Plate Meeting Podcast Episode 7 - Gary Darling

In this seventh episode of The Plate Meeting, a LF Umpire Podcast from Close Call Sports, 28-year MLB veteran crew chief Gary Darling joins the show to discuss his officiating career, UMPS CARE Charities, umpire nicknames, and answer some of your questions.

Click the below "play" button to listen to Episode 7 - The Charitable Gary Darling, or visit the show online at https://anchor.fm/the-plate-meeting. The Plate Meeting is also available on iTunes (Apple Podcasts), Google, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, and several other podcast apps.

Alternate Link: Episode 7 - The Charitable Gary Darling.

Additional Links, Videos, and Other Media:
The following section contains relevant links, notes, and additional material that correlate with conversations during the show. Click the following related video/article links to be taken to that relevant item.

The Plate Meeting is brought to you by OSIP, where Outstanding Sportsmanship Is Paramount.

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Related Video #1 (15:00): Cubs and Padres clear the benches after Andre Dawson is hit in the head.

Related Video #2 (17:00): Warnings issued after Prince Fielder beanball in Game 1 of the 2011 NLCS.

Related Link (29:00): ML Umpires Association settles lawsuit against Lou Piniella for defamation.

Related Link (51:00): UMPS Care Charities (UmpsCare.com).
Related Video #3 (59:15): Gary Darling accidentally spits gum on Bobby Valentine during argument.
Related Video #4 (1:06:30): Bill Hohn ejects Bobby Cox and Brian McCann in Florida.
Related Video #5 (1:08:40): 3B Umpire Gary Darling calls "Time" during 2011 NLDS.
Related Video #6 (1:11:45): 2013 Detroit-Oakland ALDS features bench clearing.
Related Video #7 (1:14:15): Hawk Harrelson goes on a rant about obstruction against Chicago.
Related Video #8 (1:36:00): Darling rings up Punto in the NLCS (Yes, it was in the strike zone).
Related Link (1:39:00): Real 'Fake Umps' Return on Sunday Night Baseball, Aug 2 (7/27/15).
Related Link (1:57:00): Sign-Up for the January 2019 UMPS CARE Golf Classic.

Follow us on Twitter 🐦 (@UmpireEjections) and like on Facebook 👍 (/UmpireEjections).

Teaser - Plate Meeting Podcast 7 - Gary Darling

To celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving, we're chatting with 26-year MLB umpire and UMPS CARE Charities President Gary Darling about baseball, charity, and more—and we'll be releasing daily snippets or teasers for Episode 7 of the Plate Meeting Podcast on our social media accounts from now until the episode's release date on Monday, November 26, 2018.

We begin with a pre-Thanksgiving feast, in reverse, kind of, with Gary's infamous gum spitting ejection of Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine on May 18, 2012.

To subscribe to The Plate Meeting, visit our Anchor.fm page, which offers external links to popular podcast providers, such as Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Spotify, Radio Public, and, coming soon, Google Podcasts.

And be sure to follow us on Twitter 🐦 (@UmpireEjections) and like on Facebook 👍 (/UmpireEjections) to make sure you get all the latest UEFL info and baseball news, and to grab all of our teasers for Episode 7 over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Video as follows:

Plate Meeting Podcast #7 - Call for Q's - Gary Darling

CloseCallSports.com announces its seventh Plate Meeting podcast episode with guest Gary Darling, a 26-year MLB umpire veteran with 3,270 regular season games, 10 Division Series, 5 LCS, and two World Series. Now's your chance to ask Gary questions about his career, including any one of his 111 ejections, UMPS CARE and charitable endeavors.

Darling began his professional umpiring career with the Northwest League in 1980, and officiated the California, Texas, and Pacific Coast Leagues before his promotion to the National League staff in 1988. He was one of the 22 umpires who lost their jobs in the 1999 mass resignation event, and was rehired to the league in 2002, alongside Bill Hohn, Bruce Dreckman, Joe West, Larry Poncino, Larry Vanover, Paul Nauert, and Sam Holbrook.

Since his return, Darling promoted to Crew Chief, officiated Division Series his first and second years back (in addition to 2005, 07, 08, 10, and 13), and worked his first World Series just a year later, in 2003 (his second World Series was in 2010).

In 2005, Umps Care was initially founded to assist retired umpires and their families in financial difficulty, but the group's mission shortly expanded and, under President Darling's leadership, UMPS CARE regularly began to run programs such as BLUE Tickets and the BLUE for Kids hospital visit event, charity golf outings, the annual online auction at MLB.com, and even an UMPS CARE Charities All-Star College Scholarship award.

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The Plate Meeting, a Left Field Umpire Podcast is CCS's official audio show where we talk umpiring with umpires, and discuss officiating related issues, including analysis or other conversation pertaining to plays, ejections, rules, and more.

To subscribe to The Plate Meeting, visit our Anchor.fm page, which offers external links to popular podcast providers, such as Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Spotify, Radio Public, and, coming soon, Google Podcasts.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter 🐦 (@UmpireEjections) and like on Facebook 👍 (/UmpireEjections).

Confirmed: MLB Hires Quinn Wolcott, Gary Darling Retires

MLB confirmed it has hired Quinn Wolcott to its umpire staff to replace Gary Darling, who has retired after a 28-year career. Major League Baseball's announcement confirms the UEFL rumor of this staff movement.

For some perspective into Darling's 28-year career, consider this: The umpire hired to replace him, Wolcott, is 28 years old.

Hired: Quinn Wolcott (81)

Wolcott made his Major League debut during the Memorial Day Diamondbacks-Rangers doubleheader on May 27, 2013. At the time of his big league debut, the UEFL tagged Wolcott with a *rising star alert*. At the age of 24, he was the youngest umpire promoted to AAA in 2011 and became a Pacific Coast League crew chief at the age of 26, in 2013. His minor league history includes the Arizona, Northwest, Midwest, Carolina, California, Southern and PCL. He officiated the 2012 Arizona Fall League Championship Game and World Baseball Classic qualifying.

Born June 17, 1986 in Puyallup, Washington, the 5'9", 180-pound Wolcott is the youngest active full-time MLB umpire at 28 years of age. At the time of his appointment to the full-time staff, Wolcott has  officiated 149 MLB regular season games and experienced two Major League ejections. His first career ejection occurred May 31, 2014 (Rob Leary; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]) and his second was June 21, 2014 (Bob Melvin; QOC = U [Previously Argued Call/DiMuro Rule]). Through July 3, he had 12 Replay Review decisions and holds an affirmation rate of .583 (7/12 calls confirmed or upheld).

Wolcott has been assigned to Gerry Davis' crew for the next several weeks.

Retired: Gary Darling (37)

Since breaking into the National League in 1986, Darling umpired 3,270 regular season, 85 postseason and two All-Star Games. He finished his career with 111 ejections, his first an attempted tackle and interception of Cubs batter Shawon Dunston, who was tossed for charging the mound. UEFL member tmac: "He was a no nonsense umpire who had 111 EJs in his career and took care of biz.  Widely regarded as one of the best ball-strike guys around."

Born October 9, 1957 in San Francisco, California, His final MLB ejection occurred September 8, 2013 (Mike Aviles; QOC = Y [Safe/Out]). His final playoff series was the 2013 American League Division Series featuring the Oakland Athletics and Detroit Tigers. This series featured a pre-2014 Replay Review of a spectator interference/home run boundary play that affirmed an on-field HR call.

The 56-year-old Darling is the President of the Board of UMPS CARE Charities.

Rumor: Quinn Wolcott Hired, Gary Darling Retires

Rumor: Quinn Wolcott has been hired to the MLB staff while long-time crew chief Gary Darling has retired. In our tradition of continuing to provide news breaks and rumor mill discussion, the UEFL reports the aforementioned staff shuffle as an unconfirmed report. Darling has been on Major League Umpiring's Disabled List since Opening Day 2014 while Wolcott is in his second season as an active MiLB call-up umpire, having worked 64 games in 2013.

This report is unconfirmed and should be treated as such.

ALDS Game 4 (OAK-DET): The Fan Interference Home Run

A fan interference home run in Detroit, RF Umpire Gary Darling presiding, tied the Athletics-Tigers game at four during Game 4 of the American League Division Series. The terminology "fan interference home run" is used because this play, without a doubt, qualifies under the rules book definition of spectator interference—the implications of which may be slightly different than a cursory skim of the rules book might insinuate (see Long-Form Explanation for why). Relevant to the play is the impacted fielder, A's right fielder Josh Reddick.

Replays confirm the spectator interference.

Summary
The spectator interference, under Rule 3.16, does not prevent a home run from being called, though the umpire is obligated to "impose such penalties as in his opinion will nullify the act of interference." If the interference "clearly prevents a fielder from catching a fly ball," the batter is out. The call on the field was technically improper as spectator interference occurred. That said, the penalty to nullify the act of interference may very well have been a four-base award, as in a home run. Darling stated the fielder was not going to catch the ball and it was "clearly going to be a home run," making the result of the play proper. In other words, spectator interference does not imply an out, "ground rule double" or the like. All spectator interference means is a fan reached out of the stands and over the playing field and touched a live ball (or player), the penalty for which is to award bases or outs to nullify the act of interference.

The only improperly administered part of this play was failure to rule spectator interference so that ballpark security could have ejected the offending fan for violating the Comerica Code of Conduct and MLB Rule.

Related: Rule 3.16: Spectator Interference on Batted Ball
Related: Ejections: Joe West (7) (Charlie Manuel, 9/4/2011)

MLB Ejection 160: Gary Darling (4; Mike Aviles)

2B Umpire Gary Darling ejected Indians PR Mike Aviles for arguing an out call in the bottom of the 9th inning of the Mets-Indians game. With one out and one on, Indians pinch runner R1 Mike Aviles attempted to steal

Aviles is thrown out by inches at second base.

second base on Mets pitcher LaTroy Hawkins and catcher Anthony Recker. Replays indicate second baseman Daniel Murphy fielded Recker's throw and tagged Aviles' rear right thigh prior to Aviles's right foot contacting second base, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Mets were leading, 2-1. The Mets ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Gary Darling (37)'s fourth ejection of 2013.
Gary Darling now has 12 points in the UEFL (8+2+2=12).
Crew Chief Gary Darling now has 3 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 3).

This is the 160th ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 71st player ejection of 2013. Prior to ejection, Aviles entered as a PR and was caught stealing.
This is the Indians' 7th ejection of 2013, 2nd in the AL Central (DET 8; CLE 7; CWS 6; KC, MIN 4).
This is Mike Aviles' 2nd ejection of 2013 and first since June 5 (Tony Randazzo; QOC = Irrecusable).
This is Gary Darling's first ejection since July 24, 2013 (Robin Ventura; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: New York Mets vs. Cleveland Indians, 9/8/13
Video: Aviles called for the second out of the 9th is ejected by Darling vehemently protesting the ruling (CLE)

Pitching Change Balk: Manager's Arm Commits to Switch

Umpire Gary Darling ruled a pitching change balk against the Mariners Thursday night at Fenway after Manager Robby Thompson briefly motioned to the bullpen with his left arm before immediately switching to the right during a pivotal 9th inning pitching change. The Red Sox would score five times in the frame after Thompson's fateful move, completing an improbable walk-off victory.

SEA wants the righty, but Darling calls the lefty.

With none out and the bases loaded, Thompson ventured to the mound for a pitching change, initially signaling to the bullpen with his left arm before switching to his right arm, all while in the grass area between the third base foul line and the pitcher's mound.

As righty Yoervis Medina prepared to enter the game—he had already run onto the outfield grass—3B Umpire and crew chief Gary Darling quickly addressed the first arm movement and ordered lefty Oliver Perez enter the game instead. Forced to face righty Shane Victorino pursuant to Rule 3.05(b), which states that "if the pitcher is replaced, the substitute shall pitch to the batter then at bat, or any substitute batter, until such batter is put our or reaches first base," Perez allowed all three baserunners to score, surrendering two runs of his own during ensuing action before being relieved by Medina.

Rule 3.03 governs substitutions, stating simply that a player may be substituted during a game when the ball is dead while 3.05 governs the specific case of pitcher substitutions and 3.06 specifies the process:

The manager shall immediately notify the umpire-in-chief of any substitution and shall state to the umpire-in-chief the substitute’s place in the batting order.

HP Umpire and umpire-in-chief David Rackley had removed his lineup cards so as to make the change, but had not yet indicated the new pitcher as in Rule 3.07, which states that "the umpire-in-chief shall, after having been notified, immediately announce, or cause to be announced, each substitution."

Meanwhile, PBUC (MiLB) has officially interpreted that a manager or coach's signal to the bullpen "constitutes a substitution for the pitcher" (4.6); however, the MLBUM (MLB) has deemed that a substitution is completed only when the plate umpire is notified. If PU is not notified, a pitcher is considered as having entered the game when "he takes his place on the pitcher's plate prior to delivering a pitch (preparatory or otherwise)." The Major League Baseball Umpire Manual makes it clear it is the plate umpire's responsibility to coordinate all substitutions. MLBUM does not address the signal to the bullpen.

It sure would have been interesting had Darling worked the 1978 World Series when after positing the "take him out vs. leave him in" debate, Dodgers Manager Tommy Lasorda famously opted to "take him in" while gesturing to the bullpen with both hands.

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs. Boston Red Sox, 8/1/13

Video: Thompson calls for his southpaw before trying to quickly correct his error; Darling says 'no' (BOS)

MLB Ejection 100: Gary Darling (3; Robin Ventura)

1B Umpire Gary Darling ejected White Sox Manager Robin Ventura for arguing an obstruction call in the top of the 1st inning of the Tigers-White Sox game. With one out and one on (R1), Tigers batter Matt Tuiasosopo swung at and missed a 3-2 cutter from White Sox pitcher Hector Santiago for a strikeout while R1 Torii Hunter

Hunter is obstructed via Dunn's impedance.

attempted to steal second base. White Sox catcher Josh Phegley threw the ball down to second baseman Jeff Keppinger who threw to first baseman Adam Dunn, who threw back to Keppinger who ran Hunter back to first base. Replays indicate Dunn positioned himself in such a way that impeded the progress of Hunter and that Dunn was not in possession of the ball nor in the act of fielding the ball at that time (OBR Rule 2.00 [Obstruction]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 0-0. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 6-2.

This is Gary Darling (37)'s third ejection of 2013.
Gary Darling now has 8 points in the UEFL (4 + 2 + 2 = 8).
Crew Chief Gary Darling now has 2 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).

This is the 100th ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 46th Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the White Sox's 2nd ejection of 2013, T-4th in the AL Central (CLE 5; DET, KC 3; CWS, MIN 2).
This is Robin Ventura's 1st ejection of 2013 and first since September 22, 2012 (Ed Hickox; QOC = Y).
This is Gary Darling's first ejection since June 9, 2013 (Jose Bautista; QOC = Y).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs. Chicago White Sox, 7/23/13
Video: Unable to maneuver around the impeding Dunn, Hunter is awarded second on obstruction (DET)
Video: Ventura argues Dunn did not hinder Hunter and is thrown out on charges of Hawk's "BS" (CWS)
Video: During postgame remarks, Ventura implies Hunter abandoned his attempt to run the bases (0:53)

MLB Ejection 067: Gary Darling (2; Jose Bautista)

HP Umpire Gary Darling ejected Blue Jays RF Jose Bautista for arguing a strike  call in the bottom of the 9th inning of the Rangers-Blue Jays game. With one out and two on, Bautista took a 0-0 slider from Rangers

Bautista argues pitch #1, shown as a strike.

pitcher Joe Nathan for a called first strike and was ejected after striking out swinging on a 0-2 breaking ball. Replays indicate the strike one pitch was located knee-high and over the outer half of home plate (pz 1.738; sz_bot 1.500), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Rangers were leading, 6-4. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 6-4.

This is Gary Darling (37)'s second ejection of 2013.
Gary Darling now has 4 points in the UEFL (0 + 2 MLB + 2 Y = 4).
Crew Chief Gary Darling now has 1 point in the UEFL's Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 1).

This is the 67th ejection of 2013.
This is the 30th player ejection of 2013. Prior to his ejection, Bautista was 3-4 in the contest.
This is the Blue Jays' 6th ejection of 2013, 1st in the AL East (TOR 6; TB 4; BAL, BOS, NYY 1).
This is Jose Bautista's 1st ejection of 2013 and first since August 26, 2011 (Bill Welke; QOC = Y).
This is Gary Darling's first ejection since April 24 (Ron Roenicke; QOC = N).

Wrap: Texas Rangers vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 6/9/13
Video: After taking a called strike to start his at bat, Bautista strikes out and complains to Darling (TOR)
Video: Jays Manager John Gibbons remarks on Bautista's tantrum, saying "he thought that pitch was down."

MLB Ejection 015: Gary Darling (1; Ron Roenicke)

HP Umpire Gary Darling ejected Brewers Manager Ron Roenicke for arguing a check swing (no swing) call by 3B Umpire Clint Fagan in the bottom of the 5th inning of the Cubs-Brewers game. With one out and none on,

Headley attempts to check his swing.

Padres batter Chase Headley attempted to check his swing on a 0-0 breaking ball from Brewers pitcher Yovani Gallardo. Replays indicate Headley appeared to have attempted to strike the pitch, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Brewers were leading, 6-3. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 6-3.

This is Gary Darling (37)'s 1st ejection of 2013.
Gary Darling now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (0 + 2 MLB + -2 Incorrect Call [Crewmate] = 0).
Crew Chief Gary Darling now has 0s point in the UEFL's Crew Division (0 + 0 Incorrect Call = 0).

This is the 15th ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 5th Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the Brewers' 2nd ejection of 2013, 1st in the NL Central (MIL 2; CHC 1; CIN, PIT, STL 0).
This is Ron Roenicke's 1st ejection since July 31, 2012 (Brian Knight; QOC = N).
This is Gary Darling's 1st ejection since September 7, 2012 (Clint Hurdle; QOC = N).

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs. San Diego Padres, 4/23/13
Video: After a no-swing call is upheld on appeal by the third base umpire, Roenicke protests, is tossed (MIL)

UEFL Profile of MLB Umpire Gary Darling

Umpire Gary Darling

Presenting the UEFL Profile of MLB Umpire Gary Darling.
Name: Gary Richard Darling
Pronunciation Guide: GAIR-ee DAR-ling
Date of Birth: October 9, 1957
Place of Birth: San Francisco, California

MiLB Leagues Worked: Northwest, California, Texas, Pacific Coast.
MLB Debut: 1986 (NL)
MLB Finale: 2014 (MLB) [28 Years of Service]
Level: MLB (Retired)
Umpire Uniform Number: 37
Crew Chief: Yes

2013 Ejections: 4.
Ejection 160 (CLE PR Mike Aviles; QOC = Y).
Ejection 100 (CWS M Robin Ventura; QOC = Y).
Ejection 067 (TOR RF Jose Bautista; QOC = Y).
Ejection 015 (MIL M Ron Roenicke; QOC = N).

2012 Ejections: 8.
Ejection 154 (PIT M Clint Hurdle; QOC = N).
Ejection 142 (CLE SS Asdrubal Cabrera; QOC = Y).
Ejection 116 (MIL CF Carlos Gomez; QOC = Y).
Ejection 038 (BOS M Bobby Valentine; QOC = Y).
Ejection 032 (NYM P D.J. Carrasco; QOC = U).
Ejection 005 (CLE M Manny Acta; QOC = U).
Ejection 004 (CLE 3B Jack Hannahan; QOC = U).
Ejection 003 (CLE P Jeanmar Gomez; QOC = U).

Ejections, Career: 111
First Ejection: June 6, 1986 (Shawon Dunston; QOC = U [Fighting/Charging the Mound]).
Final Ejection: September 8, 2013 (Mike Aviles; QOC = Y [Safe/Out]).
Ejection History: 2 (1986), 8 (1987), 4 (1988), 6 (1989), 4 (1990), 10 (1991), 15 (1992), 5 (1993), 0 (1994), 2 (1995), 5 (1996), 3 (1997), 4 (1998), 5 (1999), [Resigned, 2000-2001], 3 (2002), 1 (2003), 4 (2004), 4 (2005), 2 (2006), 1 (2007), 1 (2008), 3 (2009), 3 (2010), 3 (2011), 8 (2012), 4 (2013).

UEFL History: Gary Darling

Postseason and Special Events History
World Baseball Classic: -
All-Star Game: 1993, 2003
Wild Card Game: 2012
Division Series: 1995, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2013
Championship Series: 1992, 2004, 2006, 2011, 2012
World Series: 2003, 2010

Notes: Associated Arts degree from Cosumnes River Junior College (1978), where he played baseball.
» Works as a realtor during the off-season.
» President of the Board of UMPS CARE Charities.

Ejection 154: Gary Darling (8)

HP Umpire Gary Darling ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle for arguing a safe call in the top of the 6th inning of the Cubs-Pirates game. With none out and one on, Cubs batter Darwin Barney hit a 1-2 knuckle curve from Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett to shortstop Josh Harrison, who threw to third baseman Pedro Alvarez in an attempt to retire baserunner R2 Brett Jackson, who was attempting to advance on the play. Replays indicate Alvarez's glove tagged Jackson on the right side of his body prior to Jackson's right hand touching third base, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Cubs were leading, 4-0. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 12-2.

This is Gary Darling (37)'s MLB-leading eighth ejection of 2012.
Gary Darling now has 18 points in the UEFL (20 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call = 18).
Crew Chief Gary Darling now has 10 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (10 Previous + 0 = 10).
*Quality of Correctness has been affirmed by the UEFL Appeals Board (3-1).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 154th ejection of 2012.
This is the 73rd Manager ejection of 2012.
This is the third consecutive Cubs game with at least one ejection.
This is the Pirates' 5th ejection of 2012, T-3rd in the NL Central (CHC 8; MIL 6; HOU, PIT 5; STL 4; CIN 3).
This is Clint Hurdle's first ejection since August 4 (Brian Gorman; QOC = Irrecusable).
This is Gary Darling's first ejection since August 29 (Asdrubal Cabrera; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Cubs at Pirates, 9/7/12
Video: Darling rules Jackson "safe" at third on close play, Hurdle ejected after prolongued argument (PIT)

Ejection 142: Gary Darling (7)

HP Umpire Gary Darling ejected Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera for arguing a called strike in the bottom of the 1st inning of the A's-Indians game. With one out and none on, Cabrera took a 3-2 curveball from A's pitcher Travis Blackley for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located at the hollow of the knee and over the inner half of home plate (sz_bot = 1.590; pz = 1.577; MoE = 0.0833), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 0-0. The A's ultimately won the contest, 8-4.

This is Gary Darling (27)'s seventh ejection of 2012.
Gary Darling now has 20 points in the UEFL (16 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 20).
Crew Chief Gary Darling now has 10 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (9 Previous + 1 Correct = 10).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 142nd ejection of 2012.
This is the 60th player ejection of 2012.
This is the Indians' 7th ejection of 2012, T-2nd in the AL Central (DET 9; CLE, CWS, KC 7; MIN 6).
This is Asdrubal Cabrera's first career ejection.
This is Gary Darling's first ejection since August 11 (Carlos Gomez; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Athletics at Indians, 8/29/12
Video: Cabrera ejected for arguing a called strike in the first inning of the Oakland-Cleveland game (OAK)

Ejection 116: Gary Darling (6)

HP Umpire Gary Darling ejected Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez for arguing a strike call in the top of the 7th inning of the Brewers-Astros game. With two out and three on, Gomez took a 2-2 cutter from Brewers pitcher Mickey Storey for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located knee high and over the inner half of home plate (-.577, -.853), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Astros were leading, 5-4. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 6-5, in 10 innings.

This is Gary Darling (37)'s sixth ejection of 2012.
Gary Darling now has 16 points in the UEFL (12 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 16).
Crew Chief Gary Darling now has 8 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (7 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 8).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 116th ejection of 2012.
This is the 48th player ejection of 2012. Prior to his ejection, Gomez was 0-4 batting.
This is the Brewers' 6th ejection of 2012, 1st in the NL Central (MIL 6; CHC, HOU, PIT 4; STL 3; CIN 2).
This is Carlos Gomez's first career ejection.
This is Gary Darling's first ejection since May 18 (Bobby Valentine; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Brewers at Astros, 8/11/12
Video: Darling commits a blooper, throwing his face mask during Saturday's ejection of Gomez (UEFL)

Ejection 038: Gary Darling (5)

1B Umpire Gary Darling ejected Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine for arguing an out call in the top of the 9th inning of the Red Sox-Phillies game. With one on and one out, Red Sox batter Marton Byrd hit a 0-1 fastball from Phillies pitcher Jonathan Papelbon to shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who threw to first baseman Ty Wiggington as Byrd arrived at first base. Replays indicate Wiggington caught the ball prior to Byrd touching first base, the call was correct.* At the time if the ejection the Phillies were leading, 6-4. The Phillies ultimately won the contest, 6-4.

This is Gary Darling (37)'s fifth ejection of 2012.
Gary Darling now has 12 points in the UEFL (8 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 12).
Crew Chief Gary Darling now has 5 points in the UEFL's Crew division (4 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 5).
*After review, Quality of Correctness has been affirmed in a 6-0 decision by the UEFL Appeals Board.

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 38th ejection of 2012.
This is the 23rd Manager ejection of 2012.
This is Bobby Valentine's first ejection of 2012 and first as Red Sox Manager.
This is the second ejection for the Red Sox in 2012.
This is Gary Darling's first ejection for a non-fighting, non-throwing at incident.

Wrap: Red Sox at Phillies 5/18/12
Video: Bobby V is shown the door by Gary Darling for arguing an out call in the 9th

Ejection 032: Gary Darling (4)

HP Umpire Gary Darling ejected New York Mets pitcher D. J. Carrasco for throwing at Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun in the top of the 7th inning of the Brewers-Mets game. With one out and none on, Brewers batter Ryan Braun took a 0-0 fastball for a hit by pitch. Replays indicate the 0-0 pitch was high and inside and hit Braun in the shoulder. During the previous at bat, Brewers' batter Rickie Weeks hit a solo home run. The call is irrecusable.* At the time of the ejection, the Brewers were leading, 8-0. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 8-0.

This is Gary Darling (37)'s fourth ejection of 2012.
Gary Darling now has 8 points in the UEFL (6 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 8).*
Crew Chief Gary Darling now has 4 points in the UEFL's Crew division (3 Previous + 1 Irrecusable = 4).
*This call is irrecusable under UEFL Rule 6-2-b(5)

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 32nd ejection of 2012.
This is the 11th player ejection of 2012.
This is D.J. Carrasco's first ejection of 2012.
This is the third ejection of 2012 for the New York Mets.
All four of Darling's ejections have been for throwing at or fighting.
Prior to his ejection, Carrasco's line was 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 ER.

Wrap: Brewers at Mets 5/15/12
Video: Carrasco is ejected by Darling after hitting Braun, following Weeks' solo blast
Video: Weeks' solo home run

Ejections 003, 004, 005: Gary Darling (1, 2, 3)

HP Umpire Gary Darling ejected Indians Manager Manny Acta and pitcher Jeanmar Gomez for throwing at, and third basemen Jack Hannahan for fighting in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Indians-Royals game. With none out and none on, Royals batter Mike Moustakas took a 1-0 sinker for a hit by pitch. Replays indicate that the previous 0-0 pitch and the 1-0 pitch were inside and belt high. Gomez was immediately ejected by Darling, and both benches subsequently cleared for the second time in the game.^ Replays indicate Hannahan quickly left his third base position. The calls were irrecusable.* At the time of the ejections, the Indians were leading, 5-0. The Indians ultimately won the contest, 11-9, in ten innings.

These are Gary Darling (37)'s first, second, and third ejections of 2012.
Gary Darling now has 6 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 6).*
Crew Chief Gary Darling now has 3 points in the UEFL's Crew division.^^
*These calls are irrecusable under new UEFL Rule 6-2-b(5).
^^Under UEFL Rule 3-3, crew chiefs are awarded one point for each non-incorrect ejection. Irrecusable ejections are non-incorrect ejections.
`Longballs receives two points for prop prediction: fighting, for the wager of April 13 (closest to 4/14/12)

UEFL Standings Update
1) 6 points: TheGunsofHochuli
1) 6 points: millerump18
3) 5 points: JRD
4) 3 points: BillMueller, JohnShulockFan, Jeremy, nkcaump, Turducken, UmpAtty
10) 2 points: BONZ_kansascity, cyclone 14, hitit2me, Longballs, Spence1222

These are the 3rd, 4th, and 5th ejections of 2012.
This is the 3rd Manager ejection of 2012.
These are the 1st and 2nd player ejections of 2012.
This is Manny Acta's first ejection of 2012.
This is Jeanmar Gomez's first ejection of 2012.
This is Jack Hannahan's first ejection of 2012.
Prior to his ejection, Gomez's line was 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER.
Prior to his ejection, Hannahan was 0 for 1, with a walk.
^Benches previously cleared in the top of the 3rd inning when Indians batter Shin-Soo Choo was hit by a pitch.

Wrap: Indians at Royals 4/14/12
Video: Choo hit by pitch, benches clear in the top of the third
Video: Tempers flare in third as benches clear for a second time

Ejections: Gary Darling (3)

2B Umpire Gary Darling ejected Giants Manager Bruce Bochy for arguing a safe call in the bottom of the 5th inning of the Giants-Diamondbacks game. With none out and one on, Diamondbacks batter Aaron Hill swung at and missed a 0-1 changeup from Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum as Diamondbacks baserunner Gerardo Parra attempted to steal second base; Giants catcher Chris Stewart to second baseman Jeff Keppinger. Replays indicate Keppinger's glove tagged Parra's foot prior to Parra touching second base, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Diamondbacks were leading, 3-0. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is Gary Darling (37)'s third ejection of 2011.
Gary Darling now has 6 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (8 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call) = 6.
Gary Darling was not drafted in 2011.

This is the 196th ejection of 2011.
This is the 96th Manager ejection of 2011.
This is Bruce Bochy's third ejection of 2011.

Wrap: Giants at Diamondbacks, 9/25/11 Wrap
Video (1): Bochy ejected by Darling (Giants broadcast)
Video (2): Bochy argues call, is thrown out (Diamondbacks broadcast)

Ejections: Gary Darling (2)

3B Umpire Gary Darling ejected Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire for arguing a runner placement call in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Twins-Tigers game. With two out and one on, Tigers batter Alex Avila doubled on a 1-1 fastball from Twins pitcher Alex Burnett down the left field line, Tigers R1 Jhonny Peralta scored on spectator interference. Replays clearly indicate the mechanic for spectator interference was given, as the ball hit the hand of a fan reaching over the railing. Under MLB Rule 3.16, the ball becomes dead at the moment of interference. The placement of the runners (R1 Peralta scoring) was appropriate under Rule 3.16, which gives umpires the discretion to impose penalties in their opinion that nullify the interference, the call was correct.* The call is now inconclusive.* At the time of the ejection, the Tigers were leading, 6-5. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 6-5.

This is Gary Darling (37)'s second ejection of 2011.

Gary Darling now has 8 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (4 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).

Gary Darling was not drafted in 2011.

*Quality of Correctness was challenged, deferred, and reverted ("Correct" ==> "Inconclusive" ==> "Correct").

This is the 59th ejection of 2011.
This is the 33rd manager ejection of 2011.

This is Ron Gardenhire's fourth ejection of 2011.

Wrap: Twins at Tigers 5/30/11 Wrap

Video (1): Gardenhire is tossed by Darling

Video (2): Alternative Broadcast (Actual Ejection)

Video (3): Must C: Curious