Orioles Respond To Weaver Challenge

Skipper Earl Weaver shows his disagreement with head
umpire Andy Kaiser after Kaiser ejected starting pitcher
Jim Hardin in the 5th inning. 

After losing 3 of 4 to the Minnesota Twins just a few days ago, the Baltimore Orioles were issued a challenge by head skipper Earl Weaver, "*&##$!!!!   or get off the pot!"  The Baltimore players responded with a 3-0 sweep of the visiting California Angels.  Weaver who had been ranting and raving since the Twins debacle, continued to release his venom on veteran umpire Andy Kaiser,  after Kaiser ejected starting pitcher Jim Hardin for arguing a ball 4 call on Angel outfielder Joe Davalillo.  Hardin was 5.2 inning in and had only allowed 2 hits, 1 run and struck out 4 when he chest bumped Kaiser in a heated disagreement of the call.   Weaver would follow the aggressive starter to the showers as Kaiser would give him the hook as well.  After the game Weaver was upset at starter Hardin for his ejection, "The job of arguing with the umpire belongs to the manager, because it won't hurt the team if he gets thrown out of the game."  "Hardin pitched a fine game but could have hurt the squad with his antics."  However, Pete Reichert would replace Hardin with a fine performance as he would earn the win in the 2-1 ballgame, before giving way to Eddie Watt who would earn the save.  Baltimore pitchers would strike out 19 Angel hitters in the series and Orioles took home a 4-0, 3-1, 2-1 victories.