Tommy Pham Explains Heated Exchange at Home Plate With William Contreras

Karl Rasmussen | Jun 2, 2024

Chicago White Sox left fielder Tommy Pham (28) is restrained by umpires after exchanging words with Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras in the eighth inning at American Family Field. / Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Tensions flared between Chicago White Sox outfielder Tommy Pham and Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras during Sunday's matinee after Pham was thrown out at home in the bottom of the eighth inning on a play that wasn't particularly close.

There was a moderate collision between Pham and Contreras at home plate, and the Brewers catcher appeared to bark some superlatives at the veteran outfielder after slapping the tag on him to end the inning.

Whatever Contreras said did not sit well with Pham, who looked back toward Milwaukee's dugout and eventually needed to be restrained by his teammates as he shouted in the direction of Contreras.

“Nah we ain’t taking that from the Brewers. I don’t care how many Ls we got this year”

The White Sox booth was HEATED after Tommy Pham got thrown out
pic.twitter.com/nLAOyq5FY5

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) June 2, 2024

Ultimately, not much came of the situation, though Pham didn't hold back when asked about the moment by reporters after the 6–3 defeat.

"One-run ball game, close play at the plate—actually it wasn't even f–ing close... Third base coach sends you, you gotta go. I'm nailed out at home by a mile, I'm going to the dugout and I hear the tough guy with all the 'hoorah' sh–. I'll never start anything but I'll be prepared to finish it.

"There's a reason why I do all kinds of fighting in the offseason. Because I'm prepared to f– somebody up," Pham said.

“There’s a reason why I do all kinds of fighting in the offseason… because I’m prepared to f*** somebody up.”

Tommy Pham didn’t hold back on his play at the plate with William Contreras 👀

(via @CST_soxvan)
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Pham endured a frustrating day at the plate, going 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and a walk. The White Sox fell to 15–45 following Sunday's loss, the worst record in MLB.