MLB Umpire Mark Ripperger posts the second-ever perfect game in the Ump Scorecards Era

Let’s give credit where credit is due — especially when it’s this rare. With all the headlines lately dragging MLB umpires through the mud for missed calls, inconsistent zones, and the general nonsense that is the strike zone, it’s only fair we stop and salute Mark Ripperger. On Thursday night in Minnesota, the man didn’t miss. Literally.

MLB Umpire CB Bucknor absolutely butchers the strike zone in Rockies-A’s game, racks up 15 missed ball/strike calls and missed 4 K’s

Behind the dish for the Royals vs. Twins matchup, Mark Ripperger called every single one of the 136 taken pitches correctly, per Umpire Scorecards. That’s 89 balls, 47 strikes, and not one single whiff. Not even a borderline wobble.

MLB Umpire Mark Ripperger with an absolute Masterclass

Mark Ripperger umped the second-ever perfect game in the @UmpScorecards era (2015) last night

The other one was Pat Hoberg in the 2022 World Series pic.twitter.com/IhwDQhbE0i

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 11, 2025

That kind of accuracy is absurdly rare. In fact, Ripperger becomes just the second MLB umpire in the Umpire Scorecards era (dating back to 2015) to achieve a “perfect game.”

The only other name on that list? Pat Hoberg — who pulled it off in the 2022 World Series before getting axed this year in a betting scandal.

So yeah, it’s nice to see someone raising the bar without setting off red flags.

Even more impressive? Ripperger’s masterpiece came in a tight 3-2 Royals win. One blown call could’ve changed everything. Instead, he was rock solid — the silent third party that every fan, player, and manager wishes for but rarely gets.

Still just 44, Ripperger’s résumé already includes an All-Star Game (2022), a World Series appearance (2024), and being the plate ump for Mike Fiers’ no-hitter back in 2019. But Thursday night might be his most flawless performance yet.

So while we’re all rightfully quick to hammer umpires for boneheaded mistakes and questionable strike zones, let’s be just as loud when one of them goes full Jedi and calls a perfect game from behind the plate.

Here’s hoping the robo-ump lobbyists took the night off — because Mark Ripperger just reminded the league why humans still belong behind the mask.

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