Major League Baseball umpire Brock Ballou was among two victims who were robbed and assaulted by the same individual in Philadelphia on April 9.
The incidents took place about 30 minutes apart in Center City, according to the Philadelphia Police Department, which has released images of the suspect, who is believed to be in his teens.
Initially, the suspect allegedly entered a convenience store on Chestnut Street in downtown Philadelphia, where he’s accused of stealing several items. When confronted by a store employee, the suspect threw multiple punches before fleeing, according to police.
A half hour later, that same suspect approached Ballou from behind and grabbed the umpire’s cell phone out of his hand before running away, police said.
The 33-year-old Ballou chased after the suspect and a physical altercation ensued at the corner of 16th Street and Walnut.
Surveillance video shows Ballou being punched in the head several times as he tried to retrieve his phone.
Major League Baseball umpire Brock Ballou was among two victims who were robbed and assaulted by the same individual in downtown Philadelphia on April 9
The suspect ran away, but police say they’ve captured him on surveillance video
‘They ended up on the ground, at which time the victim struck his head, causing injury,’ Captain Jason Smith told CBS News Philadelphia. ‘The male continued his assault, violently punching him.’
Somehow an onlooker was able to grab the phone, which was later returned to Ballou.
The umpire’s injuries were not considered serious and he was able to work the following day’s Phillies-Diamondbacks game.
MLB is declining to address the incident.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia police are asking anyone with information to call 215-686-3093/3094.
Crime has been improving in Philadelphia, where homicides, violent crimes and property crimes are all down from this time last year. But while murders may be down 33 percent, theft from a person is up 25 percent, according to the Philadelphia Police Department’s online statistics.
Ballou has been an MLB umpire since 2022 with 254 career games under his belt.
