Marlins, Braves almost brawl over Jose Fernandez’s home run

Braves didn’t like the 21-year-old phenom’s trot around the bases.

Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez (16) and Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann (16) both are separated at home plate by home plate umpire Sam Holbrook (34) during the sixth inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

His first major league home run was a memorable one, but one he wish he could take back — at least his actions.

Marlins rookie pitching phenom Jose Fernandez hit a ball out of the park off Braves starter Mike Minor in the 6th inning of Wednesday’s Marlins game against the Braves. There wasn’t much doubt, either–it was a towering shot to left center.

The Braves didn’t like what he did next.

Fernandez stared down the home run, then shot a look at the Braves bench as he was rounding the bases. No one on the Braves , especially third baseman Chris Johnson, liked any of it.

READ: Meet Jose Fernandez, the best pitcher you’ve never heard of

Both benches cleared after words exchanged between Fernandez and Braves catcher Brian McCann at home plate.

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Last month, the Braves took similar umbrage when they thought Bryce Harper admired a home runhe hit against them. The Braves really don’t like young, exciting players in the MLB who aren’t on their team, apparently.

Fernandez’s trot and stare may have been a result of a a home run by the Braves’ Evan Gattis earlier in the game. Gattis hit the ball about 400 feet and took a second to admire his blast.

But after the game, Fernandez, who made his last start of the season, didn’t make any excuses and was in no mood to celebrate the win or the home run.

“I feel embarrassed,” he said. “I feel like I don’t deserve to be here, because this isn’t high school. This is a professional game. I made a mistake. I’m going to learn from it.

“I had a good year, and it ends up like this. I embarrassed a lot of people. It’s just not right for the game. For sure I can promise 120 percent that that will never ever happen again. I won’t show anybody up like that.”

Fernandez even sought out Minor and McCann to apologize.

“I said, ‘I’m really sorry, I’m embarrassed and that’s something that won’t ever happen again,’” Fernandez said. “McCann said, ‘Hey, man, you’re a kid but you’re in the big leagues. You need to do what big leaguers do.’”

The Marlins won the game, 5-2.

Contributing: AP