Incredible Footage Shows the Absurd Reason Why Chicago Cubs Star Nico Hoerner Was Ejected — And the Truth Behind the Incident This Time

Chicago, June 10, 2025 — In a moment that stunned fans, broadcasters, and even players on the field, Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner was ejected during the fourth inning of last night’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals — for what many are calling one of the most bizarre and absurd reasons in recent MLB history.

Captured in now-viral video footage circulating online, the incident has sparked widespread outrage and confusion, with some calling it a case of umpire overreach, while others claim it reveals deeper tensions simmering beneath the surface of MLB’s rules enforcement.

The Ejection That Stopped Wrigley in Its Tracks

The game was moving along at a steady pace when, during a routine at-bat in the bottom of the fourth, Hoerner took a borderline pitch for a called strike. Hoerner didn’t argue — he simply looked toward the pitcher, tapped his cleats with his bat, and softly chuckled to himself.

That’s when home plate umpire Mark Reynolds suddenly stepped forward and threw Hoerner out of the game.

“You’re done! Get out!” Reynolds shouted, pointing dramatically toward the Cubs’ dugout.

Even Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera appeared stunned. “I thought he was kidding at first,” Herrera told reporters postgame. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

What Did Nico Hoerner Actually Do?

According to the official umpire report, Hoerner was ejected for ‘showing up the umpire’ — a term used to describe behavior that publicly embarrasses or questions an umpire’s authority. The report claims Hoerner “smirked in a sarcastic manner” and “muttered something under his breath,” though no audio from live mics or replay supports that account.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell sprinted out of the dugout to defend his player, arguing passionately for several minutes before he, too, was nearly tossed. Cameras caught Counsell repeatedly saying, “He didn’t say a word!”

Social Media Reacts: ‘The Most Ridiculous Ejection Ever’

Within minutes of the ejection, clips flooded X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram. Hashtags like #FreeHoerner and #MLBOverreach began trending nationwide.

“You cannot eject a player for smiling,” one user posted. “That umpire should be suspended. This is ruining the sport.”

Others chimed in with similar outrage:

“You’re telling me a guy chuckling gets him thrown out of a rivalry game? What are we doing here, MLB?”

“Let players show emotion. It’s entertainment. Hoerner did nothing wrong.”

Even some MLB players, both active and retired, weighed in. Former Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta tweeted:

“That’s embarrassing for the league. Nico has always been one of the most respectful guys on the field.”

The Truth Behind the Incident: A History of Tension?

This wasn’t the first time Mark Reynolds has drawn criticism for questionable ejections. In fact, league insiders point out that Reynolds leads all MLB umpires in player ejections over the past three seasons, many involving what fans consider minor gestures or perceived attitudes.

While the MLB Umpires Association defended Reynolds in a short statement, the league office has yet to comment on whether the incident will be reviewed.

Sources close to the Cubs organization suggest that Hoerner and Reynolds may have had prior friction during a 2024 game in Cincinnati, when a similar borderline strike call sparked a lengthy dugout exchange.

“There might be some personal history here,” said one league scout anonymously. “But that doesn’t excuse this kind of reaction in a game with playoff implications.”

Cubs Clubhouse Reacts: “We Were Shocked”

Following the game — which the Cubs lost 5–3 after losing momentum — Hoerner was calm but visibly disappointed.

“I’ve always tried to play the game the right way,” Hoerner said. “I wasn’t trying to show anyone up. I didn’t say anything. I was just… surprised by the call. That’s all.”

Teammates backed him up wholeheartedly. “He’s the last guy you’d expect to get tossed. Nico doesn’t lose his cool,” said Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki.

Manager Counsell called the ejection “inexcusable”, noting it not only hurt the team’s performance but also “undermined the integrity of the game.”

What Happens Next?

As calls grow louder for the MLB to address the situation, fans and analysts are left wondering what consequences, if any, await Reynolds — and whether the league will issue a statement to defend or criticize the decision.

In the meantime, Nico Hoerner is expected to be in the starting lineup for the Cubs’ next game — though likely with even more fan support than usual.

Conclusion

What began as a seemingly routine at-bat turned into a flashpoint moment that raised serious questions about umpire authority, player expression, and the future of fairness in baseball. Whether the league steps in or not, the absurd ejection of Nico Hoerner won’t be forgotten anytime soon — and may become a case study in how not to handle discipline on the diamond.