MadBum addresses his side of viral ejection, umpire drama

Share

During his time with the Giants, Madison Bumgarner established himself as one of the best big-game pitchers in modern MLB history. He also built a reputation for fiery confrontations on the field with either opponents or umpires.

Bumgarner hasn't had many chances to display his combative side since he left the Giants for the Arizona Diamondbacks after the 2019 season, but it came out on Wednesday during one of the stranger interactions with an umpire in recent memory.

After the bottom of the first inning of the D-backs' comeback 8-7 win over the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park, Bumgarner had his hand checked for foreign substances by first base umpire Dan Bellino.

Except, Bellino massaged Bumgarner's left hand for a long time while staring right at the D-backs pitcher. Once Bumgarner looked up, he said something to Bellino and was promptly ejected from the game. That's when tempers flaired.

"I know why I got thrown out, yes," Bumgarner told reporters after the game. "But you guys [have] seen the video. I don't know if I could say anything that would make the situation better. So what I'm going to say is I'm extremely proud of our team coming back and winning. Because I put us in a big hole there. Obviously, I didn't go into the game with the intention of throwing one inning. For them to be able to fight and everyone pick me up today for what happened, that's pretty incredible. Very proud."

Bumgarner was asked if he had ever had an umpire check his hand like Bellino did.

"No," Bumgarner said. "I haven't seen one like that."

It appears Bellino took umbrage with Bumgarner because the pitcher questioned at least one call by home plate umpire Ryan Wills in the bottom of the first.

"You've seen the video," Bumgarner said. "I've seen the video. I was there. You guys can see it plain as day."

RELATED: Kuiper reveals funny MadBum mid-game text story

Bumgarner, who had to be restrained by his teammates, said he doesn't think there is a previous bad blood between him and Bellino.

Considering how mad he was during the game, it wouldn't have been surprising for Bumgarner to vent his frustration with Bellino to reporters after the game. Instead, he took the high road and let the video speak for itself.

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

Contact Us