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Angels Fire Longtime Clubhouse Manager For Doctoring Baseballs

Kansas City Royals v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

A longtime visiting clubhouse manager for then Los Angeles Angels was fired after some 30 seasons with the team following accusations that he helped opposing pitchers obtain illegal substances that would help them improve their grip on the baseball.

Brian "Bubba" Harkins was fired during spring training, according to a report from The Los Angeles Times. Harkins worked at Angel Stadium assisting visiting teams since 1990. According to a 2018-19 media guide, he began his career with the Angels working as a batboy in 1981. He was eventually appointed visiting clubhouse manager in 1990 and was honored as "Visiting Clubhouse Manager of the Year" by Major League Baseball managers in 2005.

MLB officials have been cracking down on the use of pine tar and other types of substances that pitchers use to get a better grip on the ball. Those 'sticky' substances have been banned by the league for several years.

The Angels have not commented on the firing, but did confirm the news to the Associated Press on Thursday.

Photo: Getty Images


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