On September 28, 2023, the Philadelphia Phillies’ star outfielder, Bryce Harper, was ejected from a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates after a heated argument with umpire Ángel Hernández. The incident occurred in the third inning when Hernández made a questionable check swing call against Harper, who vehemently disagreed with the decision.
This ejection sparked a wave of controversy and criticism towards both Harper and Hernández, with fans and analysts weighing in on the situation.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 28, 2023 | Bryce Harper was ejected from a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third inning after a heated argument with umpire Ángel Hernández over a questionable check swing call. |
| September 28, 2023 | Harper threw his helmet into the stands, inadvertently hitting a young fan. |
| September 28, 2023 | The incident was captured on video by Jomboy, a popular sports content creator, and the footage quickly spread across social media platforms. |
| September 28, 2023 | Following the game, Bryce Harper shared his honest thoughts on the ejection and his confrontation with Ángel Hernández, stating that he didn’t check his swing and expressing his frustration with the umpire’s consistent questionable calls. |
| September 29, 2023 | MLB fans called for Ángel Hernández’s job after the umpire’s embarrassing run-in with Bryce Harper. |
| September 29, 2023 | Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper was ejected in the third inning against Pittsburgh following a furious outburst toward third base umpire Ángel Hernández. |
| September 29, 2023 | A 10-year-old fan, Hayden Dorfman, caught Harper’s helmet after he threw it into the stands. |
| September 29, 2023 | Bryce Harper’s ejection sparked a wave of controversy and criticism towards both Harper and Hernández, with fans and analysts weighing in on the situation. |
| September 29, 2023 | The incident between Bryce Harper and Ángel Hernández is just one example of the ongoing issues with officiating in Major League Baseball (MLB) during the 2023 season. |
| September 29, 2023 | The controversy surrounding Ángel Hernández’s call and Bryce Harper’s ejection will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the 2023 MLB season. |
The Ejection and Harper’s Reaction
After the controversial call, Harper approached Hernández and began screaming at him, expressing his frustration with the umpire’s decision. The situation escalated when Harper threw his helmet into the stands, inadvertently hitting a young fan. The incident was captured on video by Jomboy, a popular sports content creator, and the footage quickly spread across social media platforms.
Harper’s Honest Thoughts
Following the game, Bryce Harper shared his honest thoughts on the ejection and his confrontation with Ángel Hernández. In an interview with Phillies Nation, Harper stated, “I didn’t check my swing, and I let him know that. It’s frustrating when you feel like you’re not getting a fair shake out there, and it’s been the same story with Hernández for a while now”. Harper’s comments shed light on his frustration with the umpire’s consistent questionable calls and the impact they have on the game.
Umpiring Controversies in 2023
The incident between Bryce Harper and Ángel Hernández is just one example of the ongoing issues with officiating in Major League Baseball (MLB) during the 2023 season. The league has faced criticism for its inconsistent and often controversial calls, leading to calls for improved training and accountability for umpires. The Harper-Hernández ejection serves as a microcosm of the larger problems plaguing the MLB’s officiating system.
The Aftermath and Future Implications
As the dust settles from the Harper-Hernández ejection, both the Phillies and the MLB will likely review the incident and its implications. The league may consider disciplinary action against Harper for his outburst, while the Phillies may use this incident as a rallying point for the team as they continue their playoff push. In any case, the controversy surrounding Ángel Hernández’s call and Bryce Harper’s ejection will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the 2023 MLB season.