Gay MLB umpire on Supreme Court ruling: 'They got it right'

NEW YORK (AP) A Major League Baseball umpire who came out as gay last winter has applauded the Supreme Court ruling that same-sex couples have a right to marry anywhere in the United States.

Dale Scott called Friday's decision ''one of the biggest civil rights victories that this country has seen.''

The 55-year-old Scott has been a big league umpire since 1986 and has worked three World Series and three All-Star Games.

Scott married his partner, Michael Rausch, in November 2013 at Palm Springs, California. They met after Scott's first season in the majors and have been together for almost three decades.

''I was hoping maybe a 6-3 decision, but nonetheless they got it right and I'm very proud today,'' Scott said in a text message to The Associated Press.

The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 Friday.

Scott wasn't at a game Friday. He was hit by a line drive on the left thigh Wednesday and is recovering.