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It’s been a tough 24 hours for CB Bucknor.
On Tuesday night, the veteran Major League Baseball umpire made an egregious call when, without looking, he ruled that a runner had missed first base and called him out; however, Jake Bauers’ cue hit right in the middle of the bag.
After going viral on social media, Bucknor, 63, took on an even tougher job Wednesday by going behind the plate, which in the ABS era has put umpires under the biggest microscope they’ve ever been under.
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Umpire CB Bucknor is injured in the second inning by a foul ball and leaves during the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays at American Family Field on April 1, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (John Fisher/Getty Images)
Well, Bucknor’s day ended early after a 100.2 mph pitch deflected and hit him directly in his mask.
Flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski was in the hole for the Milwaukee Brewers facing Nick Fortes of the Tampa Bay Rays when Fortes fouled out on the throw. Both Fortes and Brewers catcher William Contreras immediately knew the seriousness of the situation.
The Brewers training staff came onto the field to tend to Bucknor, who left shortly after.
Umpire CB Bucknor is assisted by medical personnel after taking a foul shot on the mask during the first inning of the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers game in the first inning at American Family Field. (Michael McLoone/Image Images)
ASTROS PLAYER DOES DANCE AND MISSES THREE PITCHES, WALKS ON THE BALL THREE WHILE EVERYONE FORGETS THE COUNT
The game was delayed several minutes because the umpiring crew needed someone new behind the plate; The rest of the game took place with three referees.
Milwaukee scored six runs in the eighth inning for an 8-2 victory and its fifth victory in its first six games of the season.
Bucknor has been an umpire since 1996, working the 2005 and 2021 All-Star Games, as well as five American League Division Series. He is one of the two longest-tenured umpires in the majors and has been on the field for two no-hitters.
Umpire CB Bucknor is assisted by medical personnel after taking a foul shot on the mask during the first inning of the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers game in the first inning at American Family Field. (Michael McLoone/Image Images)
Bucknor has previously left at least two games, including one in 2013 where he received another mask foul.
