Ump John Hirschbeck Gets Drilled With Fastball, Crew Still Blows Call

Umpiring comes with all sorts of occupational hazards, not the least being that a catcher might just whiff on a 93-mph fastball, allowing it to connect directly with one's bare hand.

Home plate ump John Hirschbeck had to leave this afternoon's game in Philly after A.J. Ramos fired one right past Miguel Olivo's glove. The pitch was clearly several inches inside, but the ghastly impact was so loud the rest of the crew mistook it for a foul tip.

[ MLB]