Aroldis Chapman Can’t Get Away From Cincinnati Fast Enough

¿Cómo salir de Cincinnati?

The Cincinnati Reds have come on over the last couple of seasons as legitimate contenders in the National League Central. Part of the reason is the acquisition of their fireball throwing Cuban defector, Aroldis Chapman. The young reliever routinely hits the triple digits with his fastball and has been a nightmare for opposing hitters. This season he has yet to give up a run, and has Reds fans wondering if he could make the transition to starter and be the ace of their staff. Manager Dusty Baker has said that Chapman will be a starter “someday,” but for now is satisfied having him close out games with authority. Besides, Chapman still has a lot of things to learn about this country and being a big league pitcher, like basic motor vehicle laws, for example.

From the Dayton Daily News:

 Aroldis Chapman was arrested for speeding and driving with a suspended license early Monday, a few hours after it appeared he was in line to become the Cincinnati Reds’ next closer.

Police in the Columbus suburb of Grove City emailed The Associated Press a copy of an arrest report showing the 24-year-old reliever was stopped after radar clocked him going 93 mph on northbound Interstate 71 shortly before 1 a.m. on Monday.

The arrest report said Chapman was seen speeding at 12:40 a.m. When police stopped him, they found he had a suspended Kentucky driver’s license. He was arrested and photographed, then released on bond. He has a court appearance scheduled for June 6.

Chapman was probably just trying to see how one of his fastballs feel when he lets it rip. That, or he has realized what most Americans already know: you do NOT want to live in Cincinnati.

Chapman will likely face some kind of discipline from the team, like a small fine or being forced to take weekly tours of Cincinnati’s wonderful tourist attractions (footage not found). Luckily he doesn’t play for the NFL or he’d likely be facing some kind of suspension from the league. But he plays for Bud Selig and MLB, so unless he admits to driving really fast to intentionally hit Bryce Harper or something, he’s in the clear.

The Reds likely won’t be affected by Chapman’s joyride, but they should probably try and get him right with the Ohio DMV to keep him out of future trouble. Getting a valid license is a good start, and reminding him that 100 mph is only for his fastball, not his car would also be smart. Or just make Scott Rolen drive him around. It’d be more helpful than anything he’s contributing on the field right now. Baseball zing!

(pic via)