MLB Ejection 019 - John Libka (1; Chris Cron)

HP Umpire John Libka ejected Athletics hitting coach Chris Cron (quick pitch no-call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 1st inning of the #Royals-#Athletics game. With two out and none on, A's batter Carlos Cortes took a 0-0 fastball from Royals pitcher Michael Wacha for a called first strike. Replays indicate that Wacha engaged the pitcher's plate and in one motion delivered the baseball while Cortes was not reasonably set in the batter's box, the balk-no call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 1-0. The A's ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is John Libka (84)'s 1st ejection of 2026.

Official Baseball Rule 5.07(a) Comment: "Pitchers may disengage the rubber after taking their signs but may not step quickly on to the rubber and pitch. This may be judged a quick pitch by the umpire."

OBR 6.02(a)(5) Comment: "A quick pitch is an illegal pitch. Umpires will judge a quick pitch as one delivered before the batter is reasonably set in the batter’s box. With runners on base the penalty is a balk; with no runners on base, it is a ball. The quick pitch is dangerous and should not be permitted."

This is the 19th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.

This is the 3rd coach ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 12 Managers, 3 Coaches, 4 Players.

This is Oakramengas' 1st ejection of 2026, 2nd in the AL West (LAA 2; OAK? 1; HOU, SEA, TEX 0).

This is Chris Cron's first MLB ejection.

This is John Libka's 1st ejection since August 8, 2025 (Kevin Gausman; QOC = U [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Minnesota Twins vs Tampa Bay Rays, 4/24/26 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 119 - John Libka (2; Kevin Gausman)

HP Umpire John Bacon ejected Blue Jays bench player/pitcher Kevin Gausman (balls/strikes; QOCU) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Dodgers-#BlueJays game.* With none out and none on, Louis Varland and Brendon Little pitching, Dodgers batter Alex Freeland walked, Shohei Ohtani singled, Mookie Betts reached on a fielder's choice, Freddie Freeman walked, Will Smith walked, Max Muncy struck out, Teoscar Hernández hit a sacrifice fly, and Michael Conforto lined out. At the time of the ejection, the Dodgers were leading, 5-1. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 5-1.

This is John Libka (84)'s 2nd ejection of 2025.

*This ejection was reported by Sportsnet, but does not appear in the box score.

This is the 119th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 37th player ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 62 Managers, 20 Coaches, 37 Players.

This is Toronto's 6th ejection of 2025, 2nd in the AL East (NYY 10; BOS, TOR 6; BAL 5; TB 3).

This is Kevin Gausman's 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st since April 27 (Chris Conroy; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is John Libka's 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st since May 16 (Don Kelly; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

Box: Toronto Blue Jays vs Los Angeles Dodgers, 8/8/25 | There is No Video of This Ejection.

MLB Ejection 035 - John Libka (1; Don Kelly)

3B Umpire John Libka ejected Pirates manager Don Kelly (check swing ball four call to Bryce Harper; QOCY) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Pirates-#Phillies game. With one out and two on, Phillies batter Harper attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 slider from Pirates pitcher Ryan Borucki, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Sean Barber and affirmed as no swing on appeal by 3B Umpire Libka. At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 3-1. The Phillies ultimately won the contest, 8-4.

This is John Libka (84)'s 1st ejection of 2025.

This is the 35th ejection of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 17th manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 17 Managers, 9 Coaches, 9 Players.

This is Pittsburgh's 3rd ejection of 2025, 1st in the NL Central (PIT 3; CIN, MIL, STL 2; CHC 1).

This is Don Kelly's 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st since May 10 (Clint Vondrak; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is John Libka's 1st ejection since April 13, 2024 (Joey Gallo; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Philadelphia Phillies, 5/16/25 | Video as follows:

John Libka's Time Play Washout and Umpiring Mechanics

Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez's heads up play to throw Reds runner Elly De La Cruz out at third base after catching Nick Martini's fly ball saved Seattle a run, as HP Umpire John Libka ruled R3 Jake Fraley did not score prior to the time play's third out.

We review umpiring mechanics for time play situations—especially of the sacrifice fly-turned-inning-ending-double-play variety—and clarify (again) that an appeal play on a runner for failing to retouch (tag up) after a caught fly ball is not considered a force play, and thus, subject to time play rules.

Time Play Basics: Official Baseball Rule 5.08(a) states that, "One run shall be scored each time a runner legally advances to and touches first, second, third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning." This means that on plays where a third out may occur, it is incumbent on the home plate umpire to prepare for the possibility that they will have to determine whether or not a preceding runner touched home plate prior to the third out being recorded behind them.

On this play, HP Umpire Libka lined up to see both Cincinnati baserunner R3 Fraley's impending touch of home plate and Seattle third baseman Josh Rojas' diving tag attempt on Reds runner R2 De La Cruz. When 3B Umpire Jonathan Parra, himself moving with the play to find the keyhole angle, called R2 De La Cruz out on the tag for the inning's third out, Libka emerged from behind home plate to indicate via the washout signal (similar to a "safe" sign except the arms are more elevated) that R3 Fraley's run would not score, as Fraley hadn't yet touched home plate prior to the third out on De La Cruz.

Exceptions to Time Plays: OBR 5.08(a) provides for three time play exceptions, meaning that even if a lead runner touches home prior to the third out, the run still will not count if the third out is a result of one of these scenarios. These are 1) a batter-runner retired before touching first base, 2) any runner being forced out, and 3) an appeal play for missing a base made on a preceding (ahead of) runner.

Appeal Plays: If any appeal play results on a preceding runner being declared out for the third out of the inning, no following runner is allowed to score. But if an appeal play is made on a following runner, then the preceding runner's run is treated as a Time Play—if the preceding runner touches home prior to the third out, the run will count. It is a rules myth that all tag-up or retouch appeals are treated as force plays—they are not, and are subject to timing rules if the runner being retired is trailing/following/behind the lead runner who is trying to score.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 010 - John Libka (1; Joey Gallo)

HP Umpire John Libka ejected Nationals 1B Joey Gallo (strike two and three calls; QOCY) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Nationals-#Athletics game. With one out and none on, Gallo took a 2-1 changeup and 3-2 fastball from A's pitcher Lucas Erceg for called second and third strikes. Replays indicate the pitch ruled strike two was located over the outer edge of home plate and belt-high (px -0.76, pz 2.94) and the pitch ruled strike three was located over the outer edge of home plate and waist-high (px -0.71, pz 3.26 [sz_top 3.52]), the call was correct.

This is John Libka (84)'s 1st ejection of 2024.

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

The 2-1 pitch was located 1.85" & 3-2 pitch was 2.45 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 10th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 5th player ejection of 2024. Prior to ejection, Gallo was 0-3 (2 SO) in the contest.

Ejection Tally: 3 Managers, 2 Coaches, 5 Players.

This is Washington's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st in the NL East (WAS 2; NYM 1; ATL, MIA, PHI 0).

This is Joey Gallo's 1st ejection since August 25, 2023 (Carlos Torres; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is John Libka's 1st ejection since July 7, 2023 (Andy Haines; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs Sacramento Las Vegas Oakland Athletics | Video as follows:

Houston's Thrown Glove and the Two-Base Award

Astros pitcher Framber Valdez struggled to field a soft ground ball by Royals batter Logan Porter and threw wildly to first base, Houston 1B Jose Abreu throwing his glove to stop the ball. Although Abreu's thrown glove struck Valdez's thrown ball, keeping it on the infield, HP Umpire Derek Thomas and 3B Umpire John Libka both saw a rules infraction and 2B Umpire James Hoye's crew met after the play to determine base awards.

Official Baseball Rule 5.06(b)(4) specifies base awards and indicates that each runner (including the batter-runner) may advance without liability to be put out: "(C) Three bases, if a fielder deliberately throws their glove at and touches a fair ball" or "(E) Two bases, if a fielder deliberately throws their glove at and touches a thrown ball."

The rule states that in both situations, "The ball is in play, and the award is made from the position of the runner at the time the ball was touched."

Replays indicate that as Valdez's wild throw approached the vicinity of first base, 1B Umpire Angel Hernandez was concentrating on the potential play at the base and thus wasn't looking at the infraction as it occurred (this is a proper mechanic from the first base umpire), 2B Umpire Hoye was similarly looking at second base for a potential play on R1, and thus 3B Umpire Libka and HP Umpire Thomas had the call.

Libka, however, appeared to signal "Time" while Thomas simply pointed at the thrown glove/ball contact—Thomas' mechanic is correct as the ball is in play on such a violation.

After the play, the crew determined that batter-runner Porter would be placed at second base because he had not yet reached first base at the time of the glove/ball touching while lead runner R1 Nick Loftin would receive third base...which replays indicate was incorrect, as Loftin was in contact with second base at the time of the ball touch occurred.

For what it's worth, the relevant rule for a pitched ball is OBR 5.06(b)(3), which awards runners (but not batters) one base without liability to be put out when "A fielder deliberately touches a pitched ball with their cap, mask or any part of their uniform detached from its proper place on their person."

Video as follows:

Mariners' Moore Out for Abandonment at First Base

Mariners batter-runner Dylan Moore lost his single in Kansas City, ruled out by 1B Umpire John Libka for abandonment when Moore wrongly thought Royals left fielder MJ Melendez had caught his fly ball and began running back to his dugout before realizing his mistake and running back to first base where Royals first baseman Matt Duffy's tag was waiting...but was it even needed?

In declaring Moore out sans tag, 1B Umpire Libka invoked Official Baseball Rule 5.09(b)(2), which states, "Any runner is out when after touching first base, they leave the base path obviously abandoning their effort to touch the next base."

The rule itself contains a case play to drive the point home: "PLAY — Runner believing they are called out on a tag at first or third base starts for the dugout and progresses a reasonable distance still indicating by their actions that they are out, shall be declared out for abandoning the bases."

Thus, the only judgment-related question here is whether Moore, who touched first base before turning to jog back to the dugout, had progressed a "reasonable distance" and in doing so "indicating by their actions that they are out"...or was the abandonment out call a tad premature?

Do not confuse this rule with OBR 5.09(b)(10), which states, "Any runner is out when, after they have acquired legal possession of a base, they run the bases in reverse order for the purpose of confusing the defense or making a travesty of the game. The umpire shall immediately call “Time” and declare the runner out" if for no other reason than Moore was too confused to have intended to confuse the defense or make a travesty of the game, which begs the question...who was more confused—Dylan Moore today or Jean Segura 10 years prior?

NOTE: Technically, Moore was credited with a single and THEN out for abandonment, as the rule requires the runner have actually achieved first base prior to this call. | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 138 - John Libka (2; Andy Haines)

HP Umpire John Libka ejected Pirates hitting coach Andy Haines (strike three call to Jack Suwinski; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Pirates-#Dodgers game. With one out and none on, Suwinski took a 1-2 changeup from Dodgers pitcher Nick Robertson for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and above the hollow of the knee (px 0.44, pz 1.67 [sz_bot 1.64]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Dodgers were leading, 4-2. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is John Libka (84)'s 2nd ejection of 2023.

*This pitch was located 2.83 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 138th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 17th coach ejection of 2023. Ejections: 66 Managers, 55 Players, 17 Coaches.

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

This is Andy Haines' 1st ejection since June 30, 2021 (Jeremie Rehak; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is John Libka's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since April 11 (Nick Castellanos; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Los Angeles Dodgers, 7/6/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 009 - John Libka (1; Nick Castellanos)

HP Umpire John Libka ejected Phillies DH Nick Castellanos (strike three call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Marlins-#Phillies game. With one out and two on (R1, R3), Castellanos took a 0-2 fastball from Marlins pitcher Devin Smeltzer for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and belt-high (px 0.84, pz 3.47 [sz_top 3.81]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Phillies were leading, 14-3. The Phillies ultimately won the contest, 15-3.

This is John Libka (84)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

*This pitch was located 0.89 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 9th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 7th player ejection of 2023. Prior to ejection, Castellanos was 3-5 (SO) in the contest.

This is Philadelphia's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st in the NL East (PHI 2; MIA 1; ATL, NYM, WAS 0).

This is Nick Castellanos' 1st ejection since August 15, 2021 (Sean Barber; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is John Libka's 1st ejection since August 24, 2022 (Nolan Arenado; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs Philadelphia Phillies, 4/10/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Game Ends on Critical Pitch Clock Violation's Auto-K3

Atlanta's 9th inning rally fell short Saturday when the Braves' three-run comeback bid abruptly ended on a two-out, 3-2 count, bases loaded...automatic strike call due to batter Cal Conley not being in the box and alert to Red Sox pitcher Robert Kwiatkowski prior to the eight-second mark of the pitch clock's 20-second (with runners on base) countdown.

Atlanta had scored three runs turning a 6-3 deficit into a tied game when Conley threatened to win the game for the Braves, what with baserunner Eli White representing the winning run at third base. Instead, HP Umpire John Libka called "Time" and imposed an automatic strike upon batter Conley due to the pitch clock violation, resulting in the at-bat's third strike, inning's third out, and—because of Spring Training—the game's conclusion with a 6-6 tie.

This the second consecutive day since Spring Training began that a pitch clock violation resulted in an automatic strike, albeit the first time that a pitch clock violation effectively ended a ballgame at the major league level. On Friday, HP Umpire Ryan Blakney called Padres batter Manny Machado for an auto-strike due to the batter failing to be ready and alert at the eight-second mark of the countdown clock.

Related Post: Pitch Clock Violation Strikes on 1st Day of Spring Training (2/25/23).

To review, a batter must be ready to go (in the box and alert to the pitcher) at the eight-second mark while the pitcher must be ready to go (the pitching motion must begin) prior to the zero-second mark of the countdown clock. A batter's violation results in an automatic strike while a pitcher's violation results in an auto-ball.

Related Post: MLB Announces Rules Changes for 2023 - A Review (9/9/22).

The countdown timer is 30 seconds between batters, 20 seconds between pitches with runners on base (clock starts when pitcher receives return ball), and 15 seconds between pitches with the bases empty.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 143 - John Libka (2; Nolan Arenado)

HP Umpire John Libka ejected Cardinals 3B Nolan Arenado (check swing strike three call) in the top of the 3rd inning of the #Cardinals-#Cubs game. With two out and two on (R1, R2), Arenado attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 fastball from Cubs pitcher Luke Farrell, ruled a swinging strike by HP Umpire Libka. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Cubs were leading, 3-0. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 7-1.

This is John Libka (84)'s 2nd ejection of 2022.

OBR Definition: "A STRIKE is a legal pitch when so called by the umpire, which is struck at by the batter and is missed."

This is the 143rd ejection report of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 45th player ejection of 2022. Prior to ejection, Arenado was 0-2 (SO) in the contest.

This is St Louis' 6th ejection of 2022, 2nd in the NL Central (CHC 8; STL 6; PIT 5; MIL 4; CIN 2).

This is Nolan Arenado's 2nd ejection of 2022, 1st since April 27 (Jeremie Rehak; QOC = U [Fighting]).

This is John Libka's 2nd ejection of 2022, 1st since May 30 (Torey Lovullo; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: St Louis Cardinals vs Chicago Cubs, 8/24/22 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 050 - John Libka (1; Torey Lovullo)

HP Umpire John Libka ejected Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo (ball three call; QOCY) in the top of the 5th inning of the #Braves-#Diamondbacks game. With none out and none on, Braves batter Ronald Acuna took a 2-1 fastball from D-Backs pitcher Zac Gallen for a called third ball before walking one pitch later. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and at the knee (px 0.78, pz 1.98 [sz_bot 1.60]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Diamondbacks were leading, 3-2. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 6-2.

This is John Libka (84)'s 1st ejection of 2022.

John Libka now has 5 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 5).

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

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

This pitch was located 0.384 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 50th ejection report of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 24th manager ejection of 2022.

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

This is Torey Lovullo's 2nd ejection of 2022, 1st since May 3 (Adrian Johnson; QOC = Y [Fair/Foul]).

This is John Libka's 1st ejection since Sept 24, 2021 (Bryan De La Cruz; QOC = Y-c [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Atlanta Braves vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 5/30/22 | Video as follows:

MLB Hires Ryan Additon & John Libka to Full-Time Staff

With Gerry Davis and Brian Gorman's retirements, MLB has hired call-up umpires Ryan Additon and John Libka to its full-time staff. Joe West leads a short list of additional veteran umps whose retirements have created vacancies on the MLBU roster and we will announce both those retirements and additional new-hire replacements in the coming weeks.

First publicly announced by the Wendelstedt Umpire School where Additon and Libka serve as instructors, the first two hires of 2022 during the uncertainty of both COVID and an ongoing lockout and contract dispute between MLB team owners and the players' union are two young umpires who score highly on a number of baseball officiating metrics.

For instance, John Libka, according to UmpScorecards, once again took the crown as the most accurate umpire, overall, in calling balls and strikes during the 2021 season.

Ryan Additon made his major league debut on May 21, 2017 in Minnesota and joins the full-time staff with 381 games of big league experience. Additon has worked the Gulf Coast, New York-Penn, Midwest, Florida State, Arizona Instructional, Southern, Arizona Fall, and International (aka Triple-A East) Leagues.

John Libka made his MLB debut just one week following Additon's, on May 27, 2017 in Chicago alongside Tom Hallion's crew, and has just 10 fewer games in the league (371) than Additon. Libka, long regarded as MLB's most accurate plate umpire dating back to the Boston University umpire study, journeyed through the Gulf Coast, New York-Penn, Midwest, Florida State, Eastern, Arizona Fall, and Pacific Coast (Triple-A West) Leagues.

Both Additon and Libka officiated the 2017 AFL Fall Stars Game.

2021 UEFL Award for Fill-In Umpire - John Libka

John Libka wins UEFL's 2021 Fill-In Umpire of the Year Award [2020 Winner: Jeremie Rehak].

Voting Results: Libka (35.0%), Ben May (10.6%), Jeremy Riggs (9.4%).

John Libka is the 2021 UEFL Fill-In Umpire of the Year.

Not many categories proved to be landslides, but John Libka ran away with the Fill-In Umpire of the Year vote. In addition to a consistently superior strike zone—Libka's plate scores in 2021 once again ranked at the top of the league—Libka also drew praise for situation handling throughout the season during ejections and other difficult situations.

Libka's textbook mechanics and positioning in Chicago earlier this season was featured as the April 2021 Call of the Month.

MLB seems to agree, having assigned Libka a career-high 134 major league games during the 2021 season for a total of 371 MLB contests since debuting during the 2017 season. The only call-ups to officiate more big league games in 2021 were Nick Mahrley and Ryan Additon, who took to the field 138 and 137 times, respectively.

UEFL Awards History, John Libka

None

The next postseason award to be announced will be Crew Chief of the Year.

MLB Ejection 182 - John Libka (6; Bryan De La Cruz)

HP Umpire John Libka ejected Marlins CF Bryan De La Cruz (check swing strike three call by 1B Umpire Manny Gonzalez) in the top of the 1st inning of the #Marlins-#Rays game. With two out and none on, De La Cruz attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 knuckle curve from Rays pitcher David Robertson, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Libka and a swinging third strike on appeal by 1B Umpire Gonzalez. Call was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board (7-0), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 8-0.

This is John Libka (84)'s 6th ejection of 2021.

John Libka now has 23 points in the UEFL Standings (20 Previous + 2 AAA + 1 Call-Crewmate = 23).

Crew Chief Jeff Nelson now has 4 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 Call = 4).

This is the 182nd ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 73rd player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, De La Cruz was 0-1 (SO) in the contest.

This is Miami's 8th ejection of 2021, 2nd in the NL East (PHI 9; MIA 8; NYM, WAS 7; ATL 1).

This is Bryan De La Cruz's first career MLB ejection.

This is John Libka's 6th ejection of 2021, 1st since July 23 (Tim Anderson; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 9/24/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 107-108 - John Libka (4-5; CWS x2)

HP Umpire John Libka ejected White Sox manager Tony La Russa (balls/strikes; QOCY) in the bottom of the 7th and SS Tim Anderson (strike call; QOCY) in the top of the 8th inning of the #WhiteSox-#Brewers game. In the 7th, facing White Sox pitcher Aaron Bummer, Brewers batter Kolten Wong singled, Willy Adames walked, Christian Yelich walked, Avisail Garcia grounded out, Omar Narvaez struck out, and, facing Ryan Burr, Luis Urias walked, and Rowdy Tellez walked. Replays indicate of the 28 callable pitches during the inning, Libka properly officiated 27 (27/28 = 93.1% Accuracy) and that the only incorrect ball call of the inning occurred during Narvaez's at-bat (Narvaez struck out), the call was correct.^ At the time of La Russa's ejection, the Brewers were leading, 3-0.

In the 8th, with one out and none on, White Sox batter Yoan Moncada took a first-pitch slider from Brewers pitcher Hunter Strickland for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.20, pz 1.33 [sz_bot 1.27 / RAD 1.15 / MOE 1.06]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Brewers were leading, 7-0. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 7-1.

These are John Libka (84)'s 4th and 5th ejections of 2021.

John Libka now has 20 points in the UEFL Standings (12 Prev + 2*[2 AAA + 2 Correct Call] = 20).

Crew Chief Dan Iassogna now has 7 points in Crew Division (5 Previous + 2 Correct Call = 7).

^The computer deemed the Urias ball four call CORRECT (MOE not needed, it was a correct call).

*The Moncada strike was located 3.20 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

These are the 107th and 108th ejection reports of 2021.

This is the 54th manager ejection of 2021.

This is the 39th player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Anderson was 0-4 (SO, 3 LOB) in the contest.

This is Chicago's 3/4th ejections of 2021, T-1st in the AL Central (CWS, KC, MIN 4; CLE 1; DET 0).

This is Tony La Russa's 1st ejection since August 10, 2011 (Greg Gibson; QOC = N [Out/Safe]).

This is Tim Anderson's 1st ejection since Sept 22, 2020 (Angel Hernandez; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

This is John Libka's 4th/5th ejection of 2021, 1st since July 10 (Christian Yelich; QOC = Y [Out/Safe]).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 7/23/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 093-94 - Morales, Libka (MIL x2)

HP Umpire Gabe Morales ejected Brewers manager Craig Counsell (balls/strikes; QOCY) in the top of the 6th and 1B Umpire John Libka ejected Brewers LF Christian Yelich (out call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Reds-#Brewers game. In the top of the 6th, Reds batter Jonathan India was hit by a pitch, Jesse Winker singled, and Nick Castellanos hit a home run; Counsell was ejected during the ensuing pitching change in which Brent Suter replaced Freddy Peralta. Replays indicate of the five callable pitches in the half inning preceding ejection, HP Umpire Morales' officiated five correctly (5/5 = 100% accuracy), the call was correct.

In the bottom of the 6th, with none out and none on, Brewers batter Yelich bunted a first-pitch fastball from Reds pitcher Vladimir Gutierrez on the ground to Gutierrez, who threw wildly to first base. As Yelich stood down the right field line, Reds second baseman Jonathan India, who had retrieved the ball, tagged Yelich. Replays indicate Yelich, after overrunning first base, made a motion to indicate an attempt to run to second before stopping his motion and remaining down the right field line, the call was correct.* At the time of both ejections, the Reds were leading, 3-1. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Gabe Morales (47)'s 2nd ejection of 2021.

This is John Libka (84)'s 3rd ejection of 2021.

Gabe Morales now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).

John Libka now has 12 points in the UEFL Standings (8 Prev + 2 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 12).

Crew Chief Doug Eddings now has 4 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 2 QOCY = 4).

*Official Baseball Rule 5.09(b)(11) declares a runner is out when the runner "fails to return at once to first base after overrunning or oversliding that base. If the runner attempts to run to second they are out when tagged."

Also from this game: Ejection 095 - Doug Eddings (Joey Votto [Check Swing]).

These are the 93rd and 94th ejection reports of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 47th manager ejection of 2021.

This is the 33rd player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Yelich was 2-3 in the contest.

This is Milwaukee's 8/9th ejection of 2021, 1st in the NL Central (MIL 9; CIN 6; CHC 4; PIT 3; STL 2).

This is Craig Counsell's 3rd ejection of 2021, 1st since May 18 (Brian Gorman; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).
This is Christian Yelich's 1st ejection since May 9, 2017 (Andy Fletcher; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Gabe Morales' 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since June 6 (Phil Nevin; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is John Libka's 3rd ejection of 2021, 1st since April 20 (Luis Rojas; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 7/10/21 | Video as follows:

Obstruction Scores Andrus After Elvis' Embellishment

HP Umpire John Libka awarded A's baserunner Elvis Andrus home plate on an obstruction call after Andrus ran into Twins catcher Ben Rortvedt, leading to complaints ranging from "he's on the grass" to "he flopped"...but what does the rule actually say and, by rule, was the umpire's ruling correct?

Play: With one out and two on (R2, R3) in the top of the 5th inning of Sunday's Athletics-Twins game, A's batter Ramon Laureano hit a ground ball to Twins shortstop Andrelton Simmons, who threw home as runner R3 Andrus ran toward the plate. Catcher Rortvedt caught the ball and began chasing Andrus back to third base, eventually throwing the ball to third base to continue the rundown.

Call: At this point, Andrus turned back toward home plate and collided with Rortvedt, falling to the ground as HP Umpire Libka called obstruction on Rortvedt, awarding Andrus home as a result, scoring a run for Oakland and charging an error to Minnesota's Rortvedt. Even more consequential? The A's ultimately won the contest by one run, 7-6.

Rule: To determine whether this was the correct call or not, we first must consult Official Baseball Rules 6.01(h)(1) pertaining to obstruction ("the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner"): "If a play is being made on the obstructed runner, or if the batter-runner is obstructed before they touch first base, the ball is dead and all runners shall advance, without liability to be put out, to the bases they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgment, if there had been no obstruction. The obstructed runner shall be awarded at least one base beyond the base they had last legally touched before the obstruction. Any preceding runners, forced to advance by the award of bases as the penalty for obstruction, shall advance without liability to be put out."

Analysis: We review the play and observe Andrus, throughout the course of the rundown, has chosen a base path on the edge of the infield grass in fair territory.* We use this information as a guide to conclude that because Andrus makes contact with Rortvedt on the edge of the infield grass in fair territory, it is reasonable to say that Andrus did not run significantly out of his way solely to contact the fielder.

That said, it is apparent that Andrus appears to stick his arm out in exaggerated fashion to heighten the level of contact and that Andrus appears to embellish this contact by falling onto the ground in a similar exaggeration. However, as much of a potential flop as the falling might be, we are restricted to considering OBR 6.01(h)(1) and the definition of obstruction: Rortvedt is a fielder not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, having thrown the ball to another player. Accordingly, this is obstruction, because at the time of the interaction, Andrus was running toward home plate and even if he was impeded ever so slightly, the fact remains that he was impeded and, thus, is entitled to an obstruction call.

*Remember, a runner choses their own base path and is not out for being outside of this base path (not baseline, see OBR 5.09(b)(1) and our series on Base Path situations for further information) unless the runner deviates by more than three feet from a direct line between the runner and the base the runner is attempting to achieve, in order to avoid a tag.

Finally, this is an example of obstruction type 1 (Type A OBS) because a play was being made on the runner at the time: After Libka calls "Time" (type 1 causes the ball to become dead), the obstructed R3 Andrus gets home plate and all runners behind him get whatever bases the umpires believe they would have achieved had obstruction not occurred.

In hockey this perhaps would be a two-for-interference / two-for-embellishment coincidental minor penalties situation, but in baseball, it is only obstruction on the defense. The rules do not allow for a diving call in this play.

Video as follows:

April 2021 Call of the Month - John Libka's Out at 2B

Tmac presents our Call of the Month for April 2021 and it features 2B Umpire John Libka officiating a stolen base attempt by Chicago's Kris Bryant at second base.

On April 22, 2021, Mets catcher James McCann attempted to throw out Cubs baserunner R1 Bryant attempting to steal second, ruled out by 2B Umpire Libka and affirmed after Replay Review as the result of a Cubs challenge.

Libka observes the play and communicates through his out mechanic that Bryant's foot popped off of the base with fielder Jeff McNeil keeping the tag on Bryant while the runner was not in contact with second base, a call that in the expanded replay era has become more commonly accepted and expected.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 013-14 - John Libka (NYM x2; 1-2)

HP Umpire John Libka ejected Mets pitcher Taijuan Walker in the bottom of the 4th and Mets manager Luis Rojas in the top of the 6th inning of the #Mets-#Cubs game. In the 4th, with two out, Cubs batter Jason Heyward singled, Eric Sogard singled (RBI), Jake Arrieta walked, Ian Happ walked, and Willson Contreras walked (RBI). Replays indicate of Libka's 20 callable pitches during the fractional inning prior to Walker's pitching change ejection, Libka properly officiated 20 (20/20 = 100% Accuracy), the call was correct. At the time of Walker's ejection, the Cubs were leading, 3-0.

In the 6th, with one out and none on, Mets batter Michael Conforto took a 2-1 fastball from Cubs pitcher Rex Brothers for a called second strike and 3-2 fastball for a called third strike. Replays indicate the 2-1 pitch ruled strike two was located over the inner edge of home plate and belt-high (px 0.69, pz 2.66) and the 3-2 pitch ruled strike three was located over the heart of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.15, pz 1.51 [sz_bot 1.56 / RAD 1.44]), the call was correct.* At the time of Rojas' ejection, the Cubs were leading, 3-1. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 3-1.

These are John Libka (84)'s 1st and 2nd ejections of 2021.
John Libka now has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2*[2 AAA + 2 Correct Call] = 8).
Crew Chief Joe West now has 2 points in Crew Division (0 Previous + 2 Correct Calls = 2).

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

The 2-1 pitch was located 2.69 horizontal and 3-2 pitch located 1.84 vertical inches from being incorrect.

These are the 13th and 14th ejection reports of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the sixth player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Walker's line was

This is the seventh manager ejection of 2021.

This is Mets' 1st/2nd ejection of 2021, 1st in the NL East (NYM 2; MIA 1; ATL, PHI, WAS 0).

This is Taijuan Walker's first career MLB ejection.

This is Luis Rojas' first career MLB ejection.

This is John Libka's 1st ejection since Sept 8, 2020 (Scott Servais; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: New York Mets vs. Chicago Cubs, 4/20/21 | Video as follows: