Umpire injured in collision with Angels’ Torii Hunter

Who says baseball isn’t a contact sport?

Well, umpire Greg Gibson certainly wouldn’t think so after being knocked upside the head by Torii Hunter’s spikes during a play at home plate in Wednesday night’s game against the Cleveland Indians.

Gibson, who was working behind home plate, had to leave the game after being knocked in the head by Hunter’s foot as the veteran outfielder tried to score from first base on a double by Kendrys Morales in the fifth inning.

Hunter, who was tagged out by Cleveland catcher Carlos Santana on the play, dove head first and reached a hand out to touch the plate, which he missed. His foot then swung by and hit Gibson near the left temple, knocking the umpire flat onto his stomach.

The spikes opened a cut near Gibson’s eye, but he managed to walk off the field after being attended to by Angels trainer Rick Smith.

First base umpire Manny Gonzalez took over Gibson’s duties behind home plate. Second base umpire Gerry Davis made the call on the play.

ALSO:

Reggie Bush says he would not want to return to USC

Andrew Bynum maintains ‘I was definitely focused’ with Lakers

Seattle’s Felix Hernandez tosses perfect game against Tampa Bay