Baseball game descends into chaos as gloating batter sparks mass ejections for players, coaches and parents
Mayhem broke out at a college baseball game in Greenville on Saturday night after a batter's provocative celebrations resulted in ejections for players, coaches and a mom in the stands.
During their Southern Conference tournament win over the Mercer Bears, Samford outfielder Michael Gupton hit a two-run homer to increase the Bulldogs' lead on the night.
Yet as he made his way around the bases, Gupton sparked anger when he appeared to shout something at Mercer's players and dugout, before touching home plate and celebrating with his teammates.
Bears shortstop Bradley Frye was left furious with his gloating antics, making a beeline for the Bulldogs man before being held back by umpires at Fluor Field.
A member of the team's coaching staff also had to be held back by his colleagues after taking offense to Gupton's celebrations.
In the end, Mercer players left the field in protest at what played out after the two-run homer.
Samford hits a bomb. Dude taunts the whole stadium. Mercer takes players off the field in protest.
This leagueeeeeee pic.twitter.com/9kuEcABxCe
— 11Point7 College Baseball (@11point7) May 25, 2025
After video review Gupton and Frye were both ejected from the game, while coaches were also thrown out - including Samford assistant Gil Walkes and Mercer pitching coach Tanner Gordon.
And incredibly, Frye's mother - who was watching on in the stands - was also ejected from the game for standing and jumping on top of the dugout moments after she learned of her son's ejection, according to Fox News.
Other Mercer supporters were also thrown out of the game after making their way onto the dugout roof to protest the decision.
The game was delayed for around 25 minutes by the chaos that ensued after Gupton's controversial celebration.
However, it was the Bulldogs who ultimately had the last laugh when they ran out 5-1 winners on the night. The victory earned them a place in the SoCon championship game.
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