MLB and All-Star Game umpire Brian Runge is fired for failing a drug test.

[Austin]

Players aren't the only MLB employees given random drug tests. Umpires are too.

ESPN - NEW YORK -- A Major League Baseball umpire has been dismissed for what is believed to be the first known drug ouster among umps.

MLB sources say Brian Runge failed at least one random drug test. MLB has not said which drug Runge used.

He worked last year's All-Star Game and the playoffs three times. Runge joined the MLB umpiring staff in 1999.

He is a member of MLB's first three-generation family of umpires.
Grandfather Ed was an American League umpire from 1954-70 and worked the World Series three times; father Paul called National League games from 1973-97 and did the World Series four times before becoming the NL's executive director of umpires.

 

[uniquebaseballcards]

Wow, one strike and he's out? Maybe there's more to this.

 

[AmishDave]

Wow, one strike and he's out? Maybe there's more to this.

I hope there is or it's complete bullXXXX. Wish Angel Hernandez would fail a drug test if it's one and done.

 

[Austin]

Wow, one strike and he's out? Maybe there's more to this.

Sounds like there might be. An ESPN radio report just said Runge was actually conditionally fired two weeks ago, but allowed to return to MLB if he followed certain terms, but he failed to do so. So he must have either failed a second or third drug test, or done something really bad to piss off MLB.

 

[Mighty Bombjack]

Seems umpires could actually use some PEDs. Let em take as much Adderall as they need to stay focused, yo!

 

[corockies]

Seems umpires could actually use some PEDs. Let em take as much Adderall as they need to stay focused, yo!

He tested positive for excessive beta carotine levels.

 

[Jaypers]

When exactly are umpires NOT on something, anyway?

 

[bmc398]

Think about this....what if they only test umps after games and come to find out he was high on coke or weed or something. I'd say thats immediate grounds for termination, wouldn't you?

 

[corockies]

Think about this....what if they only test umps after games and come to find out he was high on coke or weed or something. I'd say thats immediate grounds for termination, wouldn't you?

Sure, as long as you hold players to the same standard. They are both employees of MLB.

 

[Mighty Bombjack]

He tested positive for excessive beta carotine levels.

Really? Where did you read this, and what is that supposed to signify?

 

[George_Calfas]

Really? Where did you read this, and what is that supposed to signify?

Maybe it was a joke in reference to eyesight.

 

[Mighty Bombjack]

Maybe it was a joke in reference to eyesight.

Ah, indeed. I am not up on my beta carotine jokes. I do tell my kids that eating carrots will give them x-ray vision.

So is the joke that his eyesight would be TOO good for MLB's standards?

 

[Mighty Bombjack]

Think about this....what if they only test umps after games and come to find out he was high on coke or weed or something. I'd say thats immediate grounds for termination, wouldn't you?

No doubt.

 

[Brewer Andy]

Ah, indeed. I am not up on my beta carotine jokes. I do tell my kids that eating carrots will give them x-ray vision.

So is the joke that his eyesight would be TOO good for MLB's standards?

The joke is that beta carotene would be an umpire's "performance enhancing drug". But that works almost just as well

 

[corockies]

The joke is that beta carotene would be an umpire's "performance enhancing drug". But that works almost just as well

Thanks for explaining my joke. I figured most would get it. =)

 

[jcmint]

umps are juicing awesome