MLB Ejection 174 - Brian O'Nora (2; Alex Cintron)

HP Umpire Brian O'Nora ejected Astros hitting coach Alex Cintron (strike three call to Yanier Diaz; QOCN) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Astros-#Padres game. With one out and none on, Astros batter Diaz took a 3-2 sweeper from Padres pitcher Yu Darvish for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px 1.02, pz 1.92 [sz_bot 1.48]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Padres were leading, 2-0. The Padres ultimately won the contest, 3-1.

This is Brian O'Nora (7)'s 2nd ejection of 2024.

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

This pitch was located 1.27 horizontal inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 174th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 30th coach ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 86 Managers, 29 Coaches, 58 Players.

This is Houston's 11th ejection of 2024, 1st in the AL West (HOU 11; OAK 8; SEA 7; LAA, TEX 6).

This is Alex Cintron's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since May 11 (Vic Carapazza; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brian O'Nora's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since Sept 5 (Joe Espada; QOC = U [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Houston Asstros vs San Diego Padres, 9/16/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 167 - Brian O'Nora (1; Joe Espada)

HP Umpire Brian O'Nora ejected Astros manager Joe Espada (Replay Review decision that upheld a foul ball call to Alex Bregman; QOCN/Y) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Reds-#Astros game. With one out and none on, Astros batter Bregman attempted to check his swing on a 1-1 changeup from Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder, ruled a foul ball by HP Umpire O'Nora (as opposed to a hit-by-pitch). Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Astros manager Espada, O'Nora's call stood as a foul ball. Replays indicate the pitched ball did not touch the batter's bat, but this is not a reviewable aspect of the challenge for hit-by-pitch, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 1-0.

This is Brian O'Nora (7)'s 1st ejection of 2024.

*Review's "stands" decision on the HBP was technically correct, but the foul ball call was incorrect. Because foul ball (on the infield) and foul tip are not reviewable, and since the ball passed the bat distinctly before the ball/body issue came into play, the challenge was a fruitless endeavor since O'Nora's on-field foul ball call could not possibly have been overturned.

This is the 167th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 84th manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 84 Managers, 27 Coaches, 56 Players.

This is Houston's 9th ejection of 2024, 1st in the AL West (HOU 9; OAK 8; SEA 7; LAA, TEX 6).

This is Joe Espada's 4th ejection of 2024, 1st since June 28 (Jim Wolf; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brian O'Nora's 1st ejection since May 21, 2023 (Aaron Boone; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Houston Astros vs Cincinnati Reds, 9/5/24 | Video as follows:

TOR-BAL Obstruction & 'Late' Check Swing Appeal

When Toronto's Daulton Varsho collided with Orioles 2B Jorge Mateo during a stolen base attempt as he attempted to advance to third base on an overthrow, 2B Umpire Brian O'Nora called Obstruction Type 2(B), but didn't award Varsho third base. Later, Blue Jays batter Vlad Guerrero attempted to check his swing on a 3-1 pitch with George Springer stealing second, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Chad Fairchild, but reversed to a strike after a 'late' check swing appeal to 1B Umpire Brennan Miller by Baltimore.

Obstruction: The first decision making business regarding the Varsho play is to determine whether this is Type 1 (A) or Type 2 (B) obstruction. Type 1 applies to a play being made on the runner at the time of the obstruction OR the batter-runner being obstructed prior to reaching first base while Type 2 applies in every other situation in which obstruction occurs. With the ball rolling free in the outfield at the time of obstruction, this is an example of Type 2.

Type 1 (A) kills play immediately, with umpires automatically awarding the obstructed runner at least one base beyond the last legally touched base at the time of obstruction. All other runners are placed where they would have ended up had obstruction not occurred.

Type 2 (B), however, keeps play alive until no further action is possible. After this, pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 6.01(h)(2), "The umpire shall then call “Time” and impose such penalties, if any, as in their judgment will nullify the act of obstruction."

Because Varsho, after being obstructed, retreated to second base, 2B Umpire Brian O'Nora determined he could only protect the runner back to second. Because no further attempt was made to run to third—and perhaps of greater importance, the center fielder backed up the play and retrieved the ball quickly—O'Nora could not deem that runner Varsho would have made it to third had obstruction not occurred.

'Late' Check Swing Appeal: With a runner on first running on a 3-1 pitch to Vlad Guerrero, HP Umpire Chad Fairchild called ball four as Orioles catcher James McCann threw to try and retire the runner. After baserunner George Springer slid safely into second base, Baltimore, after a few seconds of delay, appealed the check swing (no swing) call to 1B Umpire Miller, who ruled Guerrero had swung for strike two.

Other than pitch clock timer-related restrictions, a check swing appeal is treated the same as any other appeal such as a base touch appeal—it may be made at any time until the next pitch, play, or attempted play (that is not part of the continuous action [e.g., the stolen base try] of the original play).

OBR allows both catchers or managers to request such an appeal: "The manager or the catcher may request the plate umpire to ask his partner for help on a half swing when the plate umpire calls the pitch a ball, but not when the pitch is called a strike.... Appeals on a half swing must be made before the next pitch, or any play or attempted play."

As such, even though the umpires conferred afterward, no pitch, play or attempted play had occurred, meaning this was a valid appeal, even if it was a tad 'late'—but not too late.

No, "fielder interference" and "he's in the baseline" don't apply (or make any sense here).

Video as follows:

Runner Madrigal Out for Sliding Past 2nd on Walk, But...

Despite being awarded second base on a walk to teammate Seiya Suzuki, Replay Review declared Cubs baserunner Nick Madrigal out at second, Crew Chief Brian O'Nora explaining the runner was out for sliding past second base, 2B Umpire Nestor Ceja's call (which after crew consultation was safe) overturned by Replay HQ. Was this the correct call?

With one out and Madrigal on first base for Chicago, Giants pitcher Anthony DeSclafani's 3-2 pitch to Cubs batter Suzuki ran low, ruled ball four by HP Umpire Pat Hoberg as R1 Madrigal, running on the pitch, slid into second base and Giants catcher Patrick Bailey threw to second baseman Thairo Estrada, who applied a tag as R1 Madrigal slid into the base. 2B Umpire Ceja initially ruled Madrigal out as Estrada kept the tag on him, but changed the call to safe after discussion with the crew regarding whether the runner had actually past second base or not.

Giants manager Gabe Kapler challenged the safe call, claiming Madrigal should have been out on the tag for having passed second base, and Replay evidently agreed, overturning Ceja's call and awarding San Francisco an out.

In sum, on ball four, the runner at first base is forced to advance to second and, due to the batter's base award, entitled to that base without liability to be put out. However, if that runner runs or slides past their base award, then they are liable to be tagged out: the key, pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 5.05(b)(1) Comment, is whether or not the runner has run or slid "past the base" or not.

Past is a significant word here, as the MLB Umpire Manual defines when a runner is considered to have passed a base. If the runner is not yet past a base, that runner is considered to still be prior (even if the runner is on the base itself).

MLBUM specifies the following: "A runner is considered to have passed a base if he has both feet on the ground beyond the back edge of the base or beyond the edge of the base in the direction in which they are advancing."

Accordingly, with replays clearly indicating that R1 Madrigal's left foot never landed on the ground beyond the back edge of the base, the runner should have been deemed safe, for having remained prior and never actually passing second base, regardless of the fielder's tag.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 073 - Brian O'Nora (2; Aaron Boone)

2B Umpire Brian O'Nora ejected Yankees manager Aaron Boone (overturned Replay Review fair/foul and runner placement call by 1B Umpire Nestor Ceja; QOCY) in the bottom of the 1st inning of the #Yankees-#Reds game. With two out and one on (R1), Reds batter Spencer Steer hit a 2-2 slider from Yankees pitcher Luis Severino on a fly ball to right fielder Jake Bauers, ruled foul by Ceja. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Reds manager David Bell, Ceja's call was overturned to a fair ball and baserunner R1 Jonathan India was placed at home, scoring a run. Replays indicate that with two outs, India was running on the pitch and that Yankees outfielder Bauers dropped the fly ball in fair territory such that India would likely have scored had the correct fair ball call been made as the initial call. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 4-1.

This is Brian O'Nora (7)'s 2nd ejection of 2023.

This is the 73rd ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 34th manager ejections of 2023. Ejection Tally: 34 Managers, 32 Players, 7 Coaches.

This is New York's 5th ejection of 2023, 1st in the AL East (NYY 5; BAL, BOS 3; TB 2; TOR 1).

This is Aaron Boone's 3rd ejection of 2023, 1st since May 15 (Clint Vondrak; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brian O'Nora's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since May 19 (David Bell; QOC = U [Illegal Substance]).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs Cincinnati Reds, 5/21/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 069 - Brian O'Nora (1; David Bell)

HP Umpire Brian O'Nora ejected Reds manager David Bell (illegal substance check/non-ejection of Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt) in the 5th inning of the #Yankees-#Reds game. Earlier in the contest when inspecting Schmidt's hand, 3B Umpire Nestor Ceja appeared to have detected something, but did not appear to advise the pitcher to perform any corrective action. Prior to the bottom of the 5th inning, the entire crew met with pitcher Schmidt with 1B Umpire Pat Hoberg instructing him, "wash it off" pertaining to something on his hand. When Schmidt then returned to the field, HP Umpire O'Nora conducted an inspection and allowed Schmidt to take the mound to resume the game. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 1-0. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 6-2.

This is Brian O'Nora (7)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

Related Ejection: MLB Ejection 013 - James Hoye (1; Rocco Baldelli) (4/15/23).

Related Ejection: MLB Ejection 017 - Phil Cuzzi (1; Max Scherzer) (4/19/23).

Related Ejection: MLB Ejection 065 - James Hoye (1; Domingo German) (5/16/23).

This it the 69th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 32nd manager ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 32 Managers, 30 Players, 7 Coaches.

This is Cincinnati's 2nd ejection of 2023, T-4th in the NL Central (STL 4; MIL, PIT 3; CHC, CIN 2).

This is David Bell's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since April 19 (Erich Bacchus; QOC = U [EJ No-Call]).

This is Brian O'Nora's 1st ejection since May 2, 2021 (Chris Woodward; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs Cincinnati Reds, 5/19/23 | Video as follows:

Ask UEFL - Interference No-Call As CWS-CLE Collide

This Ask the UEFL comes to us from Thursday afternoon's White Sox-Guardians game in Cleveland as umpires no-called a sequence in which Cleveland runner Josh Naylor and Chicago fielder Tim Anderson collided on a batted ball. Interference or incidental?

We've discussed right-of-way issues on the base paths before (see "Comparison - Infield Interference or Only Obstruction?", 7/30/18). and to give a brief and simplistic recap, in general, the following tenets describe who has the right of way when:

On a batted ball, the fielder has the right to field it.*

At any other time, the runner has the right to run.

*Only one fielder is entitled to right-of-way protection.

What this means is that during a batted ball, the fielder has the right to attempt to field the baseball. If the runner impedes or hinders the fielder's ability to field the ball, the runner has interfered with the fielder.

Conversely, at any other time, the runner has the right to run the bases. If the fielder impedes or hinders the runner's ability to run the bases, the fielder has obstructed the runner.

Official Baseball Rule 6.01(a)(10) puts the runner out (dead ball, no advance, batter awarded first base if applicable) for interfering with a fielder in this way: "Any runner is out when—they fail to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field a batted ball, or intentionally interfere with a thrown ball."

The MLB Umpire Manual states, "A fielder is protected while in the act of fielding a batted ball. If, after a player has fielded a batted ball but before he is able to throw the ball, a runner hinders or impedes such fielder, the runner shall be called out for interference."

Finally, MLBUM drives the point home with Approved Ruling 4 in its Obstruction and Interference Plays interpretation: "After the ball deflects off the shortstop, if the ball is within the fielder’s immediate reach, the runner must avoid the fielder, and if contact occurs under those circumstances, interference shall be called and the runner declared out. (In this situation the fielder is still considered “in the act of fielding” the ball and has not “missed” as described in the Comment to Official Baseball Rule 6.01(h).)"

As is always the case, interference need not be (and usually is not) an intentional act.

In this situation, it appears Guardians runner R2 Naylor failed to avoid White Sox shortstop Anderson while Anderson attempted to field a batted ball, which—if you want to get very technical—was still in his immediate reach, having touched his glove just prior to the contact with Naylor. Chicago manager Tony La Russa briefly argued the no-call with 3B Umpire Brian O'Nora and 2B Umpire/Crew Chief Laz Diaz, but to no avail.

Conclusion: This is interference and should have been called.

Video as follows:

Injury Scout - Brian O'Nora Exits Due to Health Issue

HP Umpire Brian O'Nora left Saturday's #Dodgers-#Reds game after an undisclosed health issue in the 4th inning. Los Angeles reported that O'Nora was feeling lightheaded.

After calling Dodgers batter Max Muncy out on strikes to end the top half of the 4th inning, O'Nora exited the field and, after a delay, was replaced behind home plate by 2B Umpire and Crew Chief Fieldin Culbreth. 1B Umpire Ryan Blakney remained at first base while 3B Umpire Dan Iassogna remained at third base.

Relevant Injury History: O'Nora previously left a game due to a medical emergency after an intestinal tear suffered during the April 26, 2013 Phillies-Mets game.

Related Post: Serious Medical Condition: O'Nora Tears Intestine, West In (5/2/13).

Last Game: Sept 18 | Return to Play: 2022 | Time Absent: Rest of Season | Video as follows:

2021 No-Hitter 7, Brian O'Nora (1; CHC Combined)

HP Umpire Brian O'Nora called Chicago Cubs pitchers Zach Davies, Ryan Tepera, Andrew Chafin, and Craig Kimbrel's combined no-hitter against the Dodgers in Los Angeles Thursday night, joined by 1B Umpire DJ Reyburn, 2B Umpire Jeremy Riggs, and 3B Umpire Ryan Blakney. O'Nora served as crew chief.

In accordance with UEFL tradition, the following are umpire O'Nora's three plate scores, including a 98.2% (162/165) performance under ML Private/Zone Evaluation Equivalent conditions, 95.2% (157/165) UEFL f/x score, and 92.1% (152/165) value for ML Public / the broadcast-facing zero error system.

The UEFL f/x look:

Balls: 101 called balls outside strike zone / 2 called balls within strike zone = 101/103 = 98.1% accuracy.

Strikes: 56 called strikes within strike zone / 6 called strikes outside strike zone = 56/62 = 90.3% accuracy.

Total Raw Accuracy Score for O'Nora = 157/165 = 95.2% accuracy (+0 Neutral/no favorable skew).

Injury Scout - Brian O'Nora Abruptly Exits in Philly

HP Umpire Brian O'Nora left Sunday's #Nationals-#Phillies game in Philadelphia several outs after taking a foul ball off the mask.

In the top of the 1st inning, Nationals batter Josh Bell swung at and fouled a 94.8-mph fastball from Phillies pitcher Vince Velasquez off catcher JT Realmuto and into the traditional-style facemask of O'Nora.

O'Nora remained in the game until Phillies batter Odubel Herrera's at-bat in the bottom of the 1st, at which time O'Nora, with a 3-2 count, called time and exited the playing field through the Phillies dugout.

O'Nora was replaced at home plate by 1B Umpire and Crew Chief Fieldin Culbreth while 2B Umpire DJ Reyburn shifted to first base and 3B Umpire Ryan Blakney remained at third.

Relevant Injury History: O'Nora has a history of head trauma.

> On July 16, 2019, O'Nora left a game in Oakland after a player's backswing struck O'Nora's mask.

> On September 7, 2018, O'Nora left a game in Boston after a foul ball to the mask.

> On September 18, 2016, O'Nora left a game in San Francisco after a foul ball injury.

Last Game: June 6 | Return to Play: June 26 | Time Absent: 19 Days | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 026-27 - Brian O'Nora (1-2; TEX x2)

HP Umpire Brian O'Nora ejected Rangers RF Joey Gallo and manager Chris Woodward (strike three call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #RedSox-#Rangers game. With one out and none on, Gallo took a 1-2 curveball from Red Sox pitcher Darwinzon Hernandez for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.72, pz 1.73 [sz_bot 1.68 / RAD 1.56]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejections, the Red Sox were leading, 2-1. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

These are Brian O'Nora (7)'s 1st and 2nd ejections of 2021.
Brian O'Nora now has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2*[2 MLB + 2 Correct Call] = 8).
Crew Chief Ron Kulpa now has 7 points in Crew Division (5 Previous + 2*[2 Correct Call] = 7).

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

This pitch was located 2.33 horizontal and 3.07 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

These are the 26th and 27th ejection reports of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the ninth player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Gallo was 1-3 (2 SO) in the contest.

This is the 16th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Texas' 1/2nd ejection of 2021, 1st in the AL West (TEX 2; LAA, OAK, SEA 1; HOU 0).

This is Joey Gallo's first career MLB ejection.

This is Chris Woodward's 1st ejection since Sept 23, 2020 (Nick Mahrley; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brian O'Nora's 1st ejection since May 19, 2019 (Craig Counsell; QOC = N [Fair/Foul]).

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs. Texas Rangers, 5/2/21 | Video as follows:

Injury Scout - O'Nora Hit by Backswing

After HP Umpire Brian O'Nora exited Tuesday's Mariners-Athletics game in Oakland following a backswing to the head, Seattle pitcher Marco Gonzales criticized the injured ump, calling it "unacceptable" that he remained in the ballgame based on the premise that he erred on a ball/strike call.

With two out and none on in the top of the 3rd inning, Mariners batter Domingo Santana fouled a 2-1 91-mph fastball from A's pitcher Daniel Mengden with Santana's bat striking the side of O'Nora's traditional-style facemask and traditional-style plate hat (e.g., not an Estabrook/Tumpane-style helmet) on the backswing.

O'Nora remained in the contest through the 5th inning, upon which time 2B Umpire James Hoye took over behind home plate with 1B Umpire Mark Ripperger and 3B Umpire Jeremie Rehak on the lines. O'Nora is the Jeff Kellogg crew's usual backup Crew Chief, meaning that on his absence, Umpire #3 Hoye assumed acting Crew Chief duties.

Relevant Injury History: There is a history of head trauma for Brian O'Nora.
> On September 7, 2018, O'Nora left a Boston game following a foul ball to the head.
Related Post: Injury Scout - Foul Ball Prompts O'Nora's Early Exit (9/7/18).

> On September 18, 2016, O'Nora left a game in San Francisco due to a foul ball injury.
Related Post: Injury - Brian O'Nora Out on Hit to Facemask (9/18/16).

Player Criticizes Injured Umpire: After losing to the Athletics 9-2, Mariners starting pitcher Marco Gonzales (6.0 IP, 6 ER, 2 HR, L) criticized O'Nora for remaining on the field in the aftermath of the traumatic event: "If you can't stay in the game to make calls, if you can't do that then you shouldn't be in the game...As far as I know I think he has blurry vision, concussion, and he had it for over an inning, and he knew he wasn't feeling good. So to me it's unacceptable."

Last Game: July 16 | Return to Play: July 18 | Time Absent: 1 Day | Video as follows:

Injury Scout - O'Nora Exits After Low Foul Ball

HP Umpire Brian O'Nora left Saturday's Cardinals-Mets game in New York shortly after a mid-body foul ball injury during the 3rd inning.

With none out and one on in the top of the 3rd, Cardinals batter Matt Carpenter fouled a 1-2 99-mph sinker from Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard into O'Nora's groin, resulting in an injury delay before the resumption of play, and shortly before O'Nora was seen jogging off the field with a hand covering his mouth during subsequent batter Dexter Fowler's plate appearance.

1B Umpire Chad Whitson moved from first to become the new home plate umpire with 2B Umpire Mark Ripperger sliding to first base and 3B Umpire/Crew Chief Jeff Kellogg remaining on the left field line to complete the contest as a three-umpire crew.

O'Nora was replaced Sunday by minor league call-up umpire Ramon De Jesus.

Relevant Injury History: Tangentially, O'Nora left a 2013 PHI-NYM game due to an intestinal tear.
Related Post: Serious Medical Condition: O'Nora Tears Intestine, West In (5/2/13).

Last Game: June 15 | Return to Play: June 25 | Time Absent: 9 Days | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 057 - Brian O'Nora (1; Craig Counsell)

HP Umpire Brian O'Nora ejected Brewers Manager Craig Counsell (fair/contact with batter foul ball no call) in the top of the 5th inning of the Brewers-Braves game. With one out and none on, Brewers batter Orlando Arcia hit a 0-1 fastball from Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz on the ground toward third base, fielded by third baseman Austin Riley to first baseman Freddie Freeman for a groundout; Milwaukee alleged that the batted ball struck Arcia in the batter's box, which would have rendered the play a foul ball; the fair ball call was upheld following crew consultation. Replays indicate that after making contact with the ground, the batted ball made contact with the instep of Arcia's left foot, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Brewers were leading, 2-1. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 3-2, in 10 innings.

This is Brian O'Nora (7)'s first ejection of 2019.
Brian O'Nora now has 1 point in the UEFL Standings (3 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 1).
Crew Chief Jeff Kellogg now has 5 points in Crew Division (5 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 5).
Related Post: Tmac's Teachable Moments - Let's Fix Replay (1/19/17).

This is the 57th ejection report of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 27th Manager ejection of 2019.
This is Milwaukee's 2nd ejection of 2019, T-2nd in the NL Central (CIN 7; CHC, MIL, PIT 2; STL 1).
This is Craig Counsell's first ejection since Sept 9, 2018 (Tom Hallion; QOC = U [Warnings]).
This is Brian O'Nora's first ejection since April 5, 2018 (Travis Shaw; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Atlanta Braves, 5/19/19 | Video as follows:

Crew Chief - Twice Changed Bunt HBP & Rule 8.03(c)

Umpires twice changed a call on a bunt attempt during a Padres-Rockies game as HP Umpire Brian O'Nora's original dead ball strike ruling that Rockies batter Garrett Hampson offered at a pitch that hit him was affirmed by Crew Chief Jeff Kellogg after an initial reversal to a HBP award in a rare application of Rule 8.03(c) and powers granted to the Crew Chief.

Kellogg and O'Nora explain the call to Black.

The Play: With none out and two on (R1, R3), Rockies batter Garrett Hampson squared to bunt a first-pitch fastball from Padres pitcher Eric Lauer. As the pitch rode in on Hampson, the batter made a late decision to move the bat back toward his body as the ball struck his right hand, ruled a dead ball strike by HP Umpire O'Nora.

The First Reversal: After objection from Rockies Manager Bud Black that Hampson had pulled the bat back, O'Nora consulted with 1B Umpire James Hoye, and changed his call, awarding Hampson first base as a result of the ruling that Hampson did not attempt to strike the pitch that hit him.

The Double Negative: This brought Padres Manager Andy Green out of his dugout, this time bringing all four umpires together, upon which Crew Chief Kellogg signaled that O'Nora's initial call of "dead ball strike" shall prevail.

Did Hampson offer at a pitch that hit him?

Analysis, Reversing a Call: In general, no one umpire shall unilaterally overrule another. In practice, this means that if umpires confer about a call made by one particular umpire, then, upon leaving that conference, the calling umpire will generally be the one to signal the reversed call (if indeed the call is reversed).

The relevant rule is 8.02(c): "If a decision is appealed, the umpire making the decision may ask another umpire for information before making a final decision. No umpire shall criticize, seek to reverse or interfere with another umpire’s decision unless asked to do so by the umpire making it." There are limited exceptions to the initiation of a conference, but at the end of it all, the procedure is such that the calling umpire will affirm or reverse his/her own call.

O'Nora speaks with Green after change #1.

Check swings are similar in the sense that a plate umpire who initially calls "ball" can ask the 1B/3B Umpire for assistance. If the corner umpire changes the call to "strike," notice that the plate umpire then will signal "strike."

Analysis, Half Swing Bunt Appeal: We've discussed the unique circumstance of a batter who is struck by a pitch or who fouls a ball off during a bunt attempt. In April 2019, Don Mattingly complained about a crew's HBP decision on such a play, Jim Joyce discussed such an event from his Plate Meeting Podcast, and in August 2018, we wrote an article entirely dedicated to adjudicating whether a batter has attempted to bunt the ball. So that rule is well covered.
Related Post: Mattingly Rips Umpires After Loss in Miami (4/2/19).
Related Post: Podcast - Episode 12 - The Jim Joyce Jubilee (4/2/19).
Related Post: Ask UEFL - Foul Bunt or Ball Fouled Away? (8/29/18).

What is absolutely key here is O'Nora's initial ruling that Hampson struck at the ball. Pursuant to OBR 8.02(c) Comment, "The manager or the catcher may request the plate umpire to ask his partner for help on a half swing when the plate umpire calls the pitch a ball, but not when the pitch is called a strike."

Kellogg made sure to apply proper procedure.

As such, O'Nora consulting Hoye for assistance on the matter of whether the batter struck at the ball may be deemed procedurally improper. Cue Green's protest (and failure to follow procedure could be a valid basis for protest) and Kellogg's intervention.

The difference between the Joyce/Hoye play and the Kellogg/O'Nora play is twofold: First, Hoye in Pittsburgh did not definitively signal that the batter struck at the pitch. He called "Time" but made no further signal (O'Nora did definitively signal that the batter struck at the pitch). Second, Joyce/Hoye concerned a foul ball while Kellogg/O'Nora concerned a hit-by-pitch.

Black pointed to U1's strike/attempt call.

Analysis, Reversing a Reversal: The Hampson bunt play is an example of a Crew Chief taking control of an unusual situation. In this case, we have a plate umpire who has called a dead ball strike, ruling that the batter struck at a pitch that touched his hand. Yet we also have a first base umpire who ruled that the batter did not strike at the pitch, thus changing the situation to a hit-by-pitch entitling the batter to first base.

These are conflicting calls by different umpires on a situation not subject to a check swing appeal.

After consultation amongst the entire four-umpire crew, Chief Kellogg thus exited the huddle with a final proclamation, invoking the proper procedure for deciding what to do when two umpires make two different calls on the same play, which is not subject to the allowed half swing appeal exemption, and which is delineated by Rule 8.03(c):

If different decisions should be made on one play by different umpires, the umpire-in-chief shall call all the umpires into consultation, with no manager or player present. After consultation, the umpire-in-chief (unless another umpire may have been designated by the League President) shall determine which decision shall prevail, based on which umpire was in best position and which decision was most likely correct. Play shall proceed as if only the final decision had been made.

Per 8.03(c), CC makes the final call.

SIDEBAR: 8.03(c) is also where the mechanic of having the Crew Chief communicate the Replay Review decision comes into play. In essence, the Crew Chief "determines" that the Replay Official's decision "shall prevail."

The effective difference, again, is that Hoye in Pittsburgh simply signaled the ball becoming dead without a determination as to whether the batter struck at the pitch, before consulting the entire crew to finalize the ruling, while O'Nora in Colorado signaled a strike and spoke with the one member of the crew specifically about whether the batter had struck at the pitch before changing his call from "swinging dead ball strike [missed bunt]" to "HBP [no swing]," upon which the entire crew convened, again, to finalize the ruling.

The other difference, naturally, is that Hoye in Pittsburgh met with his entire four-umpire crew once, whereas O'Nora had two meetings—once with only U1 and a second with the entire crew.

At this time, it was apparent that the two umpires had made conflicting rulings on a play not eligible for a half-swing appeal, necessitating a Crew Chief's prevailing judgment pursuant to 8.03(c), with regard for the half-swing appeal procedure delineated by Rule 8.02(c) Comment.

Video as follows:

Injury Scout - Foul Ball Prompts O'Nora's Early Exit

Brian O'Nora left Friday's Astros-Red Sox game following a deflected foul ball to the facemask.

In the top of the 2nd inning, Astros batter Josh Reddick fouled a 2-1, 93.2-mph fastball from Red Sox pitcher David Price, deflected by catcher Sandy Leon, into O'Nora's traditional-style facemask.

O'Nora remained in the game until the conclusion of the half-inning upon which time he was replaced by home plate by James Hoye, with David Rackley (1B) and Quinn Wolcott (3B) on the lines.

Relevant Injury History: O'Nora left a September 18, 2016 game in San Francisco after a foul ball-to-mask event, resulting in a reported concussion.

Last Game: September 7 | Return to Play: September 25 | Time Absent: 17 Days | Video as follows:

Simba's "Revenge" - Andrelton's Illegal Slide on Odor

And just like that, it was over. Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons retaliated against Rangers middle infielder Rougned Odor with a non-bona fide slide of his own Saturday, barreling past second base and drawing an interference call from 2B Umpire Brian O'Nora to wipe away a would-be safe call by Chris Conroy at first base on batter-runner Shohei Ohtani.
Related Post: Light Up the Halo & Clear the Benches - Slide INT Part II (6/2/18).

Simmons' retaliatory slide cost his team an out.

The Play: With one out and one on (R1) in the bottom of the 4th inning of Saturday's Rangers-Angels game, batter Ohtani hit a ground ball on the ground to Rangers shortstop Jurickson Profar, who flipped to second baseman Odor, who threw onto first base as Angels baserunner R1 Simmons slid into second base.

The Call: Although Odor's throw reached first base well after batter-runner Ohtani's arrival, 2B Umpire O'Nora declared two outs on the play: Simmons on the force play, and Ohtani on Simmons' interference at second base.

Analysis: By now, you're familiar with the "four criteria" drill for bona fide slide rule 6.01(j):
(1) Did the runner begin his slide (e.g., contact the ground) before reaching the base? [YES];
(2) Was runner able & attempted to reach the base with a hand or foot? [YES];
(3) Was runner able & attempted to remain on the base (except HP) after completing the slide? [NO];
(4) Did runner slide within reach of the base without changing his pathway for contact? [YES].

O'Nora gets two outs as Odor looks on.

Conclusion: Simmons' slide was illegal because he was unable or made no attempt to remain on the base after completion of his slide: Simmons slid through second base and seemed more concerned about potentially taking out Odor than running the bases legally. This is interference and was correctly officiated as such. Apparently, the call was so routine that Angels Manager Mike Scioscia didn't even challenge the play.

Gil's Call: It appears we have found the offense's equivalent measure of retaliation as the defensive intentional hit-by-pitch: the illegal slide...and just like a beanball that ultimately harms the defense by putting a free runner on base, the payback force play slide hurts the offense by giving the defense a free out on a secondary player (batter-runner) that would have been safe had the slide been legal.

None of these retaliatory measures are legal and, arguably, both are clear intents to injure, or, at the least, send a non-baseball message to the other team. For what it's worth, the Angels lost Saturday's game in extra innings, 3-2.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 007 - Brian O'Nora (1; Travis Shaw)

HP Umpire Brian O'Nora ejected Brewers 3B Travis Shaw (strike three call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Cubs-Brewers game. With two out and one on (R2), Shaw took a 1-2 fastball from Cubs pitcher Jonathan Lester for a called third strike (the second called strike of the at-bat, the first was over the heart of home plate and thigh-high). Replays indicate the 1-2 pitch was off the outer edge of home plate and above the hollow of the knee (px -.922, pz 1.647 [sz_bot 1.627]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Cubs were leading, 5-0. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 8-0.

This is Brian O'Nora (7)'s first ejection of 2018.
Brian O'Nora now has -2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -2).
Crew Chief Fieldin Culbreth now has 0 points in Crew Division (0 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 0).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.
*This pitch was located 0.096 horizontal inches from being deemed a correct call.

This is the seventh ejection of the 2018 MLB regular season.
This is the 4th player ejection of 2018. Prior to ejection, Shaw was 0-3 (SO) in the contest.
This is Milwaukee's 1st ejection of 2018, 1st in the NL Central (MIL 1; CHC, CIN, PIT, STL 0 ).
This is Travis Shaw's first ejection since July 18, 2017 (Mike Muchlinski; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Brian O'Nora's first ejection since July 9, 2017 (Eugenio Suarez; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 4/5/18 | Video as follows:

Caught By Uniform - Jersey-Assisted Catch or Single?

A batted ball lined into a pitcher's jersey during Monday night's Dodgers-Phillies game, ruled a catch and out by HP Umpire Brian O'Nora proved most impressive, yet left one key question: what is the difference between a ball in the uniform and a legal catch?

Pivetta's shirt catches Barnes' line drive.

The Play: With two out and none on in the top of the 6th inning, Dodgers batter Austin Barnes hit a first-pitch fastball from Phillies pitcher Nick Pivetta on a line drive toward Pivetta's midsection, the Phillies pitcher spinning around in reaction to the careening comebacker. Replays indicate that as Pivetta spun, the batted ball found a hole in the placket of Pivetta's uniform shirt, and snuck inside as Pivetta reached for the ball with his right hand. Pivetta then reached inside his shirt to retrieve the baseball, ruled an out on the catch.

Was this a Legal Catch? Rules & Analysis: Official Baseball Rule 5.09 (Making An Out) states "a batter is out when: (1) His fair or foul fly ball (other than a foul tip) is legally caught by a fielder." What exactly constitutes a legal catch? Fortunately, 5.09(a)(1) continues, as does the Definition of Terms:

A catch is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in his hand or glove of a ball in flight and firmly holding it; providing he does not use his cap, protector, pocket or any other part of his uniform in getting possession.

In short, if the ball bounces off a fielder's person (think of a ball bouncing off Bartolo Colon's stomach), and he subsequently gloves it, that is a legal catch, even though the ball technically "touched" the uniform. If the player, however, actively uses his uniform to help gain possession, that is not a legal catch. The difference to consider is whether the ball touched the uniform/cap/pocket or whether the player used the uniform/cap/pocket to get possession.

Is there a penalty or remedy if a fielder does "use his cap, protector, pocket or any other part of his uniform in getting possession?"

Rule 5.06(b)(4) has limited applicability: "Each runner including the batter-runner may, without liability to be put out, advance...(B) Three bases, if a fielder deliberately touches a fair ball with his cap, mask or any part of his uniform detached from its proper place on his person. The ball is in play and the batter may advance to home base at his peril; (C) Three bases, if a fielder deliberately throws his glove at and touches a fair ball. The ball is in play and the batter may advance to home base at his peril; (D) Two bases, if a fielder deliberately touches a thrown ball with his cap, mask or any part of his uniform detached from its proper place on his person. The ball is in play."

Though 5.06(b)(4)(A)-(D) imposes penalties and awards for detached equipment, this is not such a case: the shirt was not deliberately placed so as to touch a ball in play, and it certainly wasn't thrown.

Brian O'Nora can only watch from behind.

Answer: Fortunately, the MLB Umpire Manual interprets Rule 5.01(b) (which pertains to an umpire calling "Time" and the ball becoming dead) in the following fashion: "If a batted or thrown ball inadvertently goes inside a player or coach's uniform (or lodges in the catcher's face mask or paraphernalia), the umpire shall call 'Time.' He 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. In no case may any outs be recorded on such a play."

Thus, because batter Barnes' line drive appeared to inadvertently go inside pitcher Pivetta's uniform prior to Pivetta getting secure possession of the baseball in his hand or glove, the MLBUM interpretation shall apply: the ball is dead and no out may be recorded. By rule, the batter—because he has become a runner by virtue of hitting a fair ball—must be placed at one of the bases: most likely at first base, and credited with an infield single. The discretion afforded to the umpire by a "nullify the act" clause is expressly qualified by the statement, "In no case may any outs be recorded on such a play."

This is not a situation in which the player may retrieve the ball before "Time" is called so as to nullify its effect and keep the ball alive: the ball is dead immediately upon its entry into a player's uniform.

Why This Call Was Missed: As diagramed on the above graphic taken from the mid-home camera angle in the press box, plate umpire O'Nora was, obviously, at home plate as the line drive reached Pivetta. As captured on the image at the beginning of this article (and the thumbnail featured in the video, below), Pivetta spun around so that he faced center field as the ball entered his jersey: O'Nora from his position at home plate could not see how the ball came to rest in Pivetta's possession, since Pivetta's back was to home plate.

Pivetta retrieves the ball from his abdomen.

The two umpires with potential knowledge of the ball-into-uniform property of this play are the first and second base umpires. Due to Pivetta's speed in spinning toward center, and his right hand obstructing a view of the jersey, 1B Umpire Paul Emmel may not have had a clear look at the middle portion of the play (after the ball entered the jersey), though he may have been able to see the aftermath as Pivetta spun back toward first base while simultaneously retrieving the ball from inside his uniform shirt. Then again, Pivetta's sleight of hand may have similarly obstructed the view.

2B Umpire Chad Whitson, however, would have had a glance at a ball-sized bulge underneath Pivetta's jersey, though he would likely not have seen the ball actually enter the uniform top. Recall, however, that the second base umpire, with no runners, is stationed in shallow center field. It thus stands to reason that he similarly would not have had an entirely convincing look at the ball underneath Pivetta's jersey due to the time and distance associated with this play.

Finally, a white ball with red stitches underneath a white uniform with red pinstripes may have certainly played the role of chameleon to Philadelphia's advantage. In all, with no umpire having seen the ball enter Pivetta's jersey, there was no conference and no detection—by anyone on the playing field, including Barnes—of the ball in the player's uniform.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 095 - Brian O'Nora (1; Eugenio Suarez)

HP Umpire Brian O'Nora ejected Reds 3B Eugenio Suarez (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 6th inning of the Reds-Diamondbacks game. With one out and one on (R2), Suarez took a 2-2 fastball from Diamondbacks pitcher Patrick Corbin for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and below the upper midpoint (px -.590, pz 2.806 [sz_top 3.319], this was the only callable strike of the at-bat), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Brian O'Nora (7)'s first ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Brian O'Nora now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (-4 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 0).
Crew Chief Paul Emmel now has 8 points in Crew Division (7 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 8).

This is the 95th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 40th player ejection of 2017. Prior to ejection, Suarez was 0-3 (2 SO) in the contest.
This is Cincinnati's 3rd ejection of 2017, T-1st in the NL Central (CIN, MIL, PIT, STL 3; CHC 1).
This is Eugenio Suarez's first career MLB ejection.
This is Brian O'Nora's first ejection since August 29, 2016 (Joe Girardi; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 7/9/17 | Video as follows: