Coach 'Sucker Punches' 72-Year-Old Umpire, Fractures Jaw In Somerset County: USABL

BRANCHBURG, NJ — A 72-year-old veteran umpire had to have his jaw wired shut and needed extensive dental work after he was "sucker-punched" by a kids baseball coach, according to the U.S. Amateur Baseball League (USABL).

During a 13U baseball tournament at the beginning of the month, a coach — who the USABL says was seen drinking between games — "got ejected from the game for aggressively arguing a call with the umpire," USABL said on its Facebook page.

The coach's behavior is prohibited.

After being ejected, the coach, who the USABL described as being "built like a linebacker," then walked up to the 72-year-old veteran umpire and "sucker punched" him in the face, according to USABL.

As a result, the umpire's jaw was fractured in two places and had to be wired shut, and requires extensive dental surgery, according to USABL.

The coach then fled the scene. As police and EMTs were providing medical attention to the umpire, who has 35-plus years of experience, "other parents from the same team were heard shouting expletives at the umpire and saying things like 'he deserved it'," according to USABL.

"THIS NEEDS TO STOP," said USABL.

The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, who is in charge of the Branchburg Police Department, confirmed the incident.

"The matter is currently under investigation by Branchburg detectives. It's an ongoing investigation," said SCPO spokesman Frank Roman.

The coach and umpire have not been identified. No other information was provided.

The USABL shared a reaction from Mike Kolesar of Gamers Baseball/Softball Academy below:

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