Fans have lashed out at an MLB umpire for his actions toward Cody Bellinger on Friday.
The center fielder made his return to Dodger Stadium on the night but an official rained on his parade with a call many fans deemed unnecessary. Refs and umpires tend to make games about themselves nowadays and it appears that’s what this particular ump was trying to do on the player’s return.
Bellinger helped the Dodgers win a World Series, having spent the first six years of his career with the team, winning the National League MVP in 2019. The 27-year-old registered a batting average of .248 with 152 home runs and 422 RBI while playing in Los Angeles.
He signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs in the last offseason but is still adored by the Dodgers’ fanbase, which is why he was given a standing ovation when he stepped into the batter’s box for his first at-bat on the night.
He took a bit of time just to soak it in, but the umpire docked him for a pitch clock violation. You could check it out in the video right below:
Fans did not appreciate the decision and you can see how some of them reacted if you scroll down.
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Of course, the pitch clock has to be considered. But the ump could have easily let it slide given the occasion as he had the authority to.
