
“The pitcher (no interest in saying his name or ever seeing him again) threw a baseball at my head with no regard for my health, my family, my career or well being. I got up off the ground realizing this and decided to fight back. I don’t remember much after that.
“I can only hope MLB, MiLB and the Phillies review the facts and acts accordingly. Any pitcher willing to use a baseball as a weapon has no place in baseball. What if I didn’t get up!? What if I wasn’t able to call my wife and tell her I was ok?
“Again I am grateful to be doing well and walk off the field today. I hope to be back on the field soon and playing the game the right way.”
Neither Paulino nor the Phillies have responded to these allegations.
