Rules 6.05(j), 7.01 and 7.08(e): Tie Goes to the Runner

Ties and baseball: Which of the following is true? (A) Tie Goes to the Runner, (B) Tie Goes to the Fielder, (C) Tie Goes to the Umpire, (D) Tie Goes to the Rule Book.

Using (D) as our starting point, it is high time to answer one of the most confusing and myth-laden plays in baseball.

During Sam Holbrook's recent ejection of Zack Greinke for spiking a baseball, the issue of "tie" made an appearance as video replay appeared to indicate that pitcher Greienke and batter-runner Jose Altuve's feet contacted the first base bag at approximately the same time.

Though ties are scientifically improbable and instant replay is subject to frame rate error, depending on camera speed (e.g., 24- or 30 frames per second)—which is a large reason why umpires call the most standard plays at first base based on sound, which is prone to a much smaller sampling error due to the properties of auditory frequency—some plays may appear to be ties, and given this error, are assumed to be outright dead heats. This is one of those plays. For the sake of argument, we have an outright tie.

We start our analysis where every officiating review should begin—the Rules Book. During this subsequent examination, we will specifically review Rules 2.00 [Out], 2.00 [Safe], 6.05(j), 6.09(a), 7.01 and 7.08(e).

At this point you might be thinking, "all those rules just for a tie?" Yes, it is absolutely vital for without a thorough analysis of the Rules Book, the principle of "tie" may be misinterpreted.

Ejection 081: James Hoye (2)

HP Umpire James Hoye ejected Angels Manager Mike Scioscia for arguing a safe call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Angels-Blue Jays game. With none out and three on, Blue Jays batter Jose Bautista reached on a force attempt, fielding error by Angels second baseman Howard Kendrick. Blue Jays R3 Omar Vizquel scored. R2 Brett Lawrie scored. R1 Colby Rasmus to 3rd. Jose Bautista to 2nd. Replays indicate that as Lawrie went into the plate he collided with Angels catcher John Hester. Lawrie collided into Hester's forearm at the plate, but while in continued contact, Hester contacted Lawrie's shoulder with his bottom portion and base of the glove with the ball inside prior to Lawrie touching home plate (Hoye signaled safe, and then safe again when Lawrie retouched home plate prior to once again being tagged by Hester), the call was incorrect. After review, QOC has been reversed. The call is now correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Angels were leading, 3-2. The Angels ultimately won the contest, 10-6.

This is James Hoye (92)'s second ejection of 2012.
James Hoye now has 6 points in the UEFL (2 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 6).
Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 2 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).
*After review, Quality of Correctness has been reversed by the UEFL Appeals Board (4-2).
*Historical Appeals Board decisions may be consulted via the UEFL Portal.*

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 81st ejection of 2012.
This is the 41st Manager ejection of 2012.
This is Mike Scioscia's third ejection of 2012.
This is Mike Scioscia's first ejection since June 24 (Dan Iassogna; QOC = Correct).
This is James Hoye's first ejection since  May 19 (Bob Melvin; QOC = Irrecusable).
This is the Angels' third ejection of 2012, tied for second in the AL West (OAK 4; TEX 3; SEA 0).

Wrap: Angels at Blue Jays 7/1/12 (Canada Day)
Video: Error leads to collision at the plate between Lawrie, Hester; Scioscia tossed by Hoye
Video: Angels broadcasters determine Hoye has had "atrocious afternoon" after close call at plate
Related: Changed strike three call by Eric Cooper negates double play, results in Bobby Cox's ejection (2009)