An
article about Hohn's actions in that game includes the following little tidbit:
Quote:
Hohn gave Marlins catcher John Baker a fist-bump after the final out of the game, a strikeout of Nate McLouth. Baker instigated the fist-bump and Hohn complied.
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The author continued with
Quote:
Also, there was no reason to return Baker’s fist-bump. It was probably innocent. Players congratulate umpires on what players think are good games by the umps all the time. You’ll often see a pitcher say, “Good job” to an ump as he’s leaving the field. But a fist-bump after all that transpired with Cox and McCann?
Umpires are obviously supposed to be impartial. Again, the fist-bump probably wasn’t meant to show favoritism but what matters is the perception. If baseball allows an action that seems to show any hint of impartiality, that could mean big trouble for the game. When Baker stuck out his fist, Hohn should have simply said, “No thanks. I can’t.” and walked off the field. Incidents like this could make Major League Baseball look like pro wrestling and require stiff punishment.
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I personally think that giving the catcher a fist bump at the end of the game, especially after ejecting two members of the other team, looks REAL bad. The umpire shouldn't participate in the winning team's celebration. Again, giving the fist bump just gives the wrong impression, and we are in the
PR game - perception is reality.