Yankee Stadium umpire required assistance on a stretcher following a hit by a shattered bat.
During the fifth inning's bottom portion, Yankees power hitter Giancarlo Stanton's bat snapped right above his grip, causing a softly hit single into left field against Rockies pitcher Austin Gomber. The shattered bat fragment hit umpire Mahrley in the facemask, prompting the umpire to fall to a knee.
Medical responders promptly sprinted onto the field to treat Mahrley.
Appearing to be alert, the 41-year-old communicated with the medical team stationed behind home plate. Mahrley persisted in his kneeling position as a neck brace was fitted on him.
Eventually, following a 16-minute treatment session, Mahrley was lifted onto a stretcher and wheeled off the field on a utility vehicle, while the Bronx spectators cheered for him.
As reported by a Major League Baseball spokesperson, "Nick is undergoing an examination by the Yankees medical staff and is currently undergoing a comprehensive series of tests."
Up until now, no details concerning Mahrley's health state have been disclosed.
The Rockies posted on X, "Our thoughts are with Umpire Nick Mahrley."
Taking charge of home plate duties was crew chief Marvin Hudson, with the Yankees leading 4-3, having loaded the bases with one out remaining, followed by umpires Hunter Wendelstedt and John Tumpane handling the rest of the duties. The Yankees subsequently clinched a 10-3 victory, thanks to a pair of home runs from Aaron Judge.
Mahrley has been a permanent major league umpire since the 2023 season, having first served in the minor leagues since 2007 and subsequently being promoted to the majors for 473 games.
The incident at home plate was a surprising disruption to the sport of baseball.Even after being hit by the bat fragment, Mahrley demonstrates his passion for umpiring, continuing the game.
