Mississippi Valley State was trying to avoid a losing record, down four runs late in the game. They got a runner on base, looking to build a rally. But that quickly collapsed when the runner got picked off, a bad blunder considering they needed more than one run. The frustration was clear, and it wasn’t just on the field. The home plate umpire looked done with the game and seemed eager to end it. He started making questionable strike calls, including one pitch that bounced multiple times before reaching the plate. The batter protested, but the ump wasn’t having it. He popped off his mask, rang up strike three, and walked off.
The reactions said it all. Mississippi Valley State’s dugout was in disbelief. Fans stared in shock. Even the opposing catcher shared a look with the batter, acknowledging how absurd the call was. The pitch was so far outside it looked like the umpire had made up his mind before it even crossed the plate. Video showed him barely tracking the ball. He just wanted the game over.
The aftermath was swift. The Southland Conference suspended the umpire indefinitely and removed him from the rest of the series. They issued a short statement and said they wouldn’t comment further. The ump’s actions sparked plenty of criticism, not just for the bad calls, but for making it harder for other umpires who take the job seriously.