Field Level Media
21 Feb 2020, 23:55 GMT+10
Oakland Athletics pitcher Mike Fiers, who exposed the Houston Astros' method of electronically stealing signs in the 2017 season, has acknowledged receiving "threats of physical violence," according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Fiers was a member of the Astros in 2017. While he said he's unconcerned about his own safety, he told the Chronicle he does worry for his family but sounded resigned to getting public backlash from some.
"Whatever, I don't care," Fiers said, according to the newspaper. "I've dealt with a lot of death threats before. It's just another thing on my plate."
In a story in The Athletic on Wednesday, Fiers said he has no interest in extra security from Major League Baseball after commissioner Rob Manfred said this week the league is concerned for the pitcher's safety. He also said he'll be prepared on the field.
"I'm here to play baseball and I can defend myself, if anything," Fiers said, according to The Athletic. "We do have National League games, and I'm going to have to get into the box (to hit) just like everybody else. It's part of the game. If they decide to throw at me, then they throw at me. There's nothing much you can do about it."
Fiers was 8-10 with a 5.22 ERA in 29 appearances (28 starts) for the 2017 Astros. He did not pitch in the playoffs that year as the team went on to a championship. At 34, he is entering his 10th major league season.
If punishment for the 2017 Astros ever included handing back championship rings, one of which Fiers received, he said he would be fine with that.
"I said from the beginning, 'I'm not away from this. I was part of that team, I was one of those guys,'" Fiers said. "Suspensions, fines -- I'm willing to take as much punishment as they do. If they ask me to (return the ring), it's not the end of the world."
While former Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz called Fiers a "snitch" this week, Manfred said he appreciated the pitcher's candor about the Astros' sign-stealing plan.
"I want to be really clear about this: Mike, who I do not know at all, did the industry a service," Manfred said. "I do believe we will be a better institution when we emerge at the end of this episode, and without a Mike Fiers, we probably would have a very difficult time cleaning this up. I think we would have done it eventually, but it would have taken a lot longer.
"I have a real problem with anyone who suggests that Mike did anything but the right thing."
--Field Level MediaGet a daily dose of San Jose Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to San Jose Sun.
More InformationWashington DC [US], June 30 (ANI): Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were recently spotted spending quality time together in New York....
Washington [US], June 29 (ANI): Justin Bieber's little bundle of joy, son Jack Blues, who is just 10 months old, seems to be already...
BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Here are the latest Chinese sports headlines from the past week: 1. China's Wang Xinyu finishes runner-up...
Washington DC [US], June 27 (ANI): Ahead of his anticipated appearance in 'Happy Gilmore 2', the Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce...
Venice [Italy], June 27 (ANI): All eyes are on Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and former TV journalist Lauren Sanchez as the couple is all...
Venice [Italy], June 27 (ANI): Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos' wedding festivities are in full swing in Venice. Renowned celebrities,...
NEW YORK, New York - Global stock indices closed with divergent performances on Tuesday, as investors weighed corporate earnings, central...
TORONTO, Canada: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced late on June 29 that trade negotiations with the U.S. have recommenced...
Vancouver, Canada: A high-stakes legal showdown is brewing in the world of athleisure. Lululemon, the Canadian brand known for its...
LONDON, U.K.: British oil giant Shell has denied reports that it is in talks to acquire rival oil company BP. The Wall Street Journal...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stock markets closed firmly in positive territory to start the week Monday, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: On Friday, President Donald Trump announced that he was halting trade discussions with Canada due to its decision...