Bryce Harper calls out umpire over his bizarre ejection

Oct 22, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) after hitting a RBI double in the first inning during game four of the NLCS against the San Diego Padres for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper was in no mood to forgive and forget over his controversial first inning ejection on Friday.

Harper was ejected in bizarre fashion for a seemingly minor disagreement with home plate umpire Brian Walsh. When he spoke to reporters after the game, he was not feeling any more positive toward Walsh, and even went as far as to question the umpire’s professionalism by contrasting him with who he saw as better umpires.

“Yeah, I feel like John Tumpane, Alan Porter, Pat Hoberg, even Vic (Carapazza). There’s professionals in this league and there’s guys that are really good at their job and they understand it. I guess (no.) 120 didn’t understand it,” Harper said, making reference to Walsh’s uniform number.

Crew chief Vic Carapazza told a pool reporter after the game that Walsh gave Harper a warning and a long leash, but that Harper continued complaining anyway.

Harper obviously disagreed with that assessment if he was still upset after the game. It certainly does not sound like he has a lot of respect for Walsh, who is in his second season as an MLB umpire.