© Charles LeClaire/Imagn
It’s a wonder that Major League Baseball umpires don’t get hurt more than they do. Umpires, especially those behind the plate, are in harm’s way pretty often, and umpires need to stick in there and hold their ground to make a call instead of bailing out.
Longtime MLB umpire Hunter Wendelstedt was the first base umpire for Wednesday’s matinee matchup of the New York Mets and Minnesota Twins in Minnesota. During the game, he took a rocket line drive off of his head, causing a scary moment and forcing him to leave the game.
Wendelstedt, the son of a longtime Major League umpire, has been umpiring in Major League Baseball since 1998. He’s been lucky enough to umpire at every level of the postseason and even a World Baseball Classic.
Wendelstedt was the center of controversy in Wednesday’s game, as he appeared to miss this call that gave the Twins a run. That run would prove crucial, as Minnesota won, 4-3, in extra innings.
Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez did not love this call.
Alas, the Mets couldn't challenge because they already used — and lost — their challenge.
Hernandez then had some words for José Butto. pic.twitter.com/VruihCMkYx
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 16, 2025
Hunter Wendelstedt’s day was about to get worse, though. A half-inning later, this happened.
🚨 MLB UMPIRE TAKES FOUL BALL TO HEAD, EXITS GAME
First base ump Hunter Wendelstedt was drilled by a foul ball off Tyrone Taylor’s bat, dropping to the ground in the 7th inning. He was helped off the field after several tense minutes. pic.twitter.com/mGpI9iiQuo
— Irrelevant News (@IrrelevantFeed) April 16, 2025
He was forced to leave the game, but thankfully, he seems to be doing okay.
#MLB's statement on ump Hunter Wendelstedt, who was hit in the head with a foul ball: “Hunter is undergoing additional tests in Minneapolis, and we are encouraged that he was in good spirits when he was in touch with our medical staff. We will continue to monitor his status.”
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) April 16, 2025
Let’s hope he can make a full recovery and get back to umpiring soon.