The absolute worst thing an umpire can do is jeopardize a game’s integrity. Mistakes happen — it’s part of the human element of baseball. But there’s a huge difference between a missed call in good faith and what we saw during Friday’s New Orleans and Mississippi Valley State baseball game.
Home plate umpire Reggie Drummer made it personal and intentionally called a third strike that was nowhere near the plate to end the game. And now, he has been suspended indefinitely.
The call came with Davon Mims at the plate. He didn’t love a called second strike from Drummer and visibly showed his frustration. While Mims did react in a way that does often get players ejected, Drummer had no excuse for how he responded.
This is a division 1 baseball game… Can't even call it a terrible call. Umpire made it personal. 😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/zXOvzDmIbd
— 11Point7: The College Baseball Podcast 🎙 (@11point7) March 11, 2023
The called third strike, which was at least a foot off the plate and low, ended the game. Drummer knew exactly what he did with that call, and the Southland Conference didn’t wait long to take action.
The Southland Conference's statement on the New Orleans and Mississippi Valley State Baseball contest on March 10. pic.twitter.com/jZ5mFeRj6K
— Southland Conference (@SouthlandSports) March 11, 2023
The indefinite suspension was absolutely warranted. But honestly, Drummer shouldn’t umpire another college baseball game after showing that he’ll put his personal feelings ahead of his duty of calling a legitimate game.
Fans also wanted to see the umpire fired. You simply cannot have behavior like that from an umpire.
This was how Twitter reacted
Refs taking control of games <<<<<<<<
Happens too often 😭🤦🏾♂️ https://t.co/CEuyqRqxLk— Jahan Dotson (@JahanDotson) March 12, 2023
I’ve seen bad calls… this is the worst one I have ever seen https://t.co/WioHQrE3Ep
— IG MikeDavisRB (@MikeDavisRB) March 12, 2023
Many of you have already seen this one. If you haven’t, take a few seconds. This umpire needs to be seriously disciplined.@NCAA https://t.co/qhmSUSi65j
— PHILLIES BELL (@PhilliesBell) March 12, 2023
This man should NEVER be allowed to umpire any kind of baseball game again. He is a disgrace to the position. 😠 https://t.co/cdMImDS49l
— Scott Chamberlain (@TheBuccosFan) March 12, 2023
There is literally no excuse for any umpire making calls like this. https://t.co/kgWM9JF3c0
— Sara Sanchez (@BCB_Sara) March 11, 2023
Hey @NCAABaseball, how does this umpire still have a job? https://t.co/kAoCG7iiWJ
— Emily Waldon (@EmilyCWaldon) March 11, 2023
I’ve never seen such an unprofessional call and I’ve watched Joe West, Eric Gregg (RIP) & Angel Hernandez, etc. do some egregious stuff.
This umpire should not be allowed to umpire for a while (if not ever again) https://t.co/LA8obprKzf
— Herb Lawrence (@Ecnerwal23) March 11, 2023
And he should be out of the business…#waittosee https://t.co/Ae3vYWMS9r
— David P. Samson (@DavidPSamson) March 11, 2023
Needs to be fired @NCAABaseball . https://t.co/sLempng21L
— Sidelines – Clemson (@SSN_Clemson) March 11, 2023
Yeah you don't ever get to umpire a meaningful game again after this https://t.co/WMoiiphTqn
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) March 11, 2023
This ump better be glad he pulled this stunt at a D1 baseball game & not a weekend 8u travel tourney https://t.co/RbDwcXGlEJ
— Jacob Tamme (@JacobTamme) March 12, 2023
This guy stinks https://t.co/9dmXqXlO90
— PodKATT (@valleyshook) March 11, 2023
College baseball deserves better than that.
