However, Australian rules football appears to be defying this trend – the number of community umpires surpassed 20,000 for the first time in 2024. This is an 18% increase in umpire registrations ...

But the umpire ruled that he struck out looking to end the inning. ... Doesn't do any good, but mad respect for the stare down with the plate ump.," said a fan on X.

The 38-year-old designated hitter challenged his teammates in a closed-door meeting by telling them to earn the respect they desire. Then he led the charge, hitting home runs in back-to-back games.

Who needs Jomboy Media's lip-reading skills when you have the microphones on the Tigers' FanDuel Sports Network broadcast? The mics understood the assignment — that's for sure.