PITTSBURGH - Pirates Pitcher Shane Youmans has told management he is being harassed by an eight-year-old boy who follows him everywhere calling his name. “I think he has me confused with somebody else,” said Youmans. The boy, identified as Joey Starrett, sits behind home plate at all home games. “It’s always ‘Shane, pitch this guy low and away,’ or ‘Shane, bust him inside,’ or ‘Shane, cut that ball off from the outfield.’ I never get a moment’s peace!” The beleaguered Bucco hurler said he has tried to reach out to Starrett on a number of occasions. He now regrets his actions. “One time I caught him wearing my glove, pounding a ball in the web. I told him a ball is a tool. No better or no worse than any other tool. An axe, a shovel, a gun, or anything. A ball is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that.” Youmans thinks his act of kindness may have created a deep and abiding devotion in a young, impressionable fan. “I’ll never make that mistake again, believe me.”
Leaving the clubhouse last night forty-five minutes after a 6-2 loss to the Colorado Rockies, Youmans was immediately accosted by a group of autograph hounds. He patiently signed them all, until he saw Starrett’s face in the crowd. “Oh God, kid, will you give me a break?” he pleaded, before turning on his heal and walking away. “Shane, come back! Come back, Shane!” yelled Starrett before Pirate security escorted him from the premises.
