Nico Hoerner and the Chicago Cubs were having an intense game against the Detroit Tigers when a rather unusual ejection took place. The Cubs were hoping to build on their last success, but they failed to win and lost with a 4-0 final score.
During the fifth inning, Hoerner struck out looking on a two-strike fastball from Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty. The Cubs slugger was unhappy with the third strike as he turned to home plate umpire Derek Thomas to say a few words.
“You’re having a really bad day so far,” Hoerner told Thomas.
Surprisingly, Thomas never hesitated to throw him out immediately for his comment. Nico Hoerner was surprised when Thomas reacted. The slugger repeated what he said to Thomas in disbelief. However, the umpire’s call stood, and the Cubs’ star was forced to leave the game. Here’s a look at the video below.
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 rather unusual for the umpire to eject the player for saying something that was not offensive. Hoerner was pretty calm about his comment against Thomas and was certainly unhappy to leave the game.
Craig Counsell Gets Ejected For Supporting Nico Hoerner
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To make things worse, Cubs manager Craig Counsell and Hoerner were ejected. Counsell stepped up to the plate to support his player, arguing that his actions were not bad enough for an immediate ejection.
Hoerner later explained that his comment was not meant to be obscene or disrespectful. He said that it was simply an honest assessment of the umpire’s performance. Counsell was also unhappy, saying that umpires can’t just eject players and affect the game’s outcome.
"The ejection of Nico was completely unwarranted … What he said is not ejectable."
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) June 8, 2025
Craig Counsell on Nico Hoerner's ejection in the 5th inning. pic.twitter.com/8B8IZgLAhb
The incident sparked discussion among fans and commentators, with some noting how rare it is for Nico Hoerner to be ejected and how infrequently Counsell argues on the field. Several fans criticized the umpire and hoped the ABS system would come in quicker.
After winning only one game, the Cubs dropped their series against the Detroit Tigers. It was a tough outing for Counsell and his team, and they hope to get back on track against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Cubs are ranked No. 3 in the week 10 MLB power rankings.
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