On June 22, 2025, the College World Series (CWS) final between Coastal Carolina and LSU took a shocking turn when Coastal Carolina’s head coach Kevin Schnall and first base coach Matt Schilling were ejected in the first inning of Game 2. The controversial call by home plate umpire Angel Campos sparked outrage, with Schnall arguing that Campos missed three pitches. This incident, in a must-win game for Coastal Carolina, has been labeled one of the most dramatic moments in recent CWS history. LSU went on to win 5-3, clinching their eighth national championship, but the ejections left a lingering question: did the umpires’ quick trigger alter the game’s outcome? Let’s break down the incident, explore the history of ejections in the CWS, delve into Campos’ background, and examine the social media and expert reactions.

The Incident: A First-Inning Firestorm

With two outs in the bottom of the first inning, Coastal Carolina’s Sebastian Alexander stole second base as a strike was called on batter Walker Mitchell. Schnall, frustrated by what he believed were multiple missed calls, stepped out of the dugout, gestured with three fingers, and shouted, “You missed three pitches.” Campos, after issuing a warning, ejected Schnall for arguing balls and strikes—a violation under NCAA Playing Rule 3-6-f-Note 1. Schnall continued to argue, prompting a two-game suspension for “prolonged arguing.” First base coach Matt Schilling was also tossed moments later for his comments, facing a three-game suspension. Associate head coach Chad Oxendine took over, but Coastal Carolina fell 5-3, ending their championship hopes.

Schnall later expressed frustration, stating, “I’m 48 years old. I shouldn’t get shooed by another grown man.” He denied bumping an umpire, claiming a base umpire tripped over Campos’ foot and wrongly accused him of contact. The incident, captured on ESPN’s broadcast, showed an umpire falling during the chaos, fueling debates about the call’s legitimacy.

Ejections in College World Series History

The CWS, established in 1947, is college baseball’s pinnacle, held annually in Omaha, Nebraska, since 1950. Ejections in the CWS are rare due to the high stakes and scrutiny. Historical data is sparse, but a review of NCAA records and media reports suggests fewer than 20 coach ejections have occurred in CWS finals since its inception. Notable instances include:

• 1985: Miami’s Ron Fraser was ejected for arguing a call in a game against Texas.
• 1996: LSU’s Skip Bertman faced ejection for protesting a play at the plate.
• 2011: South Carolina’s Ray Tanner was tossed for arguing balls and strikes against Florida.

In contrast, regular-season college baseball sees more ejections due to lower stakes and less experienced umpires. NCAA rules prohibit arguing balls and strikes, with violations leading to immediate ejection after a warning. In a typical regular season, a single conference like the SEC might see 10-15 coach ejections across hundreds of games. The CWS, with only 16 teams and 15-17 games, has tighter officiating, making ejections less common but more impactful. The 2025 incident is unprecedented as the first known case of two coaches from the same team being ejected in a CWS final’s opening inning.

Angel Campos: The Umpire in the Spotlight

Angel Campos, the home plate umpire, has a controversial history. A former MLB umpire, Campos worked in the majors from 2007 to 2012 as a call-up official but was never hired full-time. In 2012, MLB terminated his contract, a rare move given the strong union protections for umpires. According to posts on Reddit’s r/baseball, Campos was let go for being “thin-skinned” and having a “quick trigger.” Sources close to MLB cited inconsistent strike zones and poor game management as reasons for his dismissal. Since then, Campos has officiated in NCAA baseball, including high-profile events like the CWS.

Campos’ NCAA tenure has not been without criticism. In 2023, he ejected a Vanderbilt assistant coach for a minor comment during an SEC tournament game, drawing accusations of overreacting. In 2024, he was involved in a disputed strike zone call during an NCAA regional game, with coaches privately questioning his consistency. While Campos has supporters who praise his attention to detail, his reputation for quick ejections and sensitivity to criticism persists. The 2025 CWS incident has reignited calls for his removal, with fans and analysts questioning his suitability for championship games.

Social Media and Public Reaction

The ejections set social media ablaze, particularly on X, where fans, analysts, and players voiced their opinions. Posts captured the sentiment:

• Jeff Passan, ESPN: “There are very few combinations of words that warrant ejecting a coach from an elimination game in the CWS finals. ‘You missed three pitches’ does not qualify. If this is all it took, that is absurd.”
• Trey Wallace: “This is ridiculous and absolutely absurd. An umpire loses his balance. Coastal Carolina’s head coach ejected in the 1st inning.”
• Jomboy Media: “We got a tumbling umpire at the CWS final! This is embarrassing for the sport. Need umpires with thicker skin.”

On Reddit, users in r/baseball were harsher, with one writing, “Campos was fired by MLB for being soft. How is he behind the plate for the CWS finals?” Another called it “the biggest ump show I’ve ever seen.” Instagram and TikTok saw fans posting clips of the incident, with hashtags like #CWSUmpShow and #FireCampos trending. Coastal Carolina’s athletic director, Chance Miller, issued a statement on X, saying the ejections “altered the trajectory of a must-win game” and urging the NCAA to reevaluate umpire training.

Public sentiment leaned heavily against Campos, with many arguing the ejections were an overreach. However, some defended the umpire, noting that NCAA rules are clear about arguing balls and strikes. A minority of X users criticized Schnall, calling his outburst unprofessional for a championship game.

Expert Opinions and Impact on the Game

Experts are divided on whether the ejections changed the game’s outcome. Baseball America’s Aaron Fitt argued, “Losing your head coach in the first inning is a gut punch. Schnall’s energy drives Coastal Carolina. Without him, the team lost its edge, especially in a tight 5-3 game.” Conversely, ESPN’s Kyle Peterson noted, “Coastal still scored three runs and had chances. Chad Oxendine is a capable coach. The ejections were a distraction, but LSU’s pitching was the difference.”

LSU coach Jay Johnson, who has been ejected for similar arguments, downplayed the impact, saying, “I was locked in on our players. It’s a tough situation, but we moved past it.” Coastal Carolina players, like senior Wells Sykes, expressed disappointment but focused on team pride. The Athletic’s Mitch Sherman suggested the ejections “thrust Coastal into adversity,” potentially disrupting their early momentum after taking a 1-0 lead.

Statistically, Coastal Carolina’s performance didn’t collapse post-ejection—they outhit LSU 7-6. However, LSU’s four-run fourth inning proved decisive, raising questions about whether Schnall’s absence affected strategic decisions. Public opinion, per a Yahoo Sports poll, showed 78% of 1,200 respondents believed the ejections “likely” or “definitely” impacted the outcome, though no definitive evidence proves this.

Conclusion

The ejection of Kevin Schnall and Matt Schilling in the 2025 CWS final is a rare and controversial moment in college baseball history. While ejections are less common in the CWS than the regular season, this incident stands out for its timing and impact. Angel Campos’ history of quick triggers, amplified by his MLB firing, has put him under scrutiny. Social media erupted with criticism, and experts remain split on the ejections’ effect on LSU’s championship. Coastal Carolina’s loss is bittersweet, but the incident has sparked a broader conversation about umpire accountability in high-stakes games.

FAQ: 2025 College World Series Ejection Controversy

What happened in the 2025 College World Series final involving Coastal Carolina’s coaches?
Coastal Carolina head coach Kevin Schnall and first base coach Matt Schilling were ejected in the first inning of Game 2 on June 22, 2025, for arguing balls and strikes with umpire Angel Campos. Schnall claimed Campos missed three pitches, leading to a heated exchange and suspensions.

Why were the coaches ejected?
Per NCAA Playing Rule 3-6-f-Note 1, arguing balls and strikes is prohibited. After a warning, Schnall and Schilling continued to protest, resulting in their ejections and suspensions (two games for Schnall, three for Schilling).

How rare are ejections in the College World Series?
Ejections in the CWS are uncommon, with fewer than 20 coach ejections recorded in finals since 1947. Regular-season college baseball sees more ejections (10-15 per conference), but the CWS’s high stakes and elite umpires reduce such incidents.

Who is umpire Angel Campos?
Angel Campos is a former MLB umpire (2007-2012) fired in 2012 for inconsistent calls and a “thin-skinned” demeanor. He now officiates NCAA games, including the CWS, but has faced criticism for quick ejections and questionable strike zones.

How did social media react?
X, Reddit, and Instagram saw widespread outrage, with fans and analysts like Jeff Passan and Jomboy Media calling the ejections “absurd” and “embarrassing.” Coastal Carolina’s athletic director criticized the NCAA, while some defended Campos, citing rule enforcement.

Did the ejections affect the game’s outcome?
Experts are split. Some, like Baseball America’s Aaron Fitt, argue the ejections disrupted Coastal Carolina’s momentum in a 5-3 loss. Others, like ESPN’s Kyle Peterson, believe LSU’s pitching was decisive. A Yahoo Sports poll showed 78% of fans think the ejections impacted the result.

What was the final result of the 2025 CWS?
LSU swept Coastal Carolina (1-0, 5-3) to win their eighth national championship on June 22, 2025, at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska.

A Deeper Dive: People and Organizations Mentioned

• Kevin Schnall: First-year head coach of Coastal Carolina, led the Chanticleers to a program-record 56 wins in 2025. Former assistant coach under Gary Gilmore. X: Not publicly active.
• Matt Schilling: Coastal Carolina’s first base coach, ejected alongside Schnall. Faces a three-game suspension in 2026. X: Not publicly active.
• Angel Campos: NCAA umpire, formerly with MLB (2007-2012). Fired by MLB for inconsistent calls and sensitivity. Known for quick ejections. X: Not publicly active.
• Chad Oxendine: Coastal Carolina’s associate head coach, took over after ejections. Former head coach at Longwood. X: Not publicly active.
• LSU Tigers: College baseball team, won eighth national title in 2025. Coached by Jay Johnson. X: @LSUbaseball
• Coastal Carolina Chanticleers: College baseball team, reached 2025 CWS finals. X: @CoastalBaseball
• Jay Johnson: LSU head coach, led team to 2025 CWS title. Previously coached at Arizona. X: Not publicly active.
• Jeff Passan: ESPN baseball reporter, criticized ejections as “absurd.” X: @JeffPassan
• Trey Wallace: Sports journalist, called incident “ridiculous.” X: @TreyWallace_
• Jomboy Media: Sports media outlet, labeled ejections “embarrassing.” X: @JomboyMedia
• Chance Miller: Coastal Carolina athletic director, issued statement against ejections. X: Not publicly active.
• Aaron Fitt: Baseball America writer, argued ejections hurt Coastal Carolina. X: @aaronfitt
• Kyle Peterson: ESPN analyst, downplayed ejections’ impact. X: @KPeterson820
• Mitch Sherman: The Athletic writer, noted adversity for Coastal Carolina. X: @mitchsherman
• NCAA: Governing body of college sports, oversees CWS. X: @NCAA
• ESPN: Broadcasted 2025 CWS, provided ejection details. X: @ESPN
• Baseball America: Baseball publication, covered ejection controversy. X: @BaseballAmerica
• Yahoo Sports: Conducted poll on ejections’ impact. X: @YahooSports