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:

Jim Reynolds Retires Following 24 Major League Seasons

A member of MLB's large Class of 1999, 24-year Major League umpire Jim Reynolds announced his retirement after 2,815 regular season games, three Wild Cards, seven Division Series, five League Championship Series, and two World Series.

Born in Marlborough, Massachusetts, Reynolds' professional baseball career began after meeting University of Connecticut classmate Dan Iassogna during a 1987 fire drill on the north campus. Iassogna's father had been a football referee, and the pair began working games here and there under the tutelage of UConn baseball coach Andy Baylock.

After college, Reynolds and Iassogna were roomates at the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring in Arizona, with both candidates making it to the lower minor leagues after graduation. Reynolds officiated the New York-Penn League in 1992, advancing through the South Atlantic, California, Eastern, Southern, American Association, and International Leagues before getting the call in June 1999.

Two and a half months after Reynolds' first American League game on June 4, 1999 in Boston, he found his first ejection in Tampa Bay's Larry Rothschild on July 25. Reynolds ejected 43 players, coaches, and managers during his big league career.

Reynolds, who confirmed his retirement on The Jay and Brian Show, retires as a crew chief, having received that promotion ahead of the 2020 season. Thursday is Jim Reynolds' 54th birthday.

Video as follows:

Injury Scout - Jim Reynolds Leaves After Foul to Jaw

HP Umpire Jim Reynolds left Tuesday's #Rays-#Marlins game in Miami after a foul ball to the jaw.

In the bottom of the 8th inning, with none out and none on, Marlins batter Miguel Rojas fouled a 100.1-mph 0-1 fastball from Rays pitcher Pete Fairbanks into the lower portion of Reynolds' traditional-style facemask, necessitating an injury delay.

2B Umpire Shane Livensparger replaced Reynolds behind home plate for the remainder of the contest, with 1B Umpire Mike Muchlinski staying at first base and assuming acting crew chief duties in Reynolds' absence. 3B Umpire John Libka remained at third base.

Relevant Injury History: Jim Reynolds has a significant history of head trauma.

> On August 24, 2021, Reynolds exited a Royals-Astros game after a foul ball to the mask.

Last Game: August 30 | Return to Play: TBD | Time Absent: TBD | Video as follows:

Call of the Month - June 2022

For June 2022's call of the month, we follow the journey of 2B Umpire Jim Reynolds on a tag up play at third base, which he has responsibility for because U3 Alex Tosi has gone out to officiate a batted ball near the outfield wall.

With one out and Chicago's extra inning-placed runner at second base in the 12th inning of a game led by the Rangers, White Sox batter Jake Burger hits a fly ball deep to the left field warning track. As Rangers left fielder Charlie Culberson prepares to catch the fly, White Sox baserunner R2 Luis Robert gets ready to tag up and try and advance to third base.

Culbertson's throw to third baseman Ezequiel Duran arrives on a bounce, with Duran keeping a tag applied to R2 Robert as the runner potentially overslides third base. U2 Reynolds hustles over to third base to call Robert out (upheld via Replay Review), officiating his newfound responsibility created when U3 Tosi left the infield.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 070 - Jim Reynolds (1; Andrew Bailey)

1B Umpire Jim Reynolds ejected Giants pitching coach Andrew Bailey (check swing call) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #Giants-#Pirates game. With two out and one on (R1), Pirates batter Diego Castillo attempted to check his swing on a 1-2 slider from Giants pitcher Alex Wood for a called second ball by HP Umpire John Libka, affirmed as no swing on appeal by 1B Umpire Reynolds. Call was adjucated as CORRECT by the UEFL Appeals Board (4-0). At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 4-3. The Giants ultimately won the contest, 7-5.

This is Jim Reynolds (77)'s 1st ejection of 2022.

Jim Reynolds now has ? points in the UEFL Standings.

Crew Chief Jim Reynolds now has ? points in Crew Division.

This is the 70th MLB ejection report of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is San Francisco's 2nd ejection of 2022, 3rd in the NL West (ARI, SD 3; SF 2; LAD 1; COL 0).

This is Andrew Bailey's first career MLB ejection.

This is Jim Reynolds' 1st ejection since May 18, 2021 (Rocco Baldelli; QOC = U [Throwing At]).

Wrap: San Francisco Giants vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 6/18/22 | Video as follows:

Injury Scout - Jim Reynolds Exits in Houston

HP Umpire Jim Reynolds left Tuesday's game in Houston several innings after a foul ball to the mask.

With one out and in the top of the 2nd inning, Royals batter Hunter Dozier fouled a 1-1 95-mph fastball from Astros pitcher Luis Garcia into Reynolds' traditional-style facemask.

Reynolds remained in the game until walking off the field after a swinging strike in the bottom of the 5th inning. 2B Umpire Tony Randazzo assumed acting crew chief duties and took over behind home plate while 1B Umpire Nestor Ceja remained at first and 3B Umpire Todd Tichenor remained at third base.

Relevant Injury History: There is no relevant injury history.

Last Game: August 24 | Return to Play: 2022 | Time Absent: Rest of Season | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 044-45 - Jim Reynolds (3-4; MIN x2)

HP Umpire Jim Reynolds ejected Twins pitcher Tyler Duffey (throwing at White Sox batter Yermin Mercedes) and manager Rocco Baldelli (arguing Duffey's ejection) in the top of the 7th inning of the #WhiteSox-#Twins game. With one out and none on, Mercedes took a first-pitch fastball from Duffey for a called first ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located behind Mercedes' legs, the call was irrecusable*; warnings had not previously been issued and Mercedes was ejected pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 6.09(c)(9)(A) Intentionally Pitch at the Batter.* At the time of the ejection, the White Sox were leading, 4-2. The Twins ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

These are Jim Reynolds (77)'s 3rd and 4th ejections of 2021.

Jim Reynolds now has 10 points in the UEFL Standings (6 Prev + 2*[2 MLB + 0 QOCU] = 10).

Crew Chief Jim Reynolds now has 5 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 2 Irrecusable Calls = 5).

*OBR 6.09(c)(9): "If, in the umpire’s judgment, such a violation occurs, the umpire may elect either to: (A) Expel the pitcher, or the manager and the pitcher, from the game, or (B) may warn the pitcher and the manager of both teams that another such pitch will result in the immediate expulsion of that pitcher (or a replacement) and the manager."

These are the 44th and 45th ejection reports of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 18th player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Duffey's line was 0.1 IP.

This is the 23rd manager ejection of 2021.

This is Minnesota's 2/3rd ejection of 2021, T-1st in the AL Central (KC, MIN 3; CLE, CWS, DET 0).

This is Tyler Duffey's first career MLB ejection.

This is Rocco Baldelli's 1st ejection since Sept 15, 2020 (Will Little; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Jim Reynolds' 3/4th ejection of 2021, 1st since May 13 (Craig Counsell; QOC = Y [Fair/Foul]).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs. Minnesota Twins, 5/18/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 039 - Jim Reynolds (2; Craig Counsell)

1B Umpire Jim Reynolds ejected Brewers manager Craig Counsell (foul ball call; QOCY) in the top of the 3rd inning of the #Cardinals-#Brewers game. With one out and none on, Cardinals batter Dylan Carlson hit a 3-2 cutter from Brewers pitcher Corbin Burnes on the ground to first baseman Daniel Vogelbach, who threw to Burnes covering at first base, originally ruled a fair ball and out. Upon crew consultation, the umpires determined the batted ball had hit Carlson's foot while he was standing in the batter's box and ruled the play a foul ball. Replays indicate the batted ball made contact with Carlson's right foot while in the box, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 1-0. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 2-0.

This is Jim Reynolds (77)'s 2nd ejection of 2021.

Jim Reynolds now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 6).

Crew Chief Jim Reynolds now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 QOCY = 3).

This is the 39th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 21st manager ejection of 2021.

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

This is Craig Counsell's 1st ejection since Sept 15, 2020 (Ron Kulpa; QOC = U [Fighting]).

This is Jim Reynolds' 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since April 3 (Nick Castellanos; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).

Wrap: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 5/13/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 001 - Jim Reynolds (1; Nick Castellanos)

3B Umpire Jim Reynolds ejected Reds RF Nick Castellanos (Unsportsmanlike-NEC/inciting a brawl) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the #Cardinals-#Reds game. With two out and none on, Castellanos took a first-pitch sinker from Cardinals pitcher Jake Woodford for a hit-by-pitch. Two batters later with Castellanos at third base, Reds batter Mike Moustakas took a first pitch curveball for a wild pitch and baserunner R3 Castellanos attempted to score by sliding headfirst into home plate as Cardinals pitcher Woodford attempted to tag Castellanos. Replays indicate that after Castellanos slid safely into home plate (HP Umpire Tony Randazzo's safe call was confirmed upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Cardinals Manager Mike Shildt), Castellanos taunted Woodford, resulting in a benches-clearing incident. At the time of the ejection, the Reds were leading, 7-2. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 9-6.

This is Jim Reynolds (77)'s first ejection of the 2021 MLB regular season.
Jim Reynolds now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 2).
Crew Chief Jim Reynolds now has 1 points in Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 1).

This is the first ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the first player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Castellanos was 1-2 (HBP) in the contest.

This is Cincinnati's 1st ejection of 2021, 1st in the NL Central (CIN 1; CHC, MIL, PIT, STL 0).

This is Nick Castellanos' first career MLB ejection.

This is Jim Reynolds' 1st ejection since September 25, 2020 (Matt Kemp; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds, 4/3/21 | Video as follows:

2020 UEFL Award for Crew Chief - Jim Reynolds

Jim Reynolds wins the UEFL's 2020 Crew Chief of the Year Award [2019 Winner: Gary Cederstrom].

Voting Results: Reynolds (13.7%), Bill Miller (13.2%), Mark Carlson (12.7%), Joe West (11.7%).

Jim Reynolds is the 2020 UEFL Crew Chief of the Year.

In his first season as a full-time Crew Chief, Reynolds commanded a COVID-modified crew that effectively featured two call-up umpires, given that Reynolds' season-opening number two—Jim Wolf—suffered a season-ending concussion injury nary one week into the season.

Explained Russ, "He and his crew were fantastic all season and he ended up being an LCS CC despite it only being his first season as a full time CC. That is unheard of but his work all season and in the Playoffs was phenomenal."

Reynolds concluded the 2020 season with 10 points in Crew Division.

UEFL Awards History, Jim Reynolds

Ejection of the Year: 2015

Jim Reynolds now has 17 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (16 Previous + 1 Award = 17).

The next postseason award to be announced will be Honorable Umpire of the Year.

Tmac - Justin Turner's Kick By Pitch - Kicking Motion

During Los Angeles' NLCS Game 3 blowout of Atlanta, Dodgers batter Justin Turner was awarded first base after sticking his foot into a first-inning pitch. This uncalled distinct kicking motion exposed a problem with Replay Review and pointed out a plate umpire's vulnerability to catcher positioning on balls in the dirt.

With two out and two on (R1, R3) in the top of the 1st inning of a 7-0 game, Turner faced a pitch in the dirt from Braves starter Grant Dayton (now with a 36.00 ERA this postseason series), appearing to kick at the pitch and, in doing so, cause the ball to carom off his right foot and to the backstop.

This play is similar to an elbow lean.

Initially no-called by HP Umpire Jim Reynolds, the Braves challenged that the ball had touched Turner, and Replay Review agreed, ruling the play a hit-by-pitch and awarding Turner first base—despite Turner appearing to intentionally kick at aka lean into the pitch.

The Replay problem here is quite simple: Replay Review is designed only to determine whether or not a pitch made contact with a batter, and Replay Official Mike Muchlinski quickly determined that Turner did come into contact with the baseball.

The plate ump is blocked out.

Unfortunately, Replay Review Regulations prohibit video from determining whether the batter made no attempt to get out of the way of a pitch (much less intentionally leaned into it), as in Official Baseball Rule 5.05(b)(2), which states, "The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided he advances to and touches first base) when—He is touched by a pitched ball which he is not attempting to hit unless (A) The ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter [outcome: dead ball strike], or (B) The batter makes no attempt to avoid being touched by the ball [outcome: dead ball, ball]."

Replay can determine IF a batter was touched by a pitched ball, but not HOW it happened.

In 2017, we wrote about the problem with not enough plays being reviewable and this is one of them. Through steadfast dedication to being technically correct (the best kind of correct), baseball again misses out on actually officiating this play correctly.

Related Post: Tmac's Teachable Moments - Let's Fix Replay (1/19/17).

Fix replay, close the loophole.

Lastly, Reynolds is blocked out by the catcher due to the ball in the dirt, the catcher lunging to block it, and Turner moving his back foot deep in the box (as opposed to front foot) into the ball's trajectory. The third base umpire is likely blocked by Turner's body, 1B Umpire Dan Iassogna is looking upward for check swing potential, the second base umpire is on the rim of the outfield grass, and the two line umpires are far removed.

This play is the perfect storm and impetus to, once again, fix Replay Review, and if only the Braves had woken up to play a baseball game on Wednesday, this wrap-up might be a bigger story. Baseball should write LA a thank you card for a history-making scoreboard run-up because the league office got lucky. | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 77 - Jim Reynolds (1; Matt Kemp)

HP Umpire Jim Reynolds ejected Rockies DH Matt Kemp (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Rockies-#Diamondbacks game. With two out and none on, Kemp took a 2-2 fastball from Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px 0.75, pz 2.21), the call was correct.*^ At the time of the ejection, the Diamondbacks were leading, 3-0. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 4-0.


This is Jim Reynolds (77)'s first ejection of 2020.
Jim Reynolds now has 9 points in the UEFL Standings (5 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 9).
Crew Chief Jim Reynolds now has 11 points in Crew Division (10 Previous + 1 QOCY = 11).

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

*This pitch was located 1.97 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect.

^See UEFL Rule 6-5-c-5 regarding "realistically resulted in a different outcome" pitch counts.

This is the 77th ejection report of the 2020 MLB regular season.

This is the 35th player ejection of 2020. Prior to ejection, Kemp was 0-1 (SO) in the contest.

This is Colorado's 2nd ejection of 2020, T-3rd in the NL West (LAD 4; ARI 3; COL, SD 2; SF 1).

This is Matt Kemp's 2nd ejection of 2020, 1st since Sept 4 (Gabe Morales; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Jim Reynolds' 1st ejection since June 17, 2018 (Jason Vargas; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 9/25/20 | Video as follows:

MLB Promotes Jim Reynolds to Crew Chief

Major League Baseball's final crew chief promotion of 2020 goes to Jim Reynolds, an MLB umpire since 1999 with 2,604 regular season games and 37 ejections to his name. The 51-year-old from Massachusetts served in a backup crew chief capacity over the past several years.

Reynolds has officiated 2 Wild Card Games, seven Division Series, four League Championship Series and two World Series. Like fellow promoted chiefs Dan Iassogna and Alfonso Marquez, Reynolds debuted during the summer of 1999 and joined the full-time roster upon the AL and NL staffs' subsequent merge.

Other promotions: Kerwin Danley | Dan Iassogna | Alfonso Marquez.

Injury Scout - Jim Reynolds Removed in Baltimore

Jim Reynolds left his game in Baltimore after a lead-off HBP arm injury to start the night.

With none out and none on in the top of the first inning of Saturday's Rangers-Orioles game, Rangers batter Shin-Soo Choo took a 0-1 92-mph fastball for a hit-by-pitch, with the ball caroming into Reynolds' right hand. Reynolds remained in the game to complete the top of the first inning, signaling strikes with his left arm as the ball nearly found him again during a botched play at the plate.

After the half-inning, 1B Umpire Sean Barber replaced Reynolds at home plate for the remaining 8 1/2 innings with 2B Umpire Stu Scheurwater sent to first base, and 3B Umpire Alan Porter continuing at third base while assuming Acting Crew Chief duties. Reynolds did not work Sunday as Brendan Miller was called up to fill-in.

Relevant Injury History: Reynolds has no recent history of hand injuries.

Last Game: September 7 | Return to Play: 2020 | Time Absent: Rest of Season | Video as follows:

Case Play 2019-4 - Turner's Slide Tackle [Solved]

When MLB adopted its bona fide slide/interference rule, baseball didn't envision a mid-base sliding tackle like that of Dodgers 3B Justin Turner against Diamondbacks SS Nick Ahmed, in the baseline between first and second base, when Ahmed attempted to tag Turner during a ground ball on the infield. This Case Play examines the relevant sliding rules for such a play—does Official Baseball Rule 6.01(j)—Sliding to Bases on Double Play Attempts—apply to slides effected more than 10 feet in front of a base?

The Play: With none out and one on (R1) in the top of the 4th inning of 6/25/19's Dodgers-Diamondbacks game, Dodgers batter Justin Verdugo hit a first-pitch slider from Diamondbacks pitcher Robbie Ray on the ground to shortstop Ahmed (playing on the right side of second base as part of a defensive shift). Ahmed fielded the ball and attempted to tag Turner while looking toward Verdugo for a potential double play at first base. Instead, Turner went into a slide, which caused Ahmed to trip and fall, and allowed Verdugo to reach first base safely.

SIDEBAR: 1B Umpire Alan Porter was patiently positioned at first base waiting for a potential play. It stands to reason that if not for Turner's early slide that tripped up fielder Ahmed, this would have likely resulted in two outs. In other words, this was a double play attempt in the making.

Turner undercuts Ahmed between the bases.

The Call: Initially ruled safe by 2B Umpire Jim Reynolds—he had deemed that Ahmed failed to tag Turner—Crew Chief Mark Wegner signaled that Replay Review had overturned the call to an out on R1 Turner as the result of Diamondbacks Manager Torey Lovullo's challenge.

Case Play Question: Was this the correct ruling, or should a double play have been awarded? If so, is this a reviewable call or would a potential interference call have to come from the umpires on the field? If video hadn't indicated that Ahmed's glove tagged Turner on the shoulder, would the proper call have been to declare all runners safe (as Reynolds ruled), Turner out, or both Turner and Verdugo out?

Answer: There are two rules-correct outcomes here. Either R1 Turner is out or both R1 Turner and BR Verdugo are out. The difference between the first and second outcome is entirely "umpire judgment."

UEFL Case Play 2019-4 Video Answer.

First and foremost, the slide interference/bona fide slide Rule 6.01(j) does not apply here because this is not a play at a base. The purpose of 6.01(j) is to protect the fielder from an illegal slide wherein the fielder attempts to tag a base with his foot to complete a force out (in the furtherance of a potential double play). That rule goes hand-in-hand with the elimination of the "neighborhood play" exemption at second base for double plays.

Here, because there is no attempted tag of a base with a foot—just of a runner with a glove—there is no 6.01(j) protection for the fielder. That makes the play not subject to review for interference (the tag/no tag issue is still reviewable), which means the only way to get a double play here is "old school" Rule 6.01(a)(6), which outlines what willful and deliberate interference is regarding a runner attempting to break up a double play.

This is a purely judgment call, and the intent of the runner shall govern. If you rule that Turner intended to interfere in order to deprive the double play, then you'd get a double play due to willful and deliberate interference. If you rule that Turner did not intend to do this, then only Turner is out.

In this sense, the rule penalizes the nefarious player while ignoring what could be deemed a reckless play by an ignorant runner. Naturally, if your league has a malicious contact clause (which MLB does not), you may deem it appropriate to consider whether the nasty slide has risen to that level.

Official Baseball Rules (OBR) Library
OBR 5.09(a)(13): "A batter is out when—A preceding runner shall, in the umpire’s judgment, intentionally interfere with a fielder who is attempting to catch a thrown ball or to throw a ball in an attempt to complete any play. The objective of this rule is to penalize the offensive team for deliberate, unwarranted, unsportsmanlike action by the runner in leaving the baseline for the obvious purpose of crashing the pivot man on a double play, rather than trying to reach the base. Obviously this is an umpire’s judgment play."
OBR 6.01(a)(6): "It is interference by a batter or a runner when—If, in the judgment of the umpire, a base runner willfully and deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball with the obvious intent to break up a double play, the ball is dead. The umpire shall call the runner out for interference and also call out the batter-runner because of the action of his teammate."
OBR 6.01(j) [Sliding to Bases on Double Play Attempts]: "If a runner does not engage in a bona fide slide, and initiates (or attempts to make) contact with the fielder for the purpose of breaking up a double play, he should be called for interference under this Rule 6.01. A 'bona fide slide' for the purposes of Rule 6.01 occurs when the runner:"
OBR 6.01(j)(1): "begins his slide (i.e., makes contact with the ground) before reaching the base;"
OBR 6.01(j)(2): "is able and attempts to reach the base with his hand or foot;"
OBR 6.01(j)(3): "is able and attempts to remain on the base (except home plate) after completion of the slide; and"
OBR 6.01(j)(4): "slides within reach of the base without changing his pathway for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder."
OBR 6.01(j): "A slide shall not be a “bona fide slide” if a runner engages in a “roll block,” or intentionally initiates (or attempts to initiate) contact with the fielder by elevating and kicking his leg above the fielder’s knee or throwing his arm or his upper body."
MLBUM 49: "If, in the judgment of the umpire, a runner willfully and deliberately interferes with a fielder attempting to catch a thrown ball or attempting to throw a ball with the obvious intent to deprive the defense of the opportunity to make a double play, the umpire shall declare the runner out for interference and shall also declare the batter-runner out for the interference of his teammate."

Video as follows:

World Series Crew Embarks on Boston UMPS Care Visit

In the midst of a 2018 World Series assignment, Crew Chief Ted Barrett, and umpires Jeff Nelson, Jim Reynolds, and Tim Timmons made an UMPS CARE Charities BLUE for Kids visit to Boston Children's Hospital, joining Red Sox legends and MLB personnel on the charity outing just hours before Boston's 4-2 victory during Game 2.

World Series umpires visited Boston Children's.

While MLB donated video game-adorned Play Spaces, UMPS Care Charities stuck to its bread and butter, handing out 100 Build-A-Bear stuffed animal kits to critically-ill children on the heels of 1500 bears already distributed during UMPS CARE's 14 scheduled hospital visits during the 2018 regular season.

Barrett also let us in on a secret: "For most of us, this is our favorite event...we get more out of it I think than the kids do because we just have a blast with them... As umpires, usually, we're not bringing positive reactions, so it's great to get some smiles from people."

UMPS CARE (umpscare.com) recruits the home team's mascot whenever possible to help with the festivities, and Red Sox character Wally the Green Monster was on hand to help out, perhaps an apropos name on a day we remember the late, great Wally Bell, who once said of hospital visits, "To see the kids smile is the greatest thing in the world."
Related Post: Five Years Later - Remembering Wally Bell (10/25/18).

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 065 - Jim Reynolds (1; Jason Vargas)

HP Umpire Jim Reynolds ejected Mets bench player/pitcher Jason Vargas (ball one-four calls; QOCN) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Mets-Diamondbacks game. With one out and two on (R2, R3), Diamondbacks batter Daniel Descalso walked on four consecutive pitches from Mets pitcher Zack Wheeler. Replays indicate the first pitch of the at-bat was located over the inner edge of home plate and knee-high (px 0.568, pz 1.745 [sz_bot 1.504 / RAD 1.627 / MOE 1.710]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1. The Mets ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

This is Jim Reynolds (77)'s first ejection of 2018.
Jim Reynolds now has -1 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -1).
Crew Chief Jim Reynolds now has 0 points in Crew Division (0 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 0).

This is the 65th ejection report of the 2018 MLB regular season.
This is the 33rd player ejection of 2018. Prior to ejection, Vargas did not appear in the game.
This is New York's 3rd ejection of 2018, T-1st in the NL East (NYM, WAS 3; ATL 2; MIA, PHI 0).
This is Jason Vargas' first career MLB ejection.
This is Jim Reynolds' first ejection since May 26, 2017 (Craig Counsell; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

Wrap: New York Mets vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 6/17/18 | Video as follows:

God Bless America Extends Replay Challenge Time Limit

The singing of God Bless America allowed Clint Hurdle to bypass MLB's 30-second Replay Review time limit during Sunday's Pirates-Mets game in New York, thanks to the patriotic tradition of standing at attention during the song's playing.

God Bless America Loophole Allows Pirates Extra Time to Decide to Challenge Play

Reynolds explains the sequence to Collins.

With one out and one on (R1) in the top of the 7th inning, Pirates batter John Jaso hit a ground ball to Mets third baseman Wilmer Flores, who threw to second baseman Neil Walker to retire Pirates baserunner R1 Josh Harrison, onto first baseman Lucas Duda to retire batter Jaso for an apparent double play to end the frame.

Immediately after the third out, as stadiums tend to do, the Mets gameday entertainment team began the Citi Field mid-inning entertainment program, which, because the inning break happened to be the middle of the 7th inning on a Sunday, featured the traditional singing of God Bless America ahead of the ordinary seventh-inning stretch staple, Take Me Out to the Ballgame.

Due to the unique patriotic nature of "God Bless America," fans, players, and other stadium personnel were asked to stand and remove hats for the duration of the song, as is tradition, while the TV feeds went to break.

Pursuant to Replay Review Regulation II.E.1 ("Inning-Break Mechanics"), broadcasters ordinarily will not go to commercial until the Field Timing Coordinator starts the ballpark timer to commence the inning break. However, Regulation II.E.1 contains an exception: "the case of a special inning-break activity or event approved by the Commissioner's Office (e.g., 'God Bless America') in which case the inning-break will commence at the conclusion of the activity or event." Thus, with God Bless America on the mid-7th docket, the Field Timing Coordinator wasn't planning on starting the ballpark timer until the conclusion of the song, which kept the TV trucks in the dark as to whether the inning was really over: the standing around "dead time" that accompanied the patriotic tune only complicated matters. By the letter of the (outdated) law, the broadcasts should not have gone to break until after the conclusion of God Bless America...but they did.

Hurdle waits until after the song to challenge.

The Pirates—who were considering filing a Manger's Challenge of the play at second base and legally communicated their intent-to-review the play within 10 seconds of the final out (after a third out, teams have 10 seconds to communicate their intent-to-review, and 30 seconds to decide whether to challenge)—were unable to actually complete this second phase and file the Manager's Challenge during the stand-still-and-observe song, which spanned approximately one-and-a-half minutes in duration and served as a de facto suspension of the 30-second time limit.

Yet, thanks to the location of the team's video coordinator in the clubhouse video room, removed from the pageantry of "God Bless America" and its idle observation, Pittsburgh benefitted from over a minute of extra review time before Clint Hurdle could finalize with HP Umpire Jim Reynolds his decision to challenge 2B Umpire Lance Barrett's out call at second base.

Reynolds and Barrett are joined by Mr. Met.

The review itself—from the moment Reynolds and Lance Barrett applied the headsets until their removal—was fairly short (Barrett's headset was on for about 15 seconds), as the Replay Official, like Pittsburgh, had also been reviewing the play during the lengthy God Bless America, resulting in an overturned ruling and placement of Harrison back at second base—and of New York back on defense—as Replay determined that Walker had failed to properly tag second base: An out in the days of the Neighborhood Play, the rules-correct call in the era of modern Replay Review is "safe."

This is not the first time God Bless America has disrupted a Manager-Umpire interaction, though it is the first time GBA has interacted with expanded Replay Review. In May 2013, a dispute between Umpire Tom Hallion, Indians center fielder Michael Bourn, and Manager Terry Francona carried into a Sunday 7th inning stretch at Fenway Park, wherein the three men halted their disagreement during the song. Said Francona, "I told Tom Hallion, "I came out here to yell at you and now I've got to honor America with you.'"

Over the past week, the Mets came face-to-face with MLB's 30-second Replay Review time limit, as Fieldin Culbreth denied Terry Collins' attempt to challenge a play after the expiration of the 30-second window.

On Saturday, Culbreth ejected Tigers Manager Brad Ausmus after a similar untimely Replay Review request was denied. Replays indicate Ausmus took 39-seconds to decide to file a challenge, in excess of the time limit.

Video via "Read More"

MLB Ejection 049 - Jim Reynolds (1; Craig Counsell)

HP Umpire Jim Reynolds ejected Brewers Manager Craig Counsell (Replay Review; upheld out call) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Diamondbacks-Brewers game. With two out and two on (R1, R3), Brewers baserunner R3 Eric Thames attempted to score on a curveball in the dirt from Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Godley that eluded catcher Chris Iannetta, who retrieved the ball and threw to Godley covering as Thames arrived at home plate. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Brewers Manager Counsell, HP Umpire Reynolds' out call was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Diamondbacks were leading, 1-0. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 4-2, in 10 innings.

This is Jim Reynolds (77)'s first ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Jim Reynolds now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (-2 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 2).
Crew Chief Jim Reynolds now has 6 points in Crew Division (5 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 6).

This is the 49th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 27th Manager ejection of 2017.
This is Milwaukee's 2nd ejection of 2017, 2nd in the NL Central (PIT, STL 3; MIL 2; CHC, CIN 0).
This is Craig Counsell's first ejection since September 21, 2016 (Jerry Layne; QOC = U [Fair/Foul]).
This is Jim Reynolds' first ejection since August 3, 2016 (Corey Kluber; QOC = Y [Out/Safe]).

Wrap: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 5/26/17 | Videos via "Read More"

MLB Ejections 122-124 - Culbreth, Reynolds (3|4, 1; CLE)

2B Umpire Fieldin Culbreth ejected Indians Manager Terry Francona and Pitching Coach Mickey Callaway for arguing a Replay Review decision that upheld 1B Umpire Jim Reynolds' no catch (safe) call in the top of the 3rd and 1B Umpire Jim Reynolds ejected Indians bench player Corey Kluber for arguing an out call (non-replay) in the top of the 5th inning of the Twins-Indians game. In the 3rd, with two out and two on (R2, R3), Twins batter Max Kepler hit a 1-2 cutter from Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer on a soft fly ball to right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall, who dove in an attempt to catch the ball before it hit the ground. Upon Replay Review as there result of a challenge by Indians Manager Francona, Reynolds' no-catch call was upheld. Play was reviewed and reversed by the UEFL Appeals Board (5-3-1), the call was incorrect. In the 5th, with none out and none on, Indians batter Abraham Almonte swung and missed at a 0-2 knuckle curve in the dirt from Twins pitcher Tyler Duffey and arrived at first base as catcher Juan Centeno's subsequent throw entered first baseman Joe Mauer's glove. Replays indicate the ball hit Mauer's glove prior to Almonte's foot touching first base, the call was correct (the Indians were unable to challenge the play due to their unsuccessful challenge earlier in the game). At the time of Francona and Callaway's ejections, the Twins were leading, 8-2. At the time of Kluber's ejection, the Twins were leading, 8-4. The Twins ultimately won the contest, 13-5.

This is Fieldin Culbreth (25)'s third, fourth ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is Jim Reynolds (77)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Fieldin Culbreth now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2*[2 MLB - 2 Incorrect-Crewmate] = 2).
Jim Reynolds now has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).
Crew Chief Fieldin Culbreth now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).

This is the 122nd, 123rd, 124th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 52nd Manager ejection of 2016.
This is the 58th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Kluber did not play nor appear in the game.
This is Cleveland's 2/3/4th ejection of 2016, 5th in the AL Central (CWS 6; DET, KC, MIN 5; CLE 4).
This is Terry Francona's 2nd ejection of 2016, 1st since May 30 (Manny Gonzalez; QOC = N [RLI]).
This is Mickey Callaway's first ejection since June 23, 2015 (Eric Cooper; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Corey Kluber's first career MLB ejection.
This is Fieldin Culbreth's first ejection since June 7, 2016 (Manny Machado; QOC = U [Fighting]).
This is Jim Reynolds' first ejection since June 23, 2015 (Matt Kemp; QOC = Y-C [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Indians, 8/3/16 | Video available via "Read more"