MLB-High 10 Umpires Retire During 2022-2023 Off-Season

It's official—10 Major League Baseball umpires have retired following the 2022 season, a record-high for the unified MLB era and most since 1999, when a failed contract strategy led to 22 resignations. Seven crew chiefs and three 'number twos' won't return in 2023, opening the door to call-up umpires looking for a full-time job as well as current backup chiefs looking for a permanent promotion to that role. This retiring class combined for 261 years of on-field Major League experience.

The retirements of Greg Gibson (10/6/22), Tom Hallion (12/8/22), and Jim Reynolds (12/21/22) were previously disclosed by the indivual umpires prior to this announcement of all 10 retirements.

Retirements, Listed as Name, Service Time (Seasons with 1+ games)

- Postseason & total ejection stats listed on following lines:

Ted Barrett, 26 Years (29 Seasons AL/MLB [1994-2022]): Crew Chief with 3,400 regular season games.

- 6 Wild Cards (2012, 13, 15, 16, 20, 22)

- 12 Division Series (2000, 01, 02, 03, 06, 07, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21)

- 10 League Championship Series (2005, 08, 09, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 20, 22)

- 5 World Series (2007, 11, 14, 18, 21)

> 65 MLB ejections

Greg Gibson, 24 Years (25 Seasons NL/MLB [1997-2019, 2021-22]): Crew Chief with 2,746 games.

- 3 Wild Cards (2012, 13, 18)

- 10 Division Series (2001, 03, 04, 06, 07, 09, 10, 11, 15, 21)

- 5 League Championship Series (2005, 12, 13, 14, 18)

- 1 World Series (2011)

> 92 MLB ejections

Marty Foster, 24 Years (27 Seasons AL/MLB [1996-2022]): Number Two with 2,745 games.

- 1 Wild Card (2020)

- 3 Division Series (2006, 08, 17)

> 110 MLB ejections

Tom Hallion, 30 Years (32 Seasons NL/MLB [1985-99, 2005-19, 2021-22]): Crew Chief w 3,645 games.

- 10 Division Series (1996, 97, 2008, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21)

- 5 League Championship Series (1998, 2007, 09, 10, 11)

- 2 World Series (2008, 21)

> 102 MLB ejections

Sam Holbrook, 22½ Years (22 Seasons A/NL/MLB [1996-99, 2002-19, 2021]): Crew Chief w 2,423 games.

- 1 Wild Card (2012)

- 7 Division Series (2005, 07, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21)

- 4 League Championship Series (2008, 09, 11, 12)

- 3 World Series (2010, 16, 19)

> 78 MLB ejections

Jerry Meals, 26 Years (31 Seasons NL/MLB [1992-2022]): Crew Chief with 3,303 games.

- 3 Wild Cards (2020, 21, 22)

- 9 Division Series (1999, 2004, 05, 09, 10, 11, 14, 19, 20)

- 3 League Championship Series (2008, 17, 21)

- 2 World Series (2014, 20)

> 61 MLB ejections

Paul Nauert, 22½ Years (24 Years NL/MLB [1995-99, 2002-20]): Number Two with 2,450 games.

- 1 Wild Card (2020)

- 6 Division Series (2004, 08, 10, 13, 14, 17)

- 1 League Championship Series (2016)

- 1 World Series (2017)

> 33 MLB ejections

Jim Reynolds, 22½ Years (24 Years AL/MLB [1999-2022]): Crew Chief with 2,815 games.

- 3 Wild Cards (2015, 17, 20)

- 7 Division Series (2005, 07, 08, 12, 13, 14, 18)

- 5 League Championship Series (2010, 15, 16, 17, 20)

- 2 World Series (2014, 18)

> 43 MLB ejections

Tim Timmons, 22½ Years (23 Years NL/MLB [1999-2021]): Number Two with 2,746 games.

- 2 Wild Cards (2013, 20)

- 3 Division Series (2005, 09, 18)

- 4 League Championship Series (2011, 14, 15, 20)

- 1 World Series (2018)

> 90 MLB ejections

Bill Welke, 22½ Years (24 Years AL/MLB [1999-2022]): Crew Chief with 2,816 games.

- 3 Wild Cards (2014, 16, 20)

- 6 Division Series (2003, 06, 08, 11, 15, 20)

- 4 League Championship Series (2014, 16, 17, 19)

- 1 World Series (2015)

> 102 MLB ejections

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 126 - Jerry Meals (3; Chris Woodward)

HP Umpire Jerry Meals ejected Rangers manager Chris Woodward (strike one call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the #Mariners-#Rangers game. With none out and none on, Rangers batter Adolis Garcia took a first-pitch slider from Mariners pitcher George Kirby for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and at the height of the waist (px 1.16, pz 2.84), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Mariners were leading, 3-1. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 6-2.

This is Jerry Meals (41)'s 3rd ejection of 2022.

Jerry Meals now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 2).

Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has 3 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 3).

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

This pitch was located 2.95 horizontal inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 126th ejection report of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 69th manager ejection of 2022.

This is Texas' 2nd ejection of 2022, 5th in the AL West (LAA 9; SEA 7; HOU 6; OAK 4; TEX 2).

This is Chris Woodward's 1st ejection since July 25, 2021 (Tim Timmons; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Jerry Meals' 3rd ejection of 2022, 1st since August 4 (Craig Counsell; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs Texas Rangers, 8/12/22 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 115-116 - Jerry Meals (1-2; Yelich, Counsell)

HP Umpire Jerry Meals ejected Brewers DH Christian Yelich (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Brewers-#Pirates game. With two out and none on, Yelich took a 2-2 slider from Pirates pitcher Yohan Ramirez for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.78, pz 1.56 [sz_bot 1.73 / MOE 1.60 / MOE 1.52]) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Brewers were leading, 3-1. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 5-4, in 10 innings.

These are Jerry Meals (41)'s 1st and 2nd ejections of 2022.

Jerry Meals now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (-2 Prev + 2*[2 MLB + 2 Correct Call] = 6).

Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has 4 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 2 Correct Call = 4).

*This pitch was located 0.50 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

These are the 115th and 116th ejection reports of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 38th player ejection of 2022. Prior to ejection, Yelich was 0-4 (3 SO) in the contest.

This is the 62nd manager ejection of 2022.

This is Milwaukee's 3/4th ejection of 2022, T-2nd in the NL Central (CHC 8; MIL, STL 4; PIT 3; CIN 2).

This is Christian Yelich's 2nd ejection of 2022, 1st since July 9 (Roberto Ortiz; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Craig Counsell's 2nd ejection of 2022, 1st since June 10 (Ramon De Jesus; QOC = Y [INT NC]).

These are Jerry Meals' 1st ejections since June 19, 2021 (Alek Manoah; QOC = U [Throwing At]).

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 8/4/22 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 077 - Jerry Meals (1; Alek Manoah)

1B Umpire Jerry Meals ejected Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah (throwing at) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the #BlueJays-#Orioles game. With one out and one on, Orioles batter Ryan Mountcastle and DJ Stewart hit back-to-back home runs before ensuing batter Maikel Franco took a first-pitch sinker from Manoah for a hit-by-pitch, resulting in a benches-clearing incident. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and struck Franco on the shoulder, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Orioles were leading, 5-2. The Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 10-7.

This is Jerry Meals (41)'s 1st ejection of 2021.

Jerry Meals now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable = 3).

Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Prev + 1 Irrecusable Call = 2).

This is the 77th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 27th player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Manoah's line was 3.1 IP, 5 ER, 4 HR.

This is Toronto's 2nd ejection of 2021, T-3rd in the AL East (NYY 6; BOS 3; BAL, TOR 2; TB 0).

This is Alex Manoah's first career MLB ejection.

This is Jerry Meals' 1st ejection since September 4, 2020 (Andy Haines; QOC = N [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles, 6/19/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 48 - Jerry Meals (2; Andy Haines)

HP Umpire Jerry Meals ejected Brewers hitting coach Andy Haines (check swing strike one call) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Brewers-#Indians game. With none out and one on, Brewers batter Jacob Nottingham attempted to check his swing on a 0-0 fastball from Indians pitcher Phil Maton, ruled a swinging strike by HP Umpire Meals. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board (check swing call, 9-0-0), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 7-1.

This is Jerry Meals (41)'s second ejection of 2020.
Jerry Meals now has -3 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -3).
Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has 7 points in Crew Division (7 Prev + 0 Incorrect Call = 7).

This is the 48th ejection report of the 2020 MLB regular season.
This is Milwaukee's 2nd ejection of 2020, 4th in the NL Central (CIN 6; PIT 4; CHC 3; MIL 2; STL 0).
This is Andy Haines' 1st ejection since April 22, 2018 (Cory Blaser; QOC = U [USC/Warnings]).
This is Jerry Meals' 2nd ejection of 2020, 1st since Aug 6 (David Bell; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cleveland Indians, 9/4/20 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 07 - Jerry Meals (1; David Bell)

HP Umpire Jerry Meals ejected Reds Manager David Bell (strike three call; QOCN) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Reds-#Indians game. With two out and two on (R1, R3), Reds DH Jesse Winker took a 2-2 changeup from Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco for a called third strike.

Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px 0.31, pz 1.27 [sz_bot 1.61 / RAD 1.49 / MOE 1.40]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejections, the Indians were leading, 3-0. The Indians ultimately won the contest, 13-0.

This is Jerry Meals (41)'s first ejection of 2020.
Jerry Meals now has -2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -2).
Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has 1 point in Crew Division (1 Previous + 0 Incorrect = 1).
*This pitch was located 1.56 vertical inches from being deemed a correct call.

This is the seventh ejection report of the 2020 MLB regular season.
This is the third Manager ejection of 2020.
This is Cincinnati's 1st ejection of 2020, T-1st in the NL Central (CIN, PIT 1; CHC, MIL, STL 0).
This is David Bell's 1st ejection since July 30, 2019 (Larry Vanover; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Jerry Meals' 1st ejection since August 28, 2019 (Bud Black; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs. Cleveland Indians, 8/6/20 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 176-177 - Jerry Meals (2-3; COL)

HP Umpire Jerry Meals ejected Rockies RF Charlie Blackmon and Manager Bud Black (strike three call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the #RedSox-#Rockies game. With none out and none on, Blackmon took a 2-2 cutter from Red Sox pitcher Brandon Workman for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px -1.05, pz 2.95 [sz_top 3.47]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejections, the Red Sox were leading, 7-4. The Red Sox ultimately won the contest, 7-4.

These are Jerry Meals (41)'s second and third ejections of 2019.
Jerry Meals now has -2 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2*[2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call] = -2).
Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has -2 points in Crew Division (-2 Previous + 2*[0 QOCN] = -2).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.
This pitch was located 1.63 horizontal inches from being deemed a correct call.

These are the 176th and 177th ejection reports of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 87th player ejection of 2019. Prior to ejection, Blackmon was 0-5 (2 SO) in the contest.
This is the 80th Manager ejection of 2019.
This is Colorado's 5/6th ejection of 2019, 1st in the NL West (COL 6; SD, SF 5; ARI 4; LAD 3).
This is Charlie Blackmon's 1st ejection since July 8, 2017 (Sam Holbrook; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Bud Black's 2nd ejection of 2019, 1st since July 19 (Doug Eddings; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).
This is Jerry Meals' 2/3rd ejection of 2019, 1st since April 20 (Aaron Boone; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs. Colorado Rockies, 8/28/19 | Video as follows:

Fair Deflection Out of Play - 2 Bases from TOP

History repeated itself in Toronto Friday, when Rays left fielder Tommy Pham deflected Blue Jays batter Freddy Galvis' fair ball into the stands, resulting in a two-base award from time-of-pitch (thus preventing runner R1 Randal Grichuk from scoring from first), as enforced by Chief Jerry Meals' umpire crew.

This isn't even the first time Official Baseball Rule 5.06(b)(4) has come into play on a bouncing batted ball deflected into the stands at Rogers Centre, though last time around, the umpires called the play differently. This time, however, Meals and 3B Umpire Gabe Morales officiated the sequence as prescribed by the book.

Umpires discuss the call.

First let's revisit OBR 5.06(b)(4) ("Each runner including the batter-runner may, without liability to be put out, advance—Two bases, if a fair ball bounces or is deflected into the stands outside the first or third base foul lines; or if it goes through or under a field fence, or through or under a scoreboard, or through or under shrubbery or vines on the fence; or if it sticks in such fence, scoreboard, shrubbery or vines") and the relevant MLB Umpire Manual Interpretation, which holds that, "If a fair ball not in flight is deflected by a fielder and then goes out of play, the award is two bases from the time of the pitch" and "If, in the judgment of the umpires, a fielder intentionally kicks or deflects a batted or thrown ball out of play, the award is two bases from the time the ball was kicked or deflected."

Pham tries to field Galvis' bouncing ball.

Had Pham possessed the ball in his glove and then caused it to go out of play, the award would also be two bases from the time of deflection (treated as a thrown ball going out of play; two bases from time of throw).

Although the ball appeared to momentarily hit the pocket of Pham's glove, the guiding principle for possession (and transfer) is another matter entirely. Think: If Pham was a middle infielder trying to turn a double play and lost the ball in this fashion, would he be credited for an out at second base and losing the ball on the transfer? If so, you have possession. If not (as I believe is the case here), you have a mere deflection.

In this case, 3B Umpire Morales determined that LF Pham unintentionally deflected the batted ball out of play, resulting in a two-base award from time-of-pitch. This is a standard rule, but when combined with an unorthodox stadium that has the propensity for producing pinballs off the turf—namely, Toronto and Tampa Bay—it has the effect of creating some seemingly unusual baserunner placement, which is actually pretty standard.

Montoyo speaks with Vic Carapazza.

Unfortunately for Blue Jays Manager Charlie Montoyo, who attempted to argue the ruling to no avail, this is a fairly standard call in an unusual stadium, as affirmed via Replay Review (rules check).

History: In 2017, Blue Jays batter Teoscar Hernandez hit a high fly ball to right field, which fell untouched in fair territory before taking a high bounce into foul ground, where it was deflected by Orioles right fielder Mark Trumbo out of play. After crew discussion, and although HP Umpire Chris Segal had initially sent batter-runner Hernandez back to second base, 1B Umpire and Crew Chief Brian Gorman modified the ruling and placed Hernandez at third base, instead.
Related Post: Case Play 2017-9 - The Deflected Error Triple [Solved] (9/14/17).

Trumbo deflects a ball out of play in 2017.

As our analysis at the time indicates, the only possible way Gorman could have awarded Hernandez third was if he ruled that Trumbo either had complete possession or intentionally deflected the ball out of play while Hernandez was somewhere between first and second base (two bases from time of intentional act). Replays indicate Hernandez had already achieved second base at the time of deflection, meaning the only two possible outcomes should have been placement at second base (if unintentional deflection) or home plate (if possession or intentional deflection).

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 034 - Jerry Meals (1; Aaron Boone)

2B Umpire Jerry Meals ejected Yankees Manager Aaron Boone (Replay Review decision that overturned 3B Umpire Marty Foster's HR call to a fan interference out; QOCY) in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Royals-Yankees game. With one out and two on (R1, R2), Yankees batter Gleyber Torres hit a 1-1 fastball on a fly ball to the left field wall, ruled a home run by 3B Umpire Foster and overturned to spectator interference after Crew Chief Review following a request from Royals Manager Ned Yost. Replays indicate that as Royals left fielder Alex Gordon jumped in an attempt to field the descending fly ball, a fan reached out of the spectator area and onto the playing field side of the vertical plane separating the in-and-out of play areas, thus interfering with the fielder's opportunity to field the baseball before the ball left the playing field, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 2-0. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 9-2.

This is Jerry Meals (41)'s first ejection of 2019.
Jerry Meals now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 3).
Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has -3 points in Crew Division (-4 Previous + 1 Correct Call = -3).
*Rule 6.01(e) states, "When there is spectator interference with any thrown or batted ball, the ball shall be dead at the moment of interference and the umpire shall impose such penalties as in his opinion will nullify the act of interference. APPROVED RULING: If spectator interference clearly prevents a fielder from catching a fly ball, the umpire shall declare the batter out."
*The OBR Definition of Terms entry for interference (d) states, "Spectator interference occurs when a spectator (or an object thrown by the spectator) hinders a player’s attempt to make a play on a live ball, by going onto the playing field, or reaching out of the stands and over the playing field."

This is the 34th ejection report of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 14th Manager ejection of 2019.
This is New York's 1st ejection of 2019, 2nd in the AL East (BAL 3; NYY 1; BOS, TB, TOR 0).
This is Aaron Boone's first ejection since Sept 27, 2018 (Vic Carapazza; QOC = U [Throwing At]).
This is Jerry Meals' first ejection since August 4, 2018 (Rick Renteria; QOC = N-C [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Yankees, 4/20/19 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 109 - Jerry Meals (3; Rick Renteria)

1B Umpire Jerry Meals ejected White Sox Manager Rick Renteria (Replay Review decision that upheld 2B Umpire Ed Hickox's out call; QOCN) in the top of the 5th inning of the White Sox-Rays game. With one out and one on (R1), White Sox batter Omar Narvaez hit a ground ball to Rays second baseman Joey Wendle, who threw to shortstop Willy Adames to first baseman Jake Bauers for a double play. Upon Replay Review as the result of a Manager's Challenge by Renteria, Hickox's ruling that Adames tagged second base prior to baserunner R1 Yolmer Sanchez's arrival stood. Replays indicate Adames did not appear to field Wendle's throw and tag second base prior to Sanchez's first touch of the base, the call was incorrect. Ruling was reviewed and affirmed by the UEFL Appeals Board (7-0-2), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1. The White Sox ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Jerry Meals (41)'s third ejection of 2018.
Jerry Meals now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB - 2 Incorrect-Crewmate = 2).
Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has 4 points in Crew Division (4 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 4).

This is the 109th ejection report of the 2018 MLB regular season.
This is the 46th Manager ejection of 2018.
This is Chicago-AL's 7th ejection of 2018, 1st in the AL Central (CWS 7; KC 4; DET, MIN 3; CLE 1).
This is Rick Renteria's 5th ejection of 2018, 1st since July 27 (Fieldin Culbreth; QOC = N [Check Swing]).
This is Jerry Meals' 3rd ejection of 2018, 1st since July 14 (Aaron Boone; QOC = Y-C [Dead Ball K3]).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 8/4/18 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 096 - Jerry Meals (2; Aaron Boone)

1B Umpire Jerry Meals ejected Yankees Manager Aaron Boone (dead ball strike three call by HP Umpire Ed Hickox) in the top of the 6th inning of the Yankees-Indians game. With none out and none on, Yankees batter Giancarlo Stanton swung at a 0-2 fastball from Indians pitcher Steve Clevinger, resulting in a dead ball third strike ruling by HP Umpire Hickox, who ruled that Stanton made contact with the pitched ball as he attempted to strike it. Replays indicate Stanton's hands made contact with the ball during his swing and that the bat did not make contact with the ball prior to this event; by rule, this is a strike, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 3-2. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Jerry Meals (41)'s second ejection of 2018.
Jerry Meals now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (-3 Prev + 2 MLB + 1 Correct Call-Crewmate = 0).
Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has 4 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 4).
*OBR Definition of Terms: "A STRIKE is a legal pitch when so called by the umpire, which: (e) Touches the batter as he strikes at it."
*OBR 5.09(a)(6): "A batter is out when—He attempts to hit a third strike and the ball touches him."

This is the 96th ejection report of the 2018 MLB regular season.
This is the 41st Manager ejection of 2018.
This is New York-AL's 7th ejection of 2018, 1st in the AL East (NYY 7; TOR 5; BAL 3; BOS 2; TB 1).
This is Aaron Boone's 2nd ejection of 2018, 1st since May 22 (Pat Hoberg; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Jerry Meals' 2nd ejection of 2018, 1st since April 1 (Marwin Gonzalez; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Indians, 7/14/18 | Video as follows:

O's Lodge Protest Over Runners Passing Rule Application

Baltimore filed the first protest of the 2018 season Friday night after umpires declined to rule a double play on an odd rundown play during the Orioles-Yankees game that saw New York's lead runner, Giancarlo Stanton, retreat past third base and into left field as teammate and trail baserunner Gary Sanchez stood on the bag itself.

Meals, Kulpa, Hickox & May listen to Buck.

The Play: With one out and two on (R1, R3), Yankees batter Neil Walker hit a ground ball to Orioles pitcher Richard Bleier, who threw to third baseman Tim Beckham, to catcher Caleb Joseph, as baserunner R3 Stanton became trapped in a rundown between third and home. As Joseph ran Stanton back to third base, trail baserunner R1 Sanchez advanced to third, stepping onto the base with his right foot. With R1 Sanchez standing on third base—and even appearing to motion Stanton to stop—R3 Stanton continued his retreat, running straight through third base and up the left field line before veering into foul territory. Catcher Joseph first tagged Sanchez on third base as Stanton ran into left field before giving chase to, and tagging, Stanton as well.

U3 Kulpa observes F2 Joseph's chase of R3.

The Call: 3B Umpire Ron Kulpa gave no signal when catcher Joseph tagged R1 Sanchez while Sanchez was in contact with third base, and ruled R3 Stanton out when Joseph tagged him beyond the base in foul territory. Upon consultation with HP Umpire Ed Hickox, 1B Umpire and Crew Chief Jerry Meals, and 2B Umpire Ben May, Kulpa's ruling stood and Stanton was declared out, Sanchez "safe" at third base, and batter-runner Walker aboard safely at first.

Orioles Manager Buck Showalter filed a protest as a result of the ruling, but because Baltimore ultimately won the game in extra innings, Showalter's protest is effectively retracted and the result final. Had Baltimore lost, here's how Showalter's protest may have turned out...

MLB rules expert Marazzi is on the phone.

Analysis: The first bit of analysis is to applaud YES Network for calling Rich Marazzi and putting him on air. As Rich surmises, the proper outcome is a double play...but why is that? After all, when R1 Sanchez was tagged, 1) he was on the base and 2) Stanton was not.

What Went Right: Kulpa properly did not call R1 Sanchez out on the tag, and properly called R3 Stanton out on Joseph's tag, but this is where Quality of Correctness falls below the Mendoza line.

What Went Wrong: When R3 Stanton retreated past third base while R1 Sanchez was in contact with the base, he caused R1 Sanchez to commit the offense of passing a preceding runner. Thus, while Sanchez was not out as a result of Joseph's tag, he was out for passing Stanton, even though Stanton looked to have caused the situation (it is the trailing runner's responsibility not to pass a preceding runner). The relevant rule is OBR 5.09(b)(9): "Any runner is out when: He passes a preceding runner before such runner is out."

R1 is legal because R2 never retreated past 2B.

When it comes to a trailing runner passing a preceding (lead) runner between the bases, baseball generally requires one runner's body to physically pass the other's—for instance, runners are allowed to touch each other without consequence, for this is not considered "passing."

When it comes to a potential runners passing situation at the base, we consider an MLB Umpire Manual interpretation, which states, "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 to which he is advancing."

Diagram of when a runner has passed a base.

Though this base passing interpretation ordinarily applies to forward progress as runners advance, it is also applicable to retreating runners. This most often occurs during fly out/tag-up situations, where an existing baserunner (e.g., R1), generally running on the pitch, runs past a base, only to return to his base of origin in order to tag up on the caught fly ball. In this case, determining whether the baserunner is past or prior is vital to see if the runner must legally retouch the leading base he may have passed (e.g., for the R1-running-on-the-pitch fly-out play, this would be second base).
Related Post: Rare Real-Time Appeal Retires Runner over Retouch Rule (6/15/17).
Related Post: Past or Prior - Deciding When a Runner Has Passed a Base (7/1/17).

Put it all together and you get Rule 5.09(b)(9) Comment, which is actually an approved ruling, or case play, that the Playing Rules Committee inserted into the rules book, and is precisely what Rich refers to when he says, "the new rule":

PLAY—Runners on second base and third base with one out. The runner from third base (i.e., the lead runner) makes an advance toward home and is caught in a rundown between third base and home plate. Believing the lead runner will be tagged out, the runner at second base (i.e., the trailing runner) advances to third base. Before being tagged, the lead runner runs back to and beyond third base toward left field. At this time, the trailing runner has passed the lead runner as a result of the lead runner’s actions. As a result, the trailing runner is out and third base is unoccupied. The lead runner is entitled to third base if he returns to touch it before he is out, see Rule 5.06(a)(1), unless he is declared out for abandoning the bases.

Suffice it to say, 🚨this is exactly what happened🚨. Lead runner R3 Stanton retreated toward third as trailing runner R1 Sanchez advanced to third base. Before being tagged, R3 Stanton ran back to and beyond third base toward left field, thus running through the past/prior barrier, as depicted above. By rule, R1 Sanchez passed Stanton as a result of Stanton's actions, meaning, R1 Sanchez is out and R3 Stanton is entitled to third base if he returns before he is out...except that fielder Joseph tagged Stanton while off his base, meaning that both baserunners were out.

As for abandonment, let's be clear. U3 Kulpa ruled Stanton out on the tag. Abandonment isn't at issue.

Showalter argues his point to no avail.

Long story short, this double play was missed, may have resulted in an affirmed protest if Baltimore lost the game ("may have," because New York failed to score in the 6th inning, so MLB could have ruled that the incorrect rules application did not affect the outcome of the game), and, had there been an ejection, would have resulted in a QOC of "Incorrect."

It's rare that an MLB game is protested, and it's almost unheard of to have a protest with merit. The last upheld protest—in 2014—concerned a grounds crew that botched its unfurling of a tarp during a Chicago rain delay, and this followed 28 years of no protest having been upheld across the major leagues. What's more, the 2014 protest had absolutely nothing to do with a rules application regarding actual gameplay: it was a rain delay and the decision of suspension vs. calling the game as final. MLB even acknowledged its rain delay tarpaulin rules were deficient and changed the applicable rule during the ensuing offseason. Not so much here, as Rule 5.09(b)(9) Comment fits the Stanton/Sanchez play to a T: MLB won't have to change any rule to account for Friday night's play.
Related Post: Protest Upheld for 1st Time in 28 Yrs in SF-CHC Rainout (8/20/14).

MLB punished Culbreth's crew for its mistake.

The last meritorious MLB protest concerning a bungled gameplay rule occurred in 2013 when Angels Manager Mike Scioscia alleged that Crew Chief Fieldin Culbreth and umpires Brian O'Nora, Bill Welke, and Adrian Johnson failed to enforce then-Rule 3.05 (now 5.10(g)), which requires a substitute pitcher to pitch to the batter then at bat or any substitute batter before that pitcher is removed from the game. Culbreth's crew had allowed Astros Manager Bo Porter to replace his just-into-the-game substitute pitcher in response to Scioscia's decision to bring in a pinch hitter, without that pitcher having thrown a single pitch. Faced with a less desirable pitcher on the mound, Anaheim's Los Angeles' batter flew out to end the inning.
Related Post: Angels Protest After Wright Exits Without Throwing a Pitch (5/9/13).

As the Orioles ultimately won Friday's game in New York, the Angels won 2013's game in Houston, meaning that Scioscia's protest was effectively dropped. Nonetheless, MLB publicly punished the umpiring crew for the rules misapplication, suspending Fieldin Culbreth and fining O'Nora, Welke, and Johnson, for failing to apply a rule.
Related Post: Culbreth Suspended; Johnson, Welke & O'Nora Fined for Pitching Change Fiasco (5/11/13).

Will Meals, Kulpa, Hickox, and May suffer a similar fate for their collective rules error? Stay tuned.

Sidebar: Had both runners been tagged while simultaneously occupying third base, lead runner R3 Stanton would be safe and trail R1 Sanchez would be out.
Related Post: Right of Return - When Two Runners Occupy One Base (4/3/18).

Videos (2x) as follows:

MLB Ejection 005 - Jerry Meals (1; Marwin Gonzalez)

1B Umpire Jerry Meals ejected Astros 1B Marwin Gonzalez (Unsportsmanlike-NEC, kicked baseball thrown to mound by HP Umpire Gabe Morales; QOCY) in the top of the 8th inning of the Astros-Rangers game. With two out and none on in the bottom of the 7th inning, Rangers batter Ryan Rua struck out to end the inning. As is customary following the third out of an inning, a ball was tossed toward the pitcher's mound to await the next Rangers pitcher's arrival on the field. Replays indicate Gonzalez intentionally kicked this moundball as he jogged off the field and into the Astros dugout, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Astros were leading, 7-1. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 8-2.

This is Jerry Meals (41)'s first ejection of the 2018 MLB regular season.
Jerry Meals now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 2).
Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 2).

This is the fifth ejection of the 2018 MLB season.
This is the 2nd player ejection of 2018. Prior to ejection, Gonzalez was 0-4 (3 SO) in the contest.
This is Houston's 1st ejection of 2018, 1st in the AL West (HOU 1; LAA, OAK, SEA, TEX 0).
This is Marwin Gonzalez's first ejection since Sept 22, 2017 (Dan Iassogna; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Jerry Meals' first ejection since June 24, 2017 (Nick Franklin; QOC = U [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers, 4/1/18 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 076 - Jerry Meals (1; Nick Franklin)

2B Umpire Jerry Meals ejected Brewers LF Nick Franklin (Replay Review time limit; QOCU) in the top of the 1st inning of the Brewers-Braves game. With one out and one on, Braves pitcher RA Dickey attempted to pick off Brewers baserunner R1 Keon Broxton, ruled safe by 1B Umpire Ed Hickox. Bench player Franklin was ejected for arguing that the Braves took too long to decide whether to challenge the call. Because Atlanta did not actually attempt to file a Manager's Challenge, there can be no Quality of Correctness relative to the time limit for managers to initiate Replay Review, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 3-1.

This is Jerry Meals (41)'s first ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Jerry Meals now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 2).
Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has -5 points in Crew Division (-6 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = -5).

This is the 76th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 31st player ejection of 2017. Prior to ejection, Franklin was benched; he did not play.
This is Milwaukee's 3rd ejection of 2017, T-1st in the NL Central (MIL, PIT, STL 3; CHC, CIN 1).
This is Nick Franklin's first ejection since March 19, 2017 (Ryan Blakney; QOC = U [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Jerry Meals' first ejection since July 5, 2016 (Joe Maddon; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Atlanta Braves, 6/24/17 | Video via "Read More"

MLB Ejection 100 - Jerry Meals (2; Joe Maddon)

HP Umpire Jerry Meals ejected Cubs Manager Joe Maddon for arguing a strike one call in the bottom of the 2nd inning of the Reds-Cubs game. With two out and one on, Cubs batter David Ross took a 3-0 sinker from Reds pitcher Brandon Finnegan for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px -.823, pz 1.469 [sz_bot 1.660 / MOE 1.577]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Reds were leading, 4-0. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 9-5.

This is Jerry Meals (41)'s second ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Jerry Meals now has -8 points in the UEFL Standings (-6 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect = -8).
Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has -6 points in Crew Division (-6 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = -6).

This is the 100th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 41st Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Chicago's 3rd ejection of 2016, 3rd in the NL Central (PIT 10; CIN 5; CHC 3; STL 1; MIL 0).
This is Joe Maddon's 2nd ejection of 2016, 1st since June 5 (Tripp Gibson; QOC = N [Check Swing]).
This is Jerry Meals' first ejection since June 14, 2016 (Jake Odorizzi; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs, 7/5/16 | Video available via "Read more"

MLB Ejection 075 - Jerry Meals (1; Jake Odorizzi)

HP Umpire Jerry Meals ejected Rays P Jake Odorizzi for arguing a ball four call in the top of the 6th inning of the Mariners-Rays game. With two out and none on, Mariners batter Leonys Martin took a 3-2 fastball from Odorizzi for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and knee high (px .542, pz 1.805 [sz_bot 1.530 / MOE 1.613]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Mariners were leading, 5-4. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 8-7.

This is Jerry Meals (41)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Jerry Meals now has -1 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -1).
Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has 2 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 2).

This is the 75th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 38th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Odorizzi's line was 5.2 IP, 5 ER, 4 BB.
This is Tampa Bay's 2nd ejection of 2016, 4th in the AL East (TOR 10; BOS 4; BAL 3; TB 2; NYY 1).
This is Jake Odorizzi's first career MLB ejection.
This is Jerry Meals' first ejection since July 31, 2015 (Bryce Harper; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6/14/16 | Video available via "Read more"

Unringing the Bell - Replay Reversal New Wrinkle for Cards

A reversed catch/trap call turned into a Reds single, leaving Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny shaking his head as Crew Chief Jerry Meals simply listened to the complaint.

With one out and one on (R1) in the bottom of the 8th inning of a 3-2 ballgame, Reds batter Ivan De Jesus hit a fly ball to shallow right field, where Cardinals right fielder Stephen Piscotty dove in an attempt to catch the ball, ruled an out and catch by 1B Umpire Sean Barber as Reds baserunner R1 Tyler Holt retreated back to first base to tag up.

Meals and Barber await New York's decision.

Upon Replay Review as the result of a request by Reds Manager Bryan Price and Crew Chief Review by Jerry Meals, Barber's ruling was overturned: F9 Piscotty was ruled to have trapped the ball on a bounce; De Jesus was credited with a single and awarded first base, and R1 Holt was placed at second base.

What is so unusual about this play, of course, is that F9 Piscotty quickly gathered himself and threw the ball into second base, meaning that had R1 Holt continued his run, there is a chance he would have been forced out, just as there is a chance he would have beaten the play. That judgment (the Replay Official's placement of Holt at second base) is what Mike Matheny called into question.

Matheny argues runner placement with Meals.

As Cardinals Manager Matheny discussed Holt's placement with Meals, we were reminded of the "You can't unring the bell" response that first accompanied expanded video instant replay back in 2014. Even as far back as Tim Welke's ejection of Joe Girardi in 2012, the "you can't unring the bell" argument surfaced.

Succinctly, Welke appeared to have possibly signaled "Time" using the standard arms-up mechanic during a fair/foul ball situation. After Welke subsequently lowered his right arm to point "Fair," Yanks skipper Girardi was ejected arguing that Welke had already called the play dead, only to "unring the bell."

"I thought was pointing that the ball was dead."
- Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully.

Even earlier in 2012 (far before expanded replay), tmac foresaw such a problem, writing for the Majority in the UEFL Appeals Board's decision on Dale Scott's misleading mechanics/triple play call at Dodger Stadium, resulting in Bud Black's ejection: "In any case it's my belief that from a mechanical standpoint you can not kill a play like that and change your mind. It's as bad as calling a guy out on a catch in the outfield getting guys to go back to their bases and switching to a no catch call."

When Tim Timmons ejected Chip Hale last season during a pending Replay Review call, a new discussion began, conjecturing that umpires may very well err on the side of "not ringing the bell," knowing that replay can simply correct the call after the fact.

However, as the Welke and Scott plays illustrates, there are several instances in which the bell may be rung in baseball that Replay Review may not be able to satisfactorily fix ex post facto, such as the umpire's call of "Time" or dead ball, and the improper catch/out call in the outfield, such as the present play.

The only difference, of course, is that Replay Review opened up that Pandora's Box such that umpires on the field cannot simply rely on common sense to distribute fairness: Replay will simply call what the video evidence demonstrates, without regard to runners or fielders being put in jeopardy.

MLB Ejection 140: Jerry Meals (2; Bryce Harper)

HP Umpire Jerry Meals ejected Nationals RF Bryce Harper for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 11th inning of the Nationals-Mets game. With one out and none on, Harper took a 2-2 fastball from Mets pitcher Hansel Robles for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh high (px -1.151, pz 2.523), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1. The Mets ultimately won the contest, 2-1, in 12 innings.

This is Jerry Meals (41)'s second ejection of 2015.
Jerry Meals now has 2 point in the UEFL Standings (4 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 2).
Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has 13 points in Crew Division (13 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 13).

This is the 140th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 66th player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Harper was 0-5 (SO) in the contest.
This is the Nationals' 6th ejection of 2015, 1st in the NL East (WAS 6; NYM 4; ATL, PHI 3; MIA 1).
This is Bryce Harper's 3rd ejection of 2015, 1st since May 20 (Marin Hudson; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Jerry Meals' first ejection since July 12, 2015 (Jose Bautista; QOC = Y [Balk]).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets, 7/31/15
Video: Harper objects to an extra-inning strikeout by barking at Meals for a quick heave-ho (WAS)

MLB Ejection 126: Jerry Meals (1; Jose Bautista)

HP Umpire Jerry Meals ejected Blue Jays DH Jose Bautista for arguing a balk no-call in the top of the 8th inning of the Blue Jays-Royals game. With two out and one on, Bautista took a 1-1 cutter from Royals pitcher Wade Davis for a called second strike before fouling the subsequent pitch delivered from Set Position. Replays indicate the 1-1 pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and belt high (px -.934, pz 3.139) while Davis appropriately came to a stop after the stretch before delivery of the 1-2 pitch, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 10-10. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 11-10.

This is Jerry Meals (41)'s first ejection of 2015.
Jerry Meals now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (-2 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 2).
Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has 9 points in Crew Division (8 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 9).

This is the 126th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 60th player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Bautista was 1-4 in the contest.
This is the Blue Jays' 6th ejection of 2015, 2nd in the AL East (BOS 7; TOR 6; BAL, NYY 4; TB 3).
This is Jose Bautista's first ejection since August 24, 2014 (Bill Welke; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Jerry Meals' first ejection since June 1, 2014 (Anthony Rizzo; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Kansas City Royals, 7/12/15
Video: Upset about the 1-2 hole, Joey Bats continues chirping about balls and strikes, is tossed (TOR)

Reviewing the Unreviewable, the 2015 Hrbek/Gant Play

A runner pushed off of a base by a fielder's glove is not reviewable as umpire Andy Fletcher and crew chief Jerry Meals found out Friday night in Texas. With two out and one on in the 8th inning, A's baserunner R1 Mark Canha attempted to steal second base, resulting in a close play with Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus. Replays indicate Canha slid to the outer edge of second base and that contact with the base broke upon Andrus' hard tag. Did Andrus commit an illegal act?

Fletcher and Meals consulted with New York's Replay Operations Center, but quickly returned after being told the play of a runner being pushed off a base is not reviewable. The A's ultimately won the contest, 7-5.

Officially deemed a "rules check," this is the first unreviewable play discussed with MLBAM HQ since September 20, 2014's untimely tag-up at third base play in Kansas City, in which umpires ultimately elected to reverse the original (and incorrect) on-field ruling after conference. At the time, some speculated that KC showing the play on the Stadium's videoboard contributed to the decision.

Video: Bob Melvin argues runner improperly pulled off base, no review, out call sticks (OAK)

OBR Rule 7.08(c) [circa 2014] states that a runner is out when "he is tagged, when the ball is alive, while off his base," as would occur as the result of an overslide, as in Rule 2.00 [OVERSLIDING]: "the act of an offensive player when his slide to a base, other than when advancing from home to first base, is with such momentum that he loses contact with the base."

History (Video Link): In Game 2 of the 1991 World Series, Twins first baseman Kent Hrbek tagged out Braves batter-runner Ron Gant, returning to first base, after 1B Umpire Drew Coble ruled Gant overslid the base on his return. Gant had argued that Hrbek forcibly pushed his foot off the base.