Tensions between the St. Louis Cardinals and veteran MLB umpire C.B. Bucknor reached a boiling point when manager Oli Marmol didn’t hold back his opinion during a postgame interview, calling Bucknor out in no uncertain terms.
“I think he has zero class as a man,” Marmol said.
The heated comment came after a particularly controversial game where Bucknor, known for his inconsistent strike zone and abrasive on-field demeanor, reportedly refused to engage in a pre-game handshake or any communication with Marmol during the standard pregame lineup card exchange.
According to Marmol, the tension stems from a past encounter between the two, when Bucknor ejected him from a game under contentious circumstances. Marmol’s frustration, already simmering from questionable calls and previous disrespect, erupted after Bucknor allegedly gave him the cold shoulder yet again.
This is not the first time Bucknor has drawn the ire of players, managers, and fans across Major League Baseball. Widely regarded as one of the least consistent umpires in the league by player polls, Bucknor has frequently been involved in on-field disputes and high-profile ejections.
Oli Marmol, one of the league’s youngest managers, made headlines by refusing to walk away from the confrontation.
“I don’t think he’s good at his job, and it shows every time he’s out there,” Marmol said in a follow-up, doubling down on his stance.
MLB has not yet issued a statement or disciplinary action regarding Marmol’s comments, though it’s common for managers to face fines when publicly criticizing umpires.
Marmol’s blunt words have resonated with fans and some in the baseball community who have long criticized Bucknor’s umpiring. Social media platforms lit up following the quote’s release, with many backing the Cardinals manager for speaking out against what they see as a longstanding issue of accountability among MLB umpires.
Some former players and analysts have even suggested that Marmol said what others have long been thinking—but didn’t have the platform or courage to express publicly.
With the Cardinals pushing to stay competitive in a tight National League Central race, tensions are naturally high. Marmol’s confrontation may add fuel to the fire—but it also sends a message about professionalism, consistency, and respect on the field.
Whether MLB responds publicly or privately, the message from Marmol is clear: the days of quietly tolerating perceived disrespect or incompetence are over.