Major League Baseball has confirmed the retirement of veteran umpire Phil Cuzzi, who is notably remembered by Mets fans for his 2023 ejection of pitcher Max Scherzer. This incident gained widespread attention amid MLB’s increased enforcement against illegal sticky substances used by pitchers.
Throughout his career, Cuzzi officiated in several high-profile events, including the 2017 World Series, three League Championship Series, and two All-Star Games such as the 2008 classic at Yankee Stadium and the 2019 event in Cleveland. He was also behind the plate for significant moments like two no-hitters, one by St. Louis Cardinals‘ Bud Smith in 2001 at San Diego and another by Philadelphia Phillies’ Cole Hamels in 2015 at Wrigley Field.
The Max Scherzer Ejection Incident in New York
Despite his lengthy tenure, Cuzzi became most closely linked to the Mets after ejecting Max Scherzer during a game where the Mets defeated the Dodgers 5-3. The ejection underscored MLB’s intensified crackdown on pitchers using sticky substances to gain an advantage.
During the third inning, Cuzzi inspected Scherzer’s glove and required him to change it due to the presence of an illegal substance. Scherzer returned and successfully pitched a perfect third inning. However, before the fourth inning began, Cuzzi and home plate umpire Dan Bellino stopped Scherzer and examined his hand. Cuzzi then ejected Scherzer from the game.
Bellino described the severity of the stickiness, saying,
“As far as stickiness, this was the stickiest that it has been since I have been inspecting hands, which goes back three seasons,”
and added,
“It was so sticky that when we touched his hand, our fingers were sticking to his hand. Whatever was on there remained on our fingers for a few innings afterward.”
Scherzer defended his actions, stating he had washed his hand with alcohol before applying rosin, a procedure allowed under MLB rules. He said,
“I knew I was going to get checked in the fourth, so I have to be an absolute idiot to try to do anything when I am coming back out for the fourth. I am in front of the MLB official that is underneath. I wash my hand with alcohol in front of the official. I then apply rosin and I then grabbed sweat. I then go back out there and Phil Cuzzi says my hand is too sticky.”
Careful Deliberation in a Controversial Call
The umpiring crew fully recognized the weight of ejecting a pitcher of Scherzer’s caliber, who is expected to be a Hall of Famer. Bellino emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly, made after confirming that the stickiness exceeded normal rosin residue.
Beyond the Plate: Cuzzi’s Off-Field Contributions
Off the field, Phil Cuzzi, a New Jersey native, has contributed to charity through the Robert Luongo ALS Fund, which he founded in 2003 to support ALS patient care and research efforts. His legacy thus extends beyond baseball into meaningful humanitarian work.
Implications of Cuzzi’s Career and Retirement
Phil Cuzzi’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished umpiring career intertwined with some of baseball’s memorable moments, including the Max Scherzer ejection incident that symbolized MLB’s push to enforce fair play more stringently. As MLB continues to monitor and regulate pitcher conduct, Cuzzi’s tenure highlights the challenges umpires face balancing rule enforcement and in-game management. Going forward, his departure opens the door for new officials to navigate a sport increasingly attentive to substance use, fairness, and upholding the integrity of the game.
