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Umpire had the most awkward hot mic moment during challenge
by Grey Papke
Home plate umpire Bill Miller had an embarrassing hot mic moment during Saturday’s spring training game that he probably wishes he could forget.
Miller’s ball call was challenged by the San Francisco Giants in the top of the fourth inning of Saturday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians. Miller said the 0-2 pitch missed the strike zone, but the Giants challenged in a bid to get a called third strike that would end the inning.
After announcing the challenge to the crowd, Miller’s mic picked up his next comment: “Please be a strike.” He visibly flinched upon realizing the entire stadium had heard the remark.
The ump’s face after the whole crowd heard him say “please be a strike” 💀 pic.twitter.com/fHpi7FfsGw
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 21, 2026
It’s not clear why Miller was hoping his call was wrong. The gametime temperature was 96 degrees, however, so he might have just wanted a few moments of shade and a drink of water.
Unfortunately for Miller, his call was correct, but Cleveland third baseman Alex Mooney wound up striking out two pitches later.
This is hardly the first time an umpire has been caught on a hot mic. With the new challenge system being implemented this year, it might happen more frequently going forward.
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