Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees tweeted his well wishes to umpire Nick Mahrley, who suffered a concussion on a Giancarlo Stanton backswing.
On Sunday, New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge sat front and center when umpire Nick Mahrley was stretchered off the Yankee Stadium grass. Mahrley was struck by Giancarlo Stanton’s backswing and sustained a concussion.
Stanton has one of MLB’s most forceful swings, so it’s no surprise Mahrley got knocked out. He was given a standing ovation as he exited the field, with Stanton and the Yankees checking on him.
“We’re definitely all hoping the best for Nick,” Judge told MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. “They have a tough job back there. It’s not simple; both benches are yelling at you throughout the game on balls and strikes, you have to make split [second] choices, and you have players who are upset with you. You’re trying to do your best, and getting squared on the side of the head with a bat is tough. It wasn’t easy to see him hauled out.”
Aaron Judge, Yankees and Rockies wish Nick Mahrley the best
While things might get heated between players and officials on the field of play, there is always mutual respect. Baseball can be a violent game. Anyone on the field is at risk of being hit by foul balls or broken bats.
According to reports, Stanton’s bat barrel impacted Mahrley, making the 41-year-old’s injury even more excruciating. Throughout the game, Rockies manager Bud Black and pitcher Austin Gomber were updated on Mahrley’s status.
“Talking to Hunter [Wendelstedt] and the other umpires, I think he’s getting good care,” Gomber told the crowd. “Hopefully, he can have a quick recovery, and we can see him back out before the season is over.”
Mahrley’s first full-time season as an MLB umpire came in 2023. He’s made a nice impact thus far. When Mahrley was called up, he was assigned to the seasoned crew of Marvin Hudson and veteran Hunter Wendelstedt.
While the Yankees eventually ran away with the game, giving home supporters plenty to cheer about, Mahrley’s injury remained a concern. Thankfully, it appears like the worst is behind him. Much like Judge, we hope Mahrley can return this season and continue doing what he enjoys.
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