Cincinnati Reds pitcher Caleb Ferguson should not expect a dinner invite from umpire Bill Miller’s family anytime soon.
Ferguson was a strike away from ending a brutal 7th inning that saw the Seattle Mariners pound the Reds for six runs at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Wash. Ferguson got batter Victor Robles to hit a weak bouncer to second base that should have been an out under normal circumstances.
But as second baseman Edwin Arroyo prepared to make the routine play, standing in his way was Miller. The veteran umpire inadvertently screened Arroyo as an offensive lineman would block for his running back.
“F—ing fata–, get out of the way! Fat motherf—er!” Ferguson appeared to say.
Edwin Arroyo collides with Bill Miller and Caleb Ferguson has some choice words: "Please move you slender fellow. Just a little of to the side fine, sir".
— Blowen’ Wilson🔱 (@MarinersGlaze) July 21, 2026
(or something like that)
Victor Robles picks up his 4th hit of the night on the play. pic.twitter.com/ErmHdXjkhc
The play was ruled a hit, with Dane Meyers heading to third to put runners at the corners.
Ferguson had already been in a sour mood after having just given up a grand slam to Cal Raleigh three batters prior. The left-handed Ferguson had been instructed to intentionally walk left-handed hitter Dominic Canzone to get to the right-handed Raleigh.
Cal Raleigh connects for a GRAND SLAM!
— MLB (@MLB) July 21, 2026
(MLB x @JAL_Official_jp) pic.twitter.com/P4BM9grV43
The 8-year veteran pitcher vented all his frustrations at Miller, who stood stone-faced as Ferguson spewed vitriol his way.
Fortunately for both men, Luke Raley struck out three pitches later to end the inning without further incident. The Mariners cruised to an 8-0 win.
