Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner was ejected from Sunday's game in Detroit for literally telling the home plate umpire that he was "having a very bad day".
It happened in the top of the fifth inning with a runner on second and nobody out as the Tigers held a 3-0 lead. With the count 2-2 on Hoerner, Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty threw an 89 mph fastball low near the inside corner of the strike zone. Hoerner took the pitch, and home plate umpire Derek Thomas called strike three. Hoerner turned to Thomas and calmly made a comment to him thinking it was harmless, but Thomas immediately ejected him.
The strike three call by Thomas did not appear overly egregious, but clearly he did not appreciate Hoerner's criticism. Cubs manager Craig Counsell came out to defend Hoerner and was also ejected, but made sure to get his money's worth as the Tigers PA system taunted the Cubs by playing Foreigner's song "Hot Blooded".
Craig Counsell and Nico Hoerner have been ejected from today's game. pic.twitter.com/uF71E9ajWH
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) June 8, 2025
Marquee Network captured audio of the incident, where Hoerner tells Thomas after the called strike three that he's "having a really bad day". Hoerner was understandably incredulous when he was ejected.
Here is the audio from Nico Hoerner’s ejection during today’s game. https://t.co/XnAiRBhxBm pic.twitter.com/ic3l4tB8hk
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) June 8, 2025
It was surprising to see Hoerner ejected, considering he was not irate about the call like some MLB players who have been ejected for arguing balls and strikes. In this case, it seems Thomas needs to toughen up a bit.
As far as the game, the Cubs were shut out by the Tigers 4-0, but they still hold a four-game lead in the National League Central.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
