On 14-year anniversary, Phillip Wellman's AT&T tirade still memorable

Former Lookout manager Phillip Wellman in VW commerical.
Former Lookout manager Phillip Wellman in VW commerical.

Tuesday marked the 14-year anniversary of Phillip Wellman's memorable ejection at AT&T Field, which set the standard for colorful tirades.

Wellman had managed the Chattanooga Lookouts in 1999 and again from 2001-03, and he returned on June 1, 2007, as the skipper of the Mississippi Braves. With Rick Nyman of WDEF-TV12 sports capturing the moment, Wellman covered home plate with dirt, tossed third base into the outfield and performed a military crawl to the mound that culminated with a launching of the rosin bag in grenade-like fashion.

"It's something I did," Wellman would say years later. "I can't deny it."

The longtime Class AA manager guided the Braves to the 2008 Southern League championship and led the Amarillo Sod Poodles to the 2019 Texas League title. He has won more than 1,200 career games and has called Chattanooga - specifically Red Bank - home for several years.

Without further ado, here is Wellman's epic eruption:

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.

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