Bryce Harper questions umpire's professionalism over his ejection

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper argues with home plate umpire Brian Walsh after being ejected in the first inning. Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Phillies' Bryce Harper questions umpire's professionalism after his bizarre ejection

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 5/25/24

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper was in no mood to forgive and forget over his controversial first-inning ejection on Friday.

Harper was ejected in bizarre fashion for a seemingly minor disagreement with home plate umpire Brian Walsh. When he spoke to reporters after the game, he was not feeling any more positive toward Walsh. Harper even went as far as to question the umpire’s professionalism by contrasting him with who he saw as better umpires.

Bryce Harper on being able to talk to umpires:

“Yeah, I feel like John Tumpane, Alan Porter, Pat Hoberg, even Vic (Carapazza). There's professionals in this league and there's guys that are really good at their job and they understand it. I guess (no.) 120 didn't understand it.” pic.twitter.com/BNmJiHzF5C

— Patrick Lyons (@PatrickDLyons) May 25, 2024

“Yeah, I feel like John Tumpane, Alan Porter, Pat Hoberg, even Vic (Carapazza). There’s professionals in this league and there’s guys that are really good at their job and they understand it. I guess (No.) 120 didn’t understand it,” Harper said, making reference to Walsh’s uniform number.

Crew chief Vic Carapazza told a pool reporter after the game that Walsh gave Harper a warning and a long leash, but that Harper continued complaining anyway.

Here is the pool report with crew chief Vic Carapazza about the Harper ejection earlier tonight: pic.twitter.com/I1dQ3iqj8w

— Alex Coffey (@byalexcoffey) May 25, 2024

Harper obviously disagreed with that assessment if he was still upset after the game. It certainly does not sound like he has a lot of respect for Walsh, who is in his second season as an MLB umpire.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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