Infielder's Throw Hits Umpire on Play at 1st Base

Gwinett Stripers batter Yolmer Sanchez picked up an unusual infield single when Nashville Sounds third baseman Cam Devanney's throw to first base hit 1B Umpire Reed Basner...who was running in front of first base as the throw came in. Let's talk about the umpire interference rule as well as mechanics in a crew of three—why was he there?

Umpire interference is defined in both Official Baseball Rule 5.06(c)(2) and OBR 6.01(f) Comment. It occurs under just two specific circumstances:

"Umpire’s interference occurs (1) when a plate umpire hinders, impedes or prevents a catcher’s throw attempting to prevent a stolen base or retire a runner on a pick-off play; or (2) when a fair ball touches an umpire on fair territory before passing a fielder. Umpire interference may also occur when an umpire interferes with a catcher returning the ball to the pitcher."

Because the case of a non-catcher fielder throwing to retire a runner after a batted ball does not apply, there is no "Time" call to make or out/base to award: the ball is live and the runner, in this case, is safe.

As for the question of why the umpire was inside to begin with, the answer may well have to do with three-person mechanics wherein the 1B Umpire comes into the infield on a base hit to the outfield. Thus, with this batted ball grounded to the back corner of the infield along the left field line, the umpire may have erroneously thought the ball had made its way to the outfield and, thus, it was time to pivot in front of first base.

Unfortunately, the ball was fielded by the third baseman whose long throw to retire the runner ended up hitting the umpire instead.

Video as follows:

Legality of Nestor Cortes' Delay from Windup Position

After HP Umpire Reed Basner called Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes for a quick pitch (automatic ball) during Nationals batter Jeimer Candelario's 3rd inning at-bat in Washington, Cortes reacted by drawing out his windup on the very next pitch. Is this legal or a rules violation?

Official Baseball Rules 5.07(a) and 6.02(a)(5) govern the quick pitch part of the play. OBR 5.07(a) Comment states, "[Pitchers] may not step quickly onto the rubber and pitch. This may be judged a quick pitch by the umpire" and 6.02(a)(5) comment defines a quick pitch as an illegal pitch "delivered before the batter is reasonably set in the batter's box" (penalty with runners: balk; penalty without runners: ball).

The quick pitch was the correct call because pitcher Cortes began his windup motion prior to batter Candelario becoming reasonably set in the batter's box (e.g., he was not alert to the pitcher).

Immediately thereafter, Cortes responded by throwing a *slow pitch* on the ensuing offering, effectively drawing out his windup. Although OBR 5.07(a)(1) pertaining to Windup Position states, "any natural movement associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without interruption or alteration. He shall not raise either foot from the ground, except that in his actual delivery of the ball to the batter, he may take one step backward, and one step forward with his free foot," pitcher Cortes didn't actually stop mid-delivery (no interruption). As for the alteration angle, even if it were to be adjudged a violation of 5.07(a)(1), there is no penalty other than "don't do that"—no automatic ball like a quick pitch.

Video as follows:

Spring Ejection 1 - Reed Basner (1; Dominic Smith)

HP Umpire Reed Basner ejected Nationals batter Dominic Smith (strike one and two calls; QOCU) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Marlins-#Nationals game. With one out and none on, Smith took called first and second strikes from Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara for called first and second strikes before striking out swinging on a later 1-2 pitch. PitchCast (StatCast) was not utilized for this game, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Marlins were leading, 7-0. The Marlins ultimately won the contest, 7-0.

This is Reed Basner (-)'s 1st ejection of Spring Training 2023.

This is the first ejection of MLB Spring Training 2023.

This is the first player ejection of Spring 2023. Prior to ejection, Smith was 1-3 (SO) in the contest.

This is Washington's 1st ejection of Spring, 1st in the Grapefruit League (WAS 1; All Others 0).

This is Dominic Smith's first career MLB ejection.

This is Reed Basner's first career MLB ejection.

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs Washington Nationals (Spring Training), 3/18/23 | Video as follows: