July 18th, 2020 at 9:00 am 
by Jayann Kellogg As the number of positive coronavirus tests and deaths continues to grow, and more states mandating that masks be worn when entering places of business, there is one MLB umpire who does not agree with everything COVID-19.
Even with strict COVID-19 protocols set in place by MLB for players and staff safety, 67-year-old / 44-year MLB veteran umpire Joe West does not believe that the global pandemic numbers are real. He also apparently believes that the requirement to wear a protective mask under his umpire mask does not apply to him.
It was reported that West did not wear a mask while umpiring behind home plate during two innings of a recent Tampa Bay Rays simulated game. Yet he made sure to wear gloves during his time behind home plate.
Per a recent MLB Umpires Association statement, the union fully supports the safety protocols set forth by MLB and the MLB Players Association.
“Regardless of any umpire’s personal views, when we report for a resumed spring training and 2020 season, we will conduct ourselves as professionals and in accordance with the health and safety protocol,” the statement reads.
Due to his age, West falls under the ‘at-risk’ category for COVID-19, yet still refuses to believe in its severity. He was offered full pay if he chose to opt-out, but has decided not to.
“As soon as [deputy MLB commissioner Dan Halem] answered the phone, he said, ‘I guess you’re calling to tell me you’re opting out.’ I said, ‘No, I’m calling to tell you I’m not opting out,’” West told The Athletic. Anyone else in West’s position would most likely have opted-out simply because, being in an ‘at-risk’ category and should he contract the virus, the odds of recovery would be significantly against him.
In order to make a short 60-game 2020 Baseball season happen, it is crucial that everyone, regardless of their personal views, take the safety protocols set in place by MLB seriously so a full short-season can actually happen. This is not a time to be selfish by not wearing a mask to protect others. This is a time to set your own opinions aside and just play by the rules. If you can’t play fair behind home plate, by all means, go umpire out on third base.
Stay safe everyone, and please wear a mask.
Don’t be a Joe.
Let’s play ball!
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Sad to say that West’s attitude does not surprise me in the least. Apparently he is so self centered that he doesn’t understand that the mask is more about protecting others than himself. Likely that he also believes that the earth is flat. Unfortunately for MLB and fans, West should have retired LONG ago; he is an embarrassment to himself, his profession, and MLB.
I hope MLB steps up and suspends West without pay for failing to follow agree upon protocols. Perhaps a week without pay will get his attention. Another violation and suspend him for the season.
Jayann says this is a time to set your own opinions aside. Does that also apply to the Giants players who took a knee during the National Anthem, or are there some opinions that are permissible and some that are not.
He’s paid to wear the mask. It’s not about his personal opinion. He can choose not to wear his mask, seatbelt, or pants on his own time. At work he should wear his uniform—which includes a mask. What an idiot. His bosses should suspend him from work until he complies with expectations.