MLB

Terrifying scene at Yankees Stadium on Wednesday ... an MLB ump was drilled in the face by a 99-MPH Gerrit Cole fastball -- and things did NOT look good for the guy for a while.

The unbelievable moment all went down in the 7th inning of New York's blowout win over the Toronto Blue Jays ... when Cole was looking to strike out Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

On a 3-2 count, Cole threw his trademark heater up in the zone to get the punch-out ... but it appeared his catcher, Kyle Higashioka, was expecting a breaking pitch.

The result? The ball screamed past Higashioka's glove and ended up cracking home plate ump John Tumpane right on the chin.

The video of the throw is scary ... you can hear Tumpane let out a huge yelp as the pitch struck his face -- with the ump then immediately crumpling to the ground.

The 37-year-old sat on the dirt for a few moments ... and got up trying to shake off the hard hit.

Eventually, trainers gave Tumpane the OK to get back in the game ... and Cole later apologized after the inning for the cross-up with his catcher.

MLB has officially postponed a game due to air quality ... Tuesday's Giants vs. Mariners tilt has now been moved as wildfire smoke in the Seattle area continues to blanket the city.

The Mariners were able to get a doubleheader in against the Oakland A's on Monday in Washington ... but the smokey air was so thick -- it looked like players were competing in a dark cloud.

Rather than repeating that again Tuesday ... officials decided it was best to reschedule the Tuesday contest -- moving it to San Francisco with a new start time to be announced later.

Seems the decision was a no-brainer ... health officials in the Seattle area have warned of severely poor air quality this week, with wildfires still burning and pumping smoke into the sky.

In fact, officials say the air quality is so poor in the area ... there's a danger that it can cause burning eyes and aggravate lung and heart diseases.

Officials added they're recommending citizens stay home and avoid outdoor activities.

Charles Peterson -- a longtime amateur scout for the St. Louis Cardinals -- died Sunday after a weeks-long battle with COVID-19 ... the team announced.

He was only 46-years-old.

The baseball scout had been hospitalized with coronavirus on Aug. 17 ... and had been placed on a ventilator shortly after he was admitted, his family and friends said over the weekend.

They added in a statement on a GoFundMe page Sunday they were devastated over his passing.

"It is with a heavy and broken heart I share that our beloved Charles ‘Pete’ has lost his battle with COVID-19," the statement read.

Peterson was very respected in MLB circles ... and the Cardinals say he was actually responsible for scouting their 1st-round pick this season, third baseman Jordan Walker.

"Charles had an incredible impact on our scouting department,” Cardinals director of scouting Randy Flores said. "He brought a tremendous work ethic, keen eye, and booming laugh with him every day."

"My prayers are with his wife Karen and family as anyone who ever talked to CP knew how proud he was of them."

Peterson was picked by the Pittsburgh Pirates out of high school in the 1st round of the 1993 MLB draft -- just 21 selections after the Seattle Mariners drafted Alex Rodriguez.

Peterson -- who went on to play several years in the minor leagues as well as internationally -- joined the Cardinals' scouting department in 2012.

"Charles always would light up the Draft room," president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said. "His smile, his voice, his energy -- you knew it was Charles. He was a special man that made others better. He will be missed."

As MLB and other pro sports wrestle with how to handle the pandemic -- Peterson's death is a reminder about how serious the situation still is.

Forget how savagely Joe Kelly trolled the Houston Astros back in July??

No worries ... the Dodgers pitcher's incredible pouty face jab has now been immortalized with a mural in Los Angeles -- AND IT'S 16 FEET OF INCREDIBLE!!!

Jonas Never -- one of the most famous street artists in the country -- painted the piece this week on a barbershop near Dodgers Stadium ... and it was completed just in time for the 'Stros-Dodgers series this weekend.

If you don't recall ... during the last series between LA and Houston -- Kelly nearly incited an all-out brawl on July 28 by firing pitches at Astros stars Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa.

Of course ... everyone thought the tight balls were intentional -- considering, you know, the whole cheating scandal -- and the two teams REALLY got into it.

At one point, before the benches cleared, Kelly trolled Correa by allegedly calling him a "bitch" ... and then by hitting him with 1 of the most memorable faces in recent MLB history.

Kelly went on to ultimately be suspended for 5 games over the incident ... and, he never really apologized.

In fact, the 32-year-old pitcher later called the Astros straight-up "little bitches"!!!

Sadly, since Kelly's still on the injured list and has yet to serve his suspension -- there will be no rematch between him and Bregman/Correa this weekend.

But, hey ... at least there's a sick mural now to remind everyone of the good times!!

29 RUNS!!!

The Atlanta Braves scored 29 runs in ONE GAME against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday ... one of the highest-scoring games in MLB history!

The star of the game was Adam Duvall -- the left fielder smashed 3 home runs Wednesday ... including a 7th inning grand slam!

Duvall ended up with 9 RBIs!!!

Freddie Freeman also balled out -- with 6 RBIs on 3 hits, including a 2-run homer.

In total, the Braves hit SEVEN home runs in the 29-9 victory at Truist Park in ATL, in front of zero fans.

The 29 runs from the Braves tie for the 2nd most runs scored in an MLB game in the modern era.

The Texas Rangers posted 30 against the Orioles in 2007. Before that, the Red Sox posted 29 in 1950 and the White Sox scored 29 in 1955.

After the game, Freeman couldn't believe it.

"Pretty amazing ... Hard to put into words, really, when you look up and see 29 runs on the board."

Duvall was also stoked.

"I've known that homers come in bunches, but something like that is pretty special ... I'm going to enjoy this one tonight."

Good news, bad news for Nashville ...

The good -- Justin Timberlake's now officially on board with a plan to bring an MLB team to the city!!!

The bad -- it still appears to be a massive pipe dream.

JT announced Wednesday he's joined on with a big investment group -- headlined by businessman John Loar and ex-Red Sox GM Dave Dombrowski -- to attempt to get Nashville its own MLB team.

The plan sounds amazing on paper ... the group of investors wants to build a new stadium in the downtown Nashville area and have an MLB team playing in it by 2024.

The group has even signed on huge country stars like Eric Church, Luke Combs and Kane Brown in addition to Timberlake in an effort to convince MLB officials the idea is a good one.

The problem? The league's already got 30 teams ... so an expansion might be tough.

As for relocating a squad, there aren't too many teams that appear to be keen on bolting from their home cities at the moment either.

According to the Tennessean, there's also huge questions surrounding the finances -- mainly when it comes to majority funding of the team as well the stadium's costs.

But, Timberlake sounded gassed up over it all regardless Wednesday ... saying in a statement, "I believe in Music City Baseball’s vision of linking baseball and music in a unique way to unite and entertain people and I am excited to help generate awareness throughout the community as we share our vision for bringing MLB to Music City."

Suspended Reds announcer Thom Brennaman says he realizes the "incredible hurt" he caused when he used a homophobic slur on live TV ... and claims he has become a better person in the weeks following the incident.

Remember, the longtime play-by-play guy was calling a game against the KC Royals on August 19 when he was caught on a hot mic referring to an unnamed city as "one of the f** capitals of the world."

Brennaman later apologized mid-game ... and was quickly suspended from his Reds gig and dropped from his "NFL on FOX" role.

The 56-year-old spoke to the NY Post about the backlash he faced following the incident ... saying, "Believe me, I know there are a lot of people who are still very angry and I understand that."

Brennaman has vowed to become an ally for the LGBTQ community ... and has personally met with several groups to get a better understanding of the impact of hateful words.

"The realization of the incredible hurt that I’ve caused using that word has been breathtaking," Brennaman told the Post.

"It’s been absolutely amazing the amount of grace and forgiveness and support."

As for the reason behind using the anti-gay slur ... Brennaman says he has no idea why he said it or in what context.

"I couldn’t even tell you what happened, where it came from."

He added ... "Look, I said it is all that matters. The rest of it is irrelevant. I said it. And I own it. And I’m the one who has to live with it."

St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Famer Lou Brock has died ... this according to the St. Louis-Post Dispatch.

Reporter Rick Hummel says Brock passed away Sunday afternoon, adding he was battling multiple medical conditions near the end of his life. The exact circumstances of his death remain unclear.

Brock was a living legend in Missouri, as he's best known as one of the greatest Cardinals players ever who helped lead the franchise to a World Series title in 1964 ... the same year he was traded to the team from the Chicago Cubs. He was a major factor to them winning the fall classic again in 1967, racking up a then-historic number of hits and stolen bases.

Speaking of the latter, Lou will perhaps be best remembered for exactly that ... the dude could steal anything out on the diamond. The guy leads the National League as the all-time greatest base stealer (ever) with a whopping 938 stolen bases through his 19-year career.

There are other milestones he hit along the way, but just to sum up his achievements ... the guy was a 6-time All-Star, 2-time World Series champ, had over 3,000 hits to his name and was a first-ballot HOF inductee. He goes down in the books as one of the greats.

He's survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and his son, Lou Jr. Brock was 81.

Former MLB great David Cone says losing Tom Seaver on Wednesday hurt like hell ... telling TMZ Sports he thought the former NY Met was "one of a kind."

"He was the franchise," the former Cy Young winner said. "He was a Hall of Famer's Hall of Famer. All of the pitchers in the Hall of Fame looked to him as kind of like a leader."

As we previously reported, Seaver tragically passed away at 75 years old after a battle with dementia and COVID-19.

Baseball Hall of Fame officials say the 12-time All-Star died peacefully in California surrounded by his family ... and when we got Cone out at Yankee Stadium shortly after the news broke, the former Met was obviously devastated.

"One of the greatest of all-time," Cone said of Seaver. "Not only for the Mets, but for all of baseball."

Cone says he's sure the Mets will do something special as a tribute for the 3-time Cy Young winner ... adding he and every other NYM pitcher had always looked up to Seaver.

As for Cone's favorite memory of the pitching legend? David says he'll never forget meeting Tom for the 1st time, calling it "such a thrill."

Wanna bet the Chicago Cubs will crush the Pirates? You'll soon be able to make that bet ... RIGHT AT WRIGLEY FIELD!

The Cubs announced a multiyear partnership with DraftKings on Thursday -- which includes plans for an in-person sports book at the ballpark.

The book would either be located inside the stadium or in the Wrigleyville-area right outside -- they're still hammering out the details.

No timeline has been set -- but it's obvious both sides are trying to fast track the process.

The book will include betting windows and self-serve kiosks -- it sounds like something similar to what you would see at a horse racing track.

And yes, sports gambling is legal in Illinois.

Matt Kalish -- co-founder and president of DraftKings -- says he sees the sportsbook as a hybrid gambling center/bar where fans can grab a beer while plunking down bets.

"It might be the Cubs to win, maybe a few props like first home run, then stroll into the game at 6:45, sit down, sweat my bets and cheer on the Cubs," Kalish said (via ESPN).

"Then, after the game I can stop back at the DraftKings book, relax with my friends, get some food and drink and think about the next day's game, maybe put in a few more tickets."

Tom Seaver -- one of the greatest Mets players of all time -- died Monday after a battle with dementia and COVID-19. He was 75.

"We are heartbroken to share that our beloved husband and father has passed away," his wife Nancy and daughters Sarah and Anne told the National Baseball Hall of Fame. "We send our love out to his fans, as we mourn his loss with you."

Seaver passed away peacefully at his home in Calistoga, California surrounded by his family, according to the HOF.

The HOF says Seaver's death was more specifically caused by complications from Lewy body dementia and COVID-19.

Seaver was a part of the legendary "Miracle Mets" of 1969 ... which went on to win the World Series over the Baltimore Orioles.

Seaver played in the majors from 1968 to 1986 and was a 13-time All-Star and 3-time Cy Young winner.

He ended up becoming a first-ballot Hall of Famer and was inducted into Cooperstown in 1992.

Seaver went public about his dementia diagnosis in 2019 -- and announced that he would "retire from public life."

Seaver is one of the greatest to ever wear a Mets jersey -- he had his No. 41 jersey retired in 1988 and was given the nicknames "Tom Terrific" and "The Franchise" during his playing days.

Seaver also played for the Reds, White Sox and Red Sox ... raking in 311 wins.

After he retired from baseball, Seaver went into broadcasting ... and worked as a Yankees analyst on WPIX from 1989 to 1993 ... and on Mets telecasts from 1999 to 2005.

The Mets addressed the loss of a legend ... saying, "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Mets Legend and Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Seaver."

"Beyond the multitude of awards, records, accolades, World Series Championship, All-Star appearances, and just overall brilliance, we will always remember Tom for his passion and devotion to his family, the game of baseball, and his vineyard."

MLB commish Rob Manfred released a statement on Seaver's passing, saying, "I am deeply saddened by the death of Tom Seaver, one of the greatest pitchers of all-time."

"Tom was a gentleman who represented the best of our National Pastime."

Manfred added ... "On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my condolences to Tom’s family, his admirers throughout our game, Mets fans, and the many people he touched."

OUUUUUUUCHHHHH!!!!

New York Mets outfielder Jake Marisnick violently crashed into a wall in an attempt to make a catch Wednesday ... and sacrificed his FACE in the process.

Check out footage of the center fielder trying to snag a fly ball in the 2nd inning of the Mets-Orioles game ... but instead, ending up with a face full of Camden Yards' wall.

The play was crazy ... Baltimore catcher Pedro Severino roped a ball into deep center -- and not noticing the wall approaching, Marisnick slammed right into it at full speed trying to make the grab.

To his credit, Marisnick still got up and attempted to make the play ... but afterward, he had to be checked out by trainers.

And, when cameras zoomed on the 29-year-old's face -- you can see the dude had some serious bruising around his nose and eyes from his sunglasses.

But, Jake stayed in the game ... and actually BALLED OUT -- going 2-for-4 with a run and RBI.

MLB says it KNOWS Aroldis Chapman was gunning for a Rays player's head with a 101-MPH fastball Tuesday ... and now, it's suspended the Yankees star 3 games over it all.

If you missed it ... the NYY closer nearly ignited a massive brawl in the 9th inning of the Yanks game against Tampa Bay -- after he JUST MISSED Michael Brosseau's head with his trademark heater.

The pitch was scary as hell ... the white sphere came hurling at Brosseau's dome -- and cleared his helmet by only a few inches.

Chapman went on to strikeout Brosseau ... but the Rays didn't leave the field without confronting the reliever over the pitch, which caused the benches to clear.

There were no punches or brawls -- just a lot of barking -- but afterward, Rays manager Kevin Cash RIPPED Chapman and the Yanks because he felt it was all intentional.

"It's absolutely ridiculous," Cash told reporters. "It was mishandled by the Yankees. Certainly the pitcher on the mound. It was mishandled by the umpires."

FYI -- the Yanks and Rays have had seriously bad blood this season ... with the two going at it in some knockdown, drag-out games over the past couple weeks.

''Somebody has to be accountable," Cash said, before issuing what appeared to be a veiled threat ... "The last thing I'll say on it is I got a whole damn stable full of guys that throw 98 mph. Period.''

For his part, Yanks manager Aaron Boone called Cash's words "pretty scary," but didn't elaborate much more on the incident after the game.

On Wednesday, MLB hit Chapman with a 3-game ban for his role in it all, saying straight up he "intentionally" threw at Brosseau.

MLB also suspended Boone and Cash 1 game for their roles.

Unprecedented Roberto Clemente honor coming up for the Pittsburgh Pirates ... team officials say they'll unretire the Hall of Famer's #21 so their players can wear it for Clemente Day next week.

The team says the tribute will go down when the Buccos take on the White Sox on Sept. 9 ... with each Pitt. player set to don Clemente's famous number for the game.

Afterward, Pirates officials say they'll auction off the unis ... with all proceeds going toward the Clemente Foundation and other Pirates charities.

Of course, it's a HUGE honor ... no one in the org. has worn the number for a Pirates game since Clemente tragically died in a plane crash back in 1972. He was only 38.

"Our staff and players are excited to wear the number 21 with pride as we constantly search for ways to not only honor Roberto's legacy but to keep his memory alive through our community actions," Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said.

"We recognize what this moment represents for all of us within the organization, the Clemente Family, our fans, and the people of Puerto Rico. We take great pride in representing such a great ambassador of the game."

The Pirates and MLB as a whole have honored Clemente every September since 2002 with Clemente Day ... with Pittsburgh doing different things every year to carry on RC's legacy.

Touching tribute from Atlanta Braves star Marcell Ozuna ... the OF flashed a "Wakanda Forever" arm sign in the middle of his historic game Tuesday -- all to honor the late Chadwick Boseman.

The scene at Fenway Park was pretty moving ... while Ozuna was rounding the bases after his 3rd home run of the game, he crossed his arms and pointed to the sky to pay respects to Boseman, who tragically died last week after a battle with colon cancer.

The gesture was particularly meaningful given how HUGE of a night Ozuna was having ... Marcell became the first National League player EVER to hit 3 HRs at Fenway.

Ozuna also added 6 RBI in the game ... as the Braves pounded the Red Sox, 10-3.

Of course, many others across the sports world have paid similar tributes to Boseman with the iconic "Black Panther" gesture ... LeBron James just did it before the Lakers' game Sunday.

"It actually felt like we had our black superhero and nobody could touch us," LeBron said of Boseman. "To lose that, it's sad in our community."