Unlike MLB, the composition of CPBL teams are a lot more simpler, with majority of the Taiwanese players are friends off the field either from going to the same high school/ university or they have been teammates while represent Taiwan in the international tournament. Thus bench clearing isn’t that common during the season, let along seeing it twice in a single inning. Yet, this happened during the game between Uni-Lions and Lamigo Monkeys on the 6th of May.
Bottom of 8th, former Italian WBC team pitcher Mike DeMark took issue on Lamigo Monkeys outfielder 陽耀勳 (Yang Yao-Hsun) as he suspected Yang’s movements on second base as stealing signs. Both sides shouted at each other and bench cleared for the first time this inning. The umpire gave warnings to both sides and thus soothed the situation.
Despite warnings issued, the animosity continue to grow on the field. After Mike DeMark struck out Lamigo first baseman 陳俊秀 （Chen Chun-Hsiu）for the third out. He escalates that into another level by yelling and provoking Monkeys’ dugout with a string of profanity, DeMark was tossed straight after that but it’s already too late as both benches emptied once again.
Lamigo Moneys spurred the Uni-Lions with a 8:3 victory and leads 2-0 on the series.
Video of the bench clearing incident during the Uni-Lions vs Monkeys game.