Torii Hunter Calls Reporter A "Prick" At Press Conference

[jokin]

The question was not about Torii's views, but rather potential effects of those views.  And Berardino didn't pursue it at all (in the form of a follow-up).

 

It's dangerous to comment when you obviously haven't seen the entire press conference.  You're just factually incorrect here, and might want to consider editing this post.

[lightfoot789]

This incident is why certain high profile athletes only give exclusives to certain reporters.  Torii let it be known that Berardino doesn't even know him.  He understood that he had the right to ask that question, but relayed the thought that Berardino should have taken the time to get to know him first. 

 

Point being:

BAD start to a long season if you want to be the guy to get any quality information from me(Torii)!

[Otto von Ballpark]

It's dangerous to comment when you obviously haven't seen the entire press conference.  You're just factually incorrect here, and might want to consider editing this post.

I was already corrected in this thread and I admitted my mistake there.  I had watched the Berardino portion of the press conference, and the follow-up didn't strike me as pushy so I didn't really note it as such.  Sorry I didn't go back to edit previous posts, but I've wasted enough time in this thread for now.

[dxpavelka]

who cares

[Jerr]

Hard to catch up to all the posts, but I have to say it is refreshing to see a Twin show some spunk!

And not proper, but "prick" is far from the worse I have heard. It was the wrong time to ask the question, but dang, I like the fact that Hunter spoke his mind and showed some "humanity". 10.5 million/year should not turn you into some kind of zombie

[Otto von Ballpark]

Just curious?  Does anyone actually believe that hunter's politics had any impact on a team pursuing him  or what they were willing to pay?  Personally, I think it is pretty far fetched and therefore the question was disingenuous and the equivalent of internet trolling. 

Not so much "politics" as PR trouble.  And not necessarily from Hunter himself saying or doing anything more, but from the extra scrutiny his presence could create.  I could see it being a contributing factor, relatively small, but definitely not helpful when he's got much larger factors going against him already (i.e. age).

 

MLB Trade Rumors very recently projected Hunter at a 2/22 contract, likely to a "legitimate contender."  The fact that he quickly signed for much less with a last-place team suggests other not-so-obvious factors could have been at play.  And this press conference was, I think, the first and best opportunity to make such an inquiry of Hunter himself while the question is still fresh and relevant.

 

Many observers think the Twins signed Hunter, in part, because significant positive off-field reasons (his past history with the team) apparently outweighed concerns about his age, salary, and performance.  I don't see why it's out of the question that another club without that positive past history might shy away from Hunter due, in part, to his more recent negative national image.

[DocBauer]

OK...late to the party again!

 

There is absolutely nothing but coaching staff speculation and rehashing of past arguments for weeks, and now suddenly there is so much going on that by the time I take a seat at the table, I'm getting cold entrees and corner of the pan dessert! LOL

 

I come up with one silly, fun thread and it dies a quick and horrible death thanks to the Hunter signing. Thank you Mr. Congeniality! LOL

 

OK...being serious for a moment if I may for my $.03 worth.

 

First, it has always been my understanding and belief that Deadspin was created by actual journalists with the idea of blowing whistles, not selling out, and uncovering and reporting the news that others either were unwilling or unable to do so. However, they have used a TMZ carnival barker approach often in order to get their story out there and gain notoriety. And as a writer, and someone who studied journalism, I find that often inappropriate, and a little grotesque in a professional manner.

 

Second, I am unaware of the adds spoken of with Hunter in them. I don't dismiss them, or past comments he may have made, I simply state that I am unaware of these "recent" television adds, thus it is hard to comment on them. But I do know this, I believe there is a time and a place for broaching topics. Hunter was just signed to play baseball for his original team, the Minnesota Twins, in a sort of last hurrah type signing. And that was the pre-text for the interview/conference. I am neither for or against Hunter's beliefs as I write this, but I am disappointed in his response. Not very classy. But I also don't believe Berardino was acting with integrity at the time. Again, there was a general context involved here. And it feels to me as though Berardino either had his own agenda, or wanted to be the kid in the back of the class that raised his hand to ask an embarrassing, off topic question to gain attention.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Again, there's probably a better forum where the substance of Berardino's question can get sussed out; the initial press conference was in my mind a very ineffective place to ask serious, contentious question.

When would be a better time and place to ask such a question?  Keep in mind that Hunter and the Twins will likely refuse any request to address the issue separately.  I see no problem in effectively getting Hunter on the public record making that refusal, which he somewhat clumsily did before the name-calling.

 

Also, the subject of the inquiry relates to the reason(s) Hunter chose (or had to settle for) signing with a non-contender for less than projected contract for the first time in his career.  Poor defensive stats and off-field controversy seem like possible reasons, and Hunter's first press conference after signing seems like a logical place for that line of inquiry.

 

Waiting months until his next press conference (TwinsFest?) or until he had established a personal relationship with Hunter sometime in 2015 would likely meet with a response of "why are you bringing that up now?"  Heck, Hunter seemed to greet it with that response now, even though it was just a month ago he was bringing up the issue himself in political ads.

[ScottyBroco]

Remember this also the guy who said "the reason why there are more latino players than black players is because you can get latino's for a bag chips" He since apologize and I wonder if he will apologize here. Although to be fair Mike Bernadino is too aggressive, twins pressers are way to softballed questions and yes both people were out of line.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

OK...late to the party again!

Welcome in Doc, the waters still warm

 

Tell me--do you think if Torii believed so resolutely in the cause he's espousing, that he would call berardino a "prick" for asking him to talk about that cause? Torii is smart and knows it's a bit controversial issue I'm sure, but if this is an honestly held belief of his, shouldn't he use the question as an opportunity to continue advocating for his position?

[jokin]

OK...late to the party again!

 

There is absolutely nothing but coaching staff speculation and rehashing of past arguments for weeks, and now suddenly there is so much going on that by the time I take a seat at the table, I'm getting cold entrees and corner of the pan dessert! LOL

 

I come up with one silly, fun thread and it dies a quick and horrible death thanks to the Hunter signing. Thank you Mr. Congeniality! LOL

 

OK...being serious for a moment if I may for my $.03 worth.

 

First, it has always been my understanding and belief that Deadspin was created by actual journalists with the idea of blowing whistles, not selling out, and uncovering and reporting the news that others either were unwilling or unable to do so. However, they have used a TMZ carnival barker approach often in order to get their story out there and gain notoriety. And as a writer, and someone who studied journalism, I find that often inappropriate, and a little grotesque in a professional manner.

 

Second, I am unaware of the adds spoken of with Hunter in them. I don't dismiss them, or past comments he may have made, I simply state that I am unaware of these "recent" television adds, thus it is hard to comment on them. But I do know this, I believe there is a time and a place for broaching topics. Hunter was just signed to play baseball for his original team, the Minnesota Twins, in a sort of last hurrah type signing. And that was the pre-text for the interview/conference. I am neither for or against Hunter's beliefs as I write this, but I am disappointed in his response. Not very classy. But I also don't believe Berardino was acting with integrity at the time. Again, there was a general context involved here. And it feels to me as though Berardino either had his own agenda, or wanted to be the kid in the back of the class that raised his hand to ask an embarrassing, off topic question to gain attention.

 

Well stated, Mr Voice of Reason, sir.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Well stated, Mr Voice of Reason, sir.

Question for you: I'm pro Hunter speaking his mind, and defend Berardino's credentials to pose tough questions... how do we all end up taking Us vs Them positions on everything??!

[DocBauer]

Welcome in Doc, the waters still warm

 

Tell me--do you think if Torii believed so resolutely in the cause he's espousing, that he would call berardino a "prick" for asking him to talk about that cause? Torii is smart and knows it's a bit controversial issue I'm sure, but if this is an honestly held belief of his, shouldn't he use the question as an opportunity to continue advocating for his position?

OK...computer freaked out the first time I tried to respond. Let's try this again! (maybe it didn't like Hunter's use of language either)

 

Great question my friend!

 

Hunter has chosen to make commentary, or make said ads that I again have not seen, on his own, and at his choosing. Personal beliefs by myself or anyone else not withstanding, he's made them. I believe his response, crude as it may have been, was a response, as I mentioned, to the time and place of the conference/interview taking place. It was about his joining the Twins, and not about agenda. And while, yes, I suppose he could have taken the bait to hop onto a soapbox, I believe he felt the time and place simply didn't warrant him doing so. His "agenda" at the moment was joining the Twins, not making a political or social statement.

[DocBauer]

Question for you: I'm pro Hunter speaking his mind, and defend Berardino's credentials to pose tough questions... how do we all end up taking Us vs Them positions on everything??!

I'm not sure this was directed my way, but I'd like to take a shot at it nonetheless.

 

First, I think any sort of Us vs Them is very much in attitude presentation. There is a difference in believing something, stating it, explaining it, and holding it to be self-true vs simply a bigotry filled diatribe without proper, educated or thoughtful foundation.

 

But also, using the context of the Hunter and Berardino situation, I think it comes down to "surprise attacks". For instance...in regard to either gentleman in this case...if they had decided to sit down and do a comprehensive interview, or retrospective, then the topic at hand would be expected by both parties. However, if either of them had agreed to an interview concerning...let's just say the weather in the Twin Cities and how it affects the early season...and either one suddenly jumped on the political/social bandwagon of belief, then in either instance, you have an ambush situation with personal agenda.

[jokin]

Question for you: I'm pro Hunter speaking his mind, and defend Berardino's credentials to pose tough questions... how do we all end up taking Us vs Them positions on everything??!

I'm not sure that as a group we have done what you allege.  Hunter's  conduct at the interview has been pretty universally condemned on this forum, with good reason.  And I, for one have made it clear from the outset, it's well-documented that I have been one of Berardino's greatest proponents from the day he started on the Twins beat.  He seems to have more passion in doing in-depth reporting on the Twins than the entire Strib and ESPN 1500 stable of writers, combined.  However, the month of November was a bad one for Berardino, he missed, or misreported multiple breaking stories, and IMO, he compounded that error with a line of questioning that was inappropriate for an introductory forum, he played the Gotcha card and used the prime purveyor of Gotcha journalism as his shield. And he may have foolishly poisoned his own well for generating future insights.  Again, there's a time and a place for asking the harder questions, nothing to do with Us vs. Them.

[Eephus]

Deadspin is an ideologically driven, vulgar and sensationalistic sports-TMZ, and was the cudgel that Berardino acknowledged that he used to give his line of attack a patina of credibility.

Deadspin could be Hustler, Mother Jones, Readers Digest, the Washington Times and Happenings all rolled into one, but it doesn't change the publicly stated views of the person. Like Chris Kluwe, he's said what he's said. Hunter could have not said these things so publicly, but he chose to take a stand -- publicly. I'm probably missing something.

[old nurse]

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2014/10/29/political-ad-torii-hunter-sounds-gays/18152049/

 

Here is where you can find the ad theat Hunter made for the politician in case no one has posted it.

[PseudoSABR]

When would be a better time and place to ask such a question?  Keep in mind that Hunter and the Twins will likely refuse any request to address the issue separately.  I see no problem in effectively getting Hunter on the public record making that refusal, which he somewhat clumsily did before the name-calling.

 

Also, the subject of the inquiry relates to the reason(s) Hunter chose (or had to settle for) signing with a non-contender for less than projected contract for the first time in his career.  Poor defensive stats and off-field controversy seem like possible reasons, and Hunter's first press conference after signing seems like a logical place for that line of inquiry.

 

Waiting months until his next press conference (TwinsFest?) or until he had established a personal relationship with Hunter sometime in 2015 would likely meet with a response of "why are you bringing that up now?"  Heck, Hunter seemed to greet it with that response now, even though it was just a month ago he was bringing up the issue himself in political ads.

This is all fair.  There might not be a more symbolic forum for such a question to be asked, and for enough pressure to be answered (all be it poorly).  

 

But certainly, Berardino will interact with Hunter throughout the season, perhaps even amiably, and yes he might pose the question at the side of Hunter's locker, and Hunter might, thoughtfully, reply, "No comment."  But that's my essentially point, if everyone's behaving appropriately there'd probably be no story.  For Berardino to test Torii's appropriateness seems like an overstep to me; and any inappropriateness on Berardino's part speaks for itself.

[TheLeviathan]

If one really seeks the truth , a person values the effectiveness of that pursuit over other concerns, if what one seeks is credit for seeking the truth, I guess it doesn't matter effectiveness of that pursuit.  

 

Spycake basically hit this out of the park, but I would add this - we don't know what story there is or isn't on this until we ask.  I would suggest to you that in Torii's past he has taken relatively straightforward questions and gone completely off the deep end with them.  (Like "Why do you think we have less black kids in baseball?" turning into a conversation railing latin players)

 

Could I see the argument that this wasn't the best time to ask that question?  Sure, I sympathize with that.  Was this bad journalism?  Not at all, it was a valid question that Hunter handled like a child.  Like he seems to handle most things.

[h2oface]

I loved it.  I loved the question - a bit rambling and too many at once - passive aggressive baiting fishing for a soundbite - i loved it ......... and I loved the answer even more. The whole answer.  The whole exchange. I agree with Hunter.  I thought Bernadino was a bit of a "prick", too.  I can't believe I can say that on TwinsDaily.  The whole thing made me laugh.  Torii didn't fly off the handle. I thought he had an OK sense of humor in his voice. I don't mind if Torii is uncomfortable around certain people because of his religious beliefs. I don't have to believe what he believes.  I can understand uncomfortable.  I get uncomfortable around a certain groups of people, too - for example, people who wear exposed guns on city streets.  Concealed and permitted, and around cops with guns ,too. It all makes me uncomfortable. It doesn't mean that I can't interact and treat them with respect (especially since they got a gun), but it sure makes me uncomfortable.  My wife can make me real uncomfortable, and I will always love her with all my heart. Someone said earlier that prick = jerk. I agree. No big deal. This was totally mild.... and pretty funny.  I love it.

[TheLeviathan]

I like the word uncomfortable in this. Some of the best journalists and interviewers are those that refuse to just allow things to be comfortable.

[D. Hocking]

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2014/10/29/political-ad-torii-hunter-sounds-gays/18152049/

 

Here is where you can find the ad theat Hunter made for the politician in case no one has posted it.

 

Thanks - I had not heard the actual ad yet.  Interesting disconnect when quoting King and fighting for African Americans, then saying but we don't want gays to be able to marry.  I wonder if the writer of the ad thought "hopefully no one will bring up when people used to bible to argue against mixed race marriage".

 

This quote from the article made me cringe a little:

 

"The Tigers have more pressing needs than bringing back an aging outfielder who's lost a step, or 12, on defense."

[Brock Beauchamp]

Interesting disconnect when quoting King and fighting for African Americans, then saying but we don't want gays to be able to marry.

Interesting isn't the word I'd use to describe it.

[Craig Arko]

On the other hand, nice launch of the Orion spacecraft this morning.

 

And nobody felt compelled to call anyone else names.

[Otto von Ballpark]

On the other hand, nice launch of the Orion spacecraft this morning.

 

And nobody felt compelled to call anyone else names.

Pretty sure someone called a few astronauts "Buzz" if that counts.

[twinsfaninsaudi]

D. Hocking, on 05 Dec 2014 - 07:03 AM, said:
"Interesting disconnect when quoting King and fighting for African Americans, then saying but we don't want gays to be able to marry."

 

Interesting isn't the word I'd use to describe it.

 

It is only ever white people who link Martin Luther King to gay marriage. MLK III described homosexuality as a "socially acquired problem" (read transcription from 1958 edition of Ebony magazine below) and his daughter Bernice is a leading advocate against gay marriage in washington DC and has been quoted as saying "I know deep down in my sanctified soul that he (my father) did not take a bullet for same-sex unions."

 

 

"In 1958, while writing an advice column for “Ebony Magazine,” Dr. King responded to a young “gay” man looking for guidance. To avoid being accused of “cherry-picking,” here is the exchange in its entirety:

 

Question: My problem is different from the ones most people have. I am a boy, but I feel about boys the way I ought to feel about girls. I don’t want my parents to know about me. What can I do? Is there any place where I can go for help?

 

Answer: Your problem is not at all an uncommon one. However, it does require careful attention. The type of feeling that you have toward boys is probably not an innate tendency, but something that has been culturally acquired. Your reasons for adopting this habit have now been consciously suppressed or unconsciously repressed. Therefore, it is necessary to deal with this problem by getting back to some of the experiences and circumstances that led to the habit. In order to do this I would suggest that you see a good psychiatrist who can assist you in bringing to the forefront of conscience all of those experiences and circumstances that led to the habit. You are already on the right road toward a solution, since you honestly recognize the problem and have a desire to solve it."

[twinsajsf]

While it surprised me that Torii managed to make a pr___ of himself in his very first press conference as a new Twin, it was only a matter of time.  I immediately saw this signing as a high-risk, high-reward move, but not necessarily from a slash-line and outfield defense standpoint.  My focus was on his potential intangible contributions. 

 

Torii has always been outspoken, and as such, a lightning rod for controversy.  Molitor and Ryan apparently decided that the clubhouse was so desperately in need of some lightning, that they were willing to roll the dice and hope that Torri would be a net positive rather than a net negative in this regard. 

 

Time will tell, but I think we should all pray that the Twins get off to a good start and remain at least respectable (within realistic sight of .500) throughout, because if things do not go the way Torii wants, things have the potential to get very ugly and we may find out just how big of a pr___ he can be.

[Brock Beauchamp]

It is only ever white people who link Martin Luther King to gay marriage. MLK III described homosexuality as a "socially acquired problem" (read transcription from 1958 edition of Ebony magazine below) and his daughter Bernice is a leading advocate against gay marriage in washington DC and has been quoted as saying "I know deep down in my sanctified soul that he (my father) did not take a bullet for same-sex unions."

Different, but similar, issues can be drawn from the same inspiration even if King was corrupted by his own societal constraints (as are we all).

 

Like everyone else in history, MLK Jr was wrong about some things when viewed through the lens of time. That doesn't mean similar inequalities do not exist and that allusions should not be drawn.

[Secondary User]

He has a "history", to be sure... but the people being paid millions of dollars to make multi-million dollar decisions obviously disagree with your conclusion.  

He's been in two locker room altercations, Called Dominican born players imposters, said he'd be uncomfortable with a gay teammates, and then endorsed a political candidate that believes a group of peolpe should be treated differently based on their sexual orientation.  If Twins organization doesn't see these as divisive (especially when you couple it with the "he ruined it" finger pointing at the end of the press conference), then I have even less faith in their decision making abilities than before

[twinsnorth49]

On the other hand, nice launch of the Orion spacecraft this morning.

 

And nobody felt compelled to call anyone else names.

Space exploration….pfft, like that's important.

 

I bet NASA thinks Richard Branson is a prick.