Huff’s comments spark controversy

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BALTIMORE (Map, News) - If a 10th straight losing season wasn’t enough, the Orioles are continuing to embarrass themselves in the offseason.

Designated hitter Aubrey Huff appeared on SIRIUS satellite radio Friday as an in-studio guest on a Tampa-based show hosted by a personality named “Bubba The Love Sponge.” During the 90 minute show, Huff made a critical remark about Baltimore, drawing the ire of fans on local sports talk radio.

Huff was asked about Baltimore’s respect towards the team, in comparison to Tampa, where Huff spent the better part of seven seasons.

“It is [respected] because it’s an older organization. It’s got some pride, but what a horse[expletive] city,” Huff said. “The way we’re playing we’re going to have as many fans as in Tampa.”

Huff, who was an in-studio guest with an adult film star and three regular hosts, also talked about life on the road as a Major League Baseball player, specifically his fondness for ordering pornography in hotels.

“That’s all I do. That’s all I do,” Huff said. “You guys don’t know how much down time there is in baseball. You wake up from a hangover at one o’clock [in the afternoon].”

Shortly after that proclamation, Huff talked about his theory on hitting: “see ball, hit ball.” Huff, who hit .280 with 15 homers and 72 RBIs in his first season in Baltimore, scoffed at the notion that players must watch film to improve.

The show’s host playfully accused Huff of being drunk. Huff — who was shirtless during one segment — denied it, and ordered an assistant to get him a Vodka and Red Bull, claiming his wife would pick him up from the studio.

Andy McPhail, the Orioles President, wasn’t pleased with Huff’s actions.

“From the parts I’ve heard, second hand, I would say that if it was an attempt at humor it failed miserably,” MacPhail said. “To me, it was just disrespectful. Just because you’re on a shock radio program, that doesn’t become OK.”

The hosts boasted about Huff earning $8 million a year after signing three-year, $20 million contract in January.

The host also discussed Huff’s singing performance — a cover of John Michael Montgomery’s “Letters from You” on “Oh Say Can You Sing,” a 2005 MLB-released CD, featuring ten singing major leaguers.

His thought process behind recording the song: “It was just something I did for fun. I didn’t think it would be out there like that.”

swelsh@baltimoreexaminer.com

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