Kapler sorry about base act: Hopes Yanks not offended
NEW YORK - Gabe Kapler issued an apology to the New York Yankees following yesterday's 9-2 victory at Yankee Stadium and said he didn't intend to show up the Red Sox' rivals by racing to an unmanned second base in the ninth inning.
Kapler, who went 2-for-5, was on first base with two outs in the ninth after reaching safely on a fielder's choice grounder. With New York playing back and the Sox leading by seven runs, the veteran outfielder violated baseball's unwritten protocol by taking the base on defensive indifference.
The gesture could easily have been interpreted as a sign the Sox were flaunting their large lead. Kapler said it was simply a brain cramp on his part.
``I pride myself on being professional,'' he said. ``I'm not showing anyone up. It was a poor error in judgment. I just want to make sure they all know that I apologize and fell asleep. It was nothing but me not thinking about the situation of the game.''