MLB
OTD in 1917: Babe Ruth Punched an Umpire Which Led to a Perfect Game
June 23, 1917: Ernie Shore threw a perfect game after starter Babe Ruth was ejected for punching an umpire in the first inning
George Grantham Bain Collection
The world of sports has produced some of the wildest stories and characters in culture, and there is perhaps no greater example of this than the Great Bambino himself, Babe Ruth. From showing up late to a game after being released from jail, to his general mischievous lifestyle, among his most shocking antics occurred at the very beginning of a game against the Washington Senators on June 23, 1917.
ERNIE SHORE PERFECT GAME FOLLOWED BABE RUTH EJECTION AND UMPIRE SCUFFLE
Babe Ruth seemed to be in a bad mood on this day in June. First up to bat was Senators second-basemen Ray Morgan. He took four pitches from the Babe, each called ball by umpire Clarence “Brick” Owens. The pitcher took exception to each declaration, and after a slew of insults, Owens threatened ejection. This only further sparked the ire of Ruth, who declared, “Throw me out and I’ll punch ya right in the jaw!” Both men kept their word. Owens ejected Ruth, and Ruth charged at Owens and socked him.
Ernie Shore took to the pitcher’s mound after Ruth was carried off by the police and their Player/Manager, Jack Barry. Ray Morgan went out easy after being caught stealing second, and Shore continued on to retire the next 26 batters securing a 4-0 Red Sox victory. Shore would be awarded a Perfect Game, but this honor would be downgraded to a no-hitter in the ’90s. Babe Ruth would be fined $100 and suspended 10 games for assaulting the umpire.
June 23, 1917: Boston #RedSox SP Babe Ruth argued after each ball called on the leadoff batter — after ball 4, he punched the umpire’s jaw and was ejected. His replacement, Ernie Shore, retired all 26 men he faced in a 4-0 win, getting credit for a Perfect Game pic.twitter.com/LkaqKwIlLu
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) June 23, 2021
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