'Free Mike' sign hung near Jim Patterson Stadium following controversial ejection

LOUISVILLE (WHAS11) – Controversy over an ejection at a Louisville baseball game continued on June 3 during the NCAA Regional Championship.

Louisville relief pitcher Michael McAvene was given an automatic four-game suspension following his ejection for disputing an umpire’s decision in an NCAA Tournament victory over Indiana on Sunday.

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It was on Monday that a sign was put up near Jim Patterson Stadium that said “Free Mike.”

The NCAA released a statement after the ejection that said McAvene was ejected for “disputing an umpire’s decision and unsportsmanlike conduct” directed at umpire Ken Langford.

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Louisville teammates hung McAvene’s No. 41 jersey atop the dugout during their game against Illinois State, a regional final matchup. Louisville did go on to win that Sunday game 11-2.

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