A word about Wrigley's obstacle course

Michael Bourn is a back-up Phillies outfielder and spark plug who came into the game against the Cubs last night to replace started Shane Victorino, who strained his calf.

Why is OMS covering sports today? Because of Michael Bourn.

See, Mr. Bourn jetted after a fly ball that landed right next to the Phillies bullpen and the stands. The bullpen, on the field but not (it's located a mere inches away from the foul line) caused one of the most gruesome freak injuries we've ever seen on a field.

Bourn, at full tilt, stumbled when the ground elevated *before* the foul line. He tripped on the line (which is why we always hop over it when taking the field -- respect the foul line, y'all), then planted his other foot on the bullpen mound, and then he tumbled, as the sportscaster noted, like a horse stumbling before the finish line.

Granted, Phillies legendary announcer Harry Kalas probably called the foul ball a home run, but that's another story for another day.

Point is, why is the field elevated *before* the actual bullpen, and tell us again why the bullpen is located in foul territory? Yes, we know Wrigley is historical and an institution. But they used to have day games only, and then they installed lights. We used to have a mullet in 1987.

And we know they fixed the clock after Roy Hobbs destroyed it in The Natural.

Things change.

Watching Bourn last night was more than cringeworthy. And it's certainly something that shouldn't happen again. Oh. And the Phillies, who we refuse to believe in because their manager is an idiot and our favorite player is on the DL, beat the Cubs behind a fantastic effort from stud Cole Hamels and are only three games behind the Mets.

Finally, COMING UP ON SPORTSCENTER, MORE WHO'S NOW? Our panel of blowhards will analyze Michael Bourn and the Right Field Foul Line at Wrigley, right after several commercials that sponsor this senseless dialogue about a back-up player and plush Chicago grass.