If his career as a starting pitcher doesn’t pan out, the Yankees’ Clarke Schmidt may find a second act on the football field.
The right-hander was on the mound for Sunday’s series finale against the rival Rays, but it momentarily appeared as if Schmidt forgot what sport he was playing.
After Taylor Walls launched a pitch from Schmidt off the wall in center field, New York’s starter attempted to back up third base in case of an errant throw. While moving into position, Schmidt careened directly into Tampa Bay third base coach Brady Williams, bowling him over in what looked to be a painful collision.
After getting back to his feet, Schmidt appeared to step over Williams before walking back to the mound—all the while the Rays coach remained on the ground.
LMAOOOOO bro why did Clarke step over him💀 pic.twitter.com/0FCDngzTXu
— gabe (@PlayoffTanaka_) May 14, 2023
Schmidt was watching the ball and evidently not paying enough attention to where he was running, crashing directly into an unsuspecting Williams before the pair took a tumble behind third base.
The Yankees lost Sunday’s matinee, 8-7. Schmidt pitched 4 2/3 innings, surrendering seven earned runs, six hits and three walks while striking out five. His season ERA now sits at 6.30 after picking up his fourth loss of the campaign.
