“People were blowing it out of proportion” - When Brewers GM Bob Melvin was unhappy about Prince Fielder’s suspension after arguing with the umpire

Back during the 2007 season, Milwaukee Brewers slugger Prince Fielder was involved in an on-field altercation. During a game against the Houston Astros, he and umpire Wally Bell got into it.

It resulted in Fielder receiving a three-game suspension by the MLB. However, his GM, Bob Melvin, had his back.

Melvin was unhappy about the suspension. He did not believe the actions warranted a suspension, and the ordeal was being exaggerated by the league, via On Milwaukee's Dave Olson.

"I didn't think it was a big deal. I don't think Prince made contact (with Bell). I thought people were blowing it out of proportion," Melvin said.

The incident stemmed from a close strike call that Fielder was displeased with and was ejected after disagreeing with the call. Fielder was then seen visibly upset and really got into it with Bell.

"I haven't heard anything. I think if they don't call you, it means nothing is going on. I certainly wouldn't call them and ask about it," Melvin said.

The suspension took Melvin by surprise. He heard nothing of the sort until after the suspension was handed down by the league, which put him in a tough spot.

Prince Fielder was elite with the Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers - Prince Fielder (Photo via IMAGN)

The Brewers drafted Prince Fielder in 2002 with the seventh overall pick. He would spend a few years in the minors before he got his shot in the big leagues.

Fielder made his debut in 2005 as the club's designated hitter and never looked back. The following season, Milwaukee traded Lyle Overbay, opening up first base. Fielder slid into the position where he played great. He led all other rookies with 28 home runs.

He would turn into a cornerstone player for Milwaukee, making three All-Star Game appearances and being a two-time Silver Slugger. After the 2011 season, he became a free agent and signed with the Detroit Tigers. He would stay there a year before signing with the Texas Rangers.

Now, with his playing days behind him, he has focused on his son's game. Jadyn just signed a deal with the Brewers in July of this year, and Prince could not be more excited.

Unlike his father, Jadyn plays second and third base. Between his father and grandfather, Cecil Fiedler, he has the genes to have a great career.