Trio of Plays - Close Calls and Replay Reviews

In this review, tmac looks at a trio of plays across baseball, including a line drive hit toward 3B Umpire Brian Knight on the left field foul line, a knob of the bat fair ball and challenged out call at first with umpires Quinn Wolcott & Junior Valentine, and a puzzler of a catcher's interference vs foul ball for Larry Vanover.

For Knight in Milwaukee, self-preservation comes first and the umpire jumps out of the way, initially killing play to call a foul ball before quickly convening the crew and changing the call to a fair ball, which was the proper ruling.

In Cleveland, HP Umpire Wolcott observes a batted ball off the knob of the bat as opposed to a hit-by-pitch while 1B Umpire Valentine rules on a bang-bang play at first, an out call confirmed via Replay Review.

In San Francisco, HP Umpire Vanover sees a play wherein the bat hit the catcher's mitt...but was not actually catcher's interference. Replays indicate the batter's bat, after fouling the pitch away, recoiled backward and into the catcher's mitt, rendering this a foul ball and overturned call.

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 Ejections 167-8 - Brian Knight (Cole, Boone)

HP Umpire Brian Knight ejected Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole and manager Aaron Boone (ball two call; QOCY) in the top of the 6th inning of the #RedSox-#Yankees game. With two out and two on, Red Sox batter Alex Verdugo took a 1-2 fastball from Yankees pitcher Cole for a called second ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px -0.69, pz 1.38 [sz_bot 1.54 / RAD 1.42]) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 4-4. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

These are Brian Knight (91)'s 2nd and 3rd ejections of 2022.

*This pitch was located 1.44 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

These are the 167th and 168th ejection reports of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 55th player ejection of 2022. Prior to ejection, Cole's line was 6.0 IP, 4 ER, 2 HR.

This is the 91st manager ejection of 2022.

This is New York's 13/14th ejection of 2022, 1st in the AL East (NYY 14; TOR 10; BOS 6; BAL 4; TB 3).

This is Gerrit Cole's first career MLB ejection.

This is Aaron Boone's 9th ejection of 2022, 1st since Sept 16 (Edwin Moscoso; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brian Knight's 2/3rd ejection of 2022, 1st sine April 23 (Mark Kotsay; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees, 9/23/22 | Video as follows:

Teachable - He Swiped Knight and Swipe Tags at 1B

When Replay Review affirmed 1B Umpire Brian Knight's out call on Red Sox first baseman Bobby Dalbec's swipe tag of Rangers batter-runner Nick Solak, tmac knew a positioning Teachable Moment was in the works.

For a first base umpire officiating a play wherein the first baseman fields a wide throw by coming off the bag—on the x-axis, so to speak, as opposed to strictly on the vertical y-—a first base umpire's positioning should usually change as well. Generally, a base umpire can take a read step (or few) in order to position-adjust and get into a location that provides the optimal keyhole angle with which to see the fielder's gloved tag of the runner.

The reason we talk about x- vs y-axis here is that if a fielder simply jumps straight up in the air to catch a high throw, there's a pretty good chance that fielder will land straight back down on first base and we'll have a tag of the base to officiate, as opposed to a definitive tag of the batter-runner.

Thus, when 1B Umpire Knight reads that Boston fielder Dalbec has jumped away from first base to catch the ball, Knight adjusts his position, knowing that the likelihood of Dalbec attempting to tag Texas batter-runner Solak is high, and the likelihood of Dalbec attempting to touch first base is low, all based on the way the play developed.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 012 - Brian Knight (1; Mark Kotsay)

HP Umpire Brian Knight ejected Athletics manager Mark Kotsay (Replay Review decision/home plate collision call; QOCY) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Rangers-#Athletics game. With two out and two on (R2, R3), Rangers batter Brad Miller hit a 1-1 slider from A's pitcher Domingo Acevedo on the ground to left fielder Tony Kemp, who threw to catcher Sean Murphy as Rangers baserunner R2 Eli White slid toward home plate, ruled an out by HP Umpire Knight. After Crew Chief Review, the out call was overturned and White awarded home on catcher Murphy's violation of Official Baseball Rule 6.01(i)(2)—the home plate collision rule. Replays indicate Murphy, without possession of the ball, blocked the pathway of the runner prior to making a tag at home plate, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Rangers were leading, 2-0. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 2-0.

This is Brian Knight (91)'s 1st ejection of 2022.

Brian Knight now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).

Crew Chief Doug Eddings now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).

*OBR 6.01(i)(2) states: "Unless the catcher is in possession of the ball, the catcher cannot block the pathway of the runner as he is attempting to score. If, in the judgment of the umpire, the catcher without possession of the ball blocks the pathway of the runner, the umpire shall call or signal the runner safe. Not withstanding the above, it shall not be considered a violation of this Rule 6.01(i)(2) if the catcher blocks the pathway of the runner in a legitimate attempt to field the throw (e.g., in reaction to the direction, trajectory or the hop of the incoming throw, or in reaction to a throw that originates from a pitcher or drawn-in infielder)."

This is the 12th ejection report of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 5th manager ejection of 2022.

This is Oakland's 1st ejection of 2022, T-1st in the AL West (LAA, OAK 1; HOU, SEA, TEX 0).

This is Mark Kotsay's 1st ejection since June 14, 2015 (Adrian Johnson; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brian Knight's 1st ejection since August 30, 2019 (Rick Renteria; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics, 4/23/22 | Video as follows:

Ask UEFL - Bona Fide Slide DP Ends Rockies-Rangers

Tmac fields your Ask the UEFL questions regarding a bona fide slide rule interference play that wound up ending last week's Rockies-Rangers game in Texas, with HP Umpire Bill Miller signaling the Replay Review-decided double play much to the chagrin of Rangers manager Chris Woodward, whose team just lost to Colorado.

Play: With one out and one on (R1), Rangers batter Adolis Garcia hit a ground ball from Rockies pitcher Ashton Goudeau on the ground to third baseman Ryan McMahon, who threw to second baseman Brendan Rodgers as Rangers baserunner R1 Mitch Garver slid into second base, before Rodgers then threw wildly to first baseman CJ Cron.

Original Ruling: 2B Umpire Brian Knight initially ruled Garver out on the force play, but did not make an on-field slide rule interference call.

Challenge & Review: Instead, Rockies manager Bud Black elected to file a manager's challenge for slide rule interference, alleging that Garver, in sliding into and making contact with middle infielder Rodgers, failed to engage in a bona fide slide and thus should be called for interference (rendering the batter-runner Garcia out as well).

Rule: Official Baseball Rule 6.01(j) describes bona fide slide criteria, specifying four main requirements:

1) Runner begins his slide and makes contact with the ground before reaching the base;

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

3) He is able and attempts to remain on the base (except home) after completing the slide; and

4) He slides within reach without changing his path for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder.

Related Post: MLB Adds Impediment to Bona Fide Slide Rule Interp (5/18/16).

Related Label: Bona Fide Slide

If the runner fails to satisfy even one of those four requirements, and in doing so impedes the defense from completing a potential play, the umpire shall declare the ball dead and rule interference for an illegal (non-bona fide) slide.

Result: Because Colorado was unable to complete its attempted double play as a result of R1 Garver's illegal slide, the Replay Official ruled BR Garcia out for the interfering actions of his teammate, resulting in a game-ending double play.

Video as follows:

Injury Scout - Pitch Bounces Into Brian Knight's Jaw

HP Umpire Brian Knight left Monday's #Yankees-#Royals game due a 2nd inning head injury.

With one out in the top of the 2nd inning, Yankees batter Luke Voit took a 0-1 curveball from Royals pitcher Carlos Hernandez in the dirt for ball one. The pitch bounced in front of home plate and evaded catcher Cam Gallagher, bouncing directly into the jaw portion of Knight's traditional-style facemask.

Knight was replaced behind home plate prior to the top of the 4th inning by 3B Umpire Pat Hoberg with 1B Umpire and Crew Chief Bill Miller remaining on the right field line and 2B Umpire Doug Eddings shifting over to third base.

Also From This Game: Ejection 126 - Pat Hoberg (1; Aaron Boone).

Relevant Injury History: Brian Knight has a history of head injuries.

> On April 12, 2019, Knight left a game in Los Angeles after a foul ball into the mask.

> On February 28, 2018, Knight exited a Spring Training between Cleveland and Los Angeles.

> On September 9, 2016, Knight left a game after a deflected HBP into the mask's jaw portion.

> On April 18, 2015, Knight was struck in the face by a fastball in Washington.

Last Game: August 9 | Return to Play: August 27 | Time Absent: 17 Days | Video as follows:

Angels-A's Make History with Extra Inning Tiebreaker

Opening Day invoked the first instance of baseball's extra inning tiebreaker rule in major league history, thanks to an Angels-Athletics game that took 10 innings to play, ending when Oakland's baserunner placed at second base to begin the inning, Marcus Semien, scored the winning run on a walk-off grand slam.

How about that for a first game as acting crew chief for Brian Knight, an umpire normally the number 3 on a crew, given the gig after interim chief Marvin Hudson was held out of the game prior to first pitch? Mike Muchlinski, Tom Woodring, and Adam Hamari rounded out the shorthanded crew.

Oakland had a chance to close out the game in regulation, taking a 3-2 lead into the top of the 9th inning, when Angels batter Jason Castro homered to tie the score.

Angels ran into a pickle during their 10th.

Los Angeles (Anaheim)'s Shohei Ohtani later struck out to end the frame. In the bottom of the 9th, the A's couldn't score, with Marcus Semien flying out to Angels catcher Jason Castro to send the game into extras.

The top of the 10th inning began with Ohtani—LAA's final out in the 9th—placed on second base. The A's eventually retired Ohtani and the Angels, sending the tied ballgame into the bottom of the 10th.

Oakland hit a grand slam in the bottom half.

Pursuant to MLB's new tiebreaker rule, the 9th inning's final A's batter, Semien, started the 10th on second base, eventually scoring the winning run when Oakland's Matt Olson hit a grand slam.

MLB instituted the rule after a two-year minor league trial run. According to MiLB statistics, 73% of games ended in the 10th inning with the runner-on-second tiebreaker procedure in effect, compared to 45% of games ending in the 10th under normal bases-empty rules.

It was MLB's first-ever regular season invocation of the extra inning tiebreaker | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 179 - Brian Knight (3; Rick Renteria)

HP Umpire Brian Knight ejected White Sox Manager Rick Renteria (ball three call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #WhiteSox-#Braves game. With two out and two on (R1, R2), Braves batter Tyler Flowers took a 2-2 fastball from White Sox pitcher Aaron Bummer for a called third ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the inner edge of home plate and thigh-high (px -0.82, pz 2.50) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Braves were leading, 6-5. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 10-7.

This is Brian Knight (91)'s third ejection of 2019.
Brian Knight now has 12 points in the UEFL Standings (8 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 12).
Crew Chief Greg Gibson now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.
This pitch was located 0.86 horizontal inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

This is the 179th ejection report of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 81st Manager ejection of 2019.
This is Chicago's 9th ejection of 2019, 2nd in the AL Central (DET 11; CWS 9; KC 8; MIN 3; CLE 1).
This is Rick Renteria's 7th ejection of 2019, 1st since July 28 (Angel Hernandez; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Brian Knight's 3rd ejection of 2019, 1st since May 8 (Ned Yost; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs. Atlanta Braves, 8/30/19 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 050-51 - Brian Knight (1-2; KC)

HP Umpire Brian Knight ejected Royals catcher Martin Maldonado and Manager Ned Yost (strike two/three calls; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the Royals-Astros game. With none out and none on, Maldonado took 1-1 and 1-2 fastballs from Astros pitcher Brad Peacock for called second and third strikes. Replays indicate the 1-1 pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px 0.90, pz 1.93 [sz_bot 1.56])  and the 1-2 pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and waist-high (px 0.69, pz 2.57), the calls were correct.* At the time of the ejections, the Astros were leading, 9-0. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 9-0.

These are Brian Knight (91)'s first and second ejections of 2019.
Brian Knight now has 7 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Prev + 2*[2 MLB + 2 Correct Call] = 7).
Crew Chief Gerry Davis now has -1 points in Crew Division (-3 Previous + 2 Correct Call = -1)
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.
*The 1-1 pitch was located 0.168 horizontal inches from being deemed an incorrect call.
*The 1-2 pitch was located 2.688 horizontal inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

These are the 50th and 51st ejection reports of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 23rd player ejection of 2019. Prior to ejection, Maldonado was 0-3 (SO) in the contest.
This is the 23rd Manager ejection of 2019.
This is Kansas City's 3rd ejection of 2019, 2nd in the AL Central (CWS 4; KC 3; DET, MIN 1; CLE 0).
This is Martin Maldonado's first ejection since May 28, 2018 (Mark Ripperger; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Ned Yost's first ejection since July 9, 2018 (Will Little; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Brian Knight's first ejection since June 13, 2018 (Chris Sale; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs. Houston Astros, 5/8/19 | Video as follows:

Injury Scout - Brian Knight Leaves After Foul to Mask

HP Umpire Brian Knight left five pitches into the bottom of the 1st inning of Friday evening's Brewers-Dodgers game after a foul ball off the mask staggered the plate umpire.

With none out and none on, Dodgers lead-off batter Joc Pederson fouled a 93.3-mph 2-2 fastball from Brewers pitcher Corbin Burnes into Knight's traditional-style facemask.

Dodgers public address announcer Todd Leitz described Knight's departure thusly: "HP Umpire Brian Knight will be leaving the game and assessed per concussion protocol. 2B Umpire Pat Hoberg will take over behind the plate when play resumes."

1B Umpire Jeremie Rehak and 3B Umpire Gerry Davis remained as the two field umpires.

Relevant Injury History: Knight has a history of head injuries as a home plate umpire.
Knight last left a game due to head injury during a 2018 Cleveland-LA Spring Training matchup.
Related Post: Injury Scout - Brian Knight Out on Spring Training Foul Ball (2/28/18).

On September 9, 2016, Knight left a Dodgers-Marlins game due to a ricocheted HBP to the mask.
Related Post: Injury - Brian Knight Leaves After Double HBP (9/9/16).

On April 18, 2015, Knight was struck in the mask by a fastball during a Phillies-Nationals game.
Related Post: Plate Umpire Brian Knight Leaves Game on Pitch to Head (4/18/15).

Last Game: April 12 | Return to Play: April 23 | Time Absent: 11 Days | Video as follows:

Injury Scout - Brian Knight Works SF With Broken Foot

After a foul ball broke Brian Knight's left foot during the 6th inning of Friday's Dodgers-Giants game, the veteran home plate umpire remained in the contest until its completion, some 90 minutes and 110 pitches later.

Knight was struck by a foul in the foot.

In the top of the 6th, Dodgers batter Chris Taylor fouled several pitches from Giants starter Madison Bumgarner, one of which struck the toe portion of plate umpire Knight's left plate shoe, reportedly resulting in a fracture; Knight walked with a noticeable limp in the aftermath of the fateful foul.

Knight remained in the game, with 1B Umpire and Crew Chief Gerry Davis, 2B Umpire Todd Tichenor, and 3B Umpire Pat Hoberg maintaining their positions in the field.

In a coincidental turn of events, Knight was replaced at third base on Saturday by umpire Ed Hickox; it was Hickox in 2017 who suffered a season-ending foot injury as the result of a line drive in San Francisco.
Related Post: Injury Scout - Hickox Out After Line Drive to Foot (7/26/17).

Last Game: September 28 | Return to Play: 2019 | Time Absent: Rest of Season | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 059 - Brian Knight (2; Chris Sale)

HP Umpire Brian Knight ejected Red Sox P Chris Sale (balls/strikes; QOCY) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Red Sox-Orioles game. With none out and none on, Orioles batters Mark Trumbo and Craig Gentry walked in consecutive at-bats. Replays indicate of the 10 callable pitches thrown by Sale during these two at-bats prior to his ejection, all 10 were properly officiated (accuracy = 100%), including the final pitch of the Gentry at-bat, which was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px 1.200, pz 2.695), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Red Sox were leading, 5-0. The Red Sox ultimately won the contest, 5-1.

This is Brian Knight (91)'s second ejection of 2018.
Brian Knight now has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).
Crew Chief Mark Carlson now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 3).

This is the 59th ejection report of the 2018 MLB regular season.
This is the 28th player ejection of 2018. Prior to ejection, Sale's line was 6.0 IP, ER.
This is Boston's 2nd ejection of 2018, 3rd in the AL East (NYY 5; TOR 3; BOS 2; BAL, TB 1).
This is Chris Sale's first ejection since April 23, 2015 (Sam Holbrook; QOC = U [Fighting]).
This is Brian Knight's 2nd ejection of 2018, 1st since May 22 (Scott Servais; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles, 6/13/18 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 047 - Brian Knight (1; Scott Servais)

HP Umpire Brian Knight ejected Mariners Manager Scott Servais (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 9th inning of the Mariners-Athletics game. With two out and one on (R2), Mariners batter Ben Gamel took a 2-2 slider from A's pitcher Blake Treinen for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the midpoint (px 0.017, pz 3.458 [sz_top 3.319 / RAD 3.444 / MOE 3.527]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 2-2. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 3-2, in 10 innings.

This is Brian Knight (91)'s first ejection of 2018.
Brian Knight now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 3).
Crew Chief Brian O'Nora now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).
*This pitch was located 0.828 vertical inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

This is the 47th ejection of the 2018 MLB regular season.
This is the 19th Manager ejection of 2018.
This is Seattle's 2nd ejection of 2018, 1st in the AL West (SEA 2; HOU, LAA, TEX 1; OAK 0).
This is Scott Servais' 2nd ejection of 2018, 1st since May 15 (Jeff Nelson; QOC = Y [Interference NC]).
This is Brian Knight's first ejection since July 2, 2016 (Chip Hale; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics, 5/22/18 | Video as follows:

Injury Scout - Brian Knight Out on Spring Training Foul Ball

Brian Knight exited Wednesday's Indians-Angels Spring Training game for precautionary reasons after taking a foul ball off the mask in the later stages of Cleveland's blowout win over Anaheim LA.

Umpire injury befalls BK early in Arizona.

With one out and none on in the top of the 7th inning, Indians batter Will Benson fouled off a 2-0 fastball from Angels pitcher Luke Bard, the ball striking Knight in the center of his traditional-style facemask.

Knight remained in the contest through the completion of the 7th inning, after which he was replaced behind home plate by crewmate Jim Reynolds, as crew chief Ted Barrett and fellow field umpire Alfonso Marquez worked the bases for the remainder of the contest.

Relevant Injury History: Knight missed a majority of the 2017 season due to what he described as a "severe neck injury." Prior to that, Knight left the September 9, 2016 Dodgers-Marlins game on a deflected hit-by-pitch, and the April 18, 2015 Phillies-Nationals game when catcher Jose Lobaton failed to catch a Blake Treinen fastball.

Last Game: February 28 | Return to Play: March 2 | Time Absent: 1 Day | Video as follows:

Montana's Brian Knight Inducted into Helena Hall of Fame

Montana native and MLB Umpire Brian Knight was inducted into the Helena Sports Hall of Fame during the All-Star Break, becoming the first big league umpire in the HSHOF.

Brian Knight is inducted into Helena's HOF.

Knight, nicknamed "BK," presently resides in Lincoln, California and flew home to Montana for the induction ceremony and banquet, which took place Thursday night at Helena's Great Northern Best Western convention center.

In a previous interview with Skylar Browning and Jeremy Watterson for their 2015 book, Montana Baseball History, Knight credited his father, Jim Knight, with introducing him to the craft, explaining, "My father went to umpiring school in 1981 and, over the years, he'd always connected more to the umpires. I remember from the time I was six years old being surrounded by them, like the Pioneer League guys when they would travel through town...I'd hear their stories around the kitchen table, get to know them pretty well. Some of them would come to my birthday parties."

After graduating from Capital High School in Helena, BK attended William Jewel College in Missouri, before a heart-to-heart with father Jim persuaded Knight to sign up for the Brinkman-Froemming Umpire School in 1995. His first pro job after graduation was in the very same Pioneer League he grew up with, after which he worked the Midwest, Florida State, Southern, and Pacific Coast Leagues, before his promotion to the MLB staff prior to the 2011 season.

HSHOF display for inductee Brian Knight.

A message in perseverance, Knight made it to Triple-A in 2000, but was stuck at that level and as a call-up umpire through the 2010 season, due, in part, to the 1999 shakeup at the AL, NL, and MLB offices and hiring fall-out that resulted from the merging staffs and various litigation outcomes.

In order to make ends meet during his extended minor league career where umpires aren't paid all that much, Knight delivered flowers and worked at the MacKenzie River Pizza Company.

After his 2001 MLB debut, Knight officiated the 2012 All-Star Game, 2013 Wild Card Game, and 2014-16 Division Series. He also staffed the 2006 and 2013 World Baseball Classic tournaments.

Following expanded Replay Review's first season (2014), Knight said he missed about four calls out of a possible 500 chances. That would reflect a 99.2% accuracy rate.

Knight also shed some light on his recent absence (May 15 - June 11, and June 14 - Present) from the Major League scene, explaining to the local Independent Record, "I actually haven’t worked for nearly a month due to a severe neck injury...I'm waiting to hear from my doctor."

Knight has a history of plate-related injuries.

Knight continued by illustrating the physical toll that professional umpiring has taken on his upper body: "The repetitive jarring from foul tips, and sometimes even a bat, adds up to cumulative concussions...And that work behind the plate, crouching up and down for 3 ½ hours, is hard on your back. I’m only 42, and the doc said my X-rays show the neck of a 70-year-old man."

In September 2016, Knight left a game in Miami after a deflected hit-by-pitch struck the lower right chin portion of his facemask after first hitting batter Ichiro Suzuki's right shoulder.

In April 2015, he exited a Phillies-Nationals game in the top of the 9th inning after catcher Jose Lobaton was unable to catch a 95.6-mph fastball from pitcher Blake Treinen.

Injury - Brian Knight Leaves After Double HBP

Umpire Brian Knight took a chin-shot on a ball that first hit Marlins batter Ichiro Suzuki, resulting in Knight's injury-prompted removal from Friday's Dodgers-Marlins contest.

With two out in the bottom of the 5th inning, Dodgers pitcher Josh Fields threw a 95-mph fastball that first hit Miami's Suzuki's right shoulder before deflecting into the lower right portion of Knight's traditional-style facemask.

Knight was replaced for the remainder of the contest behind the plate by 2B Umpire and Crew Chief Bill Miller with Tony Randazzo and Tom Woodring holding their positions at first and third base, respectively.

Knight previously left a game due to a head injury on April 18, 2015, when Nationals pitcher Blake Treinen threw a fastball into Knight's mask when catcher Jose Lobaton failed to catch the pitch.

Case Play 2016-7 - When a Ball hits a Broken Bat [Solved]

A batted ball hit a broken bat in fair territory at Yankee Stadium during New York's game-winning play Monday night, resulting in Baltimore's final out and a 2-1 victory for the Bronx Bombers.

A batted ball hits a broken bat in fair territory.

Play: With two out and a runner on first, Orioles batter Ryan Flaherty hit a 105 mph fastball from Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman with such force that Flaherty's bat broke and launched, alongside the baseball, onto the infield. Replays indicate the batted ball actually ended up hitting the detached barrel of the broken bat as Orioles baserunner R1 Noland Reimold avoided the pair of projectiles, 2B Umpire Brian Knight confirming the legality of Reimold's successful evasion. Yankees second baseman Starlin Castro ultimately scooped up the deflected grounder and threw to first baseman Rob Refsnyder ahead of B1 Flaherty's arrival.

Case Play Question: Is this the proper result (B1 out on the 4-3 putout) or is there an alternative ruling? If this is not interference or some similar infraction, under what circumstances—regarding the bat and/or regarding the baserunner—would this be subject to interference? Had there been only one out, under what circumstances could this play have ended the game (e.g., a double play)?

Case Play Solution: This is the proper result, as a ball hitting a broken bat in fair territory is live and in play. By contrast, a broken bat contacting a batted ball in foul territory results in a foul ball. The relevant rule is OBR 5.09(a)(8) Comment:

Rule 5.09(a)(8) Comment (Rule 6.05(h) Comment): If a bat breaks and part of it is in fair territory and is hit by a batted ball or part of it hits a runner or fielder, play shall continue and no interference called. If a batted ball hits part of a broken bat in foul territory, it is a foul ball.

This would be interference if Flaherty had thrown his whole (e.g., not broken) bat into fair territory and interfered with a defensive player attempting to make a play, and similarly interference if the runner touched the batted ball or hindered the fielder's play on the batted ball—either before or after the ball deflected off the broken bat. The runner's interference would have ended the game via a double play if the interference was willful and intentional.

Video: Odd sequence in New York closes out the Orioles-Yankees game ("Read more")

MLB Ejection 097 - Brian Knight (3; Chip Hale)

HP Umpire Brian Knight ejected Diamondbacks Manager Chip Hale for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Giants-Diamondbacks game. With one out and one on, Diamondbacks batter Chris Herrmann took a 2-2 fastball from Giants pitcher Jeff Samardzija for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px -1.023, pz 1.526 [sz_bot 1.610 / MOE 1.527]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Giants were leading, 5-3. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 6-5.

This is Brian Knight (91)'s third ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Brian Knight now has -4 points in the UEFL Standings (-2 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -4).
Crew Chief Bill Miller now has 4 points in Crew Division (4 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 4).

This is the 97th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 38th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Arizona's 3rd ejection of 2016, T-1st in the NL West (ARI, LAD, SD 3; COL 2; SF 0).
This is Chip Hale's 2nd ejection of 2016, 1st since June 7 (Mark Ripperger; QOC = Y [HBP/Foul]).
This is Brian Knight's first ejection since May 14, 2016 (Ray Searage; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 7/2/16 | Video available via "Read more"

MLB Ejection 037 - Brian Knight (2; Ray Searage)

HP Umpire Brian Knight ejected Pirates Pitching Coach Ray Searage for arguing a ball four call in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Pirates-Cubs game. With none out and none on, Cubs batter Ben Zobrist took a 3-2 fastball from Pirates pitcher Jeff Locke for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and belt high (px 1.419, pz 2.329) and that all other pitches in the at bat had been properly officiated, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Cubs were leading, 3-2. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 8-2.

This is Brian Knight (91)'s second ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Brian Knight now has 9 points in the UEFL Standings (5 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 9).
Crew Chief Bill Welke now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).

This is the 37th ejection report of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the first non-player, non-Manager ejection of the 2016 season.
This is the Pirates' 3rd ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL Central (PIT 3; CIN 2; CHC 1; MIL, STL 0).
This is Ray Searage's first career MLB ejection.
This is Brian Knight's first ejection since May 9, 2016 (Bryce Harper; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs, 5/14/16
Video: Ray Searage covertly complains to Brian Knight at the mound and gets run ("Read more")