MLB Crew Chiefs Mike Everitt, Jeff Kellogg Retire

Longtime MLB crew chiefs Mike Everitt and Jeff Kellogg retired from on-field service prior to Spring Training, creating two additional vacancies on the umpire staff.

Everitt steps off the field after 24 American and Major League seasons at the age of 55 after a recent bout of injuries, most recently during the Wild Card round of the 2019 postseason.

In 2018, the UEFL invoked an injury replacement rule after Everitt sustained a concussion on Opening Day; after attempting a return to baseball from April 25 - May 2, Everitt took the rest of the season off; he subsequently suffered a head injury on July 7, 2019.
Related Post: UEFL Invokes Injury Replacement Rule for Everitt (6/5/18).

Everitt's career featured three Wild Card games, nine Division Series, seven League Championship Series, and three World Series, in addition to the 2006 All-Star Game. He ejected 81 players, coaches, and managers over his 2,633 regular season games officiated.

Kellogg, who is the brother in law of Tim and Bill Welke, similarly suffered from the injury bug in recent years, officiating 87 regular season contests in 2018 and 54 in 2019; a flying bat in September 2017 cost him the rest of the 2017 season (including playoffs).

Having graduated with a Ferris State University degree in Criminal Justice, Kellogg famously tackled a fan-turned-field intruder around the home plate area in Baltimore back in 2012.
Related Post: Umpire Jeff Kellogg Tackles Fan in Baltimore Field Intrusion (4/28/12).

The 58-year-old Coldwater, Michigan native's on-field NL and MLB career spanned 29 years and 3,275 regular season games to go alongside the 2012 Wild Card Game, nine Division Series, six League Championship Series, five World Series, and two All-Star Games.

It has been reported that the two veteran umpires will take jobs in the league office's umpiring department. The retirement news brings total Crew Chief vacancies to four this 2019-2020 offseason. Congratulations, Mike and Jeff!

We'll have an article on MLB's umpire new-hires in the coming days.

Mike Everitt Replaces Jeff Nelson as ALCS Crew Chief

Mike Everitt will replace Jeff Nelson as Crew Chief of the 2019 American League Championship Series. MLB announced that Everitt, who served as HP Umpire during the NL Wild Card Game, will join the Yankees-Astros ALCS crew in New York, which keeps alive Baseball's postseason goal of having a different umpire officiate the plate for each game of the best-of-seven League Championship Series.

Everitt is a regular season crew chief who may well have been on track to work the ALCS this postseason, if not for a possible injury sustained during the NL Wild Card Game in Washington when he was hit in the head by a ball. We previously discussed the possibility that Everitt was originally slated to be on this ALCS crew, but removed as a result of the head hit in the NLWC, which left the crew without a second crew chief, as is customary during the League Championship and World Series.
Related Post: Postseason Injury - Jeff Nelson and the 5-Umpire Crew (10/16/19).

Kerwin Danley had a plate after Nelson's exit.

Everitt has a history of head injuries as the result of foul and pitched balls, and there's a chance he was left off the ALCS roster as a precaution. If Everitt entered the injured list as a result of this game, he would have been ineligible to work for a minimum of seven days after the Wild Card Game on October 1.

The ALCS began October 12, but crews were informed of their selection to the LCS round of the postseason following the Wild Card stage, which is when the terms of the injured list would have applied.

With Nelson injured, this signifies two things. First, Everitt is healthy enough to work, which alone is a good sign, and second, Everitt now will receive credit in the UEFL Standings and records as having officiated the 2019 ALCS (add four points to Everitt's ledger, as he was named to the ALCS [+3], as a postseason crew chief [+1]). Specific ALCS crew assignments for Games 4-7 will be announced when available.

Video of Nelson's injury as follows:

Injury Scout - Everitt Leaves Giants Game

HP Umpire Mike Everitt exited Saturday's Cardinals-Giants game in San Francisco following a head injury in the 6th inning.

With two out and none on in the top of the 6th, Cardinals batter Tyler O'Neill fouled a 0-1 97-mph fastball from Giants pitcher Reyes Moronta into the jaw portion of Everitt's traditional-style facemask.

2B Umpire Lance Barrett replaced Everitt behind home plate with 1B Umpire Roberto Ortiz and 3B Umpire/Acting Crew Chief Alfonso Marquez remaining on the field for the rest of the evening. Everitt's crew recently lost Bill Welke due to a head injury on June 30.
Related Post: Injury Scout - Welke's Foul Out in New York (6/30/19).

Relevant Injury History: There is a history of head trauma and concussion for Mike Everitt.
> On Opening Day 2018, Everitt suffered an essentially season-ending head injury in Pittsburgh.
Related Post: Injury Scout - Everitt Concussed on Pitch to Head (3/31/18).

> Earlier in 2019, Everitt was removed from a Washington game after a fastball hit his chest.
Related Post: Injuries - Everitt, Hallion & Barry Hurt on Tuesday (6/4/19).

Last Game: July 6 | Return to Play: July 30 | Time Absent: 25 Days | Video as follows:

Injuries - Everitt, Hallion & Barry Hurt on Tuesday

It's said that bad things happen in threes and Tuesday, that rang true for umpires as three umpire injuries plagued MLB, with Mike Everitt (Washington, DC), Tom Hallion (New York), and Scott Barry (Milwaukee) leaving their games, all within the span of an hour after a pair of plate injuries and one in the field.

Pace of Play Trivia: Thanks to SNY, we can report that umpire delays are not deducted from game time the way rain delays are. If it takes 10 minutes for an umpire to be replaced, that's 10 minutes added to the calculated game time.

Everitt: In Washington, DC, in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the White Sox-Nationals game, White Sox pitcher Reynaldo Lopez's first pitch 92.2-mph fastball to Nationals batter Trea Turner missed everything—the batter swung and missed and the catcher fanned on the catch—striking Everitt directly in the left chest atop his heart, shattering the pen sitting in his pocket in front of the lineup cards. Everitt remained in the contest through the completion of the inning, upon which time 2B Umpire Lance Barrett took over behind home plate with 1B Umpire Bill Welke and 3B Umpire Chris Guccione remaining at the corner bases.

Relevant Injury History: Tangentially:
> Injury Scout - Warmup Pitch to Groin Knocks Everitt (8/29/17).

Everitt: Last Game: June 4 | Return to Play: June 5 | Time Absent: Rest of Game

Hallion: In New York, in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Giants-Mets game, Hallion was struck by a 3-1 foul ball off the bat of Mets batter Todd Frazier from Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner's 92.7-mph fastball. Hallion remained in the game to complete the half-inning, upon which time 2B Umpire Vic Carapazza (in the box score as "Victor Carapazza"...we also have "Jeffrey Kellogg" and "Lazaro Diaz" working around the league today) took over behind home plate, with 1B Umpire Jordan Baker and 3B Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt manning the lines. Angel Hernandez replaced Hallion as acting crew chief for Wednesday's game.

Relevant Injury History: Significant, including:
> Injury Scout - Hallion Out in Anaheim After Hit to Head (4/9/19).
> Injury Scout - Tom Hallion Out on Extra Inning Foul to Jaw (7/24/18).
> Injury Scout - Hallion Exits After Foul to Face Mask (8/19/17).
> Tom Hallion Takes Direct Shot to Mask, Remains in Game (8/14/15).
> Tom Hallion Squarely Struck by Foul, Leaves A's Game (7/1/15).

Hallion: Last Game: June 4 | Return to Play: June 17 | Time Absent: 12 Days

Barry: In Milwaukee, prior to the top of the 2nd inning of the Marlins-Brewers game, 2B Umpire Scott Barry left the game with what appeared to be a lower body/leg injury, leaving 1B Umpire Tripp Gibson and 3B Umpire Mark Carlson in the field accompanied by crew chief Brian Gorman behind home plate. Chad Whitson replaced Barry for Wednesday's game.

Relevant Injury History: N/A.

Barry: Last Game: June 4 | Return to Play: 2020 | Time Absent: Rest of Year | Videos as follows:

MLB Ejection 067 - Mike Everitt (1; Scott Servais)

1B Umpire Mike Everitt ejected Mariners Manager Scott Servais (Replay Review decision that upheld 2B Umpire Bill Welke's bona fide slide/interference no call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Mariners-Athletics game. With none out and one on (R1), A's batter Jurickson Profar hit a 1-1 cutter from Mariners pitcher Mike Leake on the ground to first baseman Edwin Encarnacion, who threw to shortstop JP Crawford covering second as A's baserunner R1 Mark Canha slid into second base, ruled an out and no interference by 2B Umpire Welke and affirmed via Replay Review as the result of a Manager's Challenge by Mariners Manager Servais. Replays indicate Canha engaged in a bona fide slide pursuant to the rule's four criteria as listed below, the call was correct.* Play was reviewed and affirmed by the UEFL Appeals Board (6-0-3), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Athletics were leading, 3-1. The A's ultimately won the contest, 7-1.

This is Mike Everitt (57)'s first ejection of 2019.
Mike Everitt now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB + 1 Correct-Crewmate = 3).
Crew Chief Mike Everitt now has 1 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).
*Rule 6.01(j), Sliding to Bases on Double Play Attempts, lists four criteria for determining if a runner has engaged in a bona fide slide. If it is not a bona fide slide, AND the runner initiates contact with the fielder for the purpose of breaking up a double play, he should be called for interference:
(1) Begins his slide before reaching the base;
(2) Is able and attempts to reach the base with his hand or foot;
(3) Is able and attempts to remain on the base after completing the slide;
(4) Slides within reach of the base without changing his pathway for purpose of contacting a fielder.^
Futhermore, "Notwithstanding the above, 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."
^Remember, the runner establishes his own base path. There is no runner's lane rule for 6.01(j). If the runner is consistent in his path, regardless of its directionality relative to the base, he shall be deemed not to have changed his pathway, as long as he slides within reach of the base.

This is the 67th ejection report of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 34th Manager ejection of 2019.
This is Seattle's 1st ejection of 2019, T-3rd in the AL West (LAA, HOU 2; OAK, SEA 1; TEX 0).
This is Scott Servais' first ejection since August 20, 2018 (Mike Muchlinski; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Mike Everitt's first ejection since Sept 6, 2017 (Matt Chapman; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics, 5/26/19 | Video as follows:

Expect Anything - Angels Turn DP on NY's Weight Shift

In today's world of expanded instant replay, umpires are learning to expect anything such that the unexpected becomes just another baseball play. Wednesday night in Anaheim, the Angels challenged 2B Umpire Mike Everitt's ruling that a runner was safe at second base, finding on review that Yankees baserunner R2 Tyler Wade momentarily broke contact with the base while Angels infielder Andrelton Simmons applied a tag, resulting in an inning-ending double play.

Fielder Simmons tags runner Wade.

The Play: With one out and two on (R1, R2), Yankees batter Brett Gardner flew out to Angels center fielder Mike Trout, who threw back to the infield as New York's baserunners returned to their bases. As fielder Simmons walked the ball back toward his pitcher, he tagged NYY baserunner R2 Wade as Wade shifted his weight at second base, momentarily breaking contact with the base such that he found himself susceptible to Rule 5.09(b)(4)'s "Any runner is out when—He is tagged, when the ball is alive, while off his base."

Replay Review: After a four-minute review (remember, reviews are generally supposed to take no more than two minutes), the call was overturned and the runner declared out.
Related Post: 2017 Rules Mods, Including IBB Change, Announced (3/2/17).

Everitt checks the ball and runners.

Lesson: Be prepared for anything, "BE IN POSITION TO SEE EVERY PLAY" and "Keep your eye everlastingly on the ball while it is in play" (Rule 8.00 [General Instructions to Umpires]). In this situation, 2B Umpire Everitt was in position to observe the play—see how he moves at the 35-second mark, constantly checking the runners, his positioning, and, possibly, whether "Time" has been called (it has not; the ball is still live).

However, as we saw from the first-base mid camera angle, Simmons' tag was on the left field/opposite side of the base, such that, as the broadcasters surmised, it required the Replay Official to stitch together another camera so as to see the tag on the runner at the moment that the runner shifted his left foot off of second base.

For more on the philosophy of this literal game of inches on the bases, see the following article.
Related Post: Replay Rewind - Technically Correct or Spiritual Travesty? (6/9/18).

Video as follows:

UEFL Invokes Injury Replacement Rule for Everitt

Since sustaining an Opening Day concussion on a March 30 pitch to the head that eluded catcher Francisco Cervelli's mitt, umpire Mike Everitt attempted a return after 25 days off the field, officiating several games from April 25 through May 2 before he once again disappeared from on-field service.
Related Post: Injury Scout - Everitt Concussed on Pitch to Head (3/31/18).

Mike Everitt is yet to return to regular service.

Unfortunately, this complication has led to a second absence that has now surpassed the 30-day threshold indicated in new-for-2018 UEFL Rule 1-5-b, which authorizes umpire replacement under certain circumstances during the regular season pertaining to extended absence.

Because Everitt is a Crew Chief, there are two potential replacements that UEFL members who own Everitt may effect: that of Everitt as a Primary/Secondary umpire, and that of Everitt as a Crew Chief.

If you drafted Everitt in either capacity and wish to make a replacement, read on for Rule 1-5-b's instructions.

UEFL Acceptable Replacement Procedure
If your Crew Chief is Mike Everitt, you may select any Crew Chief listed below.
If your PRM/SDR is Mike Everitt, you may select any primary/secondary umpire listed below.

Everitt has zero points in Primary and Secondary classifications, and zero points in Crew Division.

List of Legal Replacements (as of June 5, 2018; Subject to change after this date)
Crew Division - Eligible Replacement Crew Chiefs (ranked by UEFL points, in parentheses):
Welke, Bill (-1) [Rule 1-2-b replacement]
Wegner, Mark (-1) [Rule 1-5-b replacement]
Holbrook, Sam (-1) [1-5-b]
Davis, Gerry (-3) [1-5-b]
West, Joe (-4) [1-5-b]
Hallion, Tom (-7) [1-5-b]
Miller, Bill (-7) [1-5-b]
Kellogg, Jeff (-8) [1-5-b]

Primaries and Secondaries - Refer to UEFL Standings (umpires must have less than 0 UEFL points)

To effect a midseason replacement, post a comment to this announcement indicating your username, classification to be changed (Crew Chief, Primary, or Secondary), and proposed replacement name.

Injury Scout - Everitt Concussed on Pitch to Head

Mike Everitt left his Opening Day assignment about halfway through what would turn out to be an eventful marathon game, suffering a concussion on a pitch that struck his facemask directly.

In the bottom of the 8th inning of Friday's Pirates-Tigers game, Pirates pitcher George Kontos' 1-0 86.5-mph cutter eluded catcher Francisco Cervelli's reach, instead making first contact with the center portion of Everitt's traditional-style facemask and resulting in Everitt's removal from play. Following the game, reports surfaced that Everitt had been diagnosed with concussion.

2B Umpire Tony Randazzo replaced Everitt behind home plate, while 1B Umpire Bill Welke and 3B Umpire Lance Barrett split the field umpires' duties. Welke additionally assumed the role of acting crew chief for the game's remainder, which became relevant in the 10th inning.
Related Post: MLB Ejection 002 - Bill Welke (1; Ron Gardenhire) (3/30/18).

Relevant Injury History: There is no recent relevant (e.g., cranial) injury history.

Last Game: March 30 | Return to Play: April 25 | Time Absent: 25 Days | *Complication*
Last Game: May 2 | Return to Play: 2019 | Time Absent: Rest of Season | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 163 - Mike Everitt (4; Matt Chapman)

HP Umpire Mike Everitt ejected Athletics 3B Matt Chapman (Unsportsmanlike-NEC toward Angels C Juan Graterol; QOCU) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Angels-Athletics game. With none out and one on (R1), Chapman stepped to the plate and made an unsporting comment to Angels catcher Graterol, resulting in a bench-rising incident as HP Umpire Everitt addressed Chapman and A's Manager Bob Melvin regarding the conduct. Replays indicate that after this interaction and counseling from Everitt, Chapman made another comment to Graterol, resulting in his ejection and issuance of warnings to both teams. At the time of the ejection, the A's were leading, 1-0. The A's ultimately won the contest, 3-1.

This is Mike Everitt (57)'s fourth ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Mike Everitt now has 5 points in the UEFL Standings (3 Prev + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 5).
Crew Chief Mike Everitt now has 11 points in Crew Division (10 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 11).

This is the 163rd ejection report of 2017.
This is the 71st player ejection of 2017. Prior to ejection, Chapman was 0-0 (BB) in the contest.
This is Oakland's 6th ejection of 2017, 2nd in the AL West (TEX 9; OAK 6; HOU, SEA 5; LAA 1).
This is Matt Chapman's first career MLB ejection.
This is Mike Everitt's 4th ejection of 2017, 1st since August 27 (Joe Girardi; QOC = N [Interference]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Oakland Athletics, 9/6/17 | Video as follows:

Injury Scout - Warmup Pitch to Groin Knocks Everitt

After taking an errant warmup pitch to the groin in Colorado, HP Umpire Mike Everitt became the second plate ump to leave a game in as many weeks. The first, Hunter Wendelstedt, is still reportedly sidelined with concussion-like symptoms after a Joe Kelly warmup pitch hit him in the mask on August 21.

Mike Everitt exits Tuesday's game at Coors.

In the middle of the first inning during Everitt's Tuesday night plate job, Everitt set up behind a member of the Tigers bench who was catching pitcher Michael Fulmer's warmup tosses in place of catcher James McCann, while McCann was in the Tigers dugout putting on the catcher's gear. One of those pitches had significant lateral movement and evaded the temporary catcher's glove, striking Everitt's exposed groin.

Everitt subsequently departed the game and was replaced behind the plate by 2B Umpire Tom Woodring as 1B Umpire Bruce Dreckman and 3B Umpire Jordan Baker remained on the lines, with Dreckman additionally assuming the role of acting crew chief.

Relevant Injury History: There is no relevant injury history.

Last Game: August 29 | Return to Play: August 31 | Time Absent: One Day | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 153 - Mike Everitt (3; Joe Girardi)

2B Umpire Mike Everitt ejected Yankees Manager Joe Girardi (retired runner's interference no-call; upheld Replay Review bona fide slide call; QOCN) in the top of the 3rd inning of the Mariners-Yankees game. With one out and one on (R1), Mariners batter Robinson Cano hit a ground ball to Yankees first baseman Chase Headley, who threw to shortstop Didi Gregorius as Mariners baserunner R1 Jean Segura slid toward second base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a Manager's Challenge by Yankees Manager Girardi, Everitt's slide rule interference no-call was affirmed as replays indicate Segura did not meet the eligibility criteria for Rule 6.01(j), as he never made it to second base nor to F6 Gregorius; however, replays indicate Segura willfully hindered Gregorius' following play on the batter-runner (for instance, due to Segura's raised arm) in contravention of another provision of interference Rule 6.01, the call was incorrect.*^ Segura's slide, though not a violation of the bona fide slide rule, did hinder and/or impede Gregorius' ensuing throw to first base. Play reviewed and affirmed by the UEFL Appeals Board (6-3), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 6-1. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 10-1.

This is Mike Everitt (57)'s third ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Mike Everitt now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (5 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 3).
Crew Chief Mike Everitt now has 9 points in Crew Division (9 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 9).
*Rule 6.01(j)'s criteria for a force play bona fide slide applies only if the runner "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." Because R1 Segura, due to his early slide, did not initiate nor attempt to make contact with F6 Gregorius, Rule 6.01(j) cannot apply.
*However, although Segura was not guilty of violating the slide interference rule, as a runner just put out, he improperly hindered or impeded Gregorius' following play, as in Rule 6.01(a)(5): "Any batter or runner who has just been put out, or any runner who has just scored, hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner. Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of his teammate."
^QOC is Incorrect pursuant to UEFL Rule 6-2-b-6-a, which states, "Quality of Correctness is governed by the (in)correctness of the call made, not by the quality of reasoning given for such a call."

This is the 153rd ejection report of 2017.
This is the 75th Manager ejection of 2017.
This is New York-AL's 11th ejection of 2017, 1st in the AL East (NYY 11; TOR 9; TB 6; BOS 4; BAL 3).
This is Joe Girardi's 5th ejection of 2017, 1st since August 24 (Carlos Torres; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).
This is Mike Everitt's 3rd ejection of 2017, 1st since July 7 (Brian Snitker; QOC = N [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs. New York Yankees, 8/27/17 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 091 - Mike Everitt (2; Brian Snitker)

3B Umpire Mike Everitt ejected Braves Manager Brian Snitker (check swing ball two call) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the Braves-Nationals game. With one out and two on (R1, R3), Nationals batter Matt Wieters attempted to check his swing on a 1-1 curveball in the dirt from Braves pitcher Jim Johnson for a called second ball. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Braves were leading, 4-3. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 5-4, in 10 innings.

This is Mike Everitt (57)'s second ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Mike Everitt now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (6 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 4).
Crew Chief Mike Everitt now has 11 points in Crew Division (11 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 11).
Ejection History: MLB Ejection 079 - Mike Everitt (1; Brian Snitker) (6/23/16).

This is the 91st ejection report of 2017.
This is the 49th Manager ejection of 2017.
This is Atlanta's 4th ejection of 2017, 2nd in the NL East (MIA 6; ATL 4; WAS 3; NYM 2; PHI 1).
This is Brian Snitker's 3rd ejection of 2017, 1st since June 18 (Chris Segal; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Mike Everitt's 2nd ejection of 2017, 1st since April 14 (Bud Black; QOC = Y [Balk]).

Wrap: Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals, 7/7/17 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 005 - Mike Everitt (1; Bud Black)

HP Umpire Mike Everitt ejected Rockies Manager Bud Black (balk no-call) in the top of the 5th inning of the Rockies-Giants game. With none out and one on, Rockies batter Trevor Story took a series of fastballs from Giants pitcher Jonny Cueto (all officiated properly). Replays indicate Cueto's delivery was legal from Set Position; he came to a complete stop prior to delivering to Story, the call was correct; Rockies pitcher Tyler Anderson had been called for two balks earlier in the game.* At the time of the ejection, the Giants were leading, 4-0. The Giants ultimately won the contest, 8-2.

This is Mike Everitt (57)'s first ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Mike Everitt now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Mike Everitt now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).
*Rule 6.02(a)(13) states, "If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when...The pitcher delivers the pitch from Set Position without coming to a stop."

This is the fifth ejection report of 2017.
This is the 3rd Manager ejection of 2017.
This is Colorado's 1st ejection of 2017, T-1st in the NL West (COL, LAD 1; ARI, SF, SD 0).
This is Bud Black's first ejection since June 11, 2015 (Jordan Baker; QOC = N [Fair/Foul]).
This is Mike Everitt's first ejection since August 27, 2016 (JD Martinez; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants, 4/14/17 | Video via "Read More"

Source - Jim Joyce Retires, Holbrook & Emmel Promoted

"Imperfect Game" umpire Jim Joyce has retired with crew chief promotions to Sam Holbrook and Paul Emmel, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. No official announcement has yet been made.

In 2014, Joyce granted an interview to the Portland Tribune in which he stated that he "could very easily have walked away from the game of baseball" after the infamous June 2, 2010 game in Detroit featuring Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga and the so-called 28-out perfect game after Joyce's safe call with two outs in the ninth inning extended the game by one batter. At the time, Joyce said in postgame comments that he "blew the call" and eventually co-authored the book Nobody's Perfect with Galarraga concerning sportsmanship and lessons learned from that night.

Joyce was in the right place at the right time two years later when a Diamondbacks stadium employee entered cardiac arrest; Joyce performed CPR on Levy employee Jayne Powers and received praise by many who said that Joyce had saved Powers' life.

In the 2014 Tribune interview, Joyce also mentioned that he had "a couple of more [years]" left, "if my knees hold up." The 2015 and 2016 seasons make for a couple of years and, according to a source, Joyce is following through on that retirement projection. News of Joyce's retirement was also broadcast over the air via Portland, Oregon radio station AM 1080 The Fan.

Joyce, who entered the American League in 1987, officiated 3,268 regular season games during his three decades in the Majors, ejecting 73 people, and additionally called three All-Star Games, 10 Division Series, four League Championship Series, and three World Series.

His obstruction call to end Game 3 of the 2013 World Series constituted the first Fall Classic game-ending obstruction or interference play, and capped off a stretch run for Joyce during which he received two UEFL Honorable Umpire of the Year awards (2010 and 2012) and two UEFL Umpire of the Year awards (2009 and 2013).

Joyce is a member of the Central Catholic High School Sports Hall of Fame (2000) and Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame (2009).

Sam Holbrook, Paul Emmel Promoted to Crew Chief

Umpires Sam Holbrook and Paul Emmel have purportedly been tapped to replace retiring crew chiefs Joyce and John Hirschbeck, according to a source.

Holbrook is just shy of 2,000 games in his Major League career (AL debut: 1996, NL debut: 1997) while Emmel is over the 2,000-game mark (NL debut: 1999); both have officiated all levels of special events, with Holbrook most recently presiding over Game 7 of the 2016 World Series.

Mike Everitt, meanwhile, has served as fill-in crew chief since January 2016, in the stead of Tim Welke, who has since retired after spending one year on umpiring's Disabled List. Everitt has 2,388 games of regular season experience heading into 2017.

All three have served as acting or interim crew chief on several occasions throughout the past few seasons, including Holbrook's extended stint as crew chief in place of regular Joe West when West missed the first few months of 2013; Hawk Harrelson has the story.

Holbrook himself missed the 2014 season upon the death of his wife Laura "Susie" Glass, and worked the 2016 World Series with Hirschbeck, who himself spent time on bereavement after losing two sons.

Joyce's retirement comprises the fourth since September 2016 (Bob Davidson, Hirschbeck, T Welke), accounting for MLB's purported quadruple hire of umpires Adam Hamari, Pat Hoberg, Gabe Morales and Carlos Torres, while the Hirschbeck/Joyce/Welke retirements as crew chiefs account for the purported Holbrook/Emmel/Everitt promotions.

MLB Ejections 142-145 - Mike Everitt (3-6; 4 DET Tigers)

HP Umpire Mike Everitt ejected Tigers DH Victor Martinez for arguing a strike one call in the bottom of the 3rd, Tigers Hitting Coach Wally Joyner and Manager Brad Ausmus for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 5th, and Tigers RF JD Martinez for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Angels-Tigers game. In the 3rd, with two out and none on, Martinez took a 0-0 fastball from Angels pitcher Brett Oberholtzer for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and knee high (px -.436, pz 1.580 [sz_bot 1.540]), the call was correct. In the 5th, with none out and none on, Tigers batter Ian Kinsler took a 2-2 slider from Angels pitcher Jhoulys Chacin for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px .096, pz 1.365 [sz_bot 1.510 / MOE 1.427]), the call was incorrect. In the 6th, with none out and one on, Martinez took a 1-2 fastball from Angels pitcher Chacin. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half home plate and and at the hollow of the knee (px -.603, pz 1.611 [sz_bot 1.690 / MOE 1.607]), the call was correct. At the time of all four ejections, the Angels were leading, 3-1. The Angels ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Mike Everitt (57)'s third, fourth, fifth, sixth ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Mike Everitt now has 14 points in UEFL Standings (10 Prev + 4*[2 MLB] + 2*[2 QOCY] - 2*[4 QOCN] = 14).
Crew Chief Mike Everitt now has 14 points in Crew Division (12 Prev + 2 Correct Calls + 0 QOCN = 14).

This is the 142nd, 143rd, 144th, 145th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 68th, 69th player ejection of 2016. Prior, to ejection the Martinezes were 1-1 & 1-3 in the contest.
This is 56th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Detroit's 7-10th ejection of 2016, 1st in the AL Central (DET 10; CWS 7; MIN 6; CLE, KC 5).
This is Victor Martinez's first ejection since July 11, 2015 (Marty Foster; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Wally Joyner's first ejection since May 21, 2008 (Jim Reynolds; QOC = U [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Brad Ausmus' 3rd ejection of 2016, 1st since May 16 (Doug Eddings; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is JD Martinez's first career MLB ejection.
This is Mike Everitt's first ejection since June 30, 2016 (Mike Matheny; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels vs. Detroit Tigers, 8/27/16 | Video available via "Read more"

MLB Ejection 093 - Mike Everitt (2; Mike Matheny)

HP Umpire Mike Everitt ejected Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny for arguing a Replay Review decision that overturned 1B Umpire Jordan Baker's out call in the top of the 6th inning of the Royals-Cardinals game. With one out and two on, Royals batter Salvador Perez hit a 0-0 sinker from Cardinals pitcher Mike Leake on the ground to shortstop Greg Garcia, who threw to second baseman Matt Carpenter to first baseman Matt Adams as Perez arrived at first base, Royals baserunner R1 Eric Hosmer out at second. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Royals Manager Ned Yost, the out call at first base was overturned and Perez was awarded first base as replays indicate Perez touched first base prior to Adams catching the throw, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 3-1. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

This is Mike Everitt (57)'s second ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Mike Everitt now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct = 6).
Crew Chief Mike Everitt now has 4 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 4).
*Replay Review Regulation II.D.5 states, in part, "The judgment of the Crew Chief regarding the timeliness of a Manager's Challenge shall be final and binding on both Clubs, and shall not be reviewable by Replay Review or otherwise."
Related Post: MLB Denies Rays Instant Replay Review Timing Protest, 8/26/14
Related Ejection: MLB Ejection 096: Jerry Layne (1; Walt Weiss), 6/17/15

This is the 93rd ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 36th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is St. Louis' 1st ejection of 2016, 4th in the NL Central (PIT 9; CIN 5; CHC 2; STL 1; MIL 0).
This is Mike Matheny's first ejection since September 18, 2015 (Dan Bellino; QOC = U [Throwing At]).
This is Mike Everitt's first ejection since June 23, 2016 (Brian Snitker; QOC = Y-C [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 6/30/16 | Video available via "Read more"

Mike Everitt Witness to Atlanta Police Pursuit & Shootout

Mike Everitt was involved in the end of a police pursuit and shootout in Atlanta on his way to the ballpark Saturday afternoon, according to the New York Mets' broadcast during Sunday's game.

According to the broadcast, Everitt, while driving to Turner Field, was struck by a purportedly stolen car that hit at least four additional vehicles before coming to a stop in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Atlanta. Broadcasters Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez reported that after the crash, Everitt laid on the floor of his car as the police as gunfire erupted outside.

Cohen: Mike was driving to the ballpark yesterday, about 5:15, and his car got rammed by another car, and the car that rammed him turned out to have a guy that the police were chasing...This guy who rammed his car apparently got into a shootout with police while Mike was ducking on the floorboards of his car to try and keep himself safe. I can only image how traumatic the experience was, eventually they got the guy. Mike never made it to the ballpark last night, he was tied up with the police investigation most of the evening.

Hernandez: And they said it was multiple shots, kind of like a Bonnie & Clyde shootout. Talk about being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Cohen: Fortunately Mike is okay, obviously a very trying experience, but back in his post today. Glad to have him.

An additional report from local news outlet WXIA indicates that a total of four suspects were involved in police pursuits of two vehicles, with one leading to an officer-involved shooting when the suspects engaged officers in gunfire late Saturday afternoon.  A preliminary Georgia Bureau of Investigation report states that four officers fired on the stolen vehicle, which initially fled down the exit ramp of I-75 onto University Avenue, before wrecking at the intersection of University and Metropolitan Parkway.

Police transported two suspects to Grady Memorial Hospital and arrested two additional juveniles in connection with the other vehicle pursuit.

Everitt missed Saturday's game, but returned to umpire the plate for Sunday's matinee.

MLB Ejection 079 - Mike Everitt (1; Brian Snitker)

3B Umpire Mike Everitt ejected Braves Interim Manager Brian Snitker for arguing an out/home plate collision no-call by HP Umpire Jordan Baker and affirmed by Replay Review in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Mets-Braves game. With one out and two on (R2, R3), Braves batter Ender Inciarte hit a 0-1 slider from Mets pitcher Sean Gilmartin in the air to left fielder Michael Conforto, who caught the fly ball and threw to catcher Travis d'Arnaud as Braves baserunner R3 Emilio Bonifacio slid into home plate. Initially ruled out, Baker's ruling was confirmed upon a Manager's Challenge by Snitker, and his home plate violation no-call stood upon Crew Chief review. Replays indicate d'Arnaud tagged Bonifacio prior to Bonifacio's foot contacting home plate, and that d'Arnaud did not illegally block home plate prior to receiving the throw, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Mets were leading, 3-2. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Mike Everitt (57)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Mike Everitt now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Previous + 2 MLB + 1 Correct-Crewmate = 4).
Crew Chief Mike Everitt now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 3).

This is the 79th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 30th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Atlanta's 3rd ejection of 2016, T-2nd in the NL East (NYM 4; ATL, MIA, WAS 3; PHI 0).
This is Brian Snitker's first career MLB ejection.
This is Mike Everitt's first ejection since May 13, 2015 (Terry Francona; QOC = U [Warnings]).

Wrap: New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves, 6/23/16 | Video available via "Read more"

MLB Ejection 045: Mike Everitt (1; Terry Francona)

HP Umpire Mike Everitt ejected Indians Manager Terry Francona for arguing warnings in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Cardinals-Indians game. With two out and none on, Indians batter Jason Kipnis took a 0-0 fastball for a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was inside and struck Kipnis in the lower back, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Indians were leading, 2-0. The Indians ultimately won the contest, 2-0.

This is Mike Everitt (57)'s first ejection of 2015.
Mike Everitt now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (-2 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable = 0).
Crew Chief Tim Welke now has 7 points in Crew Division (6 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 7).

This is the 45th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 20th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Indians' 1st ejection of 2015, T-3rd in the AL Central (KC 9; CWS 3; CLE, DET 1; MIN 0).
This is Terry Francona's first ejection since June 8, 2013 (Andy Fletcher; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Mike Everitt's first ejection since July 7, 2014 (Fredi Gonzalez; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

Wrap: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Cleveland Indians, 5/13/15
Video: A first-pitch beanball with two out in the 4th prompts warnings and Tito's ejection (CLE)

MLB Instant Replays 1049-1055: August 29, 2014

August 29, 2014 featured the following MLB Instant Replay Review decisions:

Type

R#

Pos

Umpire

RU#

Team

RT#

Name

Inn

Pre

Result

R	1049	HP	Culbreth, Fieldin	13	PIT	41	Clint Hurdle	8	HBP	Stands
r	1050	3B	Wegner, Mark	17	MIN	32	Ron Gardenhire	5	HR	Stands
R	1051	HP	Everitt, Mike	12	TOR	48	John Gibbons	9	Safe	Overturned
r	1052	HP	Everitt, Mike	13	NYY	28	Joe Girardi	9	Out	Confirmed
R	1053	1B	Little, Will	19	LAA	36	Mike Scioscia	7	Safe	Stands
R	1054	1B	Tichenor, Todd	14	SD	30	Bud Black	6	Safe	Overturned
R	1055	1B	Blaser, Cory	12	WAS	33	Matt Williams	2	Out	Overturned

MLB Instant Replay Review Videos (MLB Advanced Media):
Video 1049: CIN@PIT: Phillips' hit-by-pitch stands in the 8th
Video 1050: MIN@BAL: Young's two-run homer stands in the 5th
Video 1051: NYY@TOR: Ellsbury out [overturned]
Video 1052: NYY@TOR: Ellsbury out, no violation confirmed in 9th
Video 1053: OAK@LAA: Sogard safe as call stands in the 7th
Video 1054: LAD@SD: Ramirez out after challenge in the 6th
Video 1055: WSH@SEA: Harper out after challenge in the 2nd