The Savannah Bananas baseball team is known for their extravagant and fun bits during games, and LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey joined in on the fun by throwing out the first pitch at a recent game.
The Bananas played a three-game series in Baton Rouge at LSU’s Alex Box Stadium last week, and Mulkey threw out the first pitch Saturday evening.
The home plate umpire called Mulkey’s toss a ball, but the outspoken coach engaged the ump to argue that the throw was a strike. The argument turned into a yelling match, and Mulkey kicked dirt at the ump to emphasize her point. The “Dancing Umpire,” as he’s known, then ejected Mulkey from the game.
The crowd subsequently booed her ejection as she walked off the field. But the crowd’s energy quickly changed as to applause when Mulkey and the ump joined hands and revealed the gag.
Coach Kim Mulkey throws out the first pitch before the last Savannah Bananas game in Baton Rouge pic.twitter.com/te6tKxL1Rj
— WBRZ News (@WBRZ) March 17, 2024
It was a fun way for Mulkey to poke fun at her spirited reputation.
Mulkey and the No. 3-seeded Tigers (28–5) begin look to defend their national championship when they tip off at the 2024 NCAA tournament on Friday at 4 p.m. ET against 14th-seeded Rice (19–14) in Baton Rouge.