The stage is set for an epic World Series showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, and Major League Baseball has revealed the elite umpiring crew tasked with officiating the Fall Classic. Headlining the seven-man crew is veteran umpire Mark Carlson, who will serve as crew chief and oversee the high-stakes action on baseball’s grandest stage.
Carlson, a seasoned MLB umpire with over two decades of experience, is no stranger to the World Series spotlight. The 55-year-old will be making his third Fall Classic appearance, having previously worked the 2015 and 2020 editions. Known for his calm demeanor and consistent strike zone, Carlson’s steady hand will be invaluable in managing the intense pressure and scrutiny that comes with the World Series territory.
Fresh Faces Join World Series Umpiring Ranks
While Carlson brings a wealth of postseason experience, the 2024 World Series crew also features three umpires making their Fall Classic debuts. Andy Fletcher, Mark Ripperger, and Carlos Torres will all be officiating their first World Series games, a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout their careers.
Fletcher, 57, has been a MLB umpire since 1999 and has worked numerous postseason series. Ripperger, 44, joined the big league ranks in 2010 and has consistently graded out as one of the most accurate ball-strike callers. Torres, the youngest of the trio at 46, made his MLB debut in 2015 and has quickly ascended to the sport’s biggest stage.
Game 1 Umpire Assignments Revealed
Torres will have the honor of working home plate for Game 1 at Dodger Stadium, with Carlson stationed at first base, Doug Eddings at second, Ripperger at third, Chad Fairchild in left field, and Todd Tichenor in right. Fletcher will serve as the reserve umpire for the opener.
Calling balls and strikes on the game’s biggest stage is a dream come true. I’ve worked hard my entire career for this opportunity, and I’m humbled and honored to be part of such an incredible crew.
– Carlos Torres, on being assigned home plate duties for Game 1
Rotation Plans and Replay Duties
As the series progresses, the umpires will rotate positions, with Fletcher taking over behind the plate for Game 2, followed by Carlson, Eddings, Ripperger, Fairchild, and Tichenor in subsequent games. Tichenor will serve as crew chief when Carlson is not on the field.
Off the field, Cory Blaser and James Hoye will handle video review duties at the MLB replay operations center in New York. Their expertise in analyzing close calls and controversial plays will be crucial in ensuring the accuracy and fairness of the World Series.
Umpires Bring Strong Regular Season Performance
The World Series umpires were selected based on their outstanding performance during the regular season. According to umpscorecards.com, a website that tracks umpire accuracy, the crew posted impressive numbers in 2024:
- Ripperger: 94.8% accuracy on ball-strike calls
- Tichenor: 94.4%
- Torres: 94.2%
- Fairchild: 93.8%
- Carlson: 93.6%
- Eddings: 93.4%
- Fletcher: 93.1%
With a talented crew boasting a mix of experience and fresh perspectives, the 2024 World Series is poised to be officiated at the highest level. As the Dodgers and Yankees prepare to battle for baseball’s ultimate prize, the men in blue will work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a fair and well-called Fall Classic for players and fans alike.
