Umpires expect to get hit with the ball from time to time when working the plate. It is just part of the job. Of course, it does make it hurt any less. We also know on occasion a ball might get is in the field from the batter. Again, part of the job.
What is not expected is to take one in the back from the bullpen.
If I am lip reading correctly he says, that ball “flipping smoked me” – except pretty sure he did not say flipping.
That is bad news for the first base umpire. He was not even looking when the ball hit him.
Not a good night at all.
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