I made a joke about beers consumed during a game on DelPhan’s post about breaking records, and it got me thinking. I assumed that
players drank during games back in the day but that puritanical impulses had nixed most of that kind of behavior now. That’s what was so shocking about the Red Sox collapse of 2011. Their drinking suggested an intentional checking out on games and putting themselves in no condition to play. Indeed, when Miguel Cabrera showed up to a game inebriated, he was compelled to apologize for it later. Shame, shame on drinking in the clubhouse or being impaired at “work.” Isn’t that the way we look at it today? Gone are the days when guys swilled as they swatted.
But, does it happen more than we think these days? This summer, Dan Cooper, pitching coach for the ChiSox gave an interview in which he claimed to witness Mark Buehrle drinking beer during Game 3 of the 2005 World Series. This was normal behavior there for those not pitching on that day, he said. Buehrle actually ended up closing the game though, despite the fact that the coach knew he had imbibed during. In fairness, Buehrle did ask if they needed him to pitch when the game tied up — perhaps to gauge how much he could drink thereafter or if he should stop in case he had to go out. And, really, Game 3 is like 4:30pm Friday afternoon at a tech firm, so we should probably expect drinking then. Still, are we surprised it happened — and in a playoff run no less?
In another interview this summer, AJ Pierzynski admitted to drinking while playing — especially during long games. The starting pitcher is well out of the game and working on his nth post-performance beer and jealousy takes over, according to Pierzynski. Solution? “Rally beers!” Yup, that’s the way to spark an offensive burst. Let’s get this rally started! Everybody ready to rallyyyyyyyyyyyy! I guess the question is, when you’re tied up during the 13th, do you want to have a cold one with AJ?
So, there we have it. Drinking during games does apparently still happen. Maybe not as much or as publicly as it used to be, but players gonna play and beers gonna be drunk.
Fan Interference 
Please,,,,everyone stay away from Doc Ellis. I know the man claims he was on LSD for his no hitter, but it’s a lot of horsecrap that a shameless self promoter invented. There is nothing to back up his claim
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Have you checked the encyclopedia entry under “Ellis, D.”?
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Yes I have. And you find info on his claim, as well as discussions from Pirates beat reporters who were there and cast strong doubts
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I was just being punny.
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I know 😉
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If the standard of proof is that no one saw me do it, then I would like to state for the record that I have never gotten drunk and played rugby. Wait, everyone saw me? Never mind.
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Eww, did you throw up?
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I would like to state for the record that no one ever saw me throw up on the rugby field because I was drunk.
Oh, wait….
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Some teams do ban beer in the clubhouse. It would be wise for all of them to do so, in my opinion.
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Party poopah
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Most companies ban alcohol completely (This included company parties), for various liability reasons. I know baseball players can afford private drivers and all, but it would seem if players were drinking on company property, especially during normal work ours, the team is just begging for a lawsuit. Not to mention the possibility of a player playing while half in the bag.
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Pedro Strop had beers and a margarita waiting for him at his locker, all provided by Maddon, for his “Day At The Beach” on Sunday.
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I know lots of people that don’t drink. Not sure I trust them, though.
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There goes the neighborhood!
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