Veteran MLB umpire Hunter Wendelstedt was forced to leave the game after being struck directly in the face by a foul ball from New York Mets center fielder Tyrone Taylor during the seventh inning.
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MLB ump leaves game after foul ball hits him in the face
Photo by Wsav-tv
Key Takeaways:
- Hunter Wendelstedt was struck by a foul ball.
- The ball came from Tyrone Taylor of the New York Mets.
- Incident occurred in the seventh inning.
- Wendelstedt instantly hit the ground after impact.
- He left the game following the incident.
Veteran Umpire Hit by Line Drive Leaves Game
A Major League Baseball game took an unexpected turn when veteran umpire Hunter Wendelstedt was struck directly in the face by a foul ball.
The Incident in the Seventh Inning
The alarming event occurred during the seventh inning. New York Mets center fielder Tyrone Taylor hit a line smash that made direct contact with Wendelstedt. The force of the impact was so severe that the umpire instantly hit the ground.
Immediate Aftermath
Following the incident, Wendelstedt left the game. The sudden departure of such an experienced umpire underscored the potential dangers officials face on the field.
Context Within the Game
While players often confront the risks of fast-moving balls, this episode highlighted that umpires are equally vulnerable. The incident served as a stark reminder of the split-second reactions required to stay safe during play.
Acknowledging the Risks
Hunter Wendelstedt’s experience brings attention to the challenges and hazards inherent in officiating professional sports. As a respected figure in MLB, his wellbeing is of interest to many within the baseball community.
