Dan Bellino, an eminent umpire, issued an apology for his actions after being expelled. Arizona DiamondbacksThe pitcher Madison BumgarnerIn the first inning of Wednesday night's match against the Miami Marlins.
The statement stated that Madison Bumgarner was the reason for my actions of May 4. I was given some great advice when I started my MLB career nearly 15 years ago. I was instructed to umpire every game like my children were in the front row. These expectations were not met this week. I am fully responsible for what I did wrong, even though I can't undo it. I am learning from this incident and I truly apologize.”
Bumgarner, 32 years old, was caught during a routine hand and glove check for sticky substances. Bumgarner and Diamondbacks staff got into a heated argument. Bumgarner was eventually able to calm down after the argument lasted several minutes.
According to a source familiar, Bellino was disciplined after the incident. However, he is still working the series between now and the end. Houston AstrosAnd Detroit TigersThis weekend.
Bumgarner will not be subject to additional discipline.
Bumgarner declared, “You guys saw the video,” after Wednesday's game. “I don’t know what I could do to make this situation better.
Bellino claimed that Bumgarner was thrown because he used profanity towards him. The veteran pitcher had expressed frustration with Ryan Willis's call on the ball/strike. This was just minutes before Bellino confronted him.
Even though Bellino felt that it was necessary, it's rare for an umpire not to apologize publicly.
