Umpire Injured by Broken Bat During Yankees-Rockies Game

An MLB home plate umpire in New York was struck by a broken bat during the Yankees-Rockies game in the Bronx on Sunday.

An unfortunate series of events unfolded at Yankee Stadium on Sunday as a New York Yankees-Colorado Rockies game took a dramatic turn. Umpire Nick Mahrley, who was behind the plate, was struck by a broken bat and had to be removed from the field on a stretcher.

The incident occurred in the bottom of the fifth inning when Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton swung at an Austin Gomber pitch with runners on first and second base. Stanton's bat snapped at the handle and flew backward, striking Mahrley directly in the facemask.

Umpire Injured by Broken Bat During Yankees-Rockies Game

The impact was severe, causing Mahrley to immediately drop to one knee. Despite being in visible pain, he attempted to continue calling the play as Stanton hit a bloop single to left field, forcing the bases loaded.

As time was called, everyone on the field rushed to check on Mahrley. Yankees medical staff, as well as players from both teams, including Stanton, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Aaron Judge, expressed their concern. Rockies catcher Drew Romo also showed his sportsmanship by immediately turning to see how Mahrley was doing.

Umpire Injured by Broken Bat During Yankees-Rockies Game

After several anxious minutes, Mahrley was fitted with a neck brace and carefully lifted onto a stretcher. He was then transported off the field, leaving the game with one umpire short.

The incident is a reminder of the risks that umpires face every time they take the field. They are often positioned directly behind the catcher, making them vulnerable to being hit by pitches, foul balls, and broken bats. While some of these incidents may be minor, others can have serious consequences, as Sunday's event demonstrated.

Umpire Injured by Broken Bat During Yankees-Rockies Game

The Yankees, Rockies, and all those watching at Yankee Stadium will hope that Mahrley's neck brace is more precautionary than anything and that he will make a full recovery. The incident highlights the importance of safety in baseball and the courage and dedication that umpires display on a daily basis.

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