Did they not learn anything from ESU quarterback Joe Kane? Any takers?
The three-time World Series Champion, and 2014 World Series MVP suffered a dirt bike accident on Friday in Denver. Bumgarner had an off day with the Giants, who were playing the Colorado Rockies that night. Not only did Bumgarner go down to an injury that was not baseball-related, but Johnny Cueto gave up a grand slam and an inside-the-park homer in the same inning later that night, a 4-1 Rockies win.
Bumgarner is already hitting .286 on the season, with a pair of homers on Opening Day. His 0-3 start is compounded by a 3.00 ERA, despite 28 strikeouts over 27 innings. The Giants have done nothing to help the ace, scoring just five runs over those 27 innings...all in the opener against the Dodgers.
The ever-steady Giants currently sit at 6-11, good enough for dead last in the National League, and not too far off Toronto for the worst in baseball. Now no team has played 20 games yet, and this is starting to sound like the Giants are being written off in the National League playoff chase. With Bumgarner expected to miss upwards of 6-8 weeks with bruised ribs and a tier 1 (or 2 depending on the report you read) sprain of his pitching shoulder, you can start forecasting those 49er tickets in the Bay Area for the fall...some consolation.
Roethlisberger sustained multiple facial fractures, and needed seven hours of surgery, after crashing his motorcycle in June 2006. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
It is still unknown as to the details regarding Bumgarner’s mishap. The 27-year-old native of Hickory, North Carolina has an affinity for dirt bikes. The Giants plan to let Bumgarner address them after concluding their road trip tomorrow night.
I also would not be surprised if Manager Bruce Bochy or GM Bobby Evans put him under continual surveillance on his off days once he returns off the disabled list after Memorial Day.
I’m a fan of motorcycles, but have enough trouble taking four wheels firmly planted to the pavement. Certainly not one to tell someone how to live their life, I have no personal issue with Bumgarner’s hobby. There is a time where you have to put the toys away, however. I know I cannot lug my Playstation 4 into my office on Monday morning.
They call it an “off season” or “vacation” for a reason. If this were October, Bumgarner could ride until his engine gives out. If this accident occurred on an off-road track or motocross course, the Giants should take disciplinary action, in addition to the time he will miss rehabbing the shoulder.
Do not be surprised if you see an opposing pitcher throwing inside on Bumgarner once he returns from the DL as well. Bumgarner is one of the best hitting pitchers in all of baseball, and was the 2014 and 2015 Silver Slugger Award winner. Bumgarner is a right-handed hitter, and the left shoulder naturally faces the pitcher. Throwing is the only thing he does left-handed. His string of four straight All-Star game appearances will end this season with this injury.
The impact of the injury is more than just on the field to San Francisco. There are few players you would notice if you looked up their roster, and Bumgarner is the only name that jumps off the page enough.
“MadBum” is a seasoned veteran, having been up with the big club since 2009. Players and fans should have expected better judgement from the face of not only the Giants’ franchise, but San Francisco sports on the whole...even after the 49ers draft their new cornerstone on Thursday.
-JC24