| Paul Emmel | |
|---|---|
 Emmel in 2017 | |
| Born: (1968-05-02)May 2, 1968 (age 57) Midland, Michigan, U.S. | |
| MLB debut | |
| July 31, 1999 | |
| Last appearance | |
| May 21, 2023 | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| Special Assignments |
Paul Lewis Emmel (born May 2, 1968) is an American retiredMajor League Baseball (MLB)umpire. He worked in theNational League in 1999, and throughout both major leagues from 2000 to 2023. Emmel was named a crew chief in 2017[1] and wore uniform number 50.
Prior to reaching the major leagues in 1999, Emmel worked in theNew York–Penn League (1992–1993),South Atlantic League (1994),California League (1995),Florida State League (1996),Eastern League (1996–1997), andInternational League (1998).
Emmel missed the 2018 season, returning in 2019, but again missing work in July and part of August.[citation needed] He missed the 2020 and 2021 seasons with knee and leg issues.[2] He returned to MLB in the 2022 season. Emmel retired before the 2025 season began.[3]
EmmelejectedAtlanta Braves managerBobby Cox from Game 2 of the2010 NLDS for disputing an out call on the grounds thatSan Francisco Giants first basemanAubrey Huff had come off of first base.[4]
Emmel has umpired twoAll-Star Games (2002,2013); twoWild Card Games (2014,2015); eightDivision Series (2002,2003,2006,2008,2009,2010,2012,2013); threeLeague Championship Series (2007,2014,2015); and the2013 World Series. He has also officiated in twoWorld Baseball Classics (2009,2013).
Emmel was the second base umpire whenDetroit Tigers pitcherJustin Verlander threw ano-hitter atComerica Park against theMilwaukee Brewers on June 12,2007.[5] Five days prior to Verlander's no-hitter, Emmel was also at second base in a game between theBoston Red Sox and theOakland Athletics in which Boston pitcherCurt Schilling had a no-hitter untilShannon Stewart broke up the no-hitter with a single with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning.[6]
On May 8, 2012, Emmel was the plate umpire forJosh Hamilton'sfour-homer game.[7]
On June 23, 2016, Emmel suffered a scalp laceration requiring stitches after being struck by an errant bat, which slipped from the grasp of Los Angeles Angels' pinch hitterJefry Marté during a swinging strike, in a game between the Angels and the Oakland Athletics.[8]
On September 1, 2019, Emmel was the home plate umpire whenHouston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander threw a no-hitter against theToronto Blue Jays.
Emmel is a graduate ofCentral Michigan University with a B.A. in finance (1991). He lives in the Denver area[1] and has two children.
In late 2020, Emmel was honored by thePoints of Light foundation for his work as theUMPS CARE charities secretary, among other charity activities.[1]
