MLB Ejection 085 - Ron Kulpa (3; Edgar Quero)

HP Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected White Sox DH Edgar Quero (strike three call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Diamondbacks-#WhiteSox game. With one out and one on, White Sox batter Quero took a 3-2 changeup from Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and above the midpoint (px 0.56, pz 3.34 [sz_top 3.15 / RAD 3.27 / MOE 3.35]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Diamondbacks were leading, 8-0. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 10-0.

  

This is Ron Kulpa (46)'s 3rd ejection of 2025.

*This pitch was located 0.12 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 85th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 27th player ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 44 Managers, 14 Coaches, 27 Players.

This is Chicago's 3rd ejection of 2025, 2nd in the AL Central (MIN 5; CWS 3; DET, KC 2; CLE 0).

This is Edgar Cuero's first career MLB ejection.

This is Ron Kulpa's 3rd ejection of 2025, 1st since May 23 (Oliver Marmol; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Arizona Diamondbacks vs Chiago White Sox, 6/23/25 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 043 - Ron Kulpa (2; Oliver Marmol)

HP Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (strike three call to Iván Herrera; QOCN) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the #Diamondbacks-#Cardinals game. With none out and one on, Cardinals batter Herrera took a 3-2 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 below the hollow of the knee (px 0.64, pz 1.35 [sz_bot 1.63 / RAD 1.51 / MOE 1.43]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Diamondbacks were leading, 1-0. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

 

This is Ron Kulpa (46)'s 2nd ejection of 2025.

*This pitch was located 0.96 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 43rd ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 23rd manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 23 Managers, 10 Coaches, 10 Players.

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

This is Oliver Marmol's 3rd ejection of 2025, 1st since April 30 (Bruce Dreckman; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Ron Kulpa's 2nd ejection of 2025, 1st since April 16 (Jorge López; QOC = U [Throwing At]).

Wrap: Arizona Diamondbacks vs St Louis Cardinals, 5/23/25 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 008 - Ron Kulpa (1; Jorge López)

HP Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Nationals pitcher Jorge López (throwing at Pirates batter Andrew McCutchen) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Nationals-#Pirates game. With two out and none on, Pirates batter Bryan Reynolds took a first-pitch sinker from Nationals pitcher López for a hit-by-pitch. Ensuing Pirates batter McCutchen then took a 0-1 slider from Nationals pitcher López for a ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located head-high and inside, the call was irrecusable. Warnings had not previously been issued. At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 2-0. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 6-1.

This is Ron Kulpa (46)'s 1st ejection of 2025.

Official Baseball Rule 6.02(c)(9) Comment (Intentionally Pitch at Batter): "To pitch at a batter’s head is unsportsmanlike and highly dangerous. It should be—and is—condemned by everybody. Umpires should act without hesitation in enforcement of this rule."

This is the 8th ejection report of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 4th player ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 3 Managers, 1 Coach, 4 Players.

This is Washington's 1st ejection of 2025, 1st in the NL East (WAS 1; ATL, MIA, NYM, PHI 0).

This is Jorge López's 1st ejection since May 29, 2024 (Ramon De Jesus; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

This is Ron Kulpa's 1st ejection since July 21, 2023 (Alec Burleson; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs Pittsburgh Pirates, 4/16/25 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 154 - Ron Kulpa (3; Alec Burleson)

HP Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Cardinals PH Alec Burleson (strikes one and two calls; QOCN) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Cardinals-#Cubs game. With one out and the bases loaded, Burleson took a 3-0 sinker from Cubs pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. for a called first strike followed by a 3-1 cutter from Leiter for a called second strike before grounding into an inning-ending double play. Replays indicate the pitch ruled strike one was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px -0.88, pz 2.87) while the pitch ruled strike two was located off the outer edge of home plate and above the knee (-1.09, pz 2.10), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Cubs were leading, 4-3. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Ron Kulpa (46)'s 3rd ejection of 2023.

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

Strike one was located 0.41 and strike two was located 2.11 horizontal inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 154th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 64th player ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 71 Managers, 64 Players, 19 Coaches.

This is St Louis' 7th ejection of 2023, T-1st in the NL Central (MIL, STL 7; CHC, CIN 6; PIT 5).

This is Alec Burleson's first career MLB ejection.

This is Ron Kulpa's 3rd ejection of 2023, 1st since June 28 (Buck Showalter; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

Wrap: St Louis Cardinals vs Chicago Cubs, 7/21/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 125 - Ron Kulpa (2; Buck Showalter)

1B Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Mets manager Buck Showalter (check swing HBP call) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Brewers-#Mets game. With two out and two on, Brewers batter Joey Wiemer attempted to check his swing on a 0-1 sinker from Mets pitcher Adam Ottavino, ruled a hit-by-pitch by HP Umpire Carlos Torres and affirmed as no swing by 1B Umpire Kulpa. At the time of the ejection, the Brewers were leading, 5-2. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is Ron Kulpa (46)'s 2nd ejection of 2023.

This is the 125th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 61st manager ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 61 Managers, 51 Players, 13 Coaches.

This is New York's 6th ejection of 2023, 3rd in the NL East (MIA, PHI 7; NYM 6; WAS 3; ATL 1).

This is Buck Showalter's 3rd ejection of 2023, 1st since June 25 (Erich Bacchus; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

This is Ron Kulpa's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since April 4 (Manny Machado; QOC = Y [Pitch Clock]).

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs New York Mets, 6/28/23 | Video as follows:

Ejection 001 - Ron Kulpa (1; Manny Machado)

HP Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Padres designated hitter Manny Machado (pitch clock violation automatic strike three call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 1st inning of the #Diamondbacks-#Padres game. With two out and none on, Machado was called for a pitch clock violation when he failed to occupy the batter's box and be alert to the pitcher, or request "Time" (batters are allowed one request per at-bat) prior to the eight-second mark of the pitch timer on a 3-2 count against Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen, resulting in an automatic third strike and inning-ending strikeout.* Replays indicate Machado was not ready to bat and failed to request "Time" prior to the eight-second mark, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 8-6.

This is Ron Kulpa (46)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

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

This is the 1st ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 1st player ejection of 2023. Prior to ejection, Machado was 0-1 (SO) in the contest.

This is San Diego's 1st ejection of 2023, 1st in the NL West (SD 1; ARI, COL, LAD, SF 0).

This is Manny Machado's 1st ejection since May 31, 2022 (Chris Segal; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Ron Kulpa's 1st ejection since Sept 12, 2022 (Phil Nevin; QOC = U [Denied Warmup Pitches]).

Wrap: Arizona Diamondbacks vs San Diego Padres, 4/4/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 162-3 - Ron Kulpa (Francona, Nevin)

HP Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Guardians manager Terry Francona (denied challenge request; QOCN) and Angels manager Phil Nevin (denied pitcher warmup pitches; QOCU) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Angels-#Guardians game. With two out and two on, Guardians batter Andres Gimenez attempted to check his swing on a 0-1 slider from Angels pitcher Ryan Tepera, ruled a ball by Kulpa and affirmed as no swing on appeal by 3B Umpire Clint Vondrak. Guardians manager Francona attempted to challenge the play on the basis that the pitch hit batter Gimenez's foot (HBP challenge), but his request was denied. Replays indicate Francona requested the review within the 20-second time limit to decide whether or not to challenge after the call is made, the call was incorrect. Following Francona's ejection and argument with Kulpa, Angels pitcher Tepera attempted to throw warm-up pitches on the mound, but was denied by Kulpa. Nevin was then ejected for arguing Kulpa's order not to throw warm-up pitches. During Nevin's argument with Kulpa, Tepera threw the warm-up pitches anyway. At the time of the ejections, the Guardians were leading, 5-4. The Guardians ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

These are Ron Kulpa (46)'s 4th and 5th ejections of 2022.

These are the 162nd and 163rd ejection reports of the 2022 MLB regular season.

These are the 88th and 89th manager ejections of 2022.

This is Cleveland's 4th ejection of 2022, T-2nd in the AL Central (CWS 6; CLE, DET, MIN 4; KC 3).

This is Los Angeles' 10th ejection of 2022, 2nd in the AL West (SEA 11; LA 10; HOU 7; OAK 6; TEX 2).

This is Terry Francona's 3rd ejection of 2022, 1st since Aug 16 (Lance Barksdale; QOC = Y [Reversed Call]).
This is Phil Nevin's 4th ejection of 2022, 1st since July 23 (Alan Porter; QOC = N-c [Check Swing]).

This is Ron Kulpa's 4/5th ejection of 2022, 1st since Sept 2 (Miguel Cairo; QOC = U [Warnings/Fight]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels of I-Hate-Tonight vs Cleveland Guardians, 9/12/22 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 151 - Ron Kulpa (3; Miguel Cairo)

3B Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected White Sox interim manager Miguel Cairo (warnings/fight) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the #Twins-#WhiteSox game. With one out and two on (R1, R2), White Sox batter Andrew Vaughn took a first-pitch sinker from Twins pitcher Jorge Lopez for a hit-by-pitch, resulting in a benches-clearing incident after which warnings were issued to both teams. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and struck Vaughn on the shoulder, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 3-3. The White Sox ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Ron Kulpa (46)'s 3rd ejection of 2022.

Official Baseball Rule 6.02(c)(9): "If, in the umpire’s judgment, circumstances warrant, both teams may be officially 'warned' prior to the game or at any time during the game."

OBR 6.02(c)(9) Comment: "Team personnel may not come onto the playing surface to argue or dispute a warning issued under Rule 6.02(c)(9). If a manager, coach or player leaves the dugout or their position to dispute a warning, they should be warned to stop. If they continue, they are subject to ejection."

This the 151st ejection report of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 81st manager ejection of 2022.

This is Chicago's 6th ejection of 2022, 1st in the AL Central (CWS 6; DET, MIN 4; CLE, KC 3).

This is Miguel Cairo's 2nd ejection of 2022, 1st since April 29 (David Rackley; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Ron Kulpa's 3rd ejection of 2022, 1st since August 7 (Brandon Hyde; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Minnesota Twins vs Chicago White Sox, 9/2/22 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 122 - Ron Kulpa (2; Brandon Hyde)

3B Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Orioles manager Brandon Hyde (Replay Review decision that overturned HP Umpire Carlos Torres' out call to safe due to a home plate collision violation; QOCN) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Pirates-#Orioles game. With two out and one on (R2), Pirates batter Kevin Newman hit a 1-2 slider from Orioles pitcher Keegan Akin on the ground to shortstop Jorge Mateo, who after recovering the ball in fair territory behind third base, threw to catcher Robinson Chirinos as Pirates baserunner R2 Greg Allen arrived at home plate, ruled out by HP Umpire Torres and overturned to safe due to illegal plate blocking by Chirinos after a challenge by Pirates manager Derek Shelton. Replays indicate that catcher Chirinos failed to provide Allen with a pathway to home plate pursuant to the terms of Rule 6.01(i)(2) prior to moving to receive the thrown ball, the plate blocking violation (safe) call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 5-1. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 8-1.

This is Ron Kulpa (46)'s 2nd ejection of 2022.

Ron Kulpa now has 9 points in the UEFL Standings (5 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 9).

Crew Chief Ron Kulpa now has 5 points in Crew Division (4 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 5).

Official Baseball Rule 6.01(i)(2): "Unless the catcher is in possession of the ball, the catcher cannot block the pathway of the runner as they are attempting to score. If, in the judgment of the umpire, the catcher without possession of the ball blocks the pathway of the runner, the umpire shall call or signal the runner safe."

This is the 122nd ejection report of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 66th manager ejection of 2022.

This is Baltimore's 4th ejection of 2022, T-3rd in the AL East (NYY, TOR 8; BAL, BOS 4; TB 3).

This is Brandon Hyde's 3rd ejection of 2022, 1st since July 1 (Ramon De Jesus; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Ron Kulpa's 2nd ejection of 2022, 1st since July 17 (Jesus Aguilar; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Baltimore Orioles, 8/7/22 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 107 - Ron Kulpa (1; Jesus Aguilar)

HP Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Marlins DH Jesus Aguilar (strike three call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 2nd inning of the #Phillies-#Marlins game. With none out and none on, Marlins batter Aguilar took a 0-2 fastball from Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px 0.85, pz 2.44) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Phillies ultimately won the contest, 4-0.

This is Ron Kulpa (46)'s 1st ejection of 2022.

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

Crew Chief Ron Kulpa 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 0.77 horizontal inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

This is the 107th ejection report of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 36th player ejection of 2022. Prior to ejection, Aguilar was 0-1 (SO) in the contest.

This is Miami's 8th ejection of 2022, 1st in the NL East (MIA 8; WAS 4; PHI 2; ATL, NYM 1).

This is Jesus Aguilar's 1st ejection since August 21, 2019 (John Libka; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Ron Kulpa's 1st ejection since July 25, 2021 (Mike Shildt; QOC = N [Replay Review Denial]).

Wrap: Baltimore Orioles vs. Miami Marlins, 7/17/22 | Video as follows:

Injury Scout - Ron Kulpa Leaves Mother's Day Matinee

HP Umpire Ron Kulpa left Sunday's #WhiteSox-#RedSox game in Boston in the top of the 4th inning.

With one out and none on, White Sox batter Jake Burger fouled a 95.8-mph fastball from Red Sox pitcher Hirokazu Sawamura into Kulpa's traditional-style facemask. 1B Umpire Marty Foster replaced Kulpa behind home plate and assumed acting Crew Chief duties with 2B Umpire Chris Conroy moving to first base and 3B Umpire Carlos Torres remaining at third.

Relevant Injury History: Kulpa has left games due to injury before:

> On May 22, 2021, Kulpa left a game after a 93-mph sinker deflected into his mask off the catcher.

> On April 15, 2019, Kulpa left a game after a 94-mph direct shot missed the catcher entirely.

Last Game: May 8 | Return to Play: June 17 | Time Absent: 40 Days / 40 Nights | Video as follows:

Culbreth & Danley Round Out Retirements (Joining Davis, Gorman & West), with Diaz, Gibson, Hudson, Kulpa, and Welke Promoted to Crew Chief

Major League Baseball announced its final umpire staff changes for 2022, with Fieldin Culbreth and Kerwin Danley retiring alongside Gerry Davis, Brian Gorman, and Joe West. Crew Chief promotions and new full-time umpires hires were also announced.

MLB's official announcement confirms the hiring of Ryan Additon, Sean Barber, John Libka, Ben May, and Roberto Ortiz to the full-time staff. The new-hires have worked the following numbers of MLB games prior to 2022:

> Additon: 381 major league games.

> Barber: 693.

> Libka: 371.

> May: 658.

> Ortiz: 412.

Retiring umpires are Culbreth, Danley, Davis, Gorman, and West. They retire with the following experience:

> Culbreth: 29 years, 3140 regular season. 1 Wild Card, 8 Division, 7 Lg Champ, 3 World Series.

> Danley: 30 years, 2656 regular season. 1 Wild Card, 7 Division, 2 Lg Champ, 2 World Series.

> Davis: 40 years, 4849 regular season (5k overall). 3 WC, 13 DS, 11 LCS, 6 World Series.

> Gorman: 31 years, 3430 regular season. 1 WC, 10 DS, 7 LCS, 3 World Series.

> West: 44 years, 5460 regular season. 4 WC, 8 DS, 10 LCS, 6 World Series.

West retires as the umpire with the most games officiated in MLB history; Gerry Davis has the fourth-most all-time. Davis retires with the second-most League Championship Series officiated with 11 (Jerry Crawford 12), and Joe West with the third-most (10). Davis has the most Division Series officiated with 13 and Brian Gorman has the 6th-most. Gerry Davis has the most postseason games in MLB history (151) and Joe West is second (132, presently tied with Ted Barrett).

Promoted to crew chief to fill the five retirements are Laz Diaz, Greg Gibson, Marvin Hudson, Ron Kulpa, and Bill Welke. Of that list, Diaz, Hudson, Kulpa, and Welke served as interim crew chiefs for MLB's COVID-shortened 2020 season (Greg Gibson opted out).

Related Post: MLB Names 7 Interim Crew Chiefs for 2020 (7/23/20).

Kulpa-Lentz's Obstruction Shades of Joyce-DeMuth

Sunday's Red Sox-Indians game featured an 8th-inning obstruction call as HP Umpire Nic Lentz awarded Cleveland baserunner Oscar Mercado home plate after 3B Umpire Ron Kulpa's obstruction call moments earlier, harkening back to the 2013 World Series when Jim Joyce and Dana DeMuth combined to make a similar call to end Game 3 on a walk-off obstruction error.

Play & Call: In Cleveland, with two out and one on (R1), Indians batter Yu Chang hit a 1-0 fastball from Red Sox pitcher Austin Davis on the ground to left fielder Kyle Schwarber. As R1 Mercado rounded second base, he collided with Boston second baseman Yairo Muñoz, drawing an obstruction call from 3B Umpire Kulpa, signaled by pointing at the infraction and keeping play alive, since the obstruction occurred on a runner whom a play was not being made at the moment of obstruction.

Play Call Part 2:When Mercado arrived at home plate and it looked as if Boston catcher Kevin Plawecki would easily tag him out, HP Umpire Lentz called "Time" and acknowledged the obstruction, awarding Mercado home plate to nullify the act, having ruled that absent obstruction, Mercado would have scored.

Official Baseball Rule 6.02(h)(2) aka Obstruction B or Type 2 states that, "If no play is being made on the obstructed runner, the play shall proceed until no further action is possible. The umpire shall then call “Time” and impose such penalties, if any, as in their judgment will nullify the act of obstruction."

Related Post: Reviewing Jim Joyce's Game-Ending Obstruction Call (10/26/13).

In turn, the umpires properly officiated this obstruction sequence—a true World Series call.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 112-113 - Ron Kulpa, Chad Fairchild (STL x2)

1B Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Cardinals manager Mike Shildt (untimely Replay Review challenge of call at 1B (out/safe); QOCN) in the top of the 3rd and HP Umpire Chad Fairchild ejected pitcher Genesis Cabrera (ball four call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Cardinals-#Reds game. In the 3rd, with none out, Cardinals batter Dylan Carlson hit a 1-0 changeup from Reds pitcher Sonny Gray on the ground to third baseman Mike Freeman, who threw to first baseman Joey Votto as Carlson arrived, ruled out by 1B Umpire Kulpa. Shildt's request to challenge the play was denied for untimeliness; replays indicate Carlson's foot touched first base before Votto caught the ball, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Reds were leading, 3-2.

In the 8th, with none out and none on, Reds batter Jesse Winker took a 3-2 fastball from Cardinals pitcher Genesis Cabrera for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and above the hollow of the knee (px -0.57, pz 1.64 [sz_bot 1.60 / RAD 1.48 / MOE 1.56]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 9-6. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 10-6.

This is Ron Kulpa (46)'s 1st ejection of 2021.

This is Chad Fairchild (4)'s 3rd ejection of 2021.

Ron Kulpa now has 1 point in the UEFL Standings (3 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 1).

Chad Fairchild now has 1 point in the UEFL Standings (3 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 1).

Crew Chief Ron Kulpa now has 8 points in Crew Division (8 Previous + 2*[0 QOCN] = 8).

*This pitch was located 0.96 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

These are the 112th and 113th ejection reports of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 55th manager ejection of 2021.

This is the 42nd player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Cabrera's line was 0.2 IP, BB, SO.

This is St Louis' 4/5th ejection of 2021, T-3rd in the NL Central (MIL 9; CIN 7; CHC, STL 5; PIT 3).

This is Mike Shildt's 4th ejection of 2021, 1st since July 21 (Jeff Nelson; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Genesis Cabrera's first career MLB ejection.

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

This is Chad Fairchild's 3rd ejection of 2021, 1st since May 15 (Matt Beaty; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: St Louis Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds, 7/25/21 | Video as follows:

Injury Scout - Ron Kulpa Leaves After Shot to Mask

HP Umpire Ron Kulpa left Saturday's #Brewers-#Reds game in Cincinnati after a deflected fastball off the mask, officially ruled a passed ball allowing a baserunner to advance.

In the top of the 6th inning, Brewers batter Willy Adames took a 1-0 93.4-mph sinker from Reds pitcher Sonny Gray for a called ball, which was deflected by catcher Tyler Stephenson into Kulpa's traditional-style facemask.

Kulpa was replaced at home plate by 2B Umpire Nic Lentz while 1B Umpire and Acting Crew Chief Bruce Dreckman and 3B Umpire Shane Livensparger remained on the lines.

Relevant Injury History: Like Danley, Layne has a significant history of head trauma.

> On April 15, 2019, Kulpa left a game after a 94-mph direct shot that eluded catcher Yasmani Grandal.

Last Game: May 22 | Return to Play: June 21 | Time Absent: 32 Days | Video as follows:

Conforto Chaos - Umpire's HBP on Strike Three

When Mets batter Michael Conforto took one for the team with a walk-off hit-by-pitch in New York to defeat the Miami Marlins, HP Umpire Ron Kulpa's HBP call took on a peculiar meaning after replays indicated the pitch was located within the strike zone and that Kulpa had begun his strike three (looking) mechanic before abruptly reversing course and signaling that Conforto had been hit by the pitch and thus would be awarded first base.

Play: With one out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 9th inning of a Marlins-Mets game tied at two, Conforto stepped in for a 1-2 pitch from Miami's Anthony Bass. The pitch, located near the upper inside corner, made contact with Conforto's right elbow.

Call: HP Umpire Kulpa, having initially started to signal strike three, appeared to change his call and communicated that Conforto had been hit by the pitch, awarding Conforto first base as a result, resulting in a Mets win and argument from Marlins Manager Don Mattingly and, potentially a protested game.

Rule: Official Baseball Rule 5.05(b)(2) states that the batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out 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, or (B) The batter makes no attempt to avoid being touched by the ball." Furthermore, "If the ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, it shall be called a strike, whether or not the batter tries to avoid the ball. If the ball is outside the strike zone when it touches the batter, it shall be called a ball if he makes no attempt to avoid being touched."

Analysis: The first point to note is the pitch was, indeed, located within the strike zone and the baseball appeared to touch the batter while it was located in the strike zone. Accordingly, 5.05(b)(2)(A) applies and renders the judgment relative to whether Conforto attempted to avoid the pitch (or leaned into it) superfluous: as soon as we determine the baseball was in the strike zone when it touched the batter, it doesn't really matter how the batter wound up located in the strike zone: the proper call is a dead ball strike (strike three in this case).

If, however, the umpire ruled the pitch was located outside of the strike zone when it touched the batter, then we must consider how Conforto contorted himself: if Conforto leaned into the pitch (or simply failed to "attempt to avoid being touched"), it would be a dead ball ball and the at-bat would continue with a 2-2 count.

Had Kulpa kept his initial "strike three" call, the outcome of a strikeout would have been correct. By changing to a hit-by-pitch with first base award, the umpire talked himself out of the proper ruling.

Protest: Because judgment calls cannot be protested, the Marlins have but one path to win this protest: If Kulpa maintains that the pitch was located within the strike zone and he awarded Conforto first base even though the baseball was located in the strike zone when it touched Conforto, that would signify an incorrect application of OBR 5.05(b)(2) and, thus, basis for affirming Miami's protest. If, however, Kulpa states that he simply reversed his "strike" call to that of a "ball" by virtue of the pitch being located outside of the strike, then the protest would be denied because pitch location and "did the batter lean into the pitch" decisions are both non-reviewable judgment calls.

After the game, Kulpa spoke with pool reporter Anthony Rieber: "The guy was hit by the pitch in the strike zone. I should have called him out."

Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 60-61 - Ron Kulpa (2-3; STL-MIL Fight)

2B Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Cardinals Manager Mike Shildt and Brewers Manager Craig Counsell (fighting following catcher's interference) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #Cardinals-#Brewers game. With one out and the bases loaded, Brewers batter Ryan Braun swung at a 2-2 slider from Cardinals pitcher Rob Kaminsky, resulting in a catcher's interference call by HP Umpire John Bacon as Braun's bat made contact with catcher Yadier Molina's wrist/mitt, further resulting in a benches-clearing incident. Replays indicate that prior to the catcher's interference, Braun and Molina entered into a dispute regarding purported pitch framing by Molina, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejections, the Brewers were leading, 13-2. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 18-3. 

These are Ron Kulpa (46)'s second and third ejections of 2020.

Ron Kulpa now has 10 points in the UEFL Standings (6 Prev + 2*[2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call] = 10).
Crew Chief Ron Kulpa now has 7 points in Crew Division (5 Previous + 2*[1 QOCU] = 7).

These are the 60th and 61st ejection reports of the 2020 MLB regular season.

These are the 26th and 27th Manager ejections of 2020.

This is St Louis' 1st ejection of 2020, 5th in the NL Central (CIN 7; MIL, PIT 4; CHC 3; STL 1).

This is Milwaukee's 4th ejection of 2020, T-2nd in the NL Central (CIN 7; MIL, PIT 4: CHC 3; STL 1).

This is Mike Shildt's 1st ejection since July 4, 2019 (Rob Drake; QOC = Y [Time Not Granted /USC]).

This is Craig Counsell's 3rd ejection of 2020, 1st since Sept 13 (Ron Kulpa; QOC = Y [Time/USC]).

This is Ron Kulpa's 2/3rd ejection of 2020, 1st since Sept 13 (Craig Counsell; QOC = Y [Time/USC]).

Wrap: St Louis Cardinals vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 9/15/20 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 56 - Ron Kulpa (1; Craig Counsell)

1B Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Brewers Manager Craig Counsell (time out no call during no-hitter appeal play on baserunner Javier Baez; QOCY) in the top of the 5th inning of the #Cubs-#Brewers game. With one out and two on (R2, R3), Cubs batter Jason Kipnis hit a 2-2 fastball from Brewers pitcher JP Feyereisen on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Christian Yelich, who threw to third baseman Eric Sogard as Cubs baserunner R3 Kyle Schwarber scored and R2 Baez arrived at third base. As Sogard subsequently threw the ball to second base to appeal whether Baez left early (before outfielder Yelich touched the fly ball), Baez ran toward home plate and scored safely. Replays indicate the ball remained live during the Brewers' appeal play (as required by rule 5.09(c)) such that Baez's actions in running toward home plate were legal, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Cubs were leading, 7-0. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 10-0.

This is Ron Kulpa (46)'s first ejection of 2020.
Ron Kulpa now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 6).
Crew Chief Ron Kulpa now has 5 points in Crew Division (4 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 5).

*Official Baseball Rule 5.09(c)(1) states that a runner shall be called out on appeal when—"After a fly ball is caught, he fails to retouch his original base before he or his original base is tagged" and that the question of whether the runner has violated this rule may be appealed by the defense. Pursuant to Rule 5.09(c) Comment, "Time is not out when an appeal is being made" (e.g., the ball remains live).

^Dead ball appeals are legal in high school/NFHS, but not in pro (MLB/MiLB) and college/NCAA.

Related Post: Rare Real-Time Appeal Retires Runner over Retouch Rule (6/15/17).

Related Post: Appeal Play Statute of Limitations - When to Deny (9/19/19).

This is the 56th ejection report of the 2020 MLB regular season.

This is the 23rd Manager ejection of 2020.

This is the Brewers' 3rd ejection of 2020, T-3rd in the NL Central (CIN 7; PIT 4; CHC, MIL 3; STL 0).

This is Craig Counsell's 2nd ejection of 2020, 1st since Aug 27 (John Bacon; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Ron Kulpa's 1st ejection since April 3, 2019 (AJ Hinch; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 9/13/20 | Video as follows:

MLB Names 7 Interim Crew Chiefs for 2020

Major League Baseball named seven interim crew chiefs for the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Angel Hernandez, suing MLB under charges of race discrimination, is one of them.

Earlier this summer, umpires deemed "high-risk" of complication related to contracting coronavirus were offered the opportunity to opt-out of the 2020 season, at full pay. Umpires not designated as high-risk were still offered the ability to sit out, but as an unpaid option.

Though high-risk crew chief Joe West outspokenly decided to work the 2020 season, nine other umpires who ordinarily serve in full time crew chief roles took MLB's opt-out option, including Gerry Davis, Fieldin Culbreth, Kerwin Danley, Brian Gorman, Tom Hallion, Sam Holbrook, Jerry Layne, and Mike Winters.

Chiefs West, Ted Barrett, Jeff Nelson, Bill Miller, Larry Vanover, Jerry Meals, Mark Wegner, Alfonso Marquez, Jim Reynolds, and Dan Iassogna reportedly did not opt out, all in all leaving open a handful of crew chief vacancies for appointment.
Related Post: Joe West Opts In, Several Crew Chiefs Out for 2020 (7/7/20).

Non-crew chiefs electing to sit out 2020 include Scott Barry, Phil Cuzzi, Bruce Dreckman, and Brian O'Nora, bringing the total number of opt-outs to 13. We first started tracking umpires reporting to summer camp (as well as those opting out) on July 15. The 2020 staff is similarly expected to be regionally based.
Related Post: 2020 MLB Summer Camp (Spring) Roster (7/15/20).

With Greg Gibson and Paul Emmel beginning the season on the Injured List, MLB has had to make some cuts. Amongst those are a reduction in crews from 19 to 17—you'll recall that in 2014, MLB expanded the crews to account for expanded instant replay. Even though Replay Review is expected to operate in 2020, the two extra crews were contracted for the COVID season.
Related: Confirmed: MLB Hires 7 New Umpires to Full-Time Staff (1/14/14).

With eight crew chiefs out, MLB designated the following longtime umpires interim crew chiefs for the 2020 season:
> Mark Carlson
> Laz Diaz (delayed)
> Angel Hernandez
> Marvin Hudson
> Ron Kulpa
> Paul Nauert
> Bill Welke

M's Catch Both Foul Ball and Fan's Glove

As if to drive the fan interference point home, Friday's Mariners-Angels game featured a play when Seattle's Domingo Santana attempted to catch a foul fly ball near the right field wall just as a fan in the stands tried to do the same. Santana emerged from this entanglement with one baseball and two gloves—his and the flummoxed fan's—as 1B Umpire Ron Kulpa signaled an air out.

Santana catches more than he bargained for.

Was this the correct call or did fan interference play a part?

The Play: With none out and none on in the bottom of the 5th inning, Angels batter Jonathan Lucroy hit a 2-2 sinker from Mariners pitcher Marco Gonzales in the air to right field, with right fielder Santana pursuing the ball into foul territory and toward the wall separating the playing field from the spectator area. As Lucroy's batted fly ball descended near the boundary, both Santana and several fans reached for the ball, with Santana ultimately coming up with both the baseball and a fan's glove, ruled an out by 1B Umpire Kulpa.

The Rule: By now, we are well versed in Official Baseball Rule 6.01(e)'s penalty for fan interference ("the ball shall be dead at the moment of interference and the umpire shall impose such penalties as in his opinion will nullify the act of interference"), just as we are familiar with the definition of spectator interference ("occurs when a spectator (or an object thrown by the spectator) hinders a player’s attempt to make a play on a live ball, by going onto the playing field, or reaching out of the stands and over the playing field").

The playing field is the fielder's domain.

Analysis: So what happened Friday in Anaheim? When Santana reached for the ball against the wall, he ran up against the boundary line separating the playing field from spectator area, from live ball territory and dead ball territory. By rule, we know that anything on the playing field side of the base of the wall is in play and the fielder has right-of-way while anything on the grandstand side of this plane is a free-for-all.

We also know that as soon as a fan makes contact with a live ball—regardless of which side of the boundary the ball is on—the ball becomes dead.

When a fan makes contact with a fielder, but not with the ball, the play remains alive unless the umpire deems that spectator interference has occurred, in which case the ball becomes dead and the nullification penalties are imposed.

A diagram of spectator interference.

In the case of Santana, replays indicate the ball first made contact with the fan's glove, before dropping, due to momentum, into Santana's glove, giving the appearance that Santana had caught the ball cleanly.

By rule, the ball is dead at the moment of contact with the fan's glove. Angels Manager Brad Ausmus failed to challenge this boundary call; had this play been adjudicated by Replay Review, it would have thus been overturned. But overturned to what?

The two options here are 1) fan interference, or 2) foul ball.

1) Fan interference is the proper call if the spectator's glove first made contact with the baseball as it was over the playing field. This would mean the spectator broke through the boundary plane (see above diagram) and touched the batted ball. In order to nullify the act, I surmise Replay Review would have declared the batter out, essentially ending up with the same result as what was called on the field (batter out).
Related Post: Fact Check - Bregman's Fan Interference Out (7/26/18).

2) Foul ball is the proper call if the spectator's glove first made contact with the baseball when the ball was not over the playing field (neutral zone or spectator area). In this case, the fan touching the ball not only made it become dead, but also made it a foul ball. The fan has the right of way in the stands and this is where home-field-advantage for spectators comes into play.
Related Post: Fan Inter-Beer-ence - Baseball's Neutral Zone (8/18/18).

Even a slight graze constitutes interference.

Due to the various camera angles used for replays—none of which were positioned on the wall itself—it is ultimately inconclusive as to whether the fan reached out of the stands to interfere or whether the fan legally contacted the ball in the "fan has the right of way" area.

Gil's Replay Review Decision: As a result of this clear and convincing evidence that the fan touched the ball, but a lack of ample evidence to indicate where the ball was in relation to the boundary plane when the fan touched it, I would overturn this call to a foul ball. This is because I have evidence to indicate the ball became dead before Santana caught it, yet I don't have evidence to contradict the on-field ruling that fan interference did not occur. Thus, with evidence that the ball-was-alive-when-it-entered-Santana's-glove call was incorrect but no information regarding the boundary issue, I overturn the catch element while upholding the on-field ruling that there was no fan interference. Hence, a foul ball. Had Kulpa ruled that fan interference occurred, that decision would have stood.

Spectator interference can result in a HR.

Postlude: This is why it's important in a league with Replay Review to call fan interference any and every time it occurs, even if the fielder ultimately catches the ball, or even if the batted ball ultimately ends up being a home run.

For instance, the accompanying image indicates an instance of spectator interference that results in a home run. If the on-field umpire rules this play a home run, but not interference, and Replay Review determines that the ball struck the yellow line before bouncing back onto the field, thus failing to leave the playing field, and is inconclusive as to whether the fan touched the ball, the Replay Official's only recourse is to rule the ball in play and go with whatever the on-field umpire's ruling was in regard to the fan interference issue. If the umpire called the play a home run from the get-go, Replay would overturn it to a double (or triple, as the case may be)...but if the umpire called the play a home run due to fan interference from the get-go, Replay would uphold the HR call.

We've previously discussed the importance of the call on the field, and this—an inconclusive replay for one element of a play, while video is clear for another aspect—is yet another example of why the initial on-field ruling is so vital. If an umpire observes interference that nonetheless results in an out, the interference shouldn't be ignored. Even in non-replay leagues, recall that interference causes the ball to become dead: it's important umpires kill the play when prescribed by rule so unintended consequences don't occur and lead to rules-related controversy, whether or not the interference appeared to have an effect on the play: by rule, the mere fact that a fan has touched a live ball must be addressed.
Related Post: Crew Consultation - Importance of the Call on the Field (7/22/17).

Video as follows: