The headlines about MLB umpires this season have always been about miscalls on the baseball field, and they’re usually not good.
But James Hoye, crew chief for Saturday night’s game between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Angels, is gaining popularity for the special undershirt he was spotted wearing during the game.
Underneath his MLB umpire uniform, Hoye was wearing a T-shirt featuring beloved Seinfield character Cosmo Kramer.
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Umpire James Hoye during a game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Tigers at Comerica Park on June 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The undershirt was discovered during a broadcast while an umpire was calling a home run by Braves utility player Whit Merrifield.
“That’s Kramer on his shirt,” play-by-play announcer Wayne Randazzo said on air as soon as he saw it. “Look. There’s a picture of Kramer on his shirt.”
Randazzo’s partner in the booth, Mark Gubicza, recognized him immediately.
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“Cosmo Kramer!” he said.
“It’s unbelievable,” Randazzo continued, “what an incredible sight I just saw.”
Social media erupted in excitement after seeing Høie’s undershirt.
Chicago Cubs’ Craig Counsell argues with umpire James Hoye during the bottom of the eighth inning during a game against the Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 29, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
“I absolutely love this!” commented one X user.
“He’s enjoying every minute on set,” another said, quoting a famous line from Michael Richards, who played Kramer on the show.
Hoye has been an umpire in the league for many years, since making his debut in 2003. He is highly respected among his peers, having served as a member of the umpire panels for the 2019 and 2022 World Series, and will also serve as the home plate umpire and head umpire for the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.
Umpire James Hoye points toward the dugout during a game between the Orioles and the Oakland Athletics at Orioles Park at Camden Yards on April 26, 2024 in Baltimore. (G. Fiume/Getty Images)
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But these accomplishments as an umpire may go unnoticed now, as MLB fans will always remember that Hoy is a huge Seinfeld fan, just like the rest of us.
