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CB Bucknor’s Blunders: Umpire’s Missed Calls Spark Outrage in Reds-Cardinals game
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CB Bucknor is facing intense scrutiny after a disastrous performance behind home plate during a recent cincinnati Reds-St. Louis Cardinals game. The veteran umpire missed a season-high 28 calls on Saturday, June 22, 2025, igniting a firestorm of criticism from fans and analysts alike. This showing has intensified the ongoing debate about umpire performance and accountability in Major League Baseball.
Bucknor’s Botched Calls: A Breakdown
The sheer volume of missed calls instantly drew attention.According to Umpire Auditor, Bucknor is currently ranked 84th out of 89 umpires this season [[SOURCE]]. This latest performance only adds fuel to the fire for those questioning his effectiveness.
Did You Know? MLB umpires undergo rigorous training and evaluation, but the subjective nature of ball and strike calls often leads to controversy.
This isn’t the first time Bucknor’s calls have been under the microscope this season. In April, he made a controversial check-swing call during an Orioles-Nationals game, and in May, pitcher Max Scherzer playfully mocked him by pretending to flip a coin to determine balls and strikes [[SOURCE]].
MLB Umpire Performance Rankings
| Umpire | Ranking (Out of 89) | Notable |
|---|---|---|
| CB Bucknor | 84 | Missed 28 calls in a single game (season high) |
| Top 5 Umpires | 1-5 | Consistently high accuracy rates |
| Bottom 5 Umpires | 85-89 | Subject to frequent criticism and review |
Fan Reaction and League Response
Social media erupted with criticism of Bucknor’s performance. Many fans expressed disbelief that there are umpires ranked even lower than him, while others called for MLB to take action to improve the quality of officiating [[SOURCE]].
Pro Tip: Follow @UmpireAuditor on X for detailed analysis of umpire performance throughout the MLB season.
While the Cardinals ultimately won the game 6-5, the focus remained squarely on Bucknor’s performance, raising questions about the integrity of the game.
The Future of MLB Umpiring
The controversy surrounding Bucknor’s performance highlights the ongoing challenges MLB faces in ensuring fair and accurate officiating. The league has been exploring various technological solutions, including automated strike zones, to address these concerns. However, implementing such changes would represent a significant shift in the game’s traditions.
What steps should MLB take to improve umpire performance? Will technology eventually replace human umpires behind home plate?
The evolution of MLB Umpiring
MLB umpiring has evolved significantly as the league’s inception. Early umpires frequently enough had backgrounds as players or managers, and their decisions were largely based on their