C.B. Bucknor

[BigBlue4u]

MLB: Controversial umpire CB Bucknor hangs up his mask and calls it quits for good

 

I  wonder how much "help" MLB gave him to make this decision?

[JonnyCat]

Wow, there will be 7 openings in MLB next year? I guess it's a good time to be a AAA umpire and a call up.

I don't know if MLB gave him any help, of course I'm sure they're not sad to see him go. I'm sure it is a number of reasons. I'm thinking it might also have something to do with ABS. One thing about ABS is that it gives umpires real time feedback, and sometimes that feedback can be real glaring. I'm sure some of them are thinking they need to tighten things up. 

At the pro level, If you miss a pitch by less than an inch, I'm sure most umpires won't feel bad about that. But if you miss big and the whole stadium knows it and comes down on you, I'm sure that's not a great feeling. And when Jomboy is doing a video like this about you, that's gotta mess with your game.

I'm not being critical of CB as I couldn't carry his jockstrap as an umpire. I do think social media can be unfair many times and wrongly vilify people. Unfortunately, good or bad SM is imbedded in our culture. I'm just wondering if all the glaring criticism played a part in his retirement decision.

[Velho]

9 minutes ago, JonnyCat said:

I don't know if MLB gave him any help

Reportedly all 7 were bought out.

"According to USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale, seven MLB umpires have informed the league they will be accepting a buyout offer and retiring after the 2026 season. Among them are CB Bucknor and Laz Diaz, alongside Brian O’Nora, Lance Barksdale, Marvin Hudson, Tony Randazzo and Andy Fletcher."

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2026/07/05/cb-bucknor-laz-diaz-retire-mlb-umpires-buyout-2026-season/90814368007/

[JonnyCat]

31 minutes ago, Velho said:

Reportedly all 7 were bought out.

That might influence one's decision! 😂