Major League Baseball’s Umpiring Crew for the 2024 World Series
As the excitement builds for the 2024 World Series, Major League Baseball has officially announced the umpiring crew that will oversee this highly anticipated matchup between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Scheduled to kick off with Game 1, this year’s series promises to be a thrilling contest, not just for the players on the field but also for the umpires who will play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the game.
Meet the Crew Chief: Mark Carlson
Leading the charge as crew chief for the 2024 World Series is Mark Carlson, a seasoned umpire with an impressive track record. Carlson has been a part of Major League Baseball since 1999, amassing over 25 years of experience at the highest level of the sport. This will be Carlson’s first time serving as crew chief in the World Series, although he has previously officiated in the Fall Classic in 2015 and 2020. His extensive experience and calm demeanor under pressure make him a fitting choice to lead the crew during this high-stakes series.
The Umpiring Team
Carlson will be joined by a talented group of six other umpires, each bringing their unique skills and experiences to the table. The full crew includes:
- Doug Eddings (Second World Series)
- Chad Fairchild (Second World Series)
- Andy Fletcher (First World Series)
- Mark Ripperger (First World Series)
- Todd Tichenor (Second World Series)
- Carlos Torres (First World Series)
While seven umpires are assigned to the crew, only six will be on the field for each game. The rotation system ensures that each umpire gets a chance to officiate behind the plate if the series extends to a full seven games. For Game 1, the assignments are as follows:
- Home Plate: Carlos Torres
- First Base: Mark Carlson
- Second Base: Doug Eddings
- Third Base: Mark Ripperger
- Left Field: Chad Fairchild
- Right Field: Todd Tichenor
- Reserve: Andy Fletcher
Game Assignments and Rotation
The rotation for home plate assignments throughout the World Series has been meticulously planned, allowing each umpire to showcase their skills. Here’s how the home plate assignments will unfold over the course of the series:
- Game 1: Carlos Torres
- Game 2: Andy Fletcher
- Game 3: Mark Carlson
- Game 4: Doug Eddings
- Game 5: Mark Ripperger
- Game 6: Chad Fairchild
- Game 7: Todd Tichenor
This structured approach not only provides each umpire with an opportunity to shine but also adds an element of strategy to the series, as teams will need to adapt to different umpiring styles.
Replay Officials
In addition to the on-field umpires, the integrity of the game will be further supported by the presence of replay officials. Cory Blaser and James Hoye will serve in this capacity, having already demonstrated their expertise during the Divisional Round. Their role is crucial in ensuring that any close calls or controversial plays can be reviewed, maintaining fairness and accuracy throughout the series.
A Historic Matchup
The 2024 World Series marks a significant moment in baseball history, as the Yankees and Dodgers meet for the 12th time in the Fall Classic. This matchup is the most frequent in MLB history, with the Yankees having claimed victory in eight of the previous 11 series. However, the Dodgers won the last encounter in 1981, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this year’s competition.
As the first pitch approaches, fans and players alike are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable World Series. With a seasoned umpiring crew at the helm, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown between two of baseball’s most storied franchises.