Major League Baseball umpires are wearing white wristbands Saturday as a protest to players and the league "escalating verbal attacks."
Earlier in the week, Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler harshly criticized umpire Angel Hernandez. Kinsler claimed Hernandez was "ruining baseball games" and suggested he find a new line of work.
Kinsler was fined an undiscloused amount for his actions.
The World Umpires Association issued the following statement on Saturday:
#WUA issued the following statement in response to escalating verbal attacks: pic.twitter.com/wGLIoLOUq0— MLB World Umpires (@MLBaseballUmps) August 19, 2017
Joe West, who was suspended just 10 dyas ago for comments he made about Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre, participated in the protest.
Sports
Umpire Joe West before taking the field today wearing white wrist band to protest escalating verbal attacks on MLB umpires! pic.twitter.com/a8TkW2JCip— MLB World Umpires (@MLBaseballUmps) August 19, 2017
