This is practically a new beat around here, since it keeps happening: umpires doing ridiculous or weird or funny or unacceptable things.
But even all those examples don’t necessarily make me angry about an umpire doing something ridiculous or unacceptable.
This one does:
Apparently some people don't love fun.
MEAT WAY GONE.
PIRATE 8 SPOT IN THE 7TH.@bigdonkey47 @Jared_Carrabis pic.twitter.com/V5ErPPAlRc
— ECU Baseball (@ECUBaseball) June 6, 2022
It looks like the umpire is saying “run, run” as he pushes the batter along. I’m speechless.
An umpire physically pushing a player for any reason is bad enough. An umpire physically pushing a player for not running on a home run is bad x2. An umpire physically pushing a player for not *immediately* running on a home run is bad x3. Absolutely absurd and unprofessional behavior from this umpire.
These are college players, many of whom are playing at the final highest and best level of their playing careers. They want to experience these moments as fully and enjoyably as possible. Hitting a home run is HARD. No player deserves to have some overly serious, fun-hating ump putting his hands on the kid because he wants to savor the moment for a little extra time.
LET THE PLAYERS HAVE FUN. BASEBALL IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN.