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MLB umpire retires after fourth concussion in five years
Umpires might not be thought to be in the most danger of injury on the baseball field, but Dale Scott knows injuries are part of the job.
Throughout his career as a major league umpire, Scott has been featured in three World Series, three All-Star Games, and 91 playoff contests. However, he has endured several injuries, including concussions along the way.
After the most recent concussion, though, Scott knew it was time for him to call it a day. He is retiring from major league baseball at 58 to protect his brain from any more injuries.
“I’m done,” he told The Associated Press.
The final concussion came just nine months after his previous brain injury. In five years, he had been diagnosed with four significant brain injuries. Initially, Dale Scott thought he would keep going, but after while undergoing treatment for his head, neck, and shoulder injuries, he realized his most recent injury was a message it was time to quit.
“In fact, it was pretty easy,” he said. “I wasn’t planning on this year being the last one. But I thought, this is a sign.”
The sign was especially clear when Scott asked three separate doctors about the possible long-term effects he might have if he had another concussion.
“They said, ‘We just don’t know,'” Scott said. “But they told me that the more times you get hit, the more probability that you’ll have issues.”
Throughout the 3,987 regular-season games Scott umpired in his career, he became known for being a reliable and professional. He has also been widely supported by the league after coming out as gay in 2014.
“He has achieved everything in his umpiring career, and has carried himself with integrity and garnered the respect of his peers and MLB players,” MLB’s vice president for social responsibility and inclusion Billy Bean said, per Walker. “I am filled with pride as I reflect on all of his accomplishments. He’s a pro’s pro, who’s been a wonderful example to the LGBT community and all sports fans.”