LITTLE ROCK — Perez turns to criticism to get fans
Cleveland Indians pitcher Chris Perez has an ax to grind with hometown fans.
The All-Star closer chided fans last weekend for not attending home games for the Indians, who are in first place in the American League Central Division.
“The fans are going to come, I know that,” Perez told the Associated Press on Sunday.
“It’s just a slap in the face when you’re in first place and last in attendance.”
Team President Mark Shapiro said the organization disagrees with Perez, adding that the Indians do get fan support. Shapiro argued the reliever’s frustration came from a desire to win and draw more fans.
“We appreciate our fans. We respect our fans,” Shapiro said.
“What drives him to succeed in that role are emotion and competitiveness and passion, and I think a lot of that was behind what he said. ... He’s saying, ‘Pay attention. Look what we’ve got here.’ ”
The Indians had a sellout crowd of 43,190 for the April 5 opener, but have averaged 15,188 through 22 home games.
“Nobody wants to play in front of 5,000 fans,” Perez said Saturday.
“We know the weather stinks, but people see that [low attendance].
“I’ve been here since 2009, was one of the first guys in the [rebuilding] trades. If this was 2010, I wouldn’t say anything. We deserved to be booed, we were bad,” Perez said.
Cleveland went 65-97 in 2009 and 69-93 in 2010. The Indians spent much of last season in first place until finishing 80-82. They were 23-18 entering play Monday.
“Baseball is supposed to be fun,” Perez said. “We have a first place team. How many teams in the country would want that right now?”
“You think the [Detroit] Tigers are happy? The Tigers are in third place. We’re in first place. Enjoy it.” Poor form
They say it’s important to make a good first impression.
Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger unfortunately needs to work on his.
The Associated Press reported Monday that Schweinsteiger has apologized to German President Joachim Gauck for not noticing the politician’s outstretched hand during a postgame ceremony after Saturday’s Champions League final.
Host Bayern Munich lost the European championship to Chelsea in penalty kicks after Schweinsteiger’s attempt hit the goal post on the team’s final shot.
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba scored the next kick to win the title.
Photos taken after the game showed Schweinsteiger walking away as the president held out his hand. The player says he didn’t refuse the handshake.
Schweinsteiger noted in a statement released by the team that he felt “paralyzed” after missing the penalty.
“... At that moment, after this great disappointment, I noticed nothing around me anymore ... I didn’t see the president’s hand,” the statement said, and added that Schweinsteiger is “sorry that this moment allowed a different impression.” Fore!
Fox Sports reported Monday that German police say a drunken man was arrested Saturday for hitting golf balls in downtown Cologne.
The 44-year-old reportedly began hitting balls down streets in the city, and one of his errant shots hit a taxi. The taxi driver confronted the man, who then began swearing and left with his clubs.
Police arrested the golfer on charges of dangerously interfering with traffic, property damage and abusive and threatening behavior.
Police said he was kept until he was sober.
Sounds like the European Tour has really let itself go.
Quote of the day
“We want to win the tournament, but it’s not the most important thing in the world. We don’t want to hurt anybody or burn some arms out there.” Arkansas Coach Dave Van Horn, on his team’s plans for this week’s SEC Tournament
Sports, Pages 16 on 05/22/2012