PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 10: Umpire Joe West #22 looks on during the game between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 10, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Braves 4-3. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies began a pivotal series on Friday night, but both fanbases realized that Joe West was the home plate umpire.
This weekend features an extremely pivotal series between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. The Mets have entered an untimely slump following the MLB trade deadline, as they lost five of their last seven games entering Friday night. Meanwhile, the Phillies have pulled within half a game of first-place in the NL East.
With the series being must win for both teams, fans were left extremely disappointed upon seeing controversial umpire Joe West standing behind home plate. And he wasted little time in making his presence felt.
Joe West makes presence felt in Mets-Phillies game on Friday night
In the top of the first inning, Phillies starter and trade deadline acquisition Kyle Gibson threw a 93-mph sinker to Mets outfielder Dominic Smith that landed outside of the strike zone. Yet, West called that a strike. Fans could not help but express their displeasure at the call.
While it was egregious, at least West is consistent in the call. In the top of the third, Gibson threw a similar sinker to Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo that landed in the same spot outside of the strike zone. West called that a strike as well. Again, fans were apoplectic.
As if Mets and Phillies fans could not be anymore stressed for the three-game series, they have to sit through the Joe West experience in the opening contest.