Bryce Harper to ump: Don't treat me like 'a 5-year-old'

Bryce Harper went off on an umpire on Saturday. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Phillies' Bryce Harper to umpire: Don't treat me like 'a 5-year-old'

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/6/20

First base umpire Roberto Ortiz ejected Bryce Harper from Saturday's game against the New York Mets after the Philadelphia Phillies star unloaded on him following a fair-foul call.

At the top of the fifth inning, Harper's hit went down the right-field line, which Ortiz ruled a foul ball. The play wasn't reviewable, and Harper ended up grounding out later in the at-bat for the final out of the inning.

Bryce Harper has been ejected from the game. pic.twitter.com/x9s4CzBmnG
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) September 6, 2020

Harper was livid, and even though he screamed at Ortiz, he still didn't think his actions warranted an ejection. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Harper said he told Ortiz "Don't talk to me like I'm a 5-year-old."

Bryce Harper said he didn't think his ejection by Roberto Ortiz was warranted. He said Ortiz mistook his own frustration as directed at him. Then it escalated.

"Don't talk to me like I'm a 5 year old," Harper said he told Ortiz.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) September 6, 2020