An unfortunate series of events ended with an MLB umpire in a neck brace and on a stretcher at Sunday's game between the New York Yankees and Colorado Rockies in the Bronx.
Giancarlo Stanton's bat broke at the handle when he swung at Austin Gomber's pitch with runners on first and second in the bottom of the fifth inning.
The broken bat flew back and hit home plate umpire Nick Mahrley directly in the face mask.
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Giancarlo Stanton runs after hitting a home run during the Cleveland Guardians game at Yankee Stadium on August 22, 2024, in New York. (New York Yankees/Getty Images)
Mahrley immediately fell to his knees, clearly in pain, but still tried to watch the play unfold as Stanton singled to left field to force the bases loaded against the Rockies.
As time expired, everyone focused on Mahrley, who remained on his knees. The Yankees' medical staff, as well as players such as Stanton, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Aaron Judge, checked on Marley at the plate.
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Rockies catcher Drew Romo also immediately turned to see how Mahrley was doing during the play, showing his sportsmanship.
New York's Giancarlo Stanton hits a three-run home run against the Cleveland Guardians at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
After several minutes, Mahrley was placed in a neck brace and a stretcher was used to take him off the field.
With Mahrley unable to continue calling balls and strikes, crew chief Marvin Hudson donned his protective gear and stepped behind the plate to replace his colleague.
This left the game without an umpire for the remaining innings.
All umpires, especially those behind the plate, are at risk of being hit by pitches, foul balls and bats throughout the season. And while some of those instances only ring the bell and leave a few welts, others are more serious, which is why many players were keeping an eye on Mahrley.
Giancarlo Stanton's bat broke at the handle when he swung at Austin Gomber's pitch with runners on first and second in the fifth inning. (Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
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The Yankees, the Rockies and everyone watching the game at Yankee Stadium hope Mahrley's neck brace is more of a precaution than anything else while he undergoes further evaluation.
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