The umpire who mistakenly ejected New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone isn't backing down. Just two batters into Monday's game against the Oakland Athletics, Boone and home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt clashed. Wendelstedt warned Boone that any further comments would lead to his ejection. Moments later, Boone was tossed, claiming he hadn't said anything and blamed a fan. Wendelstedt responded, "I don’t care who said it, you’re gone." The clip, caught by YES Network microphones, went viral, with many pointing fingers at the fan who allegedly provoked the ejection.
After the game, Wendelstedt explained his actions without remorse, stating, "Aaron Boone is the manager of the New York Yankees and is responsible for everything that happens in that dugout." He defended his decision, emphasizing, "I don’t want to eject a ballplayer. We need to keep them in the game. That’s what the fans pay to see. Aaron Boone runs the Yankees. He got ejected."
Addressing the fan's alleged comment, Wendelstedt clarified, "In the entirety of my career, I have never ejected a player or a manager for something a fan has said." Despite this, Boone was ejected, with Wendelstedt admitting Boone was likely not the one who made the comment but "took the hit."
Boone later called the situation "embarrassing" and "not right," suggesting he might bring it up with MLB. "Everyone saw what happened," he said. Ultimately, Oakland triumphed over New York, winning the game 2-0.
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