MLB ump Dale Scott retires rather than risk concussions

After adjudicating over a million pitches as a major league umpire, 58-year-old Dale Scott decided to retire to avoid any potential health risks associated with a recent string of concussions.

‘I’m done,’ he told The Associated Press.

The veteran crew chief missed nearly the entire 2017 season after a foul ball off the bat of Baltimore slugger Mark Trumbo on April 14 caught him hard in the mask, causing Scott’s second concussion in nine months and fourth in five years.

Within a few days, while undergoing treatment for head, neck and shoulder injuries, Scott realized it was the end of a major league career that began in 1985 and included three World Series assignments, three All-Star Games and 91 postseason games.

‘In fact, it was pretty easy,’ he said. ‘I wasn’t planning on this year being the last one. But I thought, this is a sign.’

 

In this April 14, 2017, file photo, home plate umpire Dale Scott is attended to on the field in the eighth inning after he was hit by a foul tip during a game between the Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles in Toronto. Rather than risk yet another concussion, Scott has decided to retire at 58. The veteran crew chief missed nearly the entire 2017 season after this concussion

Especially when he asked three doctors about the possible long-term effects if he got jarred again.

‘They said, ‘We just don’t know,” Scott said. ‘But they told me that the more times you get hit, the more probability that you’ll have issues.’

In recent years there has been increased concern over chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease which triggers aggression, suicidal thoughts and dementia. Often linked to football players, CTE can only be detected posthumously. 

This summer, Scott told the AP, he saw Bruno Mars and Green Day in concert, watched Fourth of July fireworks from a boat near his home in Portland, Oregon, and enjoyed more time with husband Michael Rausch.

They’ve been together since 1986 and were married in November 2013 in Palm Springs, California, by the city’s mayor.

‘I am filled with pride as I reflect on all of his accomplishments. He’s a pro’s pro, who’s been a wonderful example to the LGBT community and all sports fans 

Billy Bean, MLB’s vice president for social responsibility and inclusion

Scott came out as gay after the 2014 season. The next spring training, Reds outfielder Marlon Byrd gave Scott a big hug while trotting to the dugout.

‘You’re free, brother. I’m so proud of you,’ Byrd told him.

Says Scott: ‘I did feel free. I am who I am.’

Scott’s decision will resonate, said Billy Bean, Major League Baseball’s vice president for social responsibility and inclusion. Bean came out as gay after his big league career ended in 1995.

‘He has achieved everything in his umpiring career, and has carried himself with integrity and garnered the respect of his peers and MLB players,’ Bean said. ‘I am filled with pride as I reflect on all of his accomplishments. He’s a pro’s pro, who’s been a wonderful example to the LGBT community and all sports fans.’

‘Years ago, Dale reached out to me after my personal story went public,’ he said. ‘If we had been able to have that conversation when I was still playing, I know it would have changed the course of my career. Dale’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire others to pursue their dreams, and I hope we see the results around MLB soon.’

In this August 7, 2013, file photo, Major League Baseball umpire Dale Scott prepares to return to action after being injured in the second inning of a baseball game in Seattle

In this August 7, 2013, file photo, Major League Baseball umpire Dale Scott prepares to return to action after being injured in the second inning of a baseball game in Seattle

In this September 10, 2016, file photo, Arizona Diamondbacks' Chip Hale, right, argues with umpire Dale Scott after Diamondbacks' Welington Castillo was thrown out of the game

In this September 10, 2016, file photo, Arizona Diamondbacks’ Chip Hale, right, argues with umpire Dale Scott after Diamondbacks’ Welington Castillo was thrown out of the game

Scott worked 3,897 regular-season games and was a crew chief for 16 seasons, half his career.

‘I was fortunate enough to have Dale as my crew chief for 10-plus years. A gifted umpire and true professional, he ran the crew with a smile as he mentored many of today’s most successful umpires,’ fellow ump Dan Iassogna said.

‘The courage that he showed in coming out while still working on the field is as much of an accomplishment as his many World Series and postseason assignments,’ he added.

WHAT IS CTE? 

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease that is caused by repeated hits to the head. 

Over time, these hard impacts result in confusion, depression and eventually dementia.

There have been several retired football players who have come forward with brain diseases.

They are attributing their condition to playing football and the hits they took. 

More than 1,800 former athletes and military veterans have pledged to donate their brains to the Concussion Legacy Foundation for CTE research.

CTE was usually associated with boxing before former NFL players began revealing their conditions.  

Scott acknowledged his decision to retire might have been more difficult if his circumstances were different – say, he was 40 and hadn’t worked the World Series.

Now, he walks away with his health intact. And if there were any doubts, he keeps the video of that last violent concussion on his cellphone.

MLB provides long-term disability for umpires who cannot work because of concussion effects, the same as it does for other permanent injuries.

Scott wonders about umpires who are cleared as part of the concussion protocol and then face the choice of continuing to work and risk further injury, or leaving the game.

‘That needs to be addressed,’ he said. ‘Maybe my situation can be a catalyst for that.’

His future will include rooting like crazy for the Oregon Ducks and, having been a Top 40 AM radio DJ in high school, perhaps some voice work.

Scott also can look back on all the games he did: Among them, he was the plate umpire for Scott Erickson’s no-hitter, he worked a season-opening series in Australia, and was the last umpire to eject hot-tempered manager Billy Martin.

And there was that game at old County Stadium in 1986, when a big crowd turned out to welcome the hugely popular Gorman Thomas back to the Milwaukee Brewers.

The first time Thomas batted, Scott called strike three. The fading slugger went 0 for 4 and when he got rung up in his last at-bat, it was more than Thomas could take.

‘It’s my night,’ he pleaded with the rookie ump, ‘not yours!’

In this September 8, 2016, file photo, first base umpire Dale Scott, left, signals an out next to home plate umpire Dan Iassogna, right, during Mariners-Rangers game in Seattle 

In this September 8, 2016, file photo, first base umpire Dale Scott, left, signals an out next to home plate umpire Dan Iassogna, right, during Mariners-Rangers game in Seattle 



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