Papelbon fined for calling masseuse out to mound
Slow-paced Jonathan Papelbon, the All-Star closer for the Boston Red Sox, was fined $10,000 by Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig after summoning his personal masseuse in between pitches.
In a August 29 game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Papelbon induced Vernon Wells into a fly out before motioning to the crowd. Elizabeth Alderman, a local spa owner, rushed out to the mound with a collapsed lawn chair under one shoulder, and various oils, ointments, and aromatherapeutic herbs under the other.
According to the NESN television network reports, Home plate umpire Fieldin Culbreth wagged his finger at Papelbon, who initiated negotiations with Culbreth. “C’mon, Liz is already out here,” said the 28-year old reliever. “I’m sure she can hook you up with some great coupons.” Culbreth reportedly agreed to allow the masseuse on the field, in exchange for a five-minute backrub and an automatic 3-0 count for Papelbon.
