UPDATE: Major League Baseball (MLB) has just announced the umpires and crew chiefs for the highly anticipated League Championship Series (LCS) set to begin this weekend. Alfonso Márquez will make his seventh LCS appearance as crew chief, while James Hoye leads the National League matchup. This announcement comes as excitement builds ahead of the games starting on October 15, 2023.
The LCS kicks off with the Toronto Blue Jays facing the Seattle Mariners today, while the Milwaukee Brewers will battle the defending champions, Los Angeles Dodgers, starting tomorrow, October 16, 2023. This year’s series promises intense competition as teams vie for a coveted spot in the World Series.
In a significant first, umpires Ryan Additon, Ben May, Adam Beck, and John Libka will all be officiating in the LCS for the first time. The crews will consist of seven umpires, with one being off each game, ensuring a high level of oversight throughout the series.
Game 1 of the American League Championship Series will feature Additon behind the plate, with May at first base, Márquez at second, Marvin Hudson at third, D.J. Reyburn in left field, Quinn Wolcott in right, and Doug Eddings as the reserve umpire. Notably, Eddings will take the plate in Game 2, followed by May, Márquez, Hudson, Reyburn, and Wolcott.
As for the National League series, it will kick off with Libka behind the plate, Hoye at first, Beck at second, Vic Carapazza at third, Chad Fairchild in left, Mark Ripperger in right, and Gabe Morales as the reserve umpire. Morales will also step in as the home plate umpire for Game 2, followed by Hoye, Beck, Carapazza, Fairchild, and Ripperger.
Hoping to make an impact, Marvin Hudson will serve as the AL crew chief in Game 3, with Márquez as the reserve, while Carapazza will lead the NL crew in Game 2, with Hoye as the reserve. Hudson is making his fifth LCS appearance, while Carapazza and Eddings are at their fourth, and Fairchild their third. Morales, Reyburn, Ripperger, and Wolcott will each officiate their second LCS.
Replay umpires Alex MacKay, Bill Miller, and David Rackley will oversee decisions from MLB’s office in New York, ensuring the integrity of play is maintained through advanced technology.
As the atmosphere grows electric with anticipation, fans are encouraged to tune in and support their teams. The stakes are high, and every call will count as these teams fight for a chance at the World Series title.
Stay tuned for more updates as the games progress!