CB Bucknor strikes out Joe Mauer on terrible call off plate (GIF)

Sometimes that CB Bucknor just gets a little overeager while serving as a homeplate umpire. Thursday was one of those days.

During the top of the ninth inning in the Minnesota Twins-Chicago White Sox game, Bucknor punched out Joe Mauer on a breaking ball that was well off the plate. Mauer was already struggling entering the game, having gone hitless in his first eight at-bats to start the season. Luckily he did record a walk and hit in the game, but he struck out twice, and Bucknor did him no favors.

Here’s a little tip for you, CB: Mauer knows the strike zone better than you. If he doesn’t swing, it must not be a strike. Plus the Fox Trax showed how far off the plate the ball was:

Maybe Bucknor just wanted out because of the sub-40 degree temperatures.

Previously: Umpire CB Bucknor punches out Seth Smith on strike two (GIF)

GIF via @cjzero