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CB Bucknor, born Clarence B Bucknor, is a former professional baseball umpire who officiated in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1999 to 2019. He is one of the most recognizable and recognizable umpires in the history of the game. He is well-known for his consistent and unwavering strike zone calls and for his humorous personality. But did CB Bucknor ever play baseball himself?
Early Life and Career
CB Bucknor was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in the Baltimore area. He attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where he played baseball and football. He was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 19th round of the 1984 Major League Baseball draft, but he did not sign with the team.
After college, CB Bucknor began his career as a minor league baseball umpire in 1988. He worked his way up through the minor leagues, eventually making it to the major leagues in 1999. He remained in the major leagues until his retirement in 2019.
Did CB Bucknor Play Baseball?
The answer to the question of whether CB Bucknor ever played baseball is a bit complicated. While CB Bucknor was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 19th round of the 1984 Major League Baseball draft, he did not sign with the team. Therefore, while he may have played baseball at the college level, he never officially played professional baseball.
CB Bucknor’s Umpiring Career
CB Bucknor was widely considered one of the best umpires in the game. He was known for his consistent strike zone calls and his willingness to stand up to players and coaches who disagreed with his calls. He was also praised for his humorous personality and willingness to joke around while on the field.
CB Bucknor officiated in the major leagues from 1999-2019 and worked several post-season games, including the World Series three times. He also worked in the All-Star Game four times, and was the home plate umpire for the 2004 All-Star Game.
CB Bucknor’s Legacy
CB Bucknor will be remembered as one of the best umpires in the history of the game. He was a respected and reliable umpire who was well-liked by players and coaches alike. His consistent and fair strike zone calls were renowned, and his humorous personality made him a fan favorite.
CB Bucknor’s Life After Baseball
After retiring from umpiring in 2019, CB Bucknor began working as a baseball analyst for ESPN. He appears regularly on ESPN’s Baseball Tonight and Sunday Night Baseball programs. He also makes occasional appearances on other ESPN programs.
CB Bucknor’s Net Worth
CB Bucknor is estimated to have a net worth of around $2 million. This net worth is largely due to his long and successful career as an MLB umpire. He also earns additional income from his work as a baseball analyst for ESPN.
Awards and Accolades
During his career as an MLB umpire, CB Bucknor was the recipient of several awards and accolades. In 2002, he was awarded the Joe Cronin Award, which is given annually to the top umpire in the American League. In 2007, he was awarded the James J. McKean Award, which is given to the top umpire in the National League.
CB Bucknor’s Endorsements
CB Bucknor has endorsed several products and services over the years, including:
- Wilson Sporting Goods
- Rawlings Baseballs
- Reebok Uniforms
- New Balance Shoes
He has also lent his likeness to various video games, including MLB The Show, MLB 2K, and MLB: The Bigs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CB Bucknor was a professional baseball umpire who officiated in Major League Baseball from 1999 to 2019. He is widely considered one of the best umpires in the history of the game, and he is well-known for his consistent and unwavering strike zone calls and for his humorous personality. While CB Bucknor was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 19th round of the 1984 Major League Baseball draft, he did not sign with the team. Therefore, while he may have played baseball at the college level, he never officially played professional baseball. CB Bucknor will be remembered as one of the best umpires in the history of the game, and he will continue to be an ambassador for the sport of baseball.