Alleged Drunk Umpire Passes Out On Baseball Field, Then Resists Arrest

Toulon, IL — An umpire gave a new definition to being “out” when he allegedly passed out in the infield during the first inning of a high school game and then resisted arrest when police arrived.

The umpire was officiating a varsity game between United High School and Stark County High School on Friday in the Peoria, Ill., area.

As USA Today noted, “Normally umpires are the ones doing the ejecting,” but not in this instance.

Sheriff’s deputies reportedly had to deploy a taser to take him into custody on the field because he was being belligerent. “According to witnesses, Jacobson passed out on the field and when he was being assisted, he attacked the first responders that tried to help. He was then tased two times while being arrested.” Witnesses added that he was “visibly under the influence” at the time.

The ump, identified as Daryl Jacobson, 49, was charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery and two misdemeanor counts of resisting a peace officer.

In a subsequent court hearing on Sunday, Jacobson said “I’m sorry for the inconvenience I gave everyone on Friday. That definitely was not normal of me.” The judge found probable cause on all four charges, however.

As of yesterday, the ump was in Stark County Jail on a $5,000 bond. The judge also ordered Jacobson to stay away from alcohol or any place that sells alcohol.

The Stark County School Superintendent said of this incident that “at no time was the safety of the players or coaches in jeopardy.”

The ump is due back in court on May 24 for an arraignment.

[Top image via Shutterstock]

Baseball fans sometimes accuse umpires of being blind in the way they call a game. That being said, have you ever heard of an instance from another venue or league unrelated to this incident in which blind drunk would apply?