Even after being hit in the face by a ball thrown by a player, an American professional baseball referee showed the 'professional spirit' to finish the game to the end.
On the 13th local time, the 2021 MLB game between the New York Mets and the St. Louis Cardinals was held at Citi Field, New York, USA.
The dizzying situation occurred in the second inning when the home team Mets were losing 0-1.
Mets lead batsman Kevin Pillar attacked opposing pitcher Adam Wainwright and sent the ball between shortstop and second base.
St. Louis shortstop Edmundo Sosa managed to catch a ground ball, then turned around and threw hard to first base.
However, Sosa threw the ball to the left from first base and hit the face of first baseman Junior Valentine.
Ballantine's referee was focused on first base to make a decision, so he didn't see the ball flying from the side.
Valentine's referee, who was hit by Sosa's 'bullet throw', covered his face and sat down. Bleeding on his right cheek, he was treated by a Mets trainer.
The game, which was paused for a while, resumed about 10 minutes later, and Valentine's referee returned to the place with a smile and took charge of the game until the end.
After the match, Chief Referee Jerry Mills said, "Valentine's referee is in good health. There are no other injuries such as fractures, and fortunately the blood stopped quickly."
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(Photo=Getty Images Korea, MLB.com website)