MLB Ejections 104-5 - Erich Bacchus (1-2; LAA x2)

HP Erich Bacchus ejected Angels interim manager Ray Montgomery (strike three call to Luis Rengifo; QOCN) in the top and coordinator of run production Tim Laker (ball one call to Luis Torrens; QOCY) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Angels-#Mets game. In the top of the 8th, with two out and two on, Angels batter Rengifo took called first, second, and third strikes from Mets pitcher Edwin Diaz. Replays indicate none of the called strikes to Rengifo were located within the strike zone (px values 1.11, -1.00, and -1.04), the call was incorrect.* In the bottom, Mets batter Luis Torrens took a 0-1 slider from Angels pitcher Jake Eder for a called first ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the plate, the call was correct. At the time of the ejections, the Mets were leading, 6-3. The Mets ultimately won the contest, 6-3.

These are Erich Bacchus (12)'s 1st and 2nd ejections of 2025.

*These pitches were located outside, the closest 1.03 inches from QOCY & the farthest 2.35" away.

These are the 104th and 105th ejection reports of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 16th coach ejection of 2025.

This is the 56th manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 56 Managers, 16 Coaches, 33 Players.

This is LA's 4/5th ejection of 2025, 1st in the AL West (LAA 5; OAK, TEX 3; SEA, 2; HOU 1).

This is Ray Montgomery's 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st since July 7 (Brock Ballou; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Tim Laker's 1st ejection since August 21, 2024 (Mike Estabrook; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Erich Bacchus' 1st ejection since August 21, 2024 (Mark Kotsay; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

Box: Los Angeles Anaheim of Angels vs New York Mets of New York, 7/23/25 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 156-7 - Ballou, Bacchus (TB-OAK)

HP Umpire Brock Ballou ejected Rays manager Kevin Cash (HBP denied to José Caballero; QOCY) in the top of the 7th and 1B Umpire Erich Bacchus ejected A's manager Mark Kotsay (Replay Review decision which upheld U1's out call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Rays-#Athletics game. In the 7th, with none out and none on, Rays batter Caballero was touched by a 2-1 slider from A's pitcher Mitch Spence, ruled a dead ball (stay here) by HP Umpire Ballou, who ruled Caballero failed to attempt to avoid being touched by the pitch. Replays indicate Caballero failed to attempt to avoid being touched by the pitch, which was actually located within the strike zone when it touched Caballero; as the ball (not strike) call favored the ejectee's team, the call was correct (had Oakland instead been ejected, the call would be incorrect).* At the time of Cash's ejection, the game was tied, 2-2.

In the 8th, with one out and none on, A's batter Miguel Andujar hit a 1-2 sweeper from Rays pitcher Garrett Cleavinger on the ground to third baseman Caballero, to catcher Alex Jackson, to first baseman Yandy Díaz, ruled out by 1B Umpire Bacchus. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by A's manager Kotsay, Bacchus' call was upheld, the call was correct. At the time of Kotsay's ejection, the Rays were leading, 4-2. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

This is Brock Ballou (119)'s 1st ejection of 2024.

This is Erich Bacchus (12)'s 4th ejection of 2024.

Official Baseball Rule 5.05(b)(2): "The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided they advance to and touch first base) when they are touched by a pitched ball which they are not attempting to hit unless (A) The ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, or (B) The batter makes no attempt to avoid being touched by the ball."

These are the 156th and 157th ejection reports of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 79/80th manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 80 Managers, 25 Coaches, 52 Players.

This is Tampa Bay's 5th ejection of 2024, 4th in the AL East (NYY 10; TOR 9; BAL 6; TB 5; BOS 3).

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

This is Kevin Cash's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since June 1 (Chad Fairchild; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Mark Kotsay's 4th ejection of 2024, 1st since August 18 (Emil Jimenez; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brock Ballou's 1st ejection since May 15, 2023 (Merrill Kelly; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

This is Erich Bacchus' 4th ejection of 2024, 1st since August 13 (Bruce Bochy; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs Oakland Athletics, 8/21/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 147 - Erich Bacchus (3; Bruce Bochy)

HP Umpire Erich Bacchus ejected Rangers manager Bruce Bochy (strike three call to Wyatt Langford; QOCY) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Rangers-#RedSox game. With two out and the bases loaded, Rangers batter Langford took a 2-2 sweeper from Red Sox pitcher Lucas Sims for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.91, pz 1.56 [sz_bot 1.58 / RAD 1.46]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Red Sox were leading, 6-4. The Red Sox ultimately won the contest, 9-4.

This is Erich Bacchus (12)'s 5th ejection of 2024.

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

This pitch was located 0.03 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 147th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 75th manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 75 Managers, 22 Coaches, 50 Players.

This is Texas' 6th ejection of 2024, T-3rd in the AL West (HOU, SEA 7; OAK, TEX 6; LAA 4).

This is Bruce Bochy's 5th ejection of 2024, 1st since July 22 (Edwin Moscoso; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Erich Bacchus' 3rd ejection of 2024, 1st since June 6 (Mike Shildt; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Texas Rangers vs Boston Red Sox, 8/13/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 071 - Erich Bacchus (2; Mike Shildt)

HP Umpire Erich Bacchus ejected Padres manager Mike Shildt (strike three call to Jake Cronenworth to end the game; QOCN) after the bottom of the 9th inning of the #Diamondbacks-#Padres game. With two out and one on, Padres batter Cronenworth took a 2-2 fastball from Diamondbacks pitcher Paul Sewald for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and at the midpoint (px -1.01, pz 3.43), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Diamondbacks had already won the ballgame, 4-3.

This is Erich Bacchus (12)'s 2nd ejection of 2024.

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

The pitched ruled strike three was located 1.16 horizontal inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 71st ejection of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 32nd manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 32 Managers, 11 Coaches, 28 Players.

This is San Diego's 3rd ejection of 2024, T-1st in the NL West (SD, SF 3; ARI 2; COL 1; LAD 0).

This is Mike Shildt's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since April 20 (Ramon De Jesus; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Erich Bacchus' 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since May 25 (Andrew Heaney; QOC = N [Fair/Foul]).

Wrap: Arizona Diamondbacks vs San Diego Padres, 6/6/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 058-9 - Laz Diaz & Erich Bacchus (TEX x2)

HP Umpire Laz Diaz ejected Rangers manager Bruce Bochy and 3B Umpire Erich Bacchus ejected Rangers bench player Andrew Heaney (foul ball call by Bacchus; QOCN) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Rangers-#Twins game. With one out and two on, Twins batter Edouard Julien attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 knuckle curve from Rangers pitcher David Robertson, ruled a foul tip by HP Umpire Diaz but called a foul ball by 3B Umpire Bacchus (any base umpire may call a foul ball unasked). Replays indicate the pitched ball made contact with the bat and went directly into the catcher's mitt thereafter; this is a foul tip, Bacchus' call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Rangers were leading, 3-1. The Twins ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

This Laz Diaz (63)'s 3rd ejection of 2024.

This is Erich Bacchus (12)'s 1st ejection of 2024.

These are the 58th and 59th ejections of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 24th player ejection of 2024. Prior to ejection, Heaney was a bench player and didn't play.

This is the 26th manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 26 Managers, 9 Coaches, 24 Players.

This is Texas' 2/3rd ejection of 2024, T-1st in the AL West (HOU, TEX 3; OAK, SEA 2; LAA 1).

This is Bruce Bochy's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since April 18 (Todd Tichenor; QOC = Y [Fair/Foul]).

This is Andrew Heaney's first career MLB ejection.

This is Laz Diaz's 3rd ejection of 2024, 1st since May 14 (Ronel Blanco; QOC = U [Illegal Substance]).

This is Erich Bacchus' 1st ejection since July 4, 2023 (David Ross; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs Washington Nationals, 5/25/24 | Video as follows:

Lindor's Runner's Lane Interference - Taking the Throw

Called out for runner's lane interference, Mets batter-runner Francisco Lindor and manager Carlos Mendoza argued with HP Umpire Eric Bacchus to no avail that New York's SS didn't actually interfere with St Louis on the almost-wild pitch strikeout that led to Lindor running to first base.

We review professional baseball's runner's lane interference rule and compare this call across baseball's different levels, namely college (NCAA) and high school (NFHS). Is Lindor out for RLI at each level?

Contrary to Lindor's claim that he ran legally within the running lane—including the extended-for-2024 dirt area in fair territory—replays indicate Lindor ran entirely on the infield grass and well out of the runner's lane or "inside the line" during his jaunt to first base.

Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras' throw to first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, however, was high and Goldy was unable to catch the ball upon jumping for it. HP Umpire Bacchus' RLI call thus put an out on the board even with the overthrow.

Official Baseball Rule 5.09(a)(11) states, "A batter is out when in running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, he runs outside (to the right of) the three-foot line, or inside (to the left of) the foul line and on the infield grass, and in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base."

College has a similar rule on its face, but unlike OBR, NCAA 7-11-p has a note that states, "If the batter-runner is running illegally to first base and their being outside the lane alters the throw of a fielder, hinders or alters a fielder’s opportunity to field the throw, or the batter-runner is hit by the throw that has been made in an attempt to make a play, it shall be called interference and the batter-runner is to be called out."

This means the primary difference between college and pro is with whom the batter-runner, by virtue of running out of the lane, is interfering with. Under OBR, the only consideration is "the fielder taking the throw" while NCAA RLI provides for either the fielder taking the throw or the fielder making the throw, provided the batter-runner's illegal positioning "alter[ed] the throw of a fielder."

Accordingly, we must determine whether 1B Goldschmidt, as the fielder taking the throw, was actually interfered with by Lindor's running out of the running lane. Because of the high throw and the jump that couldn't reel it in, I'm inclined to say the throw could not have "reasonably retired the runner", which is the standard interpretation for RLI when considering questionable throw quality.

Meanwhile, high school's rule is probably the easiest as NFHS 8-4-1g states, succinctly, that a batter-runner is out when they run "outside the three-foot running lane (last half of the distance from home plate to first base), while the ball is being fielded or thrown to first base." In other words, NFHS is strict: fail to run within the lane, if there's any question of whether there was interference, you're out, period.

Also the broadcaster incorrectly stated Lindor was out for running "out of the baseline." Sigh.

Wrap: Houston Astros vs Chicago Cubs, 4/25/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 132-3 - Fletcher, Bacchus (Ross, Napoli)

1B Umpire Andy Fletcher ejected Cubs 1B Coach Mike Napoli and HP Umpire Erich Bacchus ejected Cubs manager David Ross (strike two call; QOCY) in the top of the 11th inning of the #Cubs-#Brewers game. With two out and one on, Cubs batter Dansby Swanson took a 2-1 fastball from Brewers pitcher Clayton Andrews for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and above the hollow of the knee (px -0.37, pz 1.63 [sz_bot 1.59 / RAD 1.47]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejections, the Cubs were leading, 7-6. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 7-6, in 11 innings.

Prior, Ross argued with Bacchus in the bottom of the 6th inning (but was not ejected) after Brewers batter William Contreras' soft ground ball fielded by Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya resulted in a single and throwing error when Amaya's throw to first base sailed down the foul line into right field. Bacchus ruled that runner's lane interference did not occur because Amaya's throw could not have reasonably retired the runner (presumably due to inaccuracy).

This is Andy Fletcher (49)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

This is Erich Bacchus (12)'s 4th ejection of 2023.

*This pitch was located 2.92 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

Official Baseball Rule 5.09(a)(11): "In running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, he runs outside (to the right of) the three-foot line, or inside (to the left of) the foul line, and in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base, in which case the ball is dead."

Wendelstedt interpretation of OBR 5.09(a)(11) and RLI: "The determination is not whether the throw is true, but whether it could still reasonably retire the runner."

These are the 132nd and 133rd ejection reports of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 16th coach ejection of 2023.

This is the 64th manager ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 64 Managers, 53 Players, 16 Coaches.

This is Chicago's 4/5th ejection of 2023, T-2nd in the NL Central (STL 6; CHC, CIN, MIL 5; PIT 4).

This is Mike Napoli's 1st ejection since August 27, 2022 (Manny Gonzalez; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is David Ross' 3rd ejection of 2023, 1st since May 13 (Emil Jimenez; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Andy Fletcher's 1st ejection since Sept 22, 2022 (Kevin Long; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Erich Bacchus' 4th ejection of 2023, 1st since June 25 (Buck Showalter; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs Milwaukee Brewers, 7/4/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 118 - Erich Bacchus (3; Buck Showalter)

HP Umpire Erich Bacchus ejected Mets manager Buck Showalter (check swing strike three call) in the top of the 9th inning of the #Mets-#Phillies game. With none out and one on, Mets batter Mark Canha attempted to check his swing on a 2-2 knuckle curve from Phillies pitcher Craig Kimbrel, ruled a swinging strike by HP Umpire Bacchus. At the time of the ejection, the Phillies were leading, 7-6. The Phillies ultimately won the contest, 7-6.

This is Erich Bacchus (12)'s 3rd ejection of 2023.

This is the 118th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 58th manager ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 58 Managers, 48 Players, 12 Coaches.

This is New York's 5th ejection of 2023, 3rd in the NL East (MIA, PHI 7; NYM 5; ATL, WAS 1).

This is Buck Showalter's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since May 9 (Mark Wegner; QOC = N-c [Interference]).

This is Erich Bacchus' 3rd ejection of 2023, 1st since April 19 (David Bell; QOC = U [Non-Ejection]).

Wrap: New York Mets vs Philadelphia Phillies, 6/25/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 019 - Erich Bacchus (2; David Bell)

HP Umpire Erich Bacchus ejected Reds manager David Bell (ball call; ejection no-call for wild pitch) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the #Rays-#Reds game. With one on (R1) and two out, Reds batter Stuart Fairchild took three pitches from Rays pitcher Pete Fairbanks for balls one, two, and three. Replays indicate the first pitch, a fastball, was located head-high and behind the batter, while the third pitch, a fastball, was located head-high and inside. Reds manager Bell wanted Fairbanks ejected for a lack of pitcher control and was ejected after exiting the dugout and being warned to stop, the call was irrecusable.* At the time of the ejection, the Rays were leading, 8-0. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 8-0.

This is Erich Bacchus (12)'s 2nd ejection of 2023.

*Official Baseball Rule 6.02(c)(9) [Intentionally Pitch at the Batter] states: "If, in the umpire’s judgment, such a violation occurs, the umpire may elect either to expel the pitcher, or the manager and the pitcher from the game, or warn the pitcher and the manager of both teams that another such pitch will result in the immediate expulsion of that pitcher and the manager." OBR 6.02(c)(9) does not allow the umpire the right to eject a pitcher simply for lacking control: it must be an intentional act.

This is the 19th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 9th manager ejection of 2023.

This is Cincinnati's 1st ejection of 2023, T-1st in the NL Central (CIN, STL 1; CHC, MIL, PIT 0).

This is David Bell's 1st ejection since Sept 10, 2023 (Jeff Nelson; QOC = Y-c [Check Swing]).

This is Erich Bacchus' 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since April 15 (Bruce Bochy; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs Cincinnati Reds, 4/19/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 015 - Erich Bacchus (1; Bruce Bochy)

HP Umpire Erich Bacchus ejected Rangers manager Bruce Bochy (ball two call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Rangers-#Astros game. With one out and two on (R1, R2), Astros batter Kyle Tucker took a 1-1 slider from Rangers pitcher Josh Sborz for a called second ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.16, pz 1.76 [sz_bot 1.77 / RAD 1.65 / MOE 1.73]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Astros were leading, 6-2. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 8-2.

This is Erich Bacchus (12)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

*This pitch was located 0.36 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 15th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 7th manager ejection of 2023.

This is Texas' 1st ejection of 2023, T-1st in the AL West (HOU, TEX 1; LAA, OAK, SEA 0).

This is Bruce Bochy's 1st ejection since May 17, 2019 (Andy Fletcher; QOC = N-c [Check Swing]).

This is Erich Bacchus' 1st ejection since May 23, 2021 (David Ross; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Texas Rangers vs Houston Astros, 4/15/23 | Video as follows:

Larry Vanover Hit by Throw & Erich Bacchus Hit by Ball

Crew Chief Larry Vanover left the Yankees-Guardians game in Cleveland after being hit in the head by a relay throw, resulting in an extra Guardians run scoring, while 2B Umpire Erich Bacchus called "Time" to enforce the umpire interference rule in Toronto after being hit by a batted ball while working in the infield. Jerry Layne, meanwhile, also left a game due to a foul ball injury to his hand.

Larry Vanover (NYY-CLE): With one out and two on (R1, R2) in the top of the 5th inning, Yankees batter Kyle Higashioka hit a fly ball to deep center field, played off the wall by Guardians center fielder Miles Straw, who threw to shortstop Andres Gimenez, whose relay throw to home hit 2B Umpire Vanover in the side of the head, bouncing high in the air and enabling further advancement of Cleveland's runners.

Vanover left the game and was hospitalized with a head injury and was discharged from Cleveland Clinic two days later.

Erich Bacchus (DET-TOR): 2B Umpire Erich Bacchus found himself in the middle of umpire interference Type 2 in Toronto as he was hit by a batted ball from Blue Jays batter Bo Bichette while working inside: "Umpire’s interference occurs (1) when a plate umpire hinders, impedes or prevents a catcher’s throw attempting to prevent a stolen base or retire a runner on a pick-off play; or (2) when a fair ball touches an umpire on fair territory before passing a fielder." (Official Baseball Rule 6.01(f) Comment). IMPORTANT: The pitcher is not considered as "a fielder" for the purpose of this rule unless the pitcher touches the batted ball first. Weird, right?

Jerry Layne (HOU-PIT): HP Umpire Jerry Layne exited the Astros-Pirates game an out after getting hit in the hand by a foul ball. This is not umpire interference since it's a foul ball. After Layne left the game, call-up umpire Brock Ballou put on the gear and filled in as home plate umpire for the remainder of the contest. Similary, the Mike Estabrook play in Toronto is not umpire interference as the ball was foul.

Video as follows:

Guerrero Awarded Home on Obstruction...Interference on Next Play

3B Umpire Erich Bacchus awarded Blue Jays baserunner R2 Vlad Guerrero home, scoring a run, due to obstruction by Tigers 3B Ryan Kreidler on a ground ball past third base. On the very next play, HP Umpire Ryan Wills called umpire interference on himself. Article:

To set the scene, with two on (R1 and R2) and two on in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Detroit-Toronto game, Blue Jays batter Whit Merrifield hit a ground ball into the hole on the infield's left side, where it was fielded in a diving play by Detroit shortstop Javier Baez. With Toronto's runners off with the pitch on the hit-and-run, R2 Guerrero had to hurdle the batted ball to avoid interference, signified by 3B Umpire Bacchus' "safe" mechanic.

But when Guerrero rounded third base, he nearly collided with Tigers third baseman Kreidler, who was stuck watching Baez's diving play and thus inadvertently (but still violative of rule) obstructed Guerrero by impeding his path to home plate by forcing Guerrero to run further outside, thus making his journey home a longer one, both in distance and in travel time.

Bacchus pointed at the obstruction and after the play concluded awarded Guerrero home. Under Obstruction Type 2 (Official Baseball Rule 6.01(h)(2)), Bacchus nullified the act by ruling that had obstruction not occurred, Guerrero would have scored, the penalty for OBS Type 2, which keeps play alive until its natural conclusion before the penalty phase of "nullify the act" is imposed.

Was that the correct call? Had this been Obstruction Type 1, Guerrero would be automatically awarded home and the ball would be dead immediately upon obstruction occurring. In order for OBS 1 to happen, though, there would have to have been a play on Guerrero actively occurring at the time of obstruction.

The very next play produced an umpire interference (OBR 6.01(f)) situation when, with the Blue Jays trying a double steal once again, HP Umpire Ryan Wills accidentally hindered or impeded Tigers catcher Eric Haase's attempted throw to third base. The penalty for ump interference is simply to send the runners back to the bases they came from.

Both managers were out to speak with the umpires in the 4th inning about the respective plays (Tigers manager AJ Hinch spoke with 3B Umpire Bacchus about the obstruction play at third while Blue Jays manager Jon Schneider spoke with HP Umpire Wills about the umpire interference play at home), both calls were concisely explained, and the game resumed without further incident in both cases.

Umpire Bacchus Accidentally Hits Player - Clearing the Bat

When HP Umpire Erich Bacchus went to clear a dropped bat at home plate during Wednesday's Blue Jays-White Sox game, he accidentally tossed the bat into Chicago on-deck batter Jose Abreu's knee, resulting in a brief injury delay. So, how should an umpire clear a bat to avoid such an unfortunate situation?

While there is no imperative in the Official Baseball Rules to remove a bat from home plate in anticipation of a play at the plate, it is often good form for an umpire to do so in order to lessen the likelihood of injury to catcher or runner, and in order to ensure the discarded bat doesn't interfere with the play at home.

During a play at the plate during a Marlins-Mets game, for example, Ichiro Suzuki attempted to slide head-first into home plate, but his arm, instead of reaching home plate, ended up striking a bat lying next to home plate instead.

While some umpires may be able to remove a bat by picking it up and setting it behind them, others may opt to kick it out of the way. Whatever the method, all it takes it a light touch to clear the area immediately surrounding home plate that may be used for the upcoming play.

For example, we revisit the case of HP Umpire Angel Hernandez picking up a bat, taking a step or two backward, and gently dropping the bat behind him during Game 2 of the 2012 Yankees-Orioles ALDS when Ichiro Suzuki danced around home plate to score for New York. A year later, HP Umpire Dale Scott kicked a bat out of the way during the Boston-Detroit ALCS right before a play at the plate would have otherwise resulted in the catcher landing on the bat, had it not been removed.

When to Remove a Bat (Decision Making Factors)

In short, if the bat is in the way and it's necessary to remove it, consider how accessible the bat it. If it's available, consider if it'd be possible to remove the bat (e.g., it wouldn't take the umpire out of position or interfere with an impending play).

If there's time for a NAP (Necessary, Available, Possible), the bat may be safely removed.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 053 - Erich Bacchus (1; David Ross)

HP Umpire Erich Bacchus ejected Cubs manager David Ross (strike two call; QOCN) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Cubs-#Cardinals game. With none out and none on, Cubs batter Kris Bryant took a 0-1 changeup from Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px 0.58, pz 1.48 [sz_bot 1.71 / RAD 1.59 / MOE 1.51]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 2-1, in 10 innings.

This is Erich Bacchus (101)'s 1st ejection of 2021.
Erich Bacchus now has -2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 AAA - 4 Incorrect Call = -2).
Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 2 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 2).

*This pitch was located 0.36 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 53rd ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 29th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Chicago's 3rd ejection of 2021, T-2nd in the NL Central (MIL 5; CHC, CIN 3; PIT 2; STL 1).

This is David Ross' 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since April 24 (Cory Blaser; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Erich Bacchus' first career MLB ejection.

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs. St Louis Cardinals, 5/23/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Debut of Umpire Erich Bacchus

Umpire Erich Bacchus made his MLB debut at second base during Friday's Reds-Brewers game in Milwaukee alongside Chief Andy Fletcher's crew with umpires Tripp Gibson and Ben May.

Bacchus graduated from the Wendelstedt Umpire School in 2012 and has officiated in Minor League Baseball's Arizona, New York-Penn, Florida Instructional Leagues, South Atlantic, Carolina, Eastern, and International Leagues, as well as the Arizona Fall League.

He officiated the 2017 XM All-Star Futures Game in Miami, served as crew chief for the 2019 International League Championship Game, and ran alongside Nic Lentz and Brennan Miller during the November 2019 Holly Springs Half Marathon on behalf of UMPS CARE Charities.
Related Post: Triple-A Tradition? Young Umps Run for Charity (2/17/20).

Bacchus is the seventh rookie umpire to have an MLB debut during this 2020 regular season.
Related Post: MLB Debut of Umpire Adam Beck (8/5/20).

Related Post: MLB Debut of Umpire Randy Rosenberg (8/4/20).

Related Post: MLB Debut of Umpire Lewis "Lew" Williams III (8/2/20).

Related Post: MLB Debut of Umpire Jeremy Riggs (7/28/20).

Related Post: MLB Debut of Umpire Jose Navas (7/24/20)

Related Post: MLB Debut of Umpire Edwin Moscoso (7/23/20).

Triple-A Tradition? Young Umps Run for Charity

The 2019-2020 offseason may have established a new @UmpsCare tradition and possible fitness test for young umpires climbing the MiLB-to-MLB ladder as Nic Lentz, Brennan Miller, Erich Bacchus, and Chris Segal all ran half-marathons for charity over the winter months.

Bacchus, Lentz, and Miller each ran the Holly Springs Half Marathon in North Carolina in November while Segal took to the Colonial Half Marathon course (Williamsburg, Virginia) in February.

The professional umpires, all of whom will call MLB Spring Training games in 2020, ran to fundraise for UMPS CARE Charities under the heading "UMPS CARE Run for Bears," so-named for the charity's in-season Build-A-Bear Workshop experience for children.

In addition to helping to finance Umps Care's in-season programs such as Build-A-Bear, Blue for Kids hospital visits, and on-field events such as Blue Crew Tickets, the young umps coincidentally proved their physical fitness to baseball observers.

A traditional half-marathon is 13.1 miles (21 kilometers) in length.