The Oakland Athletics’ Triple-A affiliate, the Las Vegas Aviators, has a bat dog named Finn. He is a very good dog who goes to retrieve the bat in between at-bats. It’s his job, and he does it well.
There is a presumed understanding between the umpire and team that Finn’s job shouldn’t be impeded. After all, who wouldn’t want to see a dog retrieve a bat? Nobody. My point exactly.
That was where home-plate umpire Tom Woodring from Tuesday’s game against Sacramento violated that sacred protocol. The umpire clearly saw Finn running to get the back, quickly picked up the bat and tossed it towards the on-deck circle.
Like, what the heck, man? Who does that?
The umpire, who was clearly the worst, got booed loudly by the crowd. He deserved those boos. For every time an Orioles fan boos Chris Davis, this umpire should be booed 10 times worse.
Finn is the best.
