Clark (left) and Theo Epstein
Clark the Cub (left) and Theo Epstein. (USATSI)

Clark the Chicago Cubs mascot and team president Theo Epstein apparently have a blood feud going. Epstein admitted to Fox Sports on Thursday that he purposely threw a first pitch at Clark during opening-day ceremonies at the South Bend Cubs, the club's Class A Midwestern League affiliate. 

In the Vine below, the ball gets away from Epstein and is thrown toward the hind paws of Clark, who came along from Wrigley Field to help with the celebration. Clark does a good job of jumping out of the way and the ball misses him. What isn't obvious about Epstein's pitch: It was on purpose.

Fox's Ken Rosenthal got ahold of Epstein, who didn't even bother being coy, making excuses or denying. He copped to it:

"Clark and I have a love-hate relationship,” Epstein said. "He got a little upset at a prank I pulled a couple of spring trainings ago and has been a little distant since.

"I tried to brush him back — at least move his feet with a two-seamer in off the plate. Which I did. I can't believe he got out of the way. He moves quickly without pants on."

It's not like when Cole Hamels admitted to hitting Bryce Harper on purpose three years ago, because Hamels set himself up to be punished by Major League Baseball. The buck stops with Theo (pretty much) with the Cubs. He's not going to discipline himself for throwing at a pantsless bear. Epstein can throw at Clark, who is entering his second full season as Cubs mascot, as much as he wants. It's kind of a nice perk of the job. Clark better watch his behind.

Here's another angle: 

They embrace afterward, but tension still bubbles underneath. Notice the other bear mascot, Stu, trembling with fear, as he is made to hug Epstein at $8 an hour. At least Stu is provided pants, which might be soiled.

Does anyone know if someone on the Colorado Rockies has a vendetta against Dinger the Triceratops? He doesn't wear pants, either, and probably should be thrown at.

If, for whatever reason, you have an interest in Epstein's visit to the South Bend Cubs beyond the feud with Clark, here's the entire 41 minute press conference.