Hirschbeck Only Cursed at Irabu

Umpire John Hirschbeck made no ethnic remarks when shouting at Japanese pitcher Hideki Irabu, the American League concluded Friday.

Hirschbeck, however, did make profane comments to the pitcher during an argument Wednesday night at Anaheim, AL Vice President Phyllis Merhige said. Yankee third baseman Charlie Hayes had claimed to teammates that Hirschbeck made a profane comment about Irabu’s nationality.

“He cursed at him, but he didn’t imply any ethnic slurs,” Merhige said.

Hirschbeck confronted Irabu after the pitcher threw a tantrum on the mound when called for a balk for the second time during the game.

“I did cuss,” Hirschbeck was quoted as saying. “That’s part of the game. But I never said anything racially. On the lives of my family, that is the truth.”