1922 - Babe Ruth throws dirt in Umpire's face

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Bambino Throws Dust In Umpire’s Eyes; Is Benched
From the Daily Illini, Friday, May 26, 1922
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NEW YORK, May 25 - Babe Ruth is in hot water again. Just what the temperature of the water is a question burning the thoughts tonight of 15.000 fans who saw him throw diamond dust in an umpire’s face.

The Yankees defeated the Senators 6 to 4. After laying down a neat bunt in his first time at bat and advancing the two runners who subsequently scored, Ruth came up in the third and bumped a safe one into center, the Babe rounded first and kept going. He made a great slide for second, but Umpire Hildebrand ruled that Rice’s throw had reached Harris in time for him to tag the Bambino for an out.

Ruth protested vehemently and then, gathering a handful of dust, threw it In the umpire’s face. Hilildebrand wiped his eyes with one hand and waved Ruth to the showers with the other.

As Ruth reached the dugout a fog horn voice in the stands roared something which to Ruth was unpleasant. The home run hitter vaulted the dugout and started for the man who had displeased him. The fellow ‘fled to a safe spot under the stands, and Babe started for the showers. Ruth walked slowly, and as he reached the bleachers he looked up to shake his fist at those who jeered him. Then the stands let out a great cheer and Ruth doffed his cap and bowed as he disappeared through the clubhouse gate.

The Bambino’s attempt to vent his wrath on a booing fan recalled the action of Ty Cobb; the veteran Tiger, who entered the stands in New York 10 years ago and had more success than Ruth in reaching his annoyer. Ty was suspended for 10 days at that time, and the incident caused the famed strike of the entire Detroit team.

Whether the Babe will draw another suspension or merely a heavy fine depends upon the good nature of Umpire Hildebrand and the American League officials.