Yankees: Joe West Claims Coronavirus is a Hoax and Will Ump in 2020
![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 21: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees argues with umpire crew chief Joe West after he was ejected from a game against the Toronto Blue Jays between the first and second innings at Yankee Stadium on September 21, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_752,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fyanksgoyard-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2016-2F04-2F1176191047-850x560-1c45b956c89a8c734a95fe9f35674d03.jpg)
Veteran umpire Joe West claimed to be a coronavirus skeptic in the same interview where he confirmed that he will work the 2020 MLB season.
For any Yankees fans wondering if they would be deprived of the umpiring antics of Joe West this upcoming season, well, don’t. Major League Baseball recently determined the 67-year-old to be at high risk for the coronavirus, and, even though he could opt out with full pay, West is choosing to ump in 2020.
In other words, West is going to eject New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone at least once or twice this year.
What prompted Country Joe’s decision? His latest clean bill of health from doctors AND that he’s an adamant skeptic of COVID-19.
Joe West: “I don’t believe in my heart that all these deaths have been from the coronavirus."
— Craig Calcaterra (@craigcalcaterra) July 7, 2020
He's not opting out of the 2020 season, even though he can do so with full pay. https://t.co/SQl3tM16zh via @HardballTalk
“I said, ‘Look, most of these people that they’re reporting are dying are not healthy to begin with,’ ” West told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. “I’ve lost 25 pounds over the winter. I’m playing golf every day in the heat. I’m fine. I’m not going to back down now.”
“I don’t believe in my heart that all these deaths have been from the coronavirus. I believe it may have contributed to some of the deaths. I said, ‘I’m not going to opt out. I’m going to work. And I’m going to work until you take me off the field or I get hurt, whatever. I’m working.’ ”
The second story:
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 7, 2020
As umpires close in on revised deal with MLB, Joe West plans to return. https://t.co/BSei2dnwpH
That quote is precisely the moxie that has made West a “fan favorite” among baseball fans. What also played a role in his decision to umpire amid COVID-19? He reportedly wants to set the all-time record for games worked. Entering 2020, West is 65 games behind Bill Klem’s record, so, if he works the entire season this year, he could reach that mark early on in 2021.
Take a closer look at the Yankees' 2020 schedule. light. More
West making headlines with outlandish comments must mean that baseball is right around the corner, and that feels great to say.