Umpire Joe West hit with ball from stands during Marlins-Brewers game
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A ball apparently thrown from the stands at Miller Park struck first-base umpire Joe West directly in the back of the head, leading to a seven-minute delay during the Miami-Milwaukee game as security personnel tried to locate the culprit.
https://twitter.com/FOXSportsFL/status/880960647806173184
West was positioned behind the bag with one out and Milwaukee's Travis Shaw on first base in the fourth inning Friday. West remained on his feet after the ball struck him and remained at his post when play resumed.
Marlins pitcher Brad Ziegler, who is on the disabled list with a back strain, tweeted: "I hope they file assault charges for whoever just hit Joe West with the baseball. Absolutely ridiculous."
The 64-year-old West, nicknamed "Cowboy" Joe, worked his 5,000th career regular-season game last week. He's the third umpire to work at least 5,000 games, joining Hall of Famer Bill Klem (5,375) and Bruce Froemming (5,163).
West made his major league debut as a 23-year-old on Sept. 14, 1976. He joined the National League staff full time in 1978. His 40 seasons umpiring in the majors are the most by any umpire.
West also has also worked two All-Star Games, 123 postseason games and six World Series.
-
20 Best pitchers in MLB 2024: Ranking the top 20 starters
2024 MLB predictions by Ben Verlander: Standings, playoffs, World Series
Ranking the 10 best closers in MLB 2024
-
Shōta Imanaga, Colton Cowser headline MLB's 10 best rookies
Ranking the 10 best second basemen in MLB 2024
What is Bobby Bonilla Day? Explaining the New York Mets' ongoing contract saga
-
20 Best pitchers in MLB 2024: Ranking the top 20 starters
2024 MLB predictions by Ben Verlander: Standings, playoffs, World Series
Ranking the 10 best closers in MLB 2024
-
Shōta Imanaga, Colton Cowser headline MLB's 10 best rookies
Ranking the 10 best second basemen in MLB 2024
What is Bobby Bonilla Day? Explaining the New York Mets' ongoing contract saga