Paul Emmel was almost home free.
The veteran umpire, who worked behind the plate Thursday night for the Los Angeles Angels’ game against the Oakland Athletics, was struck in the head with a bat in the bottom of the ninth inning. The impact left Emmel a bloody mess and forced him to leave the field with one out to go.
Emmel was accidentally drilled by Jefry Marte’s bat when it flew out of the Angels pinch-hitter’s hands. The ump departed under his own power with a towel pressed up against his head, but he later was taken to the hospital for stitches, according to ESPN.com.
It was a scary scene, offering another reminder that umpires don’t have it easy.
