Brian O’Nora Out Indefinitely After Cubs Sox Game Concussion
Brian O’Nora is out indefinitely after suffering a concussion in the cubs sox game at Rate Field on Saturday night. The major league umpire was hit on the left side of the jaw by a Jarred Kelenic foul ball in the fourth inning of the Sox’ 8-3 victory.
He was examined by Sox trainers and removed from the game. Erich Bacchus took over behind the plate, and the crew finished the night with three umpires.
O’Nora’s jaw and headaches
O’Nora said Sunday morning that the force of the foul ball dropped him to a knee. He said, “I’ve been doing this for years,’’ and that was the best shot he had taken in the face.
He also said, “I don’t remember anything until I got up.” He added, “I have bad headaches and the left side of my jaw is very sore.”
John Bacon joins Sunday
Triple-A umpire John Bacon, a designated call-up umpire, joined the crew for Sunday’s game. O’Nora planned to go home later Sunday and then fly to Arizona for treatment at the Sports Concussion Center at Banner-University Phoenix.
Before Sunday’s game, he said, “There will be all kinds of testing,’’” and, “They won’t let me go back on the field until I get cleared.” O’Nora has been umpiring in the major leagues since 1992, and this injury now leaves the crew adjusting while he goes through that process.
