2023 CCS Year-End Umpire Award Winners

Close Call Sports announces recipients of its 2023 Year-End Umpire Awards, thanks to your nominations and comments. Read on for Crew Chief, Fill-In, Most Improved, Honorable, Promising, and the hallmark Best Overall Umpire of the Year awards.

(Best Overall) Umpire of the Year: Quinn Wolcott.

Runners-Up: Chris Guccione, Brian Knight.

Quinn Wolcott is the CCS 2023 Umpire of the Year after finishing the 2023 season with the highest cumulative plate score on staff, including the best seasonal score since modern-era tracking began in 2015. For his efforts, Wolcott received his first career World Series assignment, having officiated a 2023 American League Division Series two rounds earlier.

Seven Other Awards and Video follow (via "read more"):

2023 CCS Year-End Umpire Awards Nominations Open

Close Call Sports announces its annual Umpire Ejection Fantasy League Postseason Awards and opens nominations and elections at this time. You may vote for 7 different award categories. Reply to this post if you wish to campaign for or explain why you chose a certain umpire for a specific award.

Post-Season Awards Include:

a. Umpire of the Year (min. 1 / max. 1 umpire) +5

b. Promising Umpire of the Year (min. 1 / max. 2) +3

c. Bernice Gera Honorable Umpire (min. 0 / max. 1) +2

d. Fill-In Umpire of the Year (min. 0 / max. 1) +2

e. Most Improved Umpire (min. 0 / max. 1) +1

f. Crew Chief of the Year (min. 0 / max. 1) +1

g. Best Ejection of the Year (min. 0 / max. 2) +1

h. Most Disappointing Season (min. 0 / max. 1) -1

In lieu of the postseason awards ballot, we will be accepting nominations via replay/comments on this post or on our other social media outlets.

An eligible umpire may be selected for as many or as few awards as that umpire is eligible for; Ballots will be accepted until 11:59pm on Sunday, November 19, with awards distribution beginning shortly thereafter.

MLB Umpire Jeff Nelson Retires After 27 Year Career

Veteran MLB umpire and crew chief Jeff Nelson has retired after 27 years of major league service, according to Nelson's hometown StarTribune.

Nelson leaves the highest level of baseball having officiated over 3,100 big league games, beginning with a National League stint in 1997. Nelson officiated six Wild Card Series, eight Division Series, nine League Championship Series, and four World Series during his major league career.

Nelson racked up 75 total MLB ejections during his career, the first of Alex Arias, Barry Bonds, and Ricky Bottalico during an intentional HBP and bench-clearing brawl situation in 1998, and concluding with Brian Sweeney on September 8, 2023.

Video as follows:

2023 MLB World Series Umpire Roster

Major League Baseball assigned seven umpires to the 2023 MLB World Series featuring the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks. Bill Miller will serve as crew chief while Alfonso Marquez will be backup chief. Five of the seven-person crew are officiating their first career World Series.

Crew Chiefs are indicated in bold text and by the -cc suffix with regular season crew chiefs denoted by an asterisk (*). Those working their first World Series are marked with ^1st WS^. The following listings feature Game 1 configurations such that the plate umpire from Game 1 will work right field in Game 2, and all other umpires will move clockwise (e.g., 3B becomes 2B). Games 4 and 5 plates are if necessary. All World Series umpires are taken from a pool of umps who officiated the 2023 AL and NL Division Series.

MLB World Series (Arizona Diamondbacks vs Texas Rangers) Umpires:

HP: DJ Reyburn ^1st WS^ [Game 1 Plate]      [2 WC, 4 DS, 1 LCS, 1st World Series]

1B: Alfonso Márquez* [Game 3 Plate]            [3 WC, 12 DS, 6 LCS, 5th World Series]

2B: David Rackley ^1st WS^ [Game 4 Plate]  [4 WC, 3 DS, 1 LCS, 1st World Series]

3B: Brian Knight ^1st WS^ [Game 5 Plate]     [3 WC, 5 DS, 1 LCS, 1st World Series]

LF: Vic Carapazza ^1st WS^ [Game 6 Plate]   [2 WC, 6 DS, 2 LCS, 1st World Series]

RF: Bill Miller* -cc [Game 7 Plate]                 [6 WC, 11 DS, 8 LCS, 5th World Series]
Reserve: Quinn Wolcott [Game 2 Plate]           [3 WC, 4 DS, 1 LCS, 1st World Series]

World Series Replay Review: Lance Barrett, Todd Tichenor.

Video as follows:

MLB Postseason Ejections P1-3 - Hudson, Hoye (HOU-TEX)

HP Umpire Marvin Hudson ejected Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu (throwing at Rangers batter Adolis Garcia) and Rangers RF Garcia (fighting) and LF Umpire James Hoye ejected Astros manager Dusty Baker (arguing ejection) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Astros-#Rangers game. With none out and one on, Rangers batter Garcia took a first-pitch fastball from Astros pitcher Abreu for a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and struck Garcia in the upper left arm, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejections, the Rangers were leading, 4-2. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

These are Marvin Hudson (51)'s 6th and 7th ejections of 2023.

This is James Hoye (92)'s 4th ejection of 2023.

These are the 1st and 2nd ejection reports of the 2023 MLB postseason (240th and 241st overall).

These are the 97th and 98th player ejections of 2023. This is the 109th manager ejection of 2023.

Ejection Tally: 109 Managers, 98 players, 34 coaches.

This is Houston's 6/7th ejection of 2023, T-4th in the AL West (OAK 10; TEX 9; SEA 8; LAA, HOU 7).

This is Texas' 9th ejection of 2023, 2nd in the AL West (OAK 10; TEX 9; SEA 8; LAA, HOU 7).

This is Bryan Abreu's first career MLB ejection.

This is Dusty Baker's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since June 24 (Manny Gonzalez; QOC = Y-c [Balk]).

This is Adolis Garcia's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since July 8 (Gabe Morales; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Marvin Hudson's 6/7th ejection of 2023, 1st since July 25 (Angel Perdomo; QOC = U [Throwing At]).

This is James Hoye's 4th ejection of 2023, 1st since Aug 13 (Brad Wilkerson; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Houston Astros vs Texas Rangers (ALCS Game 5), 10/20/23 | Video as follows:

September 2023 Top 5 Calls of the Month

September 2023's Top 5 Calls of the Month showcase five close plays across baseball that umpires were able to officiate correctly thanks to hustle, sound mechanics, and patient judgment.

Top 5 Calls of the Month - September 2023

5. Jeremy Riggs' swipe tag at first base.

4. Alfonso Marquez's no home run, no fan interference.

3. Ryan Additon's walk-off caught stealing at second.

2. Jeremie Rehak's catcher's interference on a swing and a miss.

1. John Tumpane gets low to call a play at the plate.

Video as follows:

2023 AL and NL League Championship Series Umpire Roster

Major League Baseball assigned 14 umpires to the 2023 American and National League Championship Series round of the MLB postseason featuring Astros-Rangers (ALCS) and Phillies-Diamondbacks (NLCS). Crew Chiefs are Dan Iassogna and James Hoye.

Crew Chiefs are indicated in bold text and by the -cc suffix with regular season crew chiefs denoted by an asterisk (*). Those working their first League Championship Series are marked with ^1st CS^. The following listings feature Game 1 configurations such that the plate umpire from Game 1 will work right field in Game 2, the Reserve umpire falls in rotation between 1B and HP (e.g., 1B->Reserve->HP->RF) and all other umpires will move clockwise (e.g., 3B becomes 2B). Games 5, 6, and 7 plates are if necessary.

AL League Championship Series (Houston Astros vs Texas Rangers) Umpires:

HP: Stu Scheurwater ^1st LCS^ [Game 1 Plate]        [2 WC, 2 DS, 1st Lg Champ Series]

1B: James Hoye* -cc [Game 3 Plate]                        [5 WC, 4 DS, 4th LCS, 2 WS]

2B: Doug Eddings [Game 4 Plate]                             [4 WC, 6 DS, 3rd LCS, 1 WS]

3B: Marvin Hudson* [Game 5 Plate]                         [2 WC, 8 DS, 3rd LCS, 2 WS]

LF: Jordan Baker [Game 6 Plate]                               [4 WC, 2 DS, 2nd LCS, 1 WS]

RF: Dan Bellino* [Game 7 Plate]                                 [2 WC, 7 DS, 2nd LCS, 1 WS]

Reserve: Mark Ripperger ^1st LCS^ [Game 2 Plate] [2 WC, 1 DS, 1st Lg Champ Series]

NL League Championship Series (Philadelphia Phillies vs Arizona Diamondbacks) Umpires:

HP: Andy Fletcher ^1st LCS^ [Game 1 Plate]        [4 WC, 2 DS, 1st Lg Champ Series]

1B: Dan Iassogna* -cc [Game 3 Plate]                  [4 WC, 7 DS, 7th LCS, 3 WS]

2B: Mike Muchlinski [Game 4 Plate]                     [3 WC, 3 DS, 3rd LCS, 1 WS]

3B: Lance Barksdale* [Game 5 Plate]                    [4 WC, 6 DS, 4th LCS, 2 WS]

LF: Tripp Gibson [Game 6 Plate]                            [4 WC, 3 DS, 2nd LCS, 1 WS]

RF: Adam Hamari [Game 7 Plate]                          [4 WC, 1 DS, 2nd LCS]

Reserve: Carlos Torres ^1st LCS^ [Game 2 Plate] [3 WC, 2 DS, 1st Lg Champ Series]

League Championship Series Replay Review: Mike Estabrook, Jeremie Rehak, Chris Segal.

Video as follows:

2023 AL and NL Division Series Umpire Roster

Major League Baseball assigned 24 umpires to the 2023 American and National League Division Series round of the MLB postseason featuring Orioles-Rangers, Astros-Twins (ALDS), Braves-Phillies, and Dodgers-Diamondbacks (NLDS). Crew Chiefs are Alfonso Márquez, Bill Miller, Mark Carlson, and Todd Tichenor.

Crew Chiefs are indicated in bold text and by the -cc suffix with regular season crew chiefs denoted by an asterisk (*). Those working their first Division Series are marked with ^1st DS^ postseason will be noted with a ^1st Postseason^ mark. The following listings feature Game 1 configurations such that the plate umpire from Game 1 will work right field in Game 2, and all other umpires will move clockwise (e.g., 3B becomes 2B). Games 4 and 5 plates are if necessary.

AL Division Series (Baltimore Orioles vs Texas Rangers) Umpires:

HP: Lance Barrett [Game 1 Plate]                    [3 WC, 3rd Division Series, 1 LCS]

1B: John Libka ^1st DS^ [Game 2 Plate]         [1 WC, 1st Division Series]

2B: Alfonso Márquez* -cc [Game 3 Plate]     [3 WC, 12th Division Series, 6 LCS, 4 WS]

3B: Cory Blaser [Game 4 Plate]                       [3 WC, 5th Division Series, 2 LCS]

LF: Quinn Wolcott [Game 5 Plate]                   [3 WC, 4th Division Series, 1 LCS]

RF: Nic Lentz                                                    [2nd Division Series]

AL Division Series (Houston Astros vs Minnesota Twins) Umpires:

HP: Brian Knight [Game 1 Plate]                 [3 WC, 5th Division Series, 1 LCS]

1B: DJ Reyburn [Game 2 Plate]                   [2 WC, 4th Division Series, 1 LCS]

2B: Bill Miller* -cc [Game 3 Plate]             [6 WC, 11th Division Series, 8 LCS, 4 WS]

3B: Jansen Visconti [Game 4 Plate]              [1 WC, 2nd Division Series]

LF: John Tumpane [Game 5 Plate]               [2 WC, 4th Division Series, 1 LCS]

RF: Roberto Ortiz ^1st DS^                          [1 WC, 1st Division Series]

NL Division Series (Atlanta Braves vs Philadelphia Phillies) Umpires:

HP: Brian O'Nora [Game 1 Plate]               [7th Division Series, 1 LCS, 1 WS]

1B: Ben May ^1st DS^ [Game 2 Plate]       [1 WC, 1st Division Series]

2B: Mark Carlson* -cc [Game 3 Plate]     [2 WC, 7th Division Series, 6 LCS, 2 WS]

3B: David Rackley [Game 4 Plate]             [4 WC, 3rd Division Series, 1 LCS]

LF: Chris Guccione [Game 5 Plate]            [6 WC, 8th Division Series, 5 LCS, 2 WS]

RF: Ramon De Jesus ^1st DS^                    [1 WC, 1st Division Series]

NL Division Series (LA Dodgers vs Arizona Diamondbacks) Umpires:

HP: Vic Carapazza [Game 1 Plate]             [2 WC, 6th Division Series, 2 LCS]

1B: Gabe Morales [Game 2 Plate]              [2 WC, 2nd Division Series]

2B: Todd Tichenor* -cc [Game 3 Plate]    [3 WC, 6th Division Series, 3 LCS, 1 WS]

3B: Will Little                                              [3 WC, 5th Division Series, 1 LCS]

LF: Jim Wolf                                                [3 WC, 6th Division Series, 5 LCS, 2 WS]

RF: Ryan Additon ^1st Postseason^            [1st Division Series]

Division Series Replay Review: Nestor Ceja, Bruce Dreckman, Junior Valentine, Chad Whitson.

Video as follows:

2023 AL and NL Wild Card Series Umpire Roster

Major League Baseball assigned 24 umpires to the 2023 American and National League Wild Card Series round of the MLB postseason featuring Blue Jays-Twins & Rangers-Rays (AL), and Diamondbacks-Brewers & Marlins-Phillies (NL). Crew Chiefs include Dan Iassogna, Lance Barksdale, Alan Porter, and James Hoye.

Crew Chiefs are indicated in bold text and by the -cc suffix with regular season crew chiefs denoted by an asterisk (*) while those working their first postseason will be noted with a ^1st^ mark. The following listings feature Game 1 configurations such that the plate umpire from Game 1 will work right field in Game 2, and all other umpires will move clockwise (e.g., 3B becomes 2B). Game 3 plates are if necessary.

AL Wild Card (Toronto Blue Jays @ Minnesota Twins) Umpires:

HP: Andy Fletcher [Game 1 Plate]                [4th Wild Card, 2 DS]

1B: Adam Hamari [Game 2 Plate]                 [4th Wild Card, 1 DS, 1 LCS]

2B: Mike Muchlinski [Game 3 Plate]            [3rd Wild Card, 3 DS, 2 LCS, 1 WS]

3B: Dan Iassogna* -cc                                  [4th Wild Card, 7 DS, 6 LCS, 3 WS]

LF: Mark Wegner*                                        [4th Wild Card, 10 DS, 5 LCS, 2 WS]

RF: Jeremie Rehak                                       [1st Wild Card, 1 DS]

AL Wild Card (Texas Rangers @ Tampa Bay Rays) Umpires:

HP: Carlos Torres [Game 1 Plate]                [3rd Wild Card, 2 DS]

1B: Tripp Gibson [Game 2 Plate]                 [4th Wild Card, 3 DS, 1 LCS, 1 WS]

2B: Lance Barksdale* -cc [Game 3 Plate] [4rd Wild Card, 6 DS, 3 LCS, 2 WS]

3B: Adrian Johnson*                                    [3rd Wild Card, 4 DS, 1 LCS]

LF: Adam Beck ^1st^                                   [1st Wild Card]

RF: Alex Tosi ^1st^                                      [1st Wild Card]

NL Wild Card (Arizona Diamondbacks @ Milwaukee Brewers) Umpires:

HP: Mark Ripperger [Game 1 Plate]           [2nd Wild Card, 1 DS]

1B: Dan Bellino* [Game 2 Plate]                [2nd Wild Card, 7 DS, 1 LCS, 1 WS]

2B: Alan Porter* -cc [Game 3 Plate]         [4th Wild Card, 6 DS, 3 LCS, 2 WS]

3B: Mike Estabrook                                     [2nd WC, 2 DS]

LF: Chris Segal                                            [2nd Wild Card, 1 DS]

RF: Sean Barber ^1st^                                 [1st Wild Card]

NL Wild Card (Miami Marlins @ Philadelphia Phillies) Umpires:

HP: Stu Scheurwater [Game 1 Plate]         [2nd Wild Card, 2 DS]

1B: Doug Eddings [Game 2 Plate]             [4th Wild Card, 6 DS, 2 LCS, 1 WS]

2B: James Hoye* -cc [Game 3 Plate]       [5th Wild Card, 4 DS, 3 LCS, 2 WS]

3B: Marvin Hudson*                                  [2nd Wild Card, 8 DS, 2 LCS, 2 WS]

LF: Jordan Baker                                        [4th Wild Card, 2 DS, 1 LCS, 1 WS]

RF: Edwin Moscoso ^1st^                          [1st Wild Card]

Wild Card Series Replay Review: Ryan Blakney, Rob Drake, Nick Mahrley, Brennan Miller.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 239 - Shane Livensparger (2; Joey Votto)

HP Umpire Shane Livensparger ejected Reds 1B Joey Votto (strike two call; QOCN) at the end of the 1st inning of the #Reds-#Cardinals game. With one out and none on in the top of the 1st, Votto took a 1-1 sinker from Reds pitcher Miles Mikolas for a called second strike before striking out on a foul tip. Replays indicate the 1-1 pitch was located off the inner edge of home plate and thigh-high (px 0.99, pz 2.66), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Reds were leading, 1-0. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Shane Livensparger (43)'s 2nd ejection of 2023.

*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| ≤ STRIKE < |.748| ≤ BORDERLINE ≤ |.914| < BALL.

This pitch was located 0.91 horizontal inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 239th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 96th player ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 108 Managers, 96 Players, 34 Coaches.

This is Cincinnati's 11th ejection of 2023, 2nd in the NL Central (STL 14; CIN 11; PIT 10; CHC, MIL 8).

This is Joey Votto's 1st ejection since July 10, 2021 (Doug Eddings; QOC = Y).

This is Shane Livensparger's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since May 5 (Scott Servais; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds, St Louis Cardinals, 10/1/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 238 - Phil Cuzzi (5; Will Benson)

HP Umpire Phil Cuzzi ejected Reds RF Will Benson (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Cardinals-#Reds game. With two out and one on, Reds batter Benson took a 2-2 fastball from Cardinals pitcher Jacob Barnes for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.12, pz 1.69 [sz_bot 1.81 / RAD 1.69]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Reds were leading, 19-2. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 19-2.

This is Phil Cuzzi (10)'s 5th ejection of 2023.

This pitch was located 1.00 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 238th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 95th player ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 108 Managers, 95 Players, 34 Coaches.

This is Cincinnati's 10th ejection of 2023, T-2nd in the NL Central (STL 14; CIN, PIT 10; CHC, MIL 8).

This is Will Benson's 1st career MLB ejection.

This is Phil Cuzzi's 5th ejection of 2023, 1st since Sept 19 (Alex Cintron; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds, St Louis Cardinals, 9/29/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 237 - Angel Hernandez (1; Bryce Harper)

3B Umpire Angel Hernandez ejected Phillies 1B Bryce Harper (check swing strike three call) in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the #Pirates-#Phillies game. With one out and none on, Harper attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 slider from Pirates pitcher Luis Ortiz, ruled a ball by HP Umpire James Hoye and called a swinging strike on appeal by 3B Umpire Hernandez. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Angel Hernandez (5)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

This is the 237th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 95th player ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 108 Managers, 95 Players, 34 Coaches.

This is Philadelphia's 12th ejection of 2023, 2nd in the NL East (MIA 16; PHI 12; NYM 6; ATL 4; WAS 3).

This is Bryce Harper's 4th ejection of 2023, 1st since Sept 15 (Alex Tosi; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Angel Hernandez's 1st ejection since April 24, 2022 (Kyle Schwarber; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Philadelphia Phillies, 9/28/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 235-6 - Ramon De Jesus (6-7; MIA x2)

HP Umpire Ramon De Jesus ejected Marlins DH Jake Burger and manager Skip Schumaker (strike three call; QOCN) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Marlins-#Mets game. With two out and the bases loaded, Marlins batter Burger took a 1-2 fastball from Mets pitcher Phil Bickford for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and waist-high (px 0.97, pz 2.94), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejections, the game was tied, 2-2. The Marlins ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

These are Ramon De Jesus (18)'s 6th and 7th ejections of 2023.

*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.

This pitch was located 0.67 horizontal inches from being deemed correct.

These are the 235th and 236th ejection reports of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 94th player ejection of 2023. 108th manager ejection of 2023.

Ejection Tally: 108 Managers, 94 Players, 34 Coaches.

This is Miami's 15/16th ejection of 2023, 1st in the NL East (MIA 16; PHI 11; NYM 6; ATL 4; WAS 3).

This is Jake Burger's first career MLB ejection.

This is Skip Schumaker's 5th ejection of 2023, 1st since Aug 9 (Bill Miller; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Ramon De Jesus' 6/7th ejection of 2023, 1st since Aug 7 (Chris Morel; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs New York Mets (Game 2), 9/27/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 234 - Dan Bellino (6; Brian Snitker)

3B Umpire Dan Bellino ejected Braves manager Brian Snitker (foul ball no-call by HP Umpire Shane Livensparger; QOCN) in the top of the 2nd inning of the #Cubs-#Braves game. With one out and two on, Cubs batter Jeimer Candelario took a first-pitch fastball from Braves pitcher Darius Vines for a called first strike, ruled a passed ball by catcher Sean Murphy that allowed Cubs baserunner R3 Cody Bellinger to score and R1 Seiya Suzuki to advance to second base. Replays indicate the pitched ball first made contact with the batter's bat before passing the catcher, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 6-5, in 10 innings.

This is Dan Bellino (2)'s 6th ejection of 2023.

This is the 234th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 107th manager ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 107 Managers, 93 Players, 34 Coaches.

This is Atlanta's 4th ejection of 2023, 4th in the NL East (MIA 14; PHI 11; NYM 6; ATL 4; WAS 3).

This is Brian Snitker's 6th ejection of 2023, 1st since Sept 9 (Bill Miller; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).

This is Dan Bellino's 6th ejection of 2023, 1st since July 26 (Martin Maldonado; QOC = U [Fighting]).

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs Atlanta Braves, 9/27/23 | Video as follows:

That Time SF Scored On Barry Bonds' Infield Fly Rule Play

San Francisco scored a tying run on a pop fly in front of home plate when the defense seemingly forgot or didn't know the infield fly rule and tagged the base instead of the runner attempting to score in this throwback to Barry Bonds' oddest run-producing hit in 2003.

With one out and the bases loaded in the 5th inning on May 13, 2003, Giants batter Bonds hit a fair fly ball, which Montreal infielders failed to catch. HP Umpire Jim Joyce, however, had signaled "Infield Fly, If Fair" and when the ball dropped and was touched in fair territory, Giants baserunner R3 Neifi Perez slyly jogged home from third base, waiting for the Expos to clear the way and subtly stepping on home plate, scoring the tying run for San Francisco.

As soon as HP Umpire Joyce signaled R3 Perez safe, the Montreal infield turned to argue with the umpire as Giants trailing runners R2 Marquis Grissom and R1 Rich Aurilia advanced to third and second base, respectively.

When Expos Manager Frank Robinson emerged from his dugout and strode to home plate, he yelled not at Joyce, but at his players, for failing to know the infield fly rule.

To review, the infield fly rule's core criteria are:

> Less than two out;

> Runners on first and second or bases loaded;

and the call is effectuated when

> The batter hits a fair fly ball that can be caught by an infielder employing ordinary effort.

After Joyce signaled the infield fly (if fair), then pointed the ball fair when it was touched on the bounce, he signaled batter-runner Bonds out, thus removing the force play on all baserunners (with no batter-runner in the picture, the runners are no longer forced to advance and thus may remain at their original bases).

Montreal didn't appear to know the infield fly rule removes the force out, as fielders stepped on home plate, as if to try and force out R3 Perez. HP Umpire Joyce made no signal (as there was no call to make), only signaling "safe" when R3 Perez successfully ran to and touched home plate without Montreal trying to tag his person.

And that's the story of how Barry Bonds drove in a run (although it was technically not an RBI) on an infield fly ball.

Video as follows:

On-Deck Interference, A Bunt HBP & Fair-Foul at Home

An on-deck batter interference in Chicago, batter hit by a pitch while attempting a bunt in Cincinnati and catcher pouncing on a fair ball over home plate in New York comprise a trio of umpire Ask CCS questions over the past week.

On-Deck Interference: Cubs batter Patrick Wisdom's foul fly ball near Chicago's third base dugout drew two Pirates, including third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes, who collided with Cubs on-deck batter Alexander Canario, who was trying to get out of the catcher's way but accidentally backed into the oncoming third baseman. After consultation, Crew Chief Alan Porter signaled batter Wisdom out for interference of his teammate Canario (who then came up to bat).

Official Baseball Rule 6.01(b), known as Fielder Right of Way, prescribes that, "The players, coaches or any member of a team at bat shall vacate any space (including both dugouts or bullpens) needed by a fielder who is attempting to field a batted or thrown ball." Whether intentional or not, an on-deck batter, dugout coach, etc. who hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted ball is guilty of interference, and the at-bat batter shall be called out for the interference of their teammate.

HBP During Bunt: Reds batter Luke Maile's attempted bunt ended unsuccessfully, as the pitched ball made contact with his hand coiled around the bat, either instead of or (more importantly) before contacting the bat. Play continued and Minnesota retired Maile at first base. Umpires went to Replay Review as the result of a Reds challenge and Replay HQ overturned the call, Crew Chief Marvin Hudson announcing that a dead ball strike would be charged to Maile for the ball hitting his hands first.

Fair or Foul at Home: Yankees batter-runner Gleyber Torres remained in the right-handed batter's box on a chopper at home plate as Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk waited for the batted ball to spin back toward home plate and into fair territory before fielding the ball and tagging Torres out.

OBR's diagram of home plate confirms that the base itself is entirely in fair territory, with the intersection of the two foul lines (which themselves are within fair territory too) located at the point of home plate.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 233 - Lance Barrett (5; Aaron Boone)

HP Umpire Lance Barrett ejected Yankees manager Aaron Boone (strike one call to Oswald Peraza; QOCN) in the bottom of the 2nd inning of the #BlueJays-#Yankees game. With one out and one on, Yankees batter Peraza took a first-pitch fastball from Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px 0.72, pz 1.28 [sz_bot 1.63 / RAD 1.51 / MOE 1.43]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 6-1.

This is Lance Barrett (94)'s 5th ejection of 2023.

*This pitch was located 1.76 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 233rd ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 106th player ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 106 Managers, 93 Players, 34 Coaches.

This is New York's 11th ejection of 2023, 1st in the AL East (NYY 11; BOS 7; BAL, TB, TOR 6).

This is Aaron Boone's 7th ejection of 2023, 1st since August 7 (Laz Diaz; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Lance Barrett's 5th ejection of 2023, 1st since June 23 (Derek Shomon; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs New York Yankees, 9/20/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 232 - Brian Knight (1; Kris Bryant)

HP Umpire Brian Knight ejected Rockies 1B Kris Bryant (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 5th inning of the #Rockies-#Padres game. With two out and two on, Bryant took a 1-2 sweeper from Padres pitcher Seth Lugo for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the midpoint (px 0.14, pz 1.65 [sz_bot 1.71 / RAD 1.59]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Rockies were leading, 2-1. The Padres ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Brian Knight (91)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

*This pitch was located 1.72 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 232nd ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 93rd player ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 105 Managers, 93 Players, 34 Coaches.

This is Colorado's 5th ejection of 2023, 3rd in the NL West (SD 10; ARI 7; COL 5; LAD 4; SF 2).

This is Kris Bryant's 1st ejection since July 25, 2017 (Lance Barksdale; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brian Knight's 1st ejection since Sept 23, 2022 (Aaron Boone; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Colorado Rockies vs San Diego Padres, 9/20/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 231 - Jansen Visconti (2; Mark Kotsay)

1B Umpire Jansen Visconti ejected A's manager Mark Kotsay (check swing ball one call to Julio Rodriguez) in the top of the 5th inning of the #Mariners-#Athletics game. With two out and none on, Rodriguez attempted to check his swing on a 0-1 slider from A's pitcher Paul Blackburn, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Ron Kulpa and affirmed as no swing on appeal by 1B Umpire Visconti. At the time of the ejection, the Mariners were leading, 2-0. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 7-2.

This is Jansen Visconti (52)'s 2nd ejection of 2023.

This is the 231st ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 105th manager ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 105 Managers, 92 Players, 34 Coaches.

This is Oakland's 10th ejection of 2023, 1st in the AL West (OAK 10; SEA, TEX 8; LAA 7; HOU 5).

This is Mark Kotsay's 6th ejection of 2023, 1st since Aug 27 (David Rackley; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Jansen Visconti's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since June 5 (Mark Kotsay; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs Texas Rangers, 9/19/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 230 - Ben May (3; Bruce Bochy)

HP Umpire Ben May ejected Rangers manager Bruce Bochy (ball four call to Luis Urias; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the #RedSox-#Rangers game. With one out and one on, Red Sox batter Urias took a 3-2 fastball from Rangers pitcher Andrew Heaney for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and above the midpoint (px -0.71, pz 3.18 [sz_top 3.05 / RAD 3.17 / MOE 3.09]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Rangers were leading, 4-3. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 6-4.

This is Ben May (97)'s 3rd ejection of 2023.

*This pitch was located 1.08 vertical inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

This is the 230th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 104th manager ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 104 Managers, 92 Players, 34 Coaches.

This is Texas' 8th ejection of 2023, T-2nd in the AL West (OAK 9; SEA, TEX 8; LAA 7; HOU 5).

This is Bruce Bochy's 4th ejection of 2023, 1st since June 20 (DJ Reyburn; QOC = N [Replay Review]).

This is Ben May's 3rd ejection of 2023, 1st since July 26 (Don Mattingly; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs Texas Rangers, 9/19/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 229 - Phil Cuzzi (4; Alex Cintron)

HP Umpire Phil Cuzzi ejected Astros hitting coach Alex Cintron (strike one call to Jose Abreu; QOCN) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Orioles-#Astros game. With none out and one on, Abreu took a first-pitch fastball from Orioles pitcher DL Hall for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and above the midpoint (px 0.24, pz 3.63 [sz_top 3.38 / RAD 3.50 / MOE 3.58]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Orioles were leading, 7-3. The Orioles ultimately won the contest, 9-5.

This is Phil Cuzzi (10)'s 4th ejection of 2023.

*This pitch was located 0.60 vertical inches from being deemed a correct call.

This is the 229th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 34th coach ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 103 Managers, 92 Players, 34 Coaches.

This is Houston's 5th ejection of 2023, 5th in the AL West (OAK 9; SEA 8; LAA, TEX 7; HOU 5).

This is Alex Cintron's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since May 30 (Jerry Layne; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Phil Cuzzi's 4th ejection of 2023, 1st since June 10 (Phil Nevin; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Baltimore Orioles vs Houston Astros, 9/19/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 228 - Dan Iassogna (5; Ryan Noda)

HP Umpire Dan Iassogna ejected A's 1B Ryan Noda (strike two call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Padres-#Athletics game. With one out and none on, Noda took a 1-1 changeup from Padres pitcher Robert Suarez for a called second strike before grounding out on the next pitch. Replays indicate the pitch ruled strike two was located over the heart of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.08, pz 1.47 [sz_bot 1.66 / RAD 1.54 / MOE 1.46]), the call was correct.^ At the time of the ejection, the Padres were leading, 5-3. The Padres ultimately won the contest, 8-3.

This is Dan Iassogna (58)'s 5th ejection of 2023.*
*This ejection occurred on Sept 15, sequentially as 227, but is reported as 228.

^This pitch was located 0.12 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 228th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 92nd player ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 103 Managers, 92 Players, 33 Coaches.

This is Oakland's 9th ejection of 2023, 1st in the AL West (OAK 9; SEA 8; LAA, TEX 7; HOU 4).

This is Ryan Noda's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since July 17 (Emil Jimenez; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Dan Iassogna's 5th ejection of 2023, 1st since July 6 (Brandon Hyde; QOC = U [Warnings]).

Wrap: San Diego Padres vs Oakland Athletics, 9/15/23 | Video as follows:

Houston's Thrown Glove and the Two-Base Award

Astros pitcher Framber Valdez struggled to field a soft ground ball by Royals batter Logan Porter and threw wildly to first base, Houston 1B Jose Abreu throwing his glove to stop the ball. Although Abreu's thrown glove struck Valdez's thrown ball, keeping it on the infield, HP Umpire Derek Thomas and 3B Umpire John Libka both saw a rules infraction and 2B Umpire James Hoye's crew met after the play to determine base awards.

Official Baseball Rule 5.06(b)(4) specifies base awards and indicates that each runner (including the batter-runner) may advance without liability to be put out: "(C) Three bases, if a fielder deliberately throws their glove at and touches a fair ball" or "(E) Two bases, if a fielder deliberately throws their glove at and touches a thrown ball."

The rule states that in both situations, "The ball is in play, and the award is made from the position of the runner at the time the ball was touched."

Replays indicate that as Valdez's wild throw approached the vicinity of first base, 1B Umpire Angel Hernandez was concentrating on the potential play at the base and thus wasn't looking at the infraction as it occurred (this is a proper mechanic from the first base umpire), 2B Umpire Hoye was similarly looking at second base for a potential play on R1, and thus 3B Umpire Libka and HP Umpire Thomas had the call.

Libka, however, appeared to signal "Time" while Thomas simply pointed at the thrown glove/ball contact—Thomas' mechanic is correct as the ball is in play on such a violation.

After the play, the crew determined that batter-runner Porter would be placed at second base because he had not yet reached first base at the time of the glove/ball touching while lead runner R1 Nick Loftin would receive third base...which replays indicate was incorrect, as Loftin was in contact with second base at the time of the ball touch occurred.

For what it's worth, the relevant rule for a pitched ball is OBR 5.06(b)(3), which awards runners (but not batters) one base without liability to be put out when "A fielder deliberately touches a pitched ball with their cap, mask or any part of their uniform detached from its proper place on their person."

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 227 - Adam Hamari (6; Kevin Cash)

3B Umpire Adam Hamari ejected Rays manager Kevin Cash (check swing ball two call to Aaron Hicks) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the #Rays-#Orioles game. With two out and one on, Hicks attempted to check his swing on a 1-2 slider from Rays pitcher Pete Fairbanks, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Clint Vondrak and affirmed as no swing on appeal by 3B Umpire Hamari. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 3-3. The Orioles ultimately won the contest, 5-4, in 11 innings.

This is Adam Hamari (78)'s 6th ejection of 2023.

This is the 227th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 103rd manager ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 103 Managers, 91 Players, 33 Coaches.

This is Tampa Bay's 6th ejection of 2023, T-3rd in the AL East (NYY 10; BOS 7; BAL, TB, TOR 6).

This is Kevin Cash's 3rd ejection of 2023, 1st since Sept 2 (CB Bucknor; QOC = N [Pitch Clock]).

This is Adam Hamari's 6th ejection of 2023, 1st since Aug 2 (Pedro Grifol; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs Baltimore Orioles, 9/17/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 226 - Alex Tosi (2; Bryce Harper)

HP Umpire Alex Tosi ejected Phillies 1B Bryce Harper (strike two call; QOCN) in the top of the 3rd inning of the #Phillies-#Cardinals game. With two out and none on, Harper took a 2-1 fastball from Cardinals pitcher Zack Thompson for a called second strike before striking out on a subsequent pitch. Replays indicate the 2-1 pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and above the midpoint (px -0.41, pz 3.45 [sz_top 3.18 / RAD 3.30 / MOE 3.38]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Phillies were leading, 4-0. The Phillies ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Alex Tosi (66)'s 2nd ejection of 2023.

*This pitch was located 0.84 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 226th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 91st player ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 102 Managers, 91 Players, 33 Coaches.

This is Philadelphia's 11th ejection of 2023, 2nd in the NL East (MIA 14; PHI 11; NYM 6; ATL, WAS 3).

This is Bryce Harper's 3rd ejection of 2023, 1st since June 23 (Mike Estabrook; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

This is Alex Tosi's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since April 21 (Bud Black; QOC = U [HBP]).

Wrap: Philadelphia Phillies vs St Louis Cardinals, 9/15/23 | Video as follows:

August 2023 Top 5 Calls of the Month

August 2023's Top 5 Calls of the Month highlights five MLB umpires whose efficient use of mechanics, positioning, and patience enables them to correctly officiate some difficult plays.

Top 5 Calls of the Month - August 2023

5. Ryan Wills' pulled foot out vs safe call at the home plate.

4. Chad Whitson's patient safe call on a creative slide.

3. Jeremy Riggs' dust-cloud tag play at third base.

2. Brennan Miller's three-sounder with shadows at first.

1. Tripp Gibson's foul tip vs catcher's interference call.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 225 - Jeremie Rehak (4; Chris Johnson)

HP Umpire Jeremie Rehak ejected White Sox assistant hitting coach Chris Johnson (strike one call to Andrew Benintendi; QOCN) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Royals-#WhiteSox game. With two out and two on, Benintendi took a 0-0 fastball from Royals pitcher Jackson Kowar for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px -0.54, pz 1.33 [sz_bot 1.55 / RAD 1.43 / MOE 1.35]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the White Sox were leading, 6-1. The White Sox ultimately won the contest, 6-2.

This is Jeremie Rehak (35)'s 4th ejection of 2023.

*This pitch was located 0.24 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 225th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 33rd coach ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 102 Managers, 90 Players, 33 Coaches.

This is Chicago's 13th ejection of 2023, 1st in the AL Central (CWS 13; MIN 12; KC 7; CLE 6; DET 4).

This is Chris Johnson's 1st ejection since June 22, 2014 (Mark Carlson; QOC = Y-c [Check Swing]).

This is Jeremie Rehak's 4th ejection of 2023, 1st since Aug 10 (John Schneider; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs Chicago White Sox, 9/12/23 | Video as follows:

Bassitt's Balk by Disengagement Scores Run After 3rd Step Off

Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt balked home a run after stepping off for a third time with Rangers runner Mitch Garver dancing off third base, resulting in a disengagement violation that was immediately called by the umpires. Toronto played batter Josh Smith to pull toward right field and 'shifted' third baseman Cavan Biggio toward the shortstop position, leaving third base unguarded, allowing baserunner R3 Garver to take a sizeable lead.

Pitcher Bassitt attempted to keep the baserunner at bay by disengaging from the pitcher's plate and feigning to third base (pitchers are allowed to fake to third or first, but must disengage before starting the faking motion). Bassitt did this twice toward the end of Smith's at-bat, with R3 Garver and R2 Leody Taveras (who had stolen second earlier in the AB) returning to their bases safely each time.

When Garver strayed far down the foul line, Bassitt not only disengaged the rubber, but ran toward third base in an unsuccessful attempt to tag Garver. With Bassitt's attempt having failed, HP Umpire John Tumpane and 3B Umpire Mike Muchlinski simultaneously called "Time" and signaled Bassitt for a disengagement violation (third step-off), awarding the runners an extra base as a result.

Pitchers are allowed a maximum of two free disengagements per plate appearance. The "free disengagements remaining" counter resets back to two if any runner advances during the at-bat (e.g., due to a stolen base, error, balk, etc.) and a pitcher is allowed a third disengagement without penalty only if that third disengagement results in the retirement of a runner. If the runner is safe on the third disengagement, however, it is a balk and the runner(s) advance a base.

Video as follows:

Ball Boy Interference & Non-Bona Fide Slide Violation

Umpires awarded Dodgers runner Mookie Betts home after a ball boy interfered with a fair ball in Miami while Replay Review called a bona fide slide rule violation on Reds runner Christian Encarnacion-Strand in Cincinnati in this edition of Ask CCS.

Ball Attendant Interference

With baserunner Mookie Betts on first base, Dodgers batter Freddie Freeman hit a line drive down the right field line in Miami, ruled a fair ball by 1B Umpire John Libka. But before Mookie could round third base, the Marlins ball boy in right field fielded the fair ground ball and threw it into the stands, resulting in a dead ball pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 6.01(d), entitled "Unintentional Interference."

OBR 6.01(d) states that if a non-uniformed person authorized to be on the playing field (e.g., ball attendant, security guard, etc.) intentionally interferes with a live ball ("intentional" meaning the action was voluntary, not that the intent was to commit interference per se), "the ball shall be dead at the moment of the interference and the umpire shall impose such penalties as in their opinion will nullify the act of interference."

After consultation with 1B Umpire Libka, 2B Umpire DJ Reyburn, and perhaps most importantly (for the angle), 3B Umpire Angel Hernandez, HP Umpire and Crew Chief James Hoye placed Betts at home, ruling that had interference not occurred, Betts would have scored.

Bona Fide Slide Rule Violation Leads to 9th Inning Double Play

In Cincinnati, Reds batter Tyler Stephenson hit a ground ball to Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn in the bottom of the 9th inning, with Winn throwing to second baseman Tommy Edman as Reds baserunner R1 Christian Encarnacion-Strand slid into second base. Edman's throw to first base came after Stephenson arrived, but St Louis challenged the play, alleging that the runner's slide into second was violative.

The four criteria of OBR 6.01(j) pertaining to bona fide slides on force plays are that

1) the runner begins their slide before reaching the base;

2) is able and attempts to reach the base with their hand or foot;

3) is able and attempts to remain on the base after completion of the slide;

4) slides within reach of the base without changing their pathway to contact a fielder.

Upon review, the Replay Official ruled that R1 failed to satisfy criterion three of the bona fide slide rule, in that the runner failed to remain on the base after completion of the slide. Accordingly, replay overturned 2B Umpire Mark Carlson's no violation call and imposed the illegal slide penalty, which in this case is a double play with batter-runner Stephenson declared out at first in addition to Encarnacion-Strand's force out at second.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 224 - Bill Miller (5; Brian Snitker)

1B Umpire Bill Miller ejected Braves manager Brian Snitker (ejection/throwing at no-call) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Pirates-#Braves game. With two out and two on, Braves batter Austin Riley took a 0-1 fastball from Pirates pitcher Johan Oviedo for a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and hit Riley on the upper arm, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 3-3. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 8-4.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s 5th ejection of 2023.

This is the 224th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 102nd manager ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 102 Managers, 90 Players, 32 Coaches.

This is Atlanta's 3rd ejection of 2023, T-4th in the NL East (MIA 14; PHI 9; NYM 6; ATL, WAS 3).

This is Brian Snitker's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since April 14 (Manny Gonzalez; QOC = Y [Replay]).

This is Bill Miller's 5th ejection of 2023, 1st since August 9 (Skip Schumaker; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Atlanta Braves, 9/9/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 222-3 - Brennan Miller (7-8; CIN x2)

HP Umpire Brennan Miller ejected Reds manager David Bell (strike one to Tyler Stephenson; QOCN) and Reds 2B Alejo Lopez (strikes one and three calls; QOCN) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the #Cardinals-#Reds game. With none out and none on, Stephenson took a 2-0 fastball from Cardinals pitcher Zack Thompson for a called first strike before flying out. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and above the midpoint (px 0.04, pz 3.60 [sz_bot 3.25 / RAD 3.37 / MOE 3.45]), the call was incorrect.^ Ensuing batter Lopez took a 1-0 cutter and 1-2 curveball from Thompson for called first and third strikes. Replays indicate the pitch ruled strike one was located over the outer half of home plate and above the midpoint (px 0.26, pz 3.26 [sz_top 2.92 / RAD 3.04 / MOE 3.12]) and the pitch ruled strike three was located over the outer half of home plate and above the midpoint (px 0.34, pz 3.33 [sz_top 2.92 / RAD 3.04 / MOE 3.12]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejections, the Cardinals were leading, 4-3. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

These are Brennan Miller (55)'s 7th and 8th ejections of 2023.

^Strike 1 to Stephenson was located 1.80 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

*Strike 2 was located 1.68 and Strike 3 was located 2.52 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

These are the 222nd and 223rd ejection reports of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 90th player ejection of 2023. This is the 101st manager ejection of 2023.

Ejection Tally: 101 Managers, 90 Players, 32 Coaches.

This is Cincinnati's 8/9th ejection of 2023, 3rd in the NL Central (STL 14; PIT 10; CIN 9; CHC, MIL 8).

This is Alejo Lopez's first career MLB ejection.

This is David Bell's 7th ejection of 2023, 1st since Aug 3 (Derek Thomas; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brennan Miller's 7/8th ejection of 2023, 1st since Aug 22 (Jordan Walker; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: St Louis Cardinals vs Cincinnati Reds, 9/9/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 221 - Jeff Nelson (3; Brian Sweeney)

1B Umpire Jeff Nelson ejected Royals pitching coach Brian Sweeney (check swing ball four to George Springer) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Royals-#BlueJays game. With two out and one on, Springer attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 fastball from Royals pitcher Carlos Hernandez, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Ben May and affirmed as no swing on appeal by 1B Umpire Nelson. At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 2-1. The Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Jeff Nelson (45)'s 3rd ejection of 2023.

This is the 221st ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 32nd coach ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 100 Managers, 89 Players, 32 Coaches.

This is Kansas City's 7th ejection of 2023, 3rd in the AL Central (CWS, MIN 12; KC 7; CLE 6; DET 4).

This is Brian Sweeney's first career MLB ejection.

This is Jeff Nelson's 3rd ejection of 2023, 1st since July 5 (Jean Segura; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs Toronto Blue Jays, 9/8/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 220 - Laz Diaz (3; Turner Ward)

HP Umpire Laz Diaz ejected Cardinals hitting coach Turner Ward (strike one call to Jordan Walker; QOCY) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Cardinals-#Braves game. With none out and none on, Walker took a 2-0 fastball from Braves pitcher Max Fried for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and thigh-high (px -0.89, pz 2.65), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Braves were leading, 4-3. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 8-5.

This is Laz Diaz (63)'s 3rd ejection of 2023.

*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.

This pitch was located 0.29 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 220th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 31st coach ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 100 Managers, 89 Players, 31 Coaches.

This is St Louis' 14th ejection of 2023, 1st in the NL Central (STL 14; PIT 10; CHC, MIL 8; CIN 7).

This is Turner Ward's 1st ejection since Sept 1, 2019 (Bill Miller; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Laz Diaz's 3rd ejection of 2023, 1st since Aug 25 (AJ Hinch; QOC = U [Pitch Clock]).

Wrap: St Louis Cardinals vs Atlanta Barves, 9/7/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 219 - Alan Porter (2; Anthony Rizzo)

HP Umpire Alan Porter ejected Yankees non-roster player Anthony Rizzo (strike three call to Jasson Dominguez; QOCY) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Tigers-#Yankees game. With two out and one on in the bottom of the 3rd, Yankees batter Dominguez took a 3-2 changeup from Tigers pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.54, pz 1.34 [sz_bot 1.49 / RAD 1.37 / MOE 1.29]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Tigers were leading, 4-1. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 10-3.

This is Alan Porter (64)'s 2nd ejection of 2023.

*This pitch was located 0.60 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 219th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 89th player ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 100 Managers, 89 Players, 30 Coaches.

This is New York's 10th ejection of 2023, 1st in the AL East (NYY 10; BOS 7; BAL, TOR 6; TB 5).

This is Anthony Rizzo's 1st ejection since May 19, 2022 (Manny Gonzalez; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Alan Porter's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since July 1 (Brant Brown; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs New York Yankees, 9/7/23 | Video as follows:

The Great 2023 Ejection Drought - Why The Sudden Stop?

Baseball's pace of ejections, a record high for the majority of MLB's 2023 season, has suddenly fallen off a cliff with only one ejection over the past week and a half.

What happened? Have players, coaches and managers across the league simultaneously found peace and tranquility? Have umpires stopped making close calls entirely? Or has there been some sort of league intervention?

2023's ejections count of 217 through the end of August predicted a historic season for heave-ho's in the unified MLB era. A pace set to approach 250 ejections would have placed the 2023 regular season in second place since the AL and NL merger at the turn of the 21st century.

Only 2003 would have had more ejections, with 289 dismissals (next is 2001's count of 243).

Yet at the end of August, ejections stopped, nearly entirely. This harkens back to memories of the 2016 season, which saw a similar ejections decrease over that season's second half after Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo reportedly confronted umpire Jim Joyce after a July 7, 2016 game against New York.

Related Post: Report - Nats GM Rizzo Confronts Jim Joyce After Game (7/8/16).

Rizzo was the same Washington GM removed by Joe West in 2020 during a game for misconduct in Atlanta.

Related Post: Non-Ejection - Joe West Removes WAS GM Mike Rizzo (9/6/20).

MLB's on-field disciplinarian Joe Torre issued a memo to teams after the Rizzo-Joyce incident, warning personnel to stop harassing the umpires. It worked, spurring an average decrease of 50% since the memo's distribution.

Related Post: Ejection Drought - Expulsions Drop After Torre Memo (7/30/16).

We may, or may not, be looking at another sportsmanship-related memorandum in 2023, but if the league did indeed send one out, early returns are proving it very successful.

Video as follows:

Perdomo Safe From a Base Path Call Out in Arizona

As Orioles SS Gunnar Henderson fielded a 5th inning infield ground ball of the bat of Arizona's Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks baserunner R1 Geraldo Perdomo veered onto the grass to try and avoid Henderson's eventual tag, ruled safe by 2B Umpire Tom Hanahan and upheld via Replay Review after an Orioles challenge by manager Brandon Hyde.

Perdomo later scored on Cedric Mullins' RBI single off of Baltimore pitcher Jack Flaherty.

With the knowledge that the only reviewable aspect of this play pertained to the physical tag attempt, we answer your questions regarding the other, unreviewable part—Hanahan's out of the base path no call (safe) on Perdomo as the runner attempted to evade the fielder.

Official Baseball Rule 5.09(b)(1) describes the condition upon which a runner is out for a base path violation: "Official Baseball Rule 5.09(b)(1): "Any runner is out when they run more than three feet away from their base path to avoid being tagged unless their action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball. A runner’s base path is established when the tag attempt occurs and is a straight line from the runner to the base they are attempting to reach safely."

As we have discussed in prior videos, a runner establishes their own base path, which is separate and distinct from a baseline (defined as a direct line between consecutive bases). Furthermore, a runner's base path is not established until the tag attempt occurs (begins) and the runner is restricted by the three-foot provision in OBR 5.09(b)(1) until the runner arrives at the next (or previous) base, the fielder loses possession of the ball (e.g., by throwing it or dropping it), or the fielder stops the tag attempt (e.g., to play on another runner).

Replays indicate baserunner R1 Perdomo, coincidentally, appeared to be positioned within the baseline as F6 Henderson fielded the baseball and ran more than three feet away to avoid the fielder's tag, which satisfies the criteria for an out of the base path call.

Video as follows:

Xander Bogaerts Commits Shift Violation After Giants Challenge

Giants batter Patrick Bailey's 9th inning groundout in San Diego was nullified when Replay Review overturned umpires to call a defensive shift violation on Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts, ruling the infielder failed to begin play within the dirt boundary. San Francisco manager Gabe Kapler successfully challenged the play, resulting in a penalty ball added to the count, but if you watched the Padres broadcast, you likely were left with quite a few questions about this call.

In addition to bigger bases and a pitch clock, MLB instituted defensive shift limits for 2023, making it illegal for less than two infielders to occupy each side of the infield, as well as prohibiting infielders from starting play on the outfield grass.

Kapler thus challenged that Bogaerts began with his heels on the outfield grass, which is a violation of the shift rule (by about two inches, but a violation nonetheless).

The confusion came from San Diego TV starting its replays too late, after Padres pitcher Josh Hader had already engaged the rubber and began his motion to come home.

Although MLB's website lists the requirement as, "The four infielders must be within the boundary of the infield when the pitcher is on the rubber," instructional videos from the league itself along with in-game graphics from San Francisco's broadcast use the phrase "when pitcher begins delivery."

Regardless of which standard one uses, however, replays conclusively indicate Bogaerts' heels were on the outfield grass and outside the boundary of the infield when the pitcher began delivery or motion to the plate, which is an infield shift violation.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 218 - CB Bucknor (1; Kevin Cash)

HP Umpire CB Bucknor ejected Rays manager Kevin Cash (pitch clock violation call [automatic ball]; QOCN) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #Rays-#Guardians game. With two out and none on, Bucknor called Rays pitcher Zack Littell for a pitch clock violation prior to a 0-2 pitch to Guardians batter Andres Gimenez. Replays indicate Littell indeed did not begin his delivery prior to the expiration of time, but that Guardians batter Gimenez first failed to be in the box and alert to the pitcher prior to the 8-second mark because the clock never reset when the batter requested "Time" after the 0-1 pitch, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 4-4. The Guardians ultimately won the contest, 7-6, in 11 innings.

This is CB Bucknor (54)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

This is the 218th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This the 100th manager ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 100 Managers, 88 Players, 30 Coaches.

This is Tampa Bay's 5th ejection of 2023, 5th in the AL East (NYY 9; BOS 7; BAL, TOR 6; TB 5).

This is Kevin Cash's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since May 5 (Lance Barksdale; QOC = U [Warnings]).

This is CB Bucknor's 1st ejection since Aug 21, 2022 (Oliver Marmol; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs Cleveland Guardians, 9/2/23 | Video as follows:

Pitcher Catches Baseball with Armpit - Or Lodged Ball?

Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks pitcher Garrett Alexander caught a line drive with his armpit during an American Association game, ruled an out by the umpire but we were asked whether this is truly a legal catch or if it is a lodged ball instead.

In 2018, HP Umpire Dan Bellino "caught" a pitched ball with his armpit in Colorado and awarded baserunners a base each as the ball remained out of play, and this might be where some of the confusion comes from. Official Baseball Rule 5.06(c)(7) supports this call...for an umpire trapping the ball: "The ball becomes dead and runners advance one base, or return to their bases, without liability to be put out, when—A pitched ball lodges in the umpire’s or catcher’s mask or paraphernalia, and remains out of play, runners advance one base."

For pitcher Alexander, however, OBR 5.06(c)(7) does not directly apply (it is a batted ball, for one), so instead we turn to the MLB Umpire Manual which clarifies that, yes, similar (but different!) lodged ball rules apply to infielders, too: "If a batted or thrown ball inadvertently goes inside a player or coach’s uniform, lodges in the catcher’s face mask or paraphernalia, or is intentionally placed inside a player’s uniform (e.g., in a pants pocket), the umpire shall call “Time.”  The umpire will, using common sense and fair play, place all runners in such a manner that, in the umpire’s judgment, will nullify the action of the ball going out of play."

The primary difference (other than pitched/thrown/batted) is twofold. First, the Colorado play involved an umpire not a player interacting with a ball, and second, the MLBUM interpretation requires the ball actually go inside a player/coach's uniform or lodge in the catcher's equipment.

Because the ball never went inside Alexander's uniform, it was accessible to the player, and (if you want to take it step further in OBR 5.06(c)(7) language) did not remain out of play, it is considered in play and a legal catch.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 216-7 - David Rackley (3-4; OAK x2)

HP Umpire David Rackley ejected A's RF Seth Brown and manager Mark Kotsay (strike two call; QOCN) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Athletics-#WhiteSox game. With two out and two on, Brown took a 2-1 changeup from White Sox pitcher Mike Clevinger for a called second strike before striking out swinging on a subsequent pitch. Replays indicate the 2-1 pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px 0.84, pz 1.43 [sz_bot 1.65 / RAD 1.53 / MOE 1.45]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejections, the White Sox were leading, 3-1. The White Sox ultimately won the contest, 6-1.

These are David Rackley (86)'s 3rd and 4th ejections of 2023.

*This pitch was located 0.24 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

These are the 216th and 217th ejection reports of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This the 88th player ejection of 2023. This is the 99th manager ejection of 2023.

Ejection Tally: 99 Managers, 88 Players, 30 Coaches.

This is Oakland's 8th ejection of 2023, T-1st in the AL West (OAK, SEA 8; LAA, TEX 7; HOU 4).

This is Seth Brown's 1st ejection since June 23, 2022 (Nic Lentz; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is David Rackley's 3/4th ejection of 2023, 1st since June 21 (Joey Gallo; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Oakland Athletics vs Chicago White Sox, 8/27/23 | Video as follows: