Sac St & UC Riverside Open New Season with a Brawl

Base-brawl: Sac State & UC Riverside kicked off the NCAA baseball season with a bang—make that a fight.

NCAA D1 baseball season began on Feb. 15, but this weekend marked Sacramento State's home opener.

With one out and one on during the third inning of Friday's UC Riverside Highlanders-Sacramento State Hornets game, UC Riverside batter Clayton Prestridge hit a 1-0 fastball from Sacramento State pitcher Tanner Mendonca to shortstop Scotty Murcham, who threw to third baseman Will Soto in an attempt to involve UC Riverside baserunner R2 Eddie Young in a rundown between second and third base.  Following a brief pickle, Young was tagged out by Sacramento State second baseman Andrew Ayers. Replays indicate Young appeared to then grab or pull Ayers' glove as Ayers appeared to attempt to check the batter-runner at first base. Ayers then pushed the retired Young away, after which Young returned and threw a punch at Ayers, resulting in a bench clearing incident.

2012 WAC Player of the Year Ayers, Young and UC Riverside catcher Drake Zarate were ejected for their participation in the fight. Pursuant to NCAA rule, each player has received a mandatory four-game suspension, meaning Ayers, Young and Zarate will not participate in the remainder of the teams' four-game weekend series.

At the time of the ejections, UC Riverside was leading, 2-0. UC Riverside ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

Wrap: UC Riverside Highlanders vs. Sacramento State Hornets, 2/22/13
Video: Sacramento State's home opener is marred by a bench-clearing brouhaha (KCRA)

Top 25 Ejections of 2012: MLB Network's Take

As 2013 arrives, the UEFL reviews the Top 25 Ejections of 2012, as selected by MLB Network and aired during their offseason "MLB Network Countdown" series, a countdown of baseball history. Included in MLB Network's list are the comical Darling-Valentine "gum" ejection, several reversed calls including Vin Scully's Tracy "fertilizer argument" translation, a few events resulting in notable league discipline to umpires, players, managers and broadcasters and a few absolute trainwrecks. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

*Note: Qualities of Correctness are provided in the following format: Y=Correct, N=Incorrect, U=Irrecusable.

MLB Network Countdown: Top 25 Most Unforgettable Ejections of 2012

25: E 078: Mike DiMuro (2); Indians 3B Jack Hannahan (Out [Catch] Call, QOC = N).
24: E 136/7: Wally Bell (1, 2); Twins P Scott Diamond & Manager Ron Gardenhire (Throwing At, QOC = U).
23: E 112: Larry Vanover (2); Diamondbacks CF (Called Third Strike, QOC = Y).
22: E 134: Angel Campos (6); Marlins Manager Ozzie Guillen (Balk No-Call, QOC = Y).
21: E 138/9: Lance Barrett (4, 5); White Sox C Pierzynski & Manager Robin Ventura (Ball Call, QOC = N).
20: E 087: Dale Scott (3); Mets Manager Terry Collins (Safe [Reversed Catch/Trap] Call, QOC = Y).
19: E 166: Mike Estabrook (3); Royals DH Billy Butler (Called Second Strike, QOC = Y).
18: E 080: Manny Gonzalez (1); Mets 1B Ike Davis (Safe Call, QOC = N).
17: E 093/4: D.J. Reyburn (4, 5); Royals SS Alcides Escobar & Manager Ned Yost (NEC [Visit], QOC = U).
16: E 071: Kerwin Danley (1); Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny (Safe [Reversed Catch/Trap] Call, QOC = Y).
15: N/A Jim Reynolds; During Angels-Rangers game, LAA's Albert Pujols at-bat, crew chief Reynolds directs stadium security to remove outfield (batter's eye) fan's State of Texas flag after fan failed to stop waiving item when first instructed to by security. After removal, Pujols hit HR to give LAA a 10-7 lead. Not official ejection.
14: E 109: Mike Everitt (2); Rockies Manager Jim Tracy (Safe [Reversed Catch/Trap] Call, QOC = Y).
13: E 126/7: Vic Carapazza/Marty Foster; Orioles 1B Reynolds & M Buck Showalter (Safe [Rev], QOC = N).
12: E 031: Bob Davidson (1); Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel (Umpire Interference No-Call, QOC = Y).
11: E 120/1: Mike Everitt (3, 4); Red Sox 1B Gonzalez & M Bobby Valentine (Illegal Pitch No-Call, QOC = Y).
10: E 114: Tim Welke (1); Yankees Manager Joe Girardi (Fair Ball Call, QOC = Y).
#9: E 053/4: Mark Wegner (1, 2); White Sox P Quintana & M Robin Ventura (Throwing At, QOC = U).
#8: E 103: Chad Fairchild (1); Reds C Devin Mesoraco (Ball Two Call, QOC = Y).
#7: E 110: Paul Nauert (1); Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia (NEC [Previous Check Swing], QOC = U).
#6: E 051: Bill Welke (2); Tigers Manager Jim Leyland (NEC [Previous Foul Ball], QOC = U).
#5: E 038: Gary Darling (5); Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine (Out [Time] Call, QOC = Y).
#4: E 084/5: Sam Holbrook (3, 4); Brewers P Zack Greinke & M Ron Roenicke (Safe [Time], QOC = Y).
#3: E 123: Angel Campos (4); Dodgers CF Matt Kemp & Tschida M Mattingly (Called Strike, QOC = Y).
#2: E 074: Tim Tschida (3); Rays P Joel Peralta (Illegal Substance in Glove, QOC = U).
#1: E 033/4: Bill Miller (1, 2); Blue Jays 3B Brett Lawrie & M John Farrell (Called Third Strike, QOC = N).

Not mentioned: UEFL Ejection of the Year, Ejection 026: Jim Joyce (1), Brad Mills (Bunt No-Swing, QOC = Y).
Mentioned: UEFL Ejection of the Year #2, Ejection 031: Bob Davidson (1) [Listed at #12].

Total Correct: 13 / Total Incorrect: 5 / Total Irrecusable: 7 = 72.22% Accuracy (Greater than 56.8% AVG)

Rule 7.05: Extra Base Awards for Runner, Batter-Runner

Baseball's rules book addresses the issue of extra base awards for runners and batter-runners in Rule 7.05; in some situations, the ball becomes dead upon the achievement of certain criteria while in others, the ball remains alive (in play). The following provides a concise categorization of Rule 7.05 awards.

For those looking for the NLCS Gm 3 SF-STL pickoff and corresponding umpires' ruling, see 7.05(h).

Award: Advancement to Home Base (Four Base Award Maximum)
7.05(a): Dead. A fair ball leaves the playing field in flight or a ball with similar trajectory is deflected by a fielder's equipment, apparel or thrown gear. Also known as a home run. Video: Canseco's domed deflection.

Award: Three Bases (Time of Pitch; Batter-Runner may advance to home at his own peril)
7.05(b): In Play. A fielder touches a fair ball with detached equipment (except as in 7.05(a)).
7.05(c): In Play. A fielder deliberately throws a glove at and touches a fair ball (except as in 7.05(a)).

Award: Two Bases (Various)
7.05(d): In Play. A fielder touches a thrown ball with detached equipment.
- Archived Call (4/8/10): Was this ball, scooped up by Mariners catcher Adam Moore's face mask, fair or thrown (8:35)? Umpires awarded two bases, concluding "batted ball" status had terminated upon deflection.
7.05(e): In Play. A fielder deliberately throws a glove at and touches a thrown ball.

(b-e) exception: Equipment is not ruled to be detached if the force of the ball or a glove flies off in the commission of making a legitimate catch attempt.
- Archived Call (6/5/99): Yankees pitcher Orlando Hernandez (El Duque) throws glove to first base for the out after ball lodges in equipment. This is to be considered a legitimate baseball play and is not illegal.

7.05(f): Dead. Two bases if a fair ball bounches or deflects into the stands outside the foul lines or sticks in or goes through any field fence, scoreboard or (Wrigley Field) shrubbery.
- Archived Call(s) (5/4/11): One ball remains live, one dead (lodged) after dying at base of outfield walls.
7.05(g): Dead (two bases from time of pitch if B1 has not yet reached first base; two bases from time of throw otherwise; If batter is not yet a runner, two bases from time of throw). A thrown ball leaves the playing field and goes into the stands, bench, over/under a fence, etc.
- Cross-Reference in Rule 8.01(e): A pitcher who disengages his plate is a fielder, subjecting his errant throw to Rule 7.05(g) and a two-base award. Video: Diaz advances to third on Mijares' throwing error

Award: One Base (Time of Pitch or Throw)
7.05(h): Dead. A thrown or pitched ball by the pitcher from the pitcher's plate goes into dead ball territory.
- Archived Call (NLCS): Was Giants pitcher Matt Cain an infielder pursuant to 8.01(e) or a pitcher pursuant to 7.05(h); was the one base award proper? Similar play: April 28, 2011, pitcher Jeff Karstens.
7.05(i): Dead. A ball four or strike three pitch (for the batter) lodges in the umpire's gear (e.g., plate pocket).

Rule 6.05(m): Intentional Interference or Crashing the Pivot

Rule 6.05(m) governs the case of runner's intentional interference in an attempt to break up a double play, stating the batter is out when, "a preceding runner shall, in the umpire’s judgment, intentionally interfere with a fielder who is attempting to catch a thrown ball or to throw a ball in an attempt to complete any play."

Rule 6.05(m) Comment reads, "The objective of this rule is to penalize the offensive team for deliberate, unwarranted, unsportsmanlike action by the runner in leaving the baseline for the obvious purpose of crashing the pivot man on a double play, rather than trying to reach the base. Obviously this is an umpire’s judgment play."

Note that Rule 7.08(a)(1)—a runner is out when "he runs more than three feet away from his base path to avoid being tagged"—is a rule change for the 2012 season. Prior to 2012, the bold text read the baseline.

MLB has made the distinction of a runner's personal base path as a direct line between a runner and base established at the time of tag, as opposed to the standard baseline, which is a simple line between bases. This has allowed Rule 7.08(a)(1) to be considered on its own merits and umpires no longer must autonomously decide upon the difference between the two terms. Accordingly, baseline as used in Rule 6.05(m) Comment is not subject to the three-foot provision of Rule 7.08(a)(1).

Case Study: Consider Game 2 of the NLCS between the Cardinals and Giants. (Video: Crash play at 2B)

With two on and one out in the top of the first inning, B1 Allen Craig hit a slow ground ball to shortstop, F6 Brandon Crawford throwing to F4 Marco Scutaro for the force out. As F4 Scutaro attempted to convert the force at second into a double play at first, R1 Matt Holliday barreled into F4 Scutaro, forcing U2 Greg Gibson to consider whether Holliday's act constituted intentional interference by which his action was obviously deliberate, unwarranted and unsportsmanlike. Note that unsportsmanlike and unwarranted are but two criteria of the intentional interference rule.

As for the third, one argument concerning Holliday's foot slipping in advance of second base is plausible and accordingly, it is plausible that Holliday's actions were not deliberate; therefore, one of the criteria employed to judge intentional interference was not satisfied and U2 Gibson was correct to withhold the 6.05(m) call.

As in any rule that requires an umpire's judgment of a player's intent, the official must err on the side of considering the runner's actions unintentional unless overwhelming evidence suggests otherwise. Furthermore, Rule 6.05(m) requires this evidence be of an "obvious" nature.

For an instance of Rule 6.05(m) enforcement, consult this play in which R1 clearly—and obviously—interferes with F6's attempt to complete a play. After umpire consultation, U2 Iassogna correctly invoked Rule 6.05(m).

Berating Officials: The Grand New American Pastime?

The media has decided to scapegoat MLB umpire Jim Joyce once again after he made an incorrect call during Game 3 of the NLDS between the St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Nationals, gladly pointing out that Joyce was also involved in the Armando Galarraga imperfect game in 2010.

In an opposite the editorial entitled "Sensationally Sleazy Stories," I discussed the sports media's fascination with criticism of officials and why the likes of ESPN, Yahoo! and other entertainment outlets are so quick to jump the gun and pull the "blown call" trigger.

"[Umpires] are expected to be perfect the day [they] start, and then improve." - Fmr NL Supervisor Ed Vargo

Succinctly, multiple field experts have long established that scapegoating—or passing the buck and blaming others—is a psychological defense mechanism meant to shield oneself from acknowledgement of an unacceptable truth.

Additionally, society as a whole simply likes watching people—especially "perfect" ones—fail.

And if the media can paint a picture of impartial arbiters being anything less than perfect, it's a huge way to attract fans outraged that a call didn't go their way. The first sentence of the AP release today was indeed, "It's another umpiring call that went the St. Louis Cardinals [sic] way this postseason."

Implying an officiating-related conspiracy while completely disregarding the facts is nothing new in sports.

Closer inspection of ESPN's 2010 study which concluded that umpires miss 20-percent of non-balls/strikes close calls demonstrates that, according to ESPN's data, umpires miss one call for every 220 chances, corresponding to a non-balls/strikes accuracy of 99.55 percent.

Yet the ESPN study spotlighted the 20-percent statistic, failing to so much as mention the 99+ percent figure that verifies the significant accuracy with which umpires operate.

Nonetheless, sensationalist sleaze is only effective when it becomes an unmitigated hit job with blatantly obvious agendas—choirs like to be preached to and the ratings, readership and page views they produce are evidence of sensationalism's success.

As for Joyce, he did miss a call at 1st base during Gm 3... but he also got 4 subsequent bangers 100% right. By the way, the Cardinals won Game 3 of the NLDS by the slimmest of margins—8-0.

No-Hitter #7 Ties MLB Record for Most in Single Season

Homer Bailey captured the 7th no-hitter of the 2012 MLB season on Friday, as called by home plate umpire Ed Hickox, tying the all-time record for no-nos in one season, which was set in 1990 and tied in 1991 (including one perfect game). Of all the home plate umpires who worked the 1990 and '91 no-hitters, only Jerry Layne (June 29, 1990; Fernando Valenzuela) and Tim Tschida (May 1, 1991; Nolan Ryan) are still active. With 3 perfect games this year, 2012 has broken the previous record of 2, established in 2010.

Friday marked Hickox's second career no-hitter (first: July 26, 2010; Matt Garza), joining the likes of Tschida, Eric Cooper, Jeff Kellogg, Brian Runge and Ted Barrett as the only active umpires to have called multiple no-hitters. Barrett, Cooper and Runge have called three no-hitters each while Barrett is the only umpire in MLB history to have called two perfect games in his career (Cooper and Runge have called one perfecto apiece). Runge and Tom Hallion are the only active umpires to have officiated a combined no-hitter.

With 60 callable pitches, including 40 balls and 20 called strikes, here is how Hickox called Bailey's no-hitter:

Balls: 39 called balls outside of strike zone / 1 called ball within strike zone = 39/40 = 97.5% Accuracy
Strikes: 15 called strikes inside strike zone / 5 called strikes outside strike zone  = 15/20 = <90.0% Accuracy
Total Raw Accuracy = 54/60 = 90.0% Accuracy (+4 in favor of CIN/Bailey).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 9/28/12

Roster: World Baseball Classic Qualifying Umpires

With the MiLB season in the books, umpires and baseball turns to WBC, the World Baseball Classic.

WBC Umpire Sean Barber (USA, IL).

With baseball out of the Summer Olympic Games, the WBC is the premiere international baseball competition.

2013 World Baseball Classic qualifying games began Wednesday, September 19, with Team Israel's 7-3 victory over South Africa at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida. The following is a list of umpires, many taken from the minor league ranks, who have made an appearance during the WBC qualifying stage, along with their country of representation. This list will be updated throughout the qualification stage of the tournament:

9/19/12: Israel vs. South Africa (Florida, USA; 7-3 ISR); HP: Chris Segal (USA, IL). 1B: Sean Barber (USA, IL). 2B: Trevor Grieve (Canada, SAr). 3B: Jens Waider (Germany).
9/20/12: Canada vs. Great Britain (Regensburg, Germany; 11-1 CAN); HP: Stephen Barga (USA, PCL). 1B: Will Little (USA, IL). 2B: Liang-Kuei Hsieh (Chinese Taipei). 3B: Marco Screti (Italy).
9/20/12: Spain vs. France (Jupiter, Florida, USA; 8-0 ESP); HP: Quinn Wolcott (USA, PCL). 1B: Jairo Mendoza (Nicaragua). 2B: Sean Barber (USA). 3B: Trevor Grieve (CAN).
9/21/12: Germany vs. Czech Republic (Regensburg, Germany; 11-1 GER); HP: Ben May (USA, IL). 1B: Michael Ulloa (Spain). 2B: Marco Screti (ITA). 3B: Will Little: (USA).
9/21/12: Israel vs. Spain (Jupiter, Florida, USA; 4-2 ISR); HP: Sean Barber (USA). 1B: Chris Segal (USA). 2B: Jens Waider (GER). 3B: Jairo Mendoza (NIC).
9/21/12: South Africa vs. France (Jupiter, Florida, USA; 5-2 RSA); HP: Trevor Grieve (CAN). 1B: Jairo Mendoza (NIC). 2B: Quinn Wolcott (USA). 3B: Chris Segal (USA).
9/22/12: Great Britain vs. Czech Republic (Regensburg, Germany; 12-5 GBR); HP: Marco Screti (ITA). 1B: Stephen Barga (USA). 2B: Liang-Kuei Hsieh (TPE). 3B: Ben May (USA).
9/22/12: Canada vs. Germany (Regensburg, Germany; 16-7 CAN); HP: Will Little (USA). 1B: Ben May (USA). 2B: Michael Ulloa (ESP). 3B: Liang-Kuei Hsieh (TPE).
9/22/12: Spain vs. South Africa (Jupiter, Florida, USA; 13-3 ESP); HP: Quinn Wolcott (USA). 1B: Sean Barber (USA). 2B: Jairo Mendoza (NIC). 3B: Jens Waider (GER).
9/23/12: Germany vs. Great Britain (Regensburg, Germany; 16-1 GER); HP: Stephen Barga (USA). 1B: Ben May (USA). 2B: Michael Ulloa (ESP). 3B: Liang-Kuei Hsieh (TPE).
9/23/12: Spain vs. Israel (Jupiter, Florida, USA).

*Remaining Games TBD*

Rule 7.09: Base or Batter-Runner Interference

A baserunner's interference call brought both managers out onto the field in San Francisco Tuesday night, creating the rare double-argument wherein both teams disputed the same play and call.

With one out and two on (R1, R2) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Rockies-Giants game, Giants batter Brandon Crawford hit 2-2 curveball from Rockies pitcher Carlos Torres towards second base. As second baseman DJ LeMahieu attempted to field the high chopper, baserunner R1 Xavier Nady attempted to advance to second base, while the baseball remained loose following what appeared to have been minor contact between the two players. (Video: 2B Umpire Conroy rules interference, fielder's choice)

Tracy and Conroy discuss the play.   AP Photo

As Tracy argued with 2B Umpire Chris Conroy, claiming the Rockies should be awarded a double play based on perceived "intentional" interference, Bochy alleged the Giants should have escaped with a bases loaded, zero out situation for lack of willful interference. Who was right?

Conroy had ruled "simple" offensive interference pursuant to Rule 7.09(j), which states, in part, that when a runner fails to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field a batted ball, the runner is out and the ball is dead. Because, in the umpire's judgment, LeMahieu was in the act of attempting to field a batted ball, and he was the one player who was entitled to field this specific batted ball, Nady's failure to avoid LeMahieu constituted interference, the penalty for which places the guilty runner out, the batter-runner on first base and R2 must return to second base on the fielder's choice. Recall, a fielder has "right of way" priveleges in regards to a batted ball, meaning the onus is on the runner to avoid the fielder.

Contrary to baseball mythology, contact is not necessary for an interference call and who initiated contact is not necessary to determine legality. All that matters is whether the offensive player interfered with the defense whereby he failed to avoid the one fielder entitled to play the batted ball.

Pursuant to this and several following criteria, Tracy and Bochy were partially correct, while Conroy was right.

Rule 7.09(j) interference is one of 11 varieties of base or batter-runner interference as prescribed by Rule 7.09. The following list, with video where available, documents the other 10 instances of this interference:

Rule 7.10: How a Runner is Out on Appeal

Appeal plays occur in baseball when the defense claims a violation of the rules by the offensive team (Rule 2.00 [APPEAL]), while Rule 7.10 appeals occur when a fielder claims a violation by a runner.

For instance, on Saturday, the Cleveland Indians appealed that Tigers baserunner Alex Avila violated OBR Rule 7.02 by failing to touch first, second, third and home bases in order en route to scoring a run. With two out and one on, baserunner R2 Avila attempted to score from second base after Indians F6 Asdrubal Cabrera overthrew third base during an attempted fielder's choice. After the play's conclusion, the Indians appealed to third base umpire Wally Bell that Avila never touched third base, a ruling affirmed as Avila was declared out on appeal for failing to touch all bases pursuant to Rules 7.02 and 7.10(b) [failure to touch each base in order]. The ruling negated the run Avila had attempted to score during the previous play.

This table of possible outcomes for each sequence
demonstrates that the order in which an appeal is
executed is of tantamount importance.

Video: Avila ruled out on appeal for missing third base

Similarly of note, Rule 7.10 appeals must be made prior to the next pitch or any play or attempted play, while Rule 7.10 appeals themselves are not to be be interpreted as plays. Appeals are made while the ball is live.

In essense, if a runner misses third base, as in the video above, a Rule 7.10 appeal must be executed prior to the next pitch, as in the video above. Similarly, the Rule 7.10 appeal must be made before an ensuing play or attempted play.

In the video above, new baserunner R2 Quintin Berry tried to induce an attempted play by running towards third base and providing the Indians the opportunity at an easy out if they were to tag Berry while he was off his base. Had the Indians made a play or attempted play on Berry (e.g., by tagging him out) prior to completing their appeal play (e.g., by tagging third base), they would have lost their chance to appeal Avila's miss of third base.

Instead, as the video shows, third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall tagged third base pursuant to the procedure for a Rule 7.10 appeal prior to tagging Berry, who was still off his base. Because Chisenhall tagged third base and executed his appeal prior to making a play on Berry, the appeal was eligible for review and affirmation by umpire Bell. Had Chisenhall reversed the order and tagged Berry before stepping on third base, the appeal would not have been eligible for review, Bell would not have been able to declare Avila out for missing third base, and Avila's run would have stood.

Other 7.10 appeals include leaving early on a fly ball & losing overrun protection at first base, as seen here... Also listed is the rarely-seen "fourth out" play which, in tandem with a time play, occurred during a Major League contest from 2009:

MiLB: Triple-A Playoffs, Semifinal Round

Now that the Triple-A Playoffs have started, here are the crews working those Playoff Series. This information comes to us courtesy of UEFL'er and MiLB expert contributor Russ.

Triple-A postseason umpiring consists of four, 4-man crews while during the regular season, 3-man crews are generally employed. Regular season rovers are ineligible for the Playoffs. Out of the 8 Umpires from this semifinal round, PBUC will select the top 4, usually 2 from each series, to work the Championship series in each respective League.

International League Playoffs:
Charlotte Knights VS. Indianapolis Indians:
**Mark Lollo (2 ejections)
*Toby Basner (0 ejections)
*David Soucy (3 ejections)
Adam Hamari (8 ejections)

Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees VS. Pawtucket Red Sox
**Craig Barron (5 ejections)
Jeff Gosney (4 ejections)
*Brad Myers (5 ejections)
*Chad Whitson (3 ejections)

Pacific Coast League Playoffs:
Albuquerque Isotopes VS. Omaha Storm Chasers
**Eric Loveless (3 ejections)
*John Tumpane (5 ejections)
*Michael Lusky (1 ejection)
Matt Schaufert (5 ejections)

Reno Aces VS. Sacramento River Cats
**Brian Larson (3 ejections)
*Mark Ripperger (2 ejections)
Jason Arends (10 ejections)
Brian Sinclair (3 ejections)

**-Crew Chief of the Crew
*-Regular Season Crew Chief

Umpire Count Error & a Lesson in Situation Handling

HP Umpire Paul Emmel missed a strike during A's LF Seth Smith's 5th inning at-bat on Thursday, yet Emmel's situation handling after the fact resolved the incident and while it did not resolve the error, Smith and Oakland Manager Bob Melvin's tempers were quelled after a calm discussion. (Video: Emmel's discussion)

With none out and one on, Smith stepped to the plate against Cleveland pitcher Chris Seddon...

• Pitcher

  C. Seddon

• Batter

  S. Smith

	Speed	Pitch	Result
1	90	Fastball (Four-seam)	Foul
2	89	Fastball (Four-seam)	Ball In Dirt
3	81	Slider	Swinging Strike
4	75	Slider	Swinging Strike

After pitch #2, Smith attempted to check his swing on a low-and-away slider, with Emmel ruling "no swing" before third base umpire Gary Darling called "swinging strike" on appeal. Nonetheless, Emmel appeared to communicate to Smith the count was two balls, one strike, as opposed to 1-2. After Smith swung and missed the ensuing pitch, Darling whistled to Emmel, alerting him of the strikeout.

When Emmel then informed Smith, "strike three," Smith understandbly responded with an emotional plea: "You just told me it was 2-1!"

Instead of arguing the point, Emmel immediately conceded, claiming responsibility for his crew's error in communication: "I know, I did. I told you it was 2-1," before addressing Melvin:

Listen Bob, he's got a beef. I told him the pitch was 2-1, but they're saying the pitch was strike three ... we've got make what's right, right. I'm admitting to that, I told him it was 2-1 before the pitch. By the books, it was strike three and that's what we've got to go with ... You've got an argument.

Whether Emmel's calm approach and demeanor helped end the argument and prevent its escalation or whether it was the lopsided score at the time, 8-2, Oakland, Emmel's proper handling of the situation was what all administrators like to see: Professionalism, accountability, understanding and a firm adherence to rules enforcement.

Nonetheless, Emmel did not fare as well with Indians pitching coach Ruben Niebla in inning 7, whom Emmel ejected for arguing an incorrectly ruled ball during George Kottaras' at bat (Ejection 144).

Wrap: A's-Indians, 8/30/12
Video: Emmel and Darling suffer communciation breakdown, yet Emmel peacefully resolves dispute (UEFL)

GCL Umpires Assist with Plane Landing Evacuation

When two rookie MiLB umpires witnessed an airplane's emergency landing in Florida Thursday morning en route to their Gulf Coast League assignment, the first-year umpires stopped and exited their car to investigate, with one assisting the pilot and two passengers in evacuating the aircraft.

Umpires Takahito Matsuda (Seiyo, Ehime, Japan) and George Riedel (Rockaway, NJ) had been travelling to Bradenton, Florida via Interstate-75 when an odd sight brought traffic to a near halt: "The plane in the air caught my eye because it was probably only 30-40 feet off the ground that this point," said Riedel.

News: GCL umpires witness plane landing

Umpire Odds & Ends: 2012 Ejections Down 16% from 2011

2012 umpire ejection stats are down from last year: With 1,827 games down and 603 to go in the 2012 regular season, umpires have ejected 131 players, managers and coaches, or about once every 13.95 games. By this point in the 2011 season, umpires had recorded 156 ejections or once every 11.71 contests. By the end of 2011, however, that rate had cooled to just once per 12.21 contests.

2011: Two umpires (Davidson/Layne) eject the same manager...

To figure out why this might be, let us break down the numbers. For accuracy's sake, all following data was gathered through 1,827 games in 2011 and 2012.

By Reason for Ejection
2011: Balls/Strikes (76), Safe/Out (36), Throwing At (18), Balk (7), Fight (6), Int/Obstruct (4), Fair/Foul (1).
2012: Balls/Strikes (67), Safe/Out (30), Fair/Foul (8), Throwing At (7), Balk (5), Fight (1).

Both this season and last, pitch location and check swings provided the bulk of ejections followed by whether a runner was safe or out. Giving credence to the Commissioner's remarks regarding instituting video instant replay review for bullets hit down the first and third base lines, 2012 has seen eight fair/foul ejections whereas 2011 saw just one to this point, or 6.1% (2012) to 0.6% (2011).

By Quality of Correctness
2011: Correct (115), Incorrect (41) // Correct (88), Incorrect (41), Irrecusable (27) = 68.2% Accuracy
2012: Correct (59), Incorrect (50), Irrecusable (22) = 54.1% Accuracy

The fact that 2011 accuracy to this point was 14.4% higher than the 2012 figure, combined with a decrease in ejections in 2012, indicates that players and managers may be choosing their battles more wisely and in turn, may be correct more often. Irrecusable figures in 2011 were appropriately 123% higher than in 2012, which is statistically similar to the increased 2011 ejections compared to 2012 of 156 vs. 131 (119%).

By Team
2011: TB 12; BOS 10; HOU 9; WSH 8; CHC, TEX 7; ATL, BAL, DET, KC, LAD, TOR 6 ... CIN 0.
2012: LAD 11; BOS, DET 9; NYM 7; KC, MIL 6; CLE, CWS, TEX, TOR 5 ... WSH 0.

The ejection power players have changed from 2011 to 2012, with the Los Angeles Dodgers rocketing from T-7th to 1st place and the Washington Nationals dropping from 4th to 30th place, the Rays from 1st to having just three to this point in 2012—the only team that appears to have maintained a consistent trend of getting ejected has been the turmoil-plagued Boston Red Sox, whose 10 ejections through 1,827 MLB games in 2011 converted to nine in 2012.

By Umpire
2011: Rob Drake (9), Bob Davidson (7), Mike Estabrook (6), Mike Muchlinski (5), Marty Foster (5).
2012: Darling (6), Tschida (5), Holbrook (5), Foster (5), Reyburn (5), Campos (5), Knight (5).

In 2011, several specific umpires ejected many players each; Drake's nine ejections by Game 1,827 stood until season's end, while Davidson and Wendelstedt tied for second place with eight apiece. Joe West came in fourth with seven heave-hos. This year, however, Davidson went back to uniform #61 and back down to just four ejections. West, meanwhile is at two and Wendelstedt at one, though in 2011, Hunter was helped by a second-half surge that saw him rise from zero to eight in just 2.5 months. Yet in our Game 1,827 leading group, we are seeing more crew chiefs doling out discipline this season than last, indicating some difference in ejection trends regarding MLB umpiring's on-field leadership team.

Temperature & Climate Paradox
According to baseball theory (and proven in criminology), warm weather corresponds to increased ejection activity. Why then, have we seen fewer ejections in 2012—a record warm year—than in 2011—a year whose warmth ranked lower than 2012? According to the NOAA, July of 2012 was associated with a national temperature rank of 118, indicating record levels of warmth, compared to July of 2011, which was associated with a rank of 115. June also was warmer in 2012 (105-94) as were both May (117-28) and April (116-81).

Atmosphere & Situation Handling

Has umpire personality caused a decrease in ejections? On Monday, Adrian Johnson gave Mets batter Jordany Valdespin a lengthy rope after arguing a close play at first base, though for every such tale, there seems to be another filled with media-fueled controversy.

All in all, ejections are down—156 to 131 is concrete and clearly proves that, though the reasons for this decrease are multiple and, as always, open to a wide scope of interpretation.

Ejection 128: Lance Barrett (3)

HP Umpire Lance Barrett ejected Cardinals third base coach Jose Oquendo for arguing a strike call in the top of the 6th inning of the Pirates-Cardinals game. With one out and none on, Cardinals batter Jon Jay took a 2-1 fastball from Pirates pitcher James McDonald for a called strike two. Replays indicate the pitch was thigh high, but well off the outside corner of the plate (px value of -1.278), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 2-0. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Lance Barrett (94)'s third ejection of 2012.
Lance Barrett now has 1 point in the UEFL (3 Previous + 3 AAA + -1 Penalty + -4 Inorrect Call = 1).
Crew Chief Jim Joyce now has 3 points in the Crew Division (3 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 3).
*Pitch four of the at bat had a px value of -1.278, within the ball range.

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 128th ejection of 2012.
This is the St. Louis Caridnals' fourth ejection of 2012.
This is Jose Oquendo's first ejection since June 13, 2008 (Larry Vanover; Irrecusable).
This is Lance Barrett's first ejection since April 24th (Bud Black; QOC = Correct).
This is the 11th ejection since the beginning of Monday.

Wrap: Pirates at Cardinals, 8/17/12
Video: Oquendo ejected from 3rd base coach's box for arguing balls and strikes.

MLB to Test Expanded Instant Replay in New York Games

MLB will test expanded instant replay systems during games at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field next week, though at this stage, the technology will not affect any in-game calls, according to a Yahoo! Sports report.

The advanced systems, which have been installed at New York stadiums to minimize cost during the test-only phase, will consist of one radar-based and one camera-based system. Both the radar and camera systems resemble Hawk-Eye, the instant replay system presently used to judge balls hit down the line in tennis.

MLB's Network Operations Center, Manhattan. Warga/News

Though the new baseball CBA included proposals to expand instant replay to include Fair/Foul, Catch/No Catch (Trap) and Stadium-wide Fan Interference calls, MLB declined to expand the scope of instant replay for the 2012 season, citing a lack of logistical and realistic ways of implementing the technology.

Still, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig predicted, "We're now going to add [instant replay] on trapped balls ... [and] bullets hit down the first and third base lines."

If tests in New York, which will serve as tools for analysis and observation only, are successful, expect instant replay—estimated to cost between $30 and $40 million—to once again be in the winter discussion.

News: Exclusive: MLB to test two different advanced replay systems during games next week (Yahoo!)

Fan Who Received CPR During Blue Jays Game Has Died

A baseball fan has died after collapsing and receiving several minutes of CPR during Thursday's White Sox-Blue Jays contest at Rogers Centre.

The incident began as an apparent heart attack in the seating area along the third base line, with paramedics called in to attend to the afflicted patron. According to several outlets, including Toronto broadcaster Buck Martinez, the incident had been ongoing for several minutes before White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkillis requested "Time" from 3B Umpire Mark Wegner, who along with crew chief Mike Winters stopped the contest, allowing a flatbed golf cart to enter the field and retrieve the patient.

"It was not a good sight, it was bad," a visibly shaken Youkilis said after the game. "I could just see the guy pumping on him. It was happening too long. Finally, I was like, 'We got to stop this thing' and Mark [Wegner, third-base umpire] kind of saw Mike [Winters, second-base umpire] and kind of stopped."

According to CityNews Toronto, the fan was pronounced dead upon his arrival at an area hospital.

Ejections 123, 125: Angel Campos (4, 5)

HP Umpire Angel Campos ejected Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp for arguing a strike call in the top of the 2nd inning and Dodgers pitcher Joe Blanton for arguing a called ball in the top of the 5th inning of the Dodgers-Pirates game. Prior to the Kemp ejection, with none out and none on, Dodgers batter Andre Ethier took a 1-1 fastball from Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located below the midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants high and over the outside portion of the plate, the call was correct (px value of -0.464; norm_ht value of 0.5538).* Prior to the Blanton ejection, Pirates batter Pedro Alvarez took a 0-0 pitch from Blanton for a called ball (then subsequently homered on the 3rd pitch of the at bat), this was the first pitch of the last batter Blanton faced prior to his removal, then ejection from the game. A Balls/Strikes Exemption has been applied and replays indicate that all pitches thrown by Blanton in the top of the 5th inning were correctly adjudicated, the call was correct. At the time of the Kemp ejection, the Pirates were leading 3-0. At the time of the Blanton ejection, the Pirates were leading, 8-4. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 10-6.

These are Angel Campos (84)'s fourth and fifth ejections of 2012.
Angel Campos now has 18 points in the UEFL (8 Previous + 2*[3 AAA + 2 Correct Call] = 18).
Crew Chief Tim Tschida now has 8 points in the UEFL's Crew division (6 Previous + 2*[1 Correct Call] = 8).
*The call is correct pursuant to both the Miller and Kulpa rules.
**According to multiple outlets, Kemp was ejected after yelling, "Let's go 'Dre!" with Ethier at bat.
**Mattingly was suspended two games, while Kemp & Blanton were not suspended.

UEFL Standings Update

These are the 123rd and 125th ejections of 2012.
These are the 51st and 52nd player ejections of 2012.
This is Matt Kemp's first ejection of 2012 and first since August 19, 2011 (Ted Barrett; QOC = Incorrect).
This is Joe Blanton's first ejection of 2012 and first since July 8th, 2007 (Travis Reininger;  Irrecusable).
These are Angel Campos' first ejections since May 2nd (Rod Barajas & Clint Hurdle; QOC = Correct).
These are the Los Angeles Dodgers' 9th and 11th ejections of 2012, most in Major League Baseball.
These are the 7th and 8th ejections since the beginning of the week.

Wrap: Dodgers at Pirates 8/16/12

Video: While Ethier at bat, Kemp and Mattingly attempt to run through other umpires to get into Campos' face.
Video: Joe Blanton ejected during pitching change
Related Post: Ejection 124: Tim Tschida (5)

Ejection 124: Tim Tschida (5)

1B Umpire Tim Tschida ejected Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly for arguing a strike call in the top of the 2nd inning of the Dodgers-Pirates game. With none out and none on, Dodgers batter Andre Ethier took a 1-1 fastball from Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett for a called second strike by HP Umpire Angel Campos. Replays indicate the pitch was located below the midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants high and over the outside portion of the plate, the call was correct (px value of -0.464; norm_ht value of 0.5538). At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading 3-0.

This is Tim Tschida (4)'s fifth ejection of 2012.
Tim Tschida now has 13 points in the UEFL (10 Previous + 2 MLB + 1 Correct Call [Crewmmate] = 13).
Crew Chief Tim Tschida now has 7 points in the UEFL's Crew division (6 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 7).
*The call is correct pursuant to both the Miller and Kulpa rules.

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 124th ejection of 2012.
This is the 61st Manager ejection of 2012.
This is Don Mattingly's sixth ejection of 2012 (the most for any non-umpire in MLB) and first since July 25th (Jeff Kellogg; QOC = Correct).

This is Tim Tschida's first ejection since July 24th (Ian Kinsler; QOC = Correct).
This is the Los Angeles Dodgers' 10th ejection of 2012, most in Major League Baseball.

Wrap: Dodgers at Pirates 8/16/12

Video: While Ethier at bat, Kemp and Mattingly are ejected and attempt to run through other umpires to get to Campos' face.
Related Post: Ejection 123: Angel Campos (4) 

Perfect Game 23: 3rd in 2012, 2nd at Safeco Field

With Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez hurling a perfect game, striking out the last batter he faced (looking), the baseball community has now seen the 23rd perfect game in MLB history, 1st in Mariners franchise history, third of the 2012 season and second at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington.

In April, the Mariners were victimized by White Sox pitcher Phil Humber's first career no-no and perfect game.

As Hernandez's perfecto marks the sixth no-hitter of the 2012 season, MLB remains on pace to break the all-time record dating back to George Bradley's no-hitter in 1876; since that time, baseball has never seen more than seven no-hitters during any single season.

Discussed after the Matt Cain no-hitter, several 2012 no-nos have had at least one close call or other controversy that has resulted in nearly one third of voters in this poll liken an incorrect call in favor of the defense during a no-hitter to the Jim Joyce-Armando Galarraga saga—in reverse.

This is pertinent information, as for the first time this season, a manager was ejected from the no-hitter in progress for arguing a potential missed call: Rays skipper Joe Maddon was run by home plate umpire Rob Drake for arguing a strike call replays indicate was the wrong one.
Related Post: Ejection 119: Rob Drake (2).

So, does Maddon have merit? Was Drake's strike zone lopsided in favor of King Felix? As is UEFL tradition for perfect games and no-hitters, here is the statistical breakdown of Hernandez's effort as called by Drake:

Ejection 118: Jerry Layne (1)

1B Umpire Jerry Layne ejected Giants Manager Bruce Bochy for arguing a safe call in the top of the 3rd inning of the Nationals-Giants game. With one out and three on, Nationals batter Roger Bernadina hit a 0-1 curveball from Giants pitcher Ryan Vogelsong back to the mound, deflected by Vogelsong and then fielded by second baseman Ryan Theriot, who threw to first baseman Brandon Belt. Replays indicate that Belt caught the ball with his foot on the bag prior to Bernadina touching first base, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Nationals were leading, 5-0. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 14-2.

This is Jerry Layne (24)'s first ejection of 2012.
Jerry Layne now has -2 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call = -2).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 6 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (6 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 6).
*After review, Quality of Correctness has been affirmed by the UEFL Appeals Board (5-0).

Umpire Jerry Layne gives Bochy a stare

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 118th ejection of 2012.
This is the 58th Manager ejection of 2012.
This is the Giants' fourth ejection of 2012, 2nd in the NL West (LAD 8; SF 4; SD 3; AZ, COL 2).
This is Bruce Bochy's first ejection since April 8th (Mike DiMuro; CC).
This is Jerry Layne's first ejection since July 28th (Jim Leyland; IC).

Wrap: Nationals at Giants 8/13/12

Video: Bochy argues safe call in 3rd inning, ejected quickly by Layne
Video: Play & Ejection with additional angles (UEFL)