"Embarrassing, you want to come back & be known for what you do”- When Jeff Samardzija regretted instigating mid-game brawl between White Sox & Royals

During the 2015 season, Chris Sale and Jeff Samardzija led the way for the Chicago White Sox. The tall duo was looking to push the team past mediocrity after finishing the previous two seasons below .500.

Early in April, things got a little feisty during a game against the Kansas City Royals. Jose Abreu was hit in the elbow earlier in the game while Mike Moustakas was hit later.

With both sides heated, Adam Eaton hit a groundball to KC's starter Yordano Ventura. Ventura fielded the ball, shouted at Eaton, and threw the ball to first for the out, causing mayhem.

Both sides rushed to the field, and the brawl lasted for a few minutes. This led to a flurry of ejections, including Sale and Samardzija. Afterward, it was reported that Sale went to the Royals' clubhouse while the game was still going on, looking for more action.

Samardzija was critical of the way he and his teammates responded to the incident. According to ESPN's Doug Padilla, Samardzija was not proud of what transpired that night and how he acted as an instigator:

"Nobody wants to act that way. In a way, it's embarrassing, and you want to come back and show you want to be known for what you do on the field and the way you play the game."

Samardzija was embarrassed by the incident, and it was not something he wanted to be remembered for. He wants his talent to be what people remember him for, not an incident like this.

Jeff Samardzija wears his emotions on his sleeve

Chicago White Sox - Jeff Samardzija (Photo via IMAGN)

Jeff Samardzija is used to some physical contact. He played football for the University of Notre Dame from 2003 to 2006 as a star wide receiver. So, he was not worried when he rushed onto the field to have his team's back:

"Obviously, look back on it and you're not happy about it, you're not proud about it, but I wear my emotions on my sleeve and I care for my teammates and I want to win every game."

Unfortunately, Kansas City won the game 3-2 in extra innings. This became a common theme during the 2015 season for the White Sox.

They finished the season 76-86, missing the postseason, while Samardzija headed to San Francisco the following year.