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“Good Riddance”: 24 Hours After Massive Fan Outrage, College Umpire Receives Hefty Punishment For a Highly Controversial Call

Published 03/13/2023, 8:30 AM EDT

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Umpires are no strangers to calling out baseball games when required and causing outrage among fans. Not to mention the players, some of which resort to tantrums that don’t always end up going their way. But what about when it’s the umpire who’s making a mistake? And not just a mistake, but making an obviously terrible call in the play that seems like a personal vendetta against the players? Reggie Drummer probably did just that in a Mississippi Valley State University vs the University of New Orleans game.

After calling out strike two in a pitch that most didn’t see as a strike, the umpire seemed angry as batter David Mims jumped around in protest. But then the next ball fell outside home plate and from Drummer’s point of view, it was strike three. The call was so egregiously made that immediate suspension and replacement of the umpire were in order.

Reggie Drummer is suspended indefinitely following an absurd call

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Southland Conference, the conference of the home team, gave an update after announcing the umpire suspension and replacement. Now, Drummer is facing an indefinite period of hiatus because of the rule violation. “After a thorough review of the New Orleans and Mississippi Valley State baseball contest on March 10, 2023, the Southland Conference confirmed the home plate umpire’s conduct and actions were deemed detrimental to the Conference,” they announced.

The statement continued, “As a result, the umpire has been removed from the series and has been suspended indefinitely from Southland Conference baseball games.

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Even though the New Orleans team was winning, Mississippi could have made a last-minute comeback. But the umpire’s call ruined any chance of that. As the announcer said, “That is horrific! … Drummer just wanted to go home.”

Baseball fans rejoice at the Drummer suspension news

Passion is a very personal thing and die-hard baseball fans are extremely loyal. So when the video of the game went viral, it sparked immense outrage and people called for blood. Now, they have it, and the sharks are satisfied.

One fan even compared Drummer to another infamous umpire, Angel Hernandez, who has made more than a few bad calls in his career.

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And while most people were focused on Drummer, one person also pointed out Mims’ behavior.

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Even so, the internet is united in its rage against the umpire. What is your stand on this whole incident? Do you think that punishing the umpire was needed? Tell us your views in the comments below!

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Written by:

Arunima Bhanot

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Arunima Bhanot is an MLB writer at EssentiallySports. Having earned an English literature degree from Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi, Arunima has always been interested in writing. She's a fan of archery and was the captain of her college team for two years running. She's an avid reader who also loves photography and travel, and you can find her talking constantly about books and anime on her Instagram!
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Edited by:

Abhishek Kumar