Editorial

Umpire Gets Rocked In The Head By Thrown Ball During New York Yankees-Cleveland Guardians Game

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MLB umpire Larry Vanover was hospitalized overnight after being slammed in the head with a relay throw during Wednesday's game between the Yankees-Guardians. [Twitter/Screenshot/Public — @Ben13Porter]

[Twitter/Screenshot/Public — @Ben13Porter]

Andrew Powell Sports and Entertainment Blogger
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Holy cow!

MLB umpire Larry Vanover was hospitalized overnight after being slammed in the head with a relay throw during Wednesday’s game between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians.

Vanover was evaluated for a possible concussion, as well as other potential injuries, at the Cleveland Clinic. No update is currently known on his condition, and “the timeline on his return is to be determined,” according to MLB.

Working second base, the 67-year-old was knocked to the infield grass after Guardians All-Star second baseman Andrés Giménez threw a standard relay throw towards the plate, with it instead turning into a fiery shot for Vanover as the ball would pummel him in the head.

Vanover was scheduled to work Thursday in Cincinnati, but, will now have to pass concussion protocols before making a return to the field.

Wow, you talk about a scary scene.

I can just imagine the power on that throw. Not only did it come from a Major League Baseball player, but it came from an All-Star. And on top of that, Larry Vanover is 67 years old. Man … I know that hurt.

I would honestly be surprised (but quite happy) if he didn’t walk away with at least a concussion after that. That throw was enough to knock him down and he looked wobbly after the fact. According to plate umpire Chris Guccione, he also had a knot on his head. (RELATED: REPORT: Salt Lake City Planning Bid For MLB Expansion Franchise)

Watch Vanover come back like a complete G like nothing even happened and with no injuries at that. Now that would be amazing.