Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals argues with home plate umpire Marvin Hudson after being thrown out of the game in the third inning against the New York Yankees at Nationals Park on May 20, 2015. (Getty)
MLB umpire Marvin Hudson ejected Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and manager Matt Williams for arguing with him over a strike call.
Hudson ejected the Nationals star and manager during the third inning of their game against the New York Yankees at Nationals Park in Washington.
According to MLB.com, Harper took a called first strike while facing Adam Warren. Then he and the dugout appeared to argue the call. Harper stepped out of the batter’s box, and was ordered to get back in by Hudson. Harper gestured toward the plate and Hudson tossed him from the game.
Williams came out of the dugout to argue and was also ejected, kicking dirt on the way out.
Matt Williams channels his inner Lou Piniella. http://t.co/dSzfrx52ON
Harper talked about the ejection after the game:
Bryce Harper on getting ejected http://t.co/G2WSTJ7EM5
Here’s the long version of Harper talking about getting ejected by Marvin Hudson. http://t.co/vki9omxWo1
The Nationals got the last laugh, beating the Yankees 3-2.
Here’s what you need to know about Hudson:
1. He’s Been an Umpire in the MLB For More than 15 Years
The umpiring crew, including home plate umpire Marvin Hudson and third base umpire Wally Bell emerge from the clubhouse before a game between the Colorado Rockies and the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field on June 16, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. (Getty Images)
Hudson, 51, started his MLB umpiring career in 1999, according to MLB.com.
His accomplishments include working the 2004 All-Star game and several playoff series, including the 2014 American League Championship Series between Baltimore and Kansas City. He also worked the 2009 World Baseball Classic and the Japan Opening Series between the Athletics and Mariners in 2012.
Before joining the MLB staff, he umpired in the Appalachian League, the South Atlantic League, Florida Instructional League, Florida State League, Southern League, Hawaiian League, International League and Dominican League.
He started his minor league career in 1992.
Hudson is part of Jim Joyce’s crew.
His ejection of Harper was his first since August 17, 2013, according to CloseCallSports.com. On that day, he ejected three Nationals: then-manager Davey Johnson, pitcher Stephen Strasburg and outfielder Scott Hairston. Strasburg and Johnson were tossed after Strasburg threw at Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons in the second inning. Hairston was ejected for arguing a strike call in the bottom of the ninth.
2. He Had a Run-In With Bryce Harper in the Past
Manager Matt Williams of the Washington Nationals talks with first base umpire Marvin Hudson in the sixth inning during the game against the San Diego Padres at Nationals Park on April 26, 2014. (Getty)
Harper was heated by a call Hudson made in August 2013 that ended the game for the Nationals. After Harper was called out on a check swing, Harper yelled something to Hudson in anger.
Harper said after the game:
I think in that situation you can’t really call that, especially when the home plate umpire says no about three times and doesn’t want to check. And they obviously check and they bang me. That’s one less pitch I get to see against him, possibly a 2-2 fastball. Kimbrel is a great closer. I think trying to see as many pitches as you can against him is huge and the deeper I get in the count it makes me stronger.
Harper told reporters, “I just told him how good he was and how good he looked.”
3. Fans on Twitter Blasted Hudson Over the Ejection
Manager Matt Williams of the Nationals argues with home plate umpire Marvin Hudson after being thrown out of the game in the third inning against the New York Yankees at Nationals Park on May 20, 2015. (Getty)
Nationals fans, and fans of baseball, expressed anger about the ejection on Twitter:
Bryce Harper just got tossed for arguing with home plate ump Marvin Hudson. Luckily, fans came here to see Hudson tonight. Williams is hot.
Dear Rob Manfred, Marvin Hudson made the game about himself tonight and robbed 40K paying fans from seeing Bryce Harper play. #Nats
Seriously, umpire Marvin Hudson should suspended. Such a clown. Bryce Harper isn’t a child. We’ll break it all down on @SportsCenter
4. Hudson Founded a Charity Organization With a Fellow Umpire
Carlos Beltran argues with umpire Marvin Hudson. (Getty)
According to his MLB.com profile:
Hudson, “co-founded an organization called “Blue For Kids” with fellow umpire Mike DiMuro in 2004; the organization is now part of Umps Care, which provides financial, in-kind and emotional support for youth and families in need.”
5. The Georgia Native Is Married & Has 2 Children
Marvin Hudson behind the plate. (Getty)
Hudson lives in Georgia with his wife, Sherry. They have two children and two grandchildren. He is originally from Marietta, Georgia and played college baseball at Piedmont College.
His hobbies include playing golf and wood-working, according to his MLB.com profile.