Umpire CB Bucknor exits Brewers-Rays game after taking foul ball to head

Long-time MLB umpire left the game in visible pain after being struck by a 100 mph foul ball.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:07pm

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MLB umpire CB Bucknor was struck in the head by a 100 mph foul ball during the Brewers-Rays game on Wednesday, forcing him to exit the game. Bucknor was behind home plate when Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski's high-velocity pitch was fouled straight back into Bucknor's mask, knocking him backward. Trainers came out to check on Bucknor, who eventually walked off the field and down to the clubhouse. Chad Fairchild took over behind home plate for the remainder of the game.

Why it matters

Umpire injuries, especially head injuries, are concerning in professional sports as they can lead to serious health issues and time off the field. Bucknor's exit highlights the risks umpires face and the need for continued safety measures to protect them during games.

The details

In the bottom of the 5th inning, with two strikes on Rays batter Nick Fortes, Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski threw a 100 mph fastball that Fortes fouled straight back into umpire CB Bucknor's mask. The direct hit knocked Bucknor backward, and he was in visible pain as trainers attended to him. Bucknor eventually walked off the field and down to the clubhouse, and Chad Fairchild took over behind home plate for the rest of the game.

  • The incident occurred in the bottom of the 5th inning on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

The players

CB Bucknor

A long-time MLB umpire who was behind home plate for the Brewers-Rays game when he was struck in the head by a foul ball.

Jacob Misiorowski

The Brewers pitcher who threw the 100 mph fastball that resulted in the foul ball that hit Bucknor.

Nick Fortes

The Rays batter who fouled the pitch back into Bucknor's mask.

Chad Fairchild

The umpire who took over behind home plate after Bucknor exited the game.

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What’s next

It is unclear how long Bucknor will be out of action, but he will likely need to be evaluated for a potential concussion before returning to umpiring duties.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers umpires face and the need for continued safety improvements to protect them during games. Head injuries can have serious consequences, and Bucknor's exit highlights the importance of having proper medical protocols in place to address these types of situations.