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15 MLB Managers Who Always Lost It on the Ump

Some managers stay calm no matter how bad the call is. Others? Let’s just say the ump better have good reflexes.

These 15 managers made arguing with the ump a part of their brand. Whether it was a theatrical hat toss or a full-on dirt-kicking meltdown, they knew how to make an ejection worth the price of admission.

15. Robin Ventura

Robin Ventura speaks during a press conference for a celebrity shootout charity event at the Compliance Solutions Championship golf tournament in Norman, Okla., Saturday, June 22, 2024.
BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ventura didn’t erupt as often as some others, but when he did, it got fiery fast. His confrontations were short, sharp, and usually ended with him walking off in disgust.

14. Jim Leyland

1990; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Jim Leyland hits ground balls on the field prior to a game at Three Rivers Stadium during the 1990 season.
Tony Tomsic-Imagn Images

Leyland always looked like he’d had enough, and his arguments usually came with a side of cigarette smoke and pure rage. He was the kind of guy who could chew out an ump without raising his voice—and still terrify everyone.

13. Lou Piniella

1990, Cincinnati, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cincinnati Reds manager Lou Piniella (41) talks with MLB umpire John McSherry at Riverfront Stadium during the 1990 season.
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Sweet Lou turned the tantrum into an art form. His hat-flipping, base-throwing meltdowns were must-see TV.

12. Buck Showalter

May 13, 2011; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter (26) during batting practice prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.
Kim Klement-Imagn Images

Buck didn’t always explode, but when he did, it felt like your dad was yelling at you after you dented the car. His angry face alone was enough to rattle an ump.

11. Bobby Cox

Unknown Date; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox at Fulton County Stadium.
Manny Rubio-Imagn Images

The king of ejections, Cox holds the MLB record and earned every one of them. He was never afraid to stand up for his players, usually while getting tossed in record time.

10. Mike Scioscia

June 23, 2006; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim manager (14) Mike Scioscia hits grounders before playing the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Scioscia was a ticking time bomb in the dugout, especially when balls and strikes weren’t going his way. His blowups were more intense than loud, but they got the job done.

9. Ozzie Guillén

Oct 12, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Former Chicago White Sox player and manager Ozzie Guillen talks to fans before game four of the 2021 ALDS between the Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Ozzie was never subtle, and neither were his confrontations with umpires. Whether it was yelling, pointing, or storming onto the field, you always knew he meant business.

8. Bruce Bochy

1998, Unknown location, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Diego Padres manager Bruce Bochy in the dugout during the 1998 season.
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Bochy might’ve had a calm exterior, but he could snap in a second when the call didn’t go his way. And when that big frame got moving toward the plate, umps usually braced themselves.

7. Terry Collins

May 15, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; New York Mets manager Terry Collins (10) runs off the field before a game against the New York Mets at Busch Stadium. St. Louis defeated New York 4-2.
Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Thanks to a hot mic, one of Collins’ rants became internet gold. But that was just one of many legendary tirades in a long career of ump confrontations.

6. Joe Maddon

March 7, 2010; Clearwater, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon before the spring training game against the Philadelphia Philliesat Bright House Networks Field.
Kim Klement-Imagn Images

Don’t let the glasses fool you—Maddon had a sneaky short fuse. His debates with umps often started calmly but turned into full-blown chaos fast.

5. Tony La Russa

Sept 8, 2006; Phoenix, AZ, USA; St Louis Cardinals head coach Tony La Russa hits grounders before playing the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

La Russa was always calculated, but he didn’t hesitate to light up an ump when the mood struck. His controlled fury made for some seriously tense face-to-face moments.

4. Billy Martin

Billy Martin took over managing the Tigers in 1971 and finished in 1973, leaving with a 253-208 record. Tigersmanagers018
Ed Haun, Detroit Free Press via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Martin didn’t argue—he attacked. His legendary rage and unfiltered language made him a nightmare for umps everywhere.

Read More: 10 NFL General Managers Who Had No Business Running a Team

3. Earl Weaver

Unknown date and location; USA; FILE PHOTO; Baltimore Orioles manager Earl Weaver argues with an umpire.
Tony Tomsic-Imagn Images

Weaver was the original showman of the manager meltdown. Tiny in stature but massive in fury, he practically invented the angry ump tirade.

Read More: 15 Former MLB Players Who Should Become Managers

2. Tommy Lasorda

Mar. 13, 2009; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers coach Tommy Lasorda prior to the game against the Texas Rangers at The Ballpark at Camelback Ranch.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Lasorda mixed humor, rage, and an occasional waddle onto the field. He made umpire confrontations entertaining in a way only he could.

Read More: 15 MLB Managers Who Got Too Much Credit for the Team’s Success

1. Lloyd McClendon

Iowa Cubs manager Marty Pevey, right, visits with umpire Cody Oakes, Toledo manager Lloyd McClendon, and umpires Dillon Wilson and Matt Winter prior to the start of the Triple-A baseball game at Principal Park in Des Moines on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. Iowacubs 20220412 Bh
Bryon Houlgrave/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK

McClendon famously stole first base—literally. That move alone earns him the top spot, but it was just one of many volcanic eruptions in his career.

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