Bud Black had a memorable meltdown during a Rockies vs. Dodgers game after home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi’s strike zone went off the rails. Things started when Rockies catcher Dom Nuñez reacted to a high strike being called. Bud Black followed with one of the most confused facial expressions seen from a manager mid-game. After another borderline pitch was called a strike low in the zone, despite earlier high strike calls, Black had enough. He started barking from the dugout, pointing and yelling that the pitch was too low. Cuzzi told him he wasn’t listening all night, then tossed him. Black didn’t go quietly. He yelled back, accused Cuzzi of being off the whole game, and told him to get his head out of his ass.
While Black was technically ejected, he didn’t immediately leave. Instead, he took his time, heading back to retrieve his binders and gear, even calling for help to grab something he left behind. The whole exchange featured some top-tier facial reactions, from Black’s confused stare to Charlie Blackmon’s stunned expression. Cuzzi stayed stone-faced, adjusted his cap, and returned to the game like nothing happened. The moment stood out not for any major game implications, but for showing the raw frustration and comedy baseball sometimes delivers when strike zones get inconsistent.