Paul Lewis Emmel (born May 2, 1968) is an American retired Major League Baseball (MLB) umpire. He worked in the National League in 1999, and throughout both major leagues from 2000 to 2023. Emmel was named a crew chief in 2017[1] and wore uniform number 50.
| Paul Emmel | |
|---|---|
 Emmel in 2017 | |
| Born: May 2, 1968 Midland, Michigan, U.S. | |
| MLB debut | |
| July 31, 1999 | |
| Last appearance | |
| May 21, 2023 | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
Special Assignments
|
Career
editPrior to reaching the major leagues in 1999, Emmel worked in the New York–Penn League (1992–1993), South Atlantic League (1994), California League (1995), Florida State League (1996), Eastern League (1996–1997), and International League (1998).
Emmel missed the 2018 season, returning in 2019, but again missing work in July and part of August.[citation needed] He missed the 2020 and 2021 seasons with knee and leg issues.[2] He returned to MLB in the 2022 season.
Controversies
editEmmel ejected Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox from Game 2 of the 2010 NLDS for disputing an out call on the grounds that San Francisco Giants first baseman Aubrey Huff had come off of first base.[3]
Notable games
editEmmel has umpired two All-Star Games (2002, 2013); two Wild Card Games (2014, 2015); eight Division Series (2002, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013); three League Championship Series (2007, 2014, 2015); and the 2013 World Series. He has also officiated in two World Baseball Classics (2009, 2013).
Emmel was the second base umpire when Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander threw a no-hitter at Comerica Park against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 12, 2007.[4] Five days prior to Verlander's no-hitter, Emmel was also at second base in a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Oakland Athletics in which Boston pitcher Curt Schilling had a no-hitter until Shannon Stewart broke up the no-hitter with a single with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning.[5]
On May 8, 2012, Emmel was the plate umpire for Josh Hamilton's four-homer game.[6]
On June 23, 2016, Emmel suffered a scalp laceration requiring stitches after being struck by an errant bat, which slipped from the grasp of Los Angeles Angels' pinch hitter Jefry Marté during a swinging strike, in a game between the Angels and the Oakland Athletics.[7]
On September 1, 2019, Emmel was the home plate umpire when Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander threw a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Personal life
editEmmel is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a B.A. in finance (1991). He lives in the Denver area[1] and has two children.
In late 2020, Emmel was honored by the Points of Light foundation for his work as the UMPS CARE charities secretary, among other charity activities.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c Kelly, Fred. "Midland native Emmel earns high honor: Longtime MLB ump named 'point of light' for extensive charitable work," Midland Daily News (October 10, 2020).
- ^ Herman, Howard. "Checking up on Berkshire County's MLB umpire Chris Conroy," The Berkshire Eagle (August 27, 2021).
- ^ Bobby Cox tossed in 2nd inning ESPN.com. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
- ^ Verlander fans 12 in first Tigers no-hitter since '84 ESPN. Retrieved July 24, 2012
- ^ Stewart breaks up Schilling no-hitter with 2 outs in 9th ESPN. Retrieved July 24, 2012
- ^ "Josh Hamilton hits 4 two-run HRs as Rangers bury O's". ESPN. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
- ^ Stephen, Eric. "Umpire leaves game bloodied after getting struck by an errant bat," SBNation (June 24, 2016).