Why did MLB umpire Bellino apologize over Madison Bumgarner?
On Friday, Dan Bellino apologized for his interaction with the Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander, but what was it all about?
It’s certainly not something you see every day. Following the ‘interaction’ with Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Madison Bumgarner on Wednesday, Major League Baseball umpire, Dan Bellino issued an apology. Here’s what happened...
Bellino’s Bumgarner apology
It was clear that Bumgarner had been bothered with plate umpire Ryan Wills’ strike zone in the first inning. When the frame ended, Bellino, the first base ump, called over Bumgarner for a typical check of his hands for banned substances. Video showed Bellino holding Bumgarner’s hand but staring into the pitcher’s face during the check. Bumgarner appeared to say to Bellino, “Take your (bleeping) time,” after which the umpire ejected him from the game.
Friday’s apology statement issued by Bellino read as follows.
“I would like to address my actions on May 4 involving Madison Bumgarner. When I began my MLB career almost 15 years ago, I received some good advice. I was told to umpire every game as if my children were sitting in the front row. I fell short of those expectations this week. While I can’t go back and change what happened, I take full accountability. I will learn from this incident, and I sincerely apologize.”
After Wednesday’s game, in which the Diamondbacks beat the host Miami Marlins 8-7, Bumgarner said, “I know why I got thrown out, yes. I don’t know if I can say anything that would make the situation better, so what I’m gonna say is I’m extremely proud of our team coming back and winning today because I put us in a big hole there.”
According to ESPN, Bellino was disciplined by MLB for his dealing with Bumgarner. However, Bellino was back on the field on Friday, umpiring third base as the Detroit Tigers visited the Houston Astros.