MLB umpiring has been a topic of controversy, with calls in 2024 adding fuel to the fire. Technological advances being tested in the minor leagues raise the possibility of umpires becoming obsolete. Calls behind home plate, particularly with balls and strikes, have been inconsistent. Tino Martinez expressed his opinion, noting that there are both good and bad umpires, with some seeming to enjoy getting on fans’ nerves. Veteran umpires such as Angel Hernandez, C.B. Bucknor, and Doug Eddings have been criticized for bad calls that impact game results.
One recent example of a controversial call was during a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox when umpire C.B. Bucknor called a strike three on St. Louis’s Ivan Herrera in extra innings following a rain delay. The pitch was clearly outside the plate, impacting the outcome of the game. New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge was also ejected for the first time in his career after an incident with an umpire. Martinez and Yankees right fielder Nick Swisher criticized the actions of the umpire, with Swisher calling for a tiered system for umpires to ensure accountability.
Swisher emphasized the need for umpires to prepare and compete properly, suggesting consequences for those who do not perform well. He supported veteran starter Max Scherzer’s suggestion to rank umpires using the electronic strike zone being tested in Triple-A. Despite concerns about eliminating the “natural” side of the game, Martinez emphasized the importance of having top umpires officiating games, especially in the postseason. Both former players and current competitors in MLB deserve fair officiating, even if perfection is unattainable.
The conversation about umpiring in MLB continues, with many hoping for a solution to address bad calls and controversies. Both within and outside the game, attention has been drawn to the issue, with a focus on ensuring fair play for all teams. The use of technology, such as the electronic strike zone, is being considered as a way to improve officiating and reduce controversies. While traditionalists may resist fully automated systems, the goal remains to provide the best possible officiating in baseball games to maintain the integrity of the sport.
Overall, the discussion around MLB umpiring highlights the importance of having top-quality officials on the field. Calls made by umpires can have a significant impact on game outcomes, making consistency and accuracy crucial. While umpires may never be perfect, efforts are being made to address issues and improve the officiating process. Players, coaches, and fans alike are invested in finding solutions to ensure that fair play is upheld in every game, regardless of the controversies that may arise.
