Halting play during the seventh inning of Tuesday’s matchup, home plate umpire Greg Gibson reportedly settled a long-standing grudge by subjecting the rubber pentagon to a vicious, spiteful brushing. Onlookers noted the aggressive sweeping went far beyond standard field maintenance.
ST. LOUIS—Halting play during the seventh inning of Tuesday’s matchup against the Chicago Cubs, home plate umpire Greg Gibson reportedly settled a deeply personal score with home plate by subjecting the rubber pentagon to a furious, 45-second brushing.
According to uncomfortable onlookers at Busch Stadium, Gibson called time out, unhooked his small plastic brush, and descended upon the plate with a visceral malice. Though all loose dirt had been completely removed after the first two swipes, Gibson remained hunched over the batter’s box, violently scrubbing the pristine white surface while muttering under his breath.
Players in the immediate vicinity noted that the veteran official appeared to be intentionally trying to humiliate the piece of rubber in front of the capacity crowd, digging his bristles into its corners with a vengeful, white-knuckled grip.
He wasn't just clearing away the infield dirt. He was trying to break the plate's spirit.
At press time, a still-seething Gibson was seen giving the freshly swept plate a prolonged, intimidating glare before finally allowing the batter to step back into the box.