O'Brien Given 2-Game Suspension
<Salem:team#28> third baseman <Mike O'Brien:player#10434> was suspended 2 games today by the League's Vice President in charge of discipline. In an official statement he noted, "During his confrontation with the home plate umpire in today's game, O'Brien did not display the qualities of sportsmanship and good conduct expected of our players."

Press reports commented on O'Brien's profanity-laced tirade that was audible to the many parents and children seated near home plate.

A contrite O'Brien accepted responsibility for his behavior in yesterday's Cherries-<Duluth:team#26> game. Following a called third strike, O'Brien started a heated confrontation with the plate umpire. "I tapped his chest protector -- I wasn't trying to hit the guy or anything -- I was just wrapped up in the game and wanted to help my team win," <O'Brien:player#10434> said after the game. "I'm getting suspended and I deserve it -- I know you can't touch the ump," he continued, and sure enough, O'Brien received a 2-game suspension today from the Commissioner's Office.

This season <O'Brien:player#10434> has hit at a .164 clip and produced 7 runs batted in, no home runs and no runs.