On May 5, 2013, Hirschbeck ejected Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals after the outfielder argued a check-swing call for strike three in the first inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Though Harper later apologized, according to some observers Hirschbeck was the aggressor in the confrontation, as he started yelling at Harper and walking toward him after the batter had raised his hands in protest. Adam Kilgore of the "Washington Post" wrote that Hirschbeck should have simply turned his back and ignored Harper rather than escalating the incident. The incident highlighted what was seen by some as a new age of "diva" umpires, with Hirschbeck's actions singled out and referred to as a "display of egotism".