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C. B. Bucknor

C.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

C. B. Bucknor is a Jamaican Major League Baseball umpire who began his MLB career in 1996. He has worked in both leagues since 2000 and is one of the longest-tenured active umpires. Bucknor has been the subject of controversy for several widely publicized missed calls.

Early life and background

Bucknor was born in Savanna la Mar, Jamaica. He later attended SUNY Cortland, where he became the only alumnus from the school to become a Major League Baseball umpire.

Umpiring career

Bucknor began his Major League Baseball career in 1996 with the National League and continued in both leagues after the staffs merged in 2000. MLB lists his service time at 27 years.

Postseason and major assignments

Bucknor has worked the All-Star Game in 2005 and again in 2021. Sources also note multiple postseason assignments, including Division Series and Wild Card games.

Reputation and controversies

Bucknor has long been a controversial figure among players and fans because of disputed strike-zone and other calls. ESPN player polls in 2003, 2006, and 2010 named him the league's worst umpire.

Later career

In 2026, media reports said Bucknor was recovering from an injury after being struck in the face by a foul ball and that he had accepted a buyout to retire after the 2026 season.

Key facts

  • C. B. Bucknor is a Jamaican-born MLB umpire who entered the National League in 1996.
  • He has worked All-Star Games in 2005 and 2021 and has appeared in postseason assignments.
  • He was voted MLB's worst umpire in ESPN player polls in 2003, 2006, and 2010.
  • As of 2026, he had accepted a buyout and planned to retire after the 2026 season.
  • He attended SUNY Cortland, the only alumnus from that school to become an MLB umpire.

Frequently asked questions

Who is C. B. Bucknor?
He is a Jamaican Major League Baseball umpire whose full name is Christopher Blake Bucknor.
When did C. B. Bucknor start in MLB?
He began in the National League in 1996 and has worked in both leagues since 2000.
Where was C. B. Bucknor born?
He was born in Savanna la Mar, Jamaica.
Has C. B. Bucknor worked in the postseason?
Yes. Sources note that he has worked Division Series and Wild Card games as well as other postseason assignments.
Why is C. B. Bucknor well known?
He is known both for his long MLB career and for being a frequent subject of criticism over controversial or missed calls.
Is C. B. Bucknor retired?
As of reports in 2026, he had accepted a voluntary buyout and was expected to retire after the 2026 season.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._B._Bucknor
    Supports: Full name, birth date, birthplace, nationality, and overview of MLB umpiring career
  2. Major League Baseball — https://www.mlb.com/official-information/umpires/bios
    Supports: MLB umpire bio, uniform number, and major league service time
  3. Baseball Reference Bullpen — https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/C.B._Bucknor
    Supports: Career timeline, All-Star Game assignments, and reported player poll criticism
  4. The Baseball Cube — https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/umpire_card.asp?ID=188889&View=ejections
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, MLB debut, and games worked
  5. SUNY Cortland — https://www.cortlandreddragons.com/honors/suny-cortland-c-club-hall-of-fame/c-b-bucknor/24
    Supports: Attendance at SUNY Cortland and distinction as the school's only MLB umpire alumnus
  6. Yahoo Sports — https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/veteran-mlb-umpire-cb-bucknor-to-reportedly-retire-after-the-2026-season-accepting-bu-175056611.html
    Supports: 2026 retirement report and buyout