A lighthearted gesture by Twins outfielder Torii Hunter goes against a small rule and could mean big trouble.
Hunter made good on a promise and delivered four bottles of champagne to the Royals last weekend. The gesture was in appreciation for Kansas City sweeping the Tigers in the final series of last season, which allowed Minnesota to win the Central Division title.
According to the Minnesota Star-Tribune, Hunter’s actions go against rule 21-b of Major League Baseball. The rule states: Any player or person connected with a club who shall offer or give any gift or reward to a player or person connected with another club for services rendered, in defeating or attempting to defeat a competing club shall be declared ineligible for not less than three years.
That would be a very harsh penalty for Hunter to pay. Obviously Twins officials are trying to find a way to fix the mistake. The Royals have been contacted by Minnesota and the four bottles of bubbly are expected to be returned.
