Veteran MLB umpire CB Bucknor, 63, endured a harrowing moment during Wednesday’s Milwaukee Brewers-Tampa Bay Rays game when a foul ball struck his mask at point-blank range.

Frightening Incident in Second Inning

In the second inning, Nick Fortes fouled off a pitch exceeding 100 mph from Jacob Misiorowski. The ball smashed directly into Bucknor’s mask, causing him to collapse to his hands and knees. Brewers catcher William Contreras quickly turned to assist, while athletic trainers rushed to the field.

Bucknor appeared groggy as he was helped to his feet and escorted off for medical evaluation. The game paused for approximately 15 minutes, with first base umpire Chad Fairchild stepping in behind the plate.

Ongoing Scrutiny Amid ABS System Rollout

The incident follows heightened attention on Bucknor’s calls during the league’s introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system. On Saturday, the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds successfully overturned six of eight challenges on his ball and strike decisions.

Bucknor called Trevor Story out on a checked swing, exhausting the Red Sox’s challenges. Story and manager Alex Cora protested vehemently, leading to Cora’s ejection. Post-game, Cora remarked, “He has one job to do, call balls and strikes. It wasn’t his best day. That’s what the system does. It’s out there, everybody sees it, and he’ll be the first one to accept it.”

Tuesday’s Brewers-Rays game added to the challenges when Bucknor, umpiring first base, ruled Jake Bauers out for missing the bag. Replays proved the call incorrect, and the Brewers overturned it successfully.

Despite the week’s difficulties, both teams showed sympathy for Bucknor after Wednesday’s scary collision. Bucknor has officiated in MLB since 1996.