An MLB umpire in town for a recent Phillies series against the Arizona Diamondbacks was robbed while walking in Center City the night before the matchup began, police sources confirmed to Action News.
The robbery happened at 16th and Walnut streets. Investigators say the umpire was walking down Walnut Street when someone tried to steal his phone. Police audio from the incident captures the umpire describing what was taken.
“He says he took the phone from him. He took his iPhone. It’s an iPhone 17?” asked an officer.
“Yeah,” the umpire responded. “It’s black, and it’s got silver on the back.”
Police released images of a suspect they say is wanted in connection with two strong-arm robberies within about 30 minutes that night.
RELATED | Suspect sought for pair of violent robberies in Center City
The first incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. at a 7-Eleven on the 1200 block of Chestnut Street. Police say the suspect stole several items and then attacked an employee.
About 30 minutes later, authorities say the suspect targeted the MLB umpire on the 1600 block of Walnut Street. After the phone was taken, police say the umpire chased the suspect. The two fell to the ground, and the suspect punched the umpire several times, causing him to hit his head on the pavement before the suspect ran off.
Major League Baseball is not commenting on the incident, but confirmed the umpire worked all of his assigned games in Philadelphia.
Some Phillies fans said the incident reflects poorly on the city.
“You never want to hear that about this city because we already have a bad rap. Whether it’s warranted or whatever, that’s not good,” said Alonzo Flowers of Northeast Philadelphia.
Police continue to search for the suspect involved in the attack and robbery. Attempts to reach the umpire for comment have not been returned.