Sticking Points 2056.3: Custello Redefines "Easing Back"

[JimSlade]

"Well," said manager Denny Dooley, when asked about the coming return of starting pitcher Adrian Custello from a 12-game suspension, "he should be fresh."

While serving his suspension, the Pikemen would not make Custello available to the media. Edmonton Jackrabbits' second baseman Scott Bell also received a 6-game suspension, which he has since served. As we wait for Custello's comments, here's what we can piece together.

First a little background. In an offseason nearly devoid of acquisitions, Rockville's signing of the veteran Custello to a split contract was relatively big news. While pitching for the Nashville Bluebirds in 2054, Custello suffered a torn flexor tendon in the final month and missed all of last season. "What do we have to lose by bringing in a proven veteran and great clubhouse presence," said GM Jim Slade at the time of the signing.

Custello got off to a strong start with the AAA Dodge City Gunslingers, then got called up to the Pikemen following an injury to starter Jon Keys. He couldn't get out of the second inning in that game, as the Brooklyn Robins hammered 2 home runs while racing to an insurmountable 5-run lead. No problem. Rust. Jitters. Etc. Right?

Things did not go better in Custello's next start. In fact, they went much worse. With 2 on and 2 outs in the first inning, Edmonton Jackrabbits' rookie leftfielder Dean Procter hit a 3-run home run, putting a charge in his team's dugout. Procter raised his fist rounding first base, but Custello seemed more concerned with activities breaking out in the home team's dugout. As Procter rounded third base, Custello approached the Jackrabbits' dugout.

The veteran Bell was on deck and noticed Custello approaching. "It was a weird scene," said Bell, "I was afraid he was planning to meet Dean-o on his way back to the dugout." Bell took a step toward the frustrated pitcher and gave him a thumbs up. "I've known Adrian for a long time," he explained, "He's a good dude. We got it: he was PO'd at himself as much as anything. I was trying to say, 'It's cool. You're going to get it together!'"

Bell's attempt at encouragement was not received as intended. According to a Rockville teammate of Custello's who spoke anonymously, the thumbs up hand gesture means something entirely different in the pitcher's native Australia. "Can you print 'Up yours!'?" he asked.

Lacking any awareness of his cultural misstep, Bell did not react as encouragingly to Custello's sudden outburst of expletives. "I can laugh about it now. Sitting down for 6 games has a way of cooling a dude off, but Adrian was hot, man. I couldn't even make out some of the stuff he was saying to me, but I was pretty sure it wasn't family friendly." As Custello turned toward Bell, the second baseman snapped.

"At first I grabbed him," Bell explained. "I thought I could wrap him up, but then I worried about injuring his arm again, so I spun him away from me." Custello came back at Bell and landed a haymaker. Benches cleared as the veterans squared off. A few more punches were thrown as the players were ejected. Bell eventually turned and walked toward the dugout. Custello broke from the grip of his teammates and followed Bell into the dugout. Before his attempt at extending the fight in close quarters, Bell was escorted down the tunnel. Custello grabbed a bat from the Jackrabbits' bat rack and busted up a batting helmet before being escorted into the visiting team's locker room.

"It was ugly," said Dooley. "And scary. I've never seen anything quite like that in all my time in the game. Team officials have kept in touch with Custello and feel confident that he'll be ready to take a turn back in the lineup this week against the Charlotte Flyers, a couple of days after his suspension ends. By that time, the pitcher will be allowed to speak to the media. Dare we ask him about that thumbs up gesture?

[Dington]

Nashville don’t raise no bitches…