"I got sucker-punched" - When A.J. Pierzynski opened up on his brawl with Michael Barrett during unforgettable White Sox vs Cubs game
Former All-Star A.J. Pierzynski was a gamer through and through. Although the catcher was one of the most polarizing players in the league during his career, there is no denying his effectiveness behind the plate.
While A.J. Pierzynski was seemingly not a favorite among his teammates at times throughout his career, he also found himself in a fair share of dust-ups with his opponents. One such incident occurred in 2006 when the then-Chicago White Sox catcher got into it with Michael Barrett, the catcher of the Chicago Cubs.
Pierzynski, who was standing on third base, tagged up after a pop fly into left field. As A.J. came barreling towards home plate, Barrett was standing in his way, attempting to get the out. Pierzynski crashed into Barrett, knocking him to the ground. Barrett rose to his feet, clocking the All-Star with a fist.
Unsurprisingly, both benches cleared as the punch from the Chicago Cubs catcher led to a brawl between the cross-town rivals. When asked about the incident Pierzynski was not exactly thrilled with his fellow catcher.
"I got sucker-punched... I got hit and the next thing I know, all hell broke loose," Pierzynski told The Herald-Times.
Once the dust settled, four players were ejected from the game. Pierzynski and Brian Anderson were tossed from the game for the Chicago White Sox, while Barrett and John Mabry were kicked out from the Cubs side.
"I don't know how to say it. I mean, when you hit another grown man, it's never right, you know," Barrett said of his questionable punch on Pierzynski.
As a result of the brawl, Michael Barrett received a 10-game suspension for his actions. Pierzynski had to pay a fine, while his teammate, Brian Anderson, received a 5-game suspension.
The incident helped A.J. Pierzynski reach the All-Star Game as part of the "Punch A.J." campaign
After the now infamous run-in with Michael Barrett, Pierzynski found himself in the running for the All-Star Game. In order to secure a spot, the Chicago White Sox hilariously used Barrett's punch to help their catcher secure his second All-Star appearance.
The White Sox organization created the "Punch A.J." campaign to help him receive as many votes as possible. The brilliant plan worked and the polarizing A.J. Pierzynski was named to his second, and final, All-Star Game.