MLB manager blasts ‘classless’ umpire

MLB players, managers, coaches and umpires are adjusting to a lot of changes during spring training with the new roles, primarily the pitch clock. But it’s also been a time for old grudges to surface — at least for one umpire.

During the 2022 season, St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol was ejected from a game by C.B. Bucknor. After getting tossed, Marmol had some harsh words for the umpire. On Saturday, Bucknor was the home plate umpire for the Cardinals, who opened their spring training schedule against the Washington Nationals. Judging by his actions, Bucknor is still upset with Marmol.

During the pregame exchange of lineup cards, Marmol offered Bucknor a handshake. The umpire was not interested. When the game was over, Marmol blasted Bucknor.

“I don’t think he’s very good at his job, and he has zero class as a man,” Marmol said, per Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat.”

Baseball fans had a harsh reaction to Buckner’s actions.

It’s not that Bucknor is out of place for being mad at Marmol. During last season’s argument, Marmol made it clear that he felt Bucknor should retire. Is that a step too far? A case could be made.

The problem here is that it’s a long season. Unless MLB steps in, Bucknor will end up umpiring some Cardinals games during the season. Bucknor may not call those games with a bias against the Cardinals. But this kind of action will open the door for speculation if any questionable calls go against St. Louis.

Bucknor would do well to issue a public apology at some time. Spring training has barely started and he’s already the source of a significant controversy. Not doing something to try to alleviate that would be a bad idea.

[Jeff Jones]