Longtime MLB umpire Phil Cuzzi is one of those umps who can bring unnecessary drama to games. In terms of calling balls and strikes, he’s about middle of the pack this season. But you’ll notice how he has very little tolerance for arguments from the dugout.
On Tuesday, he had a fiery response of his own to Astros hitting coach Alex Cintrón, and we heard all of it.
In the sixth inning of Houston’s game against the Orioles, Cintrón took exception with a first-pitch strike call to Jose Abreu. Now, Cuzzi did miss the call — the ball was high out of the zone. But Cuzzi couldn’t help but go in a back and forth over the pitch with Cintrón.
That led to this ejection that was picked up on the broadcast mics. (Warning: NSFW language)
Phil Cuzzi has thrown out Astros hitting coach Alex Cintrón pic.twitter.com/zKSRYpwlqy
— Dillard Barnhart (@BarnHasSpoken2) September 20, 2023
We could hear as Cintrón said “(expletive) you” to Cuzzi, which is always an automatic ejection. But Cuzzi took the actual tossing to a new level when he responded with, “(expletive) me? (expletive) you!”
As far as mic’d-up moments go, it’ll be tough to top that one — though you’d like to see an umpire have more restraint there. Fans also had thoughts on the theatrics.
This was how Twitter reacted
Amazing that umpires can talk to players/coaches etc. in this way when ejecting them. Not even saying I necessarily disagree with it entirely as it’s highly entertaining, though hardly professional. https://t.co/ztwCSCS1fl
— Astros Fans UK (@AstrosFansUK) September 20, 2023
The only guy with any fire whatsoever on the Astros. This team has quit. It will be a surprise if the defending World Series champions make the postseason. They are playing like they are ready for golf season. https://t.co/PlgxRcwwFF
— Charean Williams (@NFLCharean) September 20, 2023
Hitters/coaches aren't allowed to say anything to the umpires but an umpire can shout "f*** you" as he throws somebody out of the game. Not the only one in this clip either. Another point for the "no accountability" crowd. https://t.co/EuhIuietDm
— The Warehouse Podcast (@TheWarehousePod) September 20, 2023
What a hot mic https://t.co/ONvSD6IiPL
— Chad (@AstrosFan99) September 20, 2023
I get that an umpire has to set a tone, not be pushed around, et cetera, but it's hard to expect players/coaches to be respectful/demonstrate restraint when you are shouting "f— you" in response to them. https://t.co/7eqTHb3rCw
— Randy Byrne (@rdbyrne4) September 20, 2023
https://t.co/S95BhyHsfw pic.twitter.com/zKkWicHJop
— METS MENACE ⚾🎙️🦖⚾ (@MRMENACE231) September 20, 2023
