Umpire Will Little leaves Red Sox-Mariners after foul ball strikes neck guard
Home-plate umpire Will Little was struck in the neck guard by a foul ball during Tuesday's game at Fenway Park, briefly leaving the field for evaluation before returning. He exited for good in the sixth inning, and the game continued with three umpires as second-base umpire Ryan Wills moved behind the plate. The Red Sox trainer accompanied Little off the field, and the delay lasted roughly 15 minutes.
The incident occurred in the sixth inning with Seattle holding a commanding 9-1 lead. The foul ball struck Little's neck guard with enough force to knock it loose from his mask, causing the umpire to wobble before catcher Connor Wong steadied him. After a roughly 10-minute on-field assessment, Little initially resumed his position behind the plate, but exited for good later in the same inning.
With Little removed, the game's umpiring crew was reduced to three officials. Second-base umpire Ryan Wills took over behind home plate, while Derek Thomas and Lance Barksdale covered the base lines. The bottom of the sixth was paused for approximately 15 minutes to allow Wills to prepare for his new duties.
This incident highlights the ongoing occupational hazards faced by umpires, who stand directly in the line of fire on every pitch. While protective equipment like neck guards has improved, this episode could prompt renewed discussion about additional safety measures at the plate. Fans and players may gain greater appreciation for the risks officials accept, and MLB could review whether current gear adequately shields umpires from the velocity of modern pitching.