Reversing an Incorrect Call - Sean Barber's Foul Ball

Chief Alan Porter's crew changed an errant foul ball call by 1B Umpire Sean Barber during the Mets-Brewers game in Milwaukee, un-ringing the ball to reverse a dead ball to a fair ball off the bat of New York's Omar Narvaez. HP Umpire Mike Muchlinski, who from his position at home plate had a fairly decent angle to see the line drive hit past first base and down the right field line, called the crew together following the play, leading to the reversal.

Official Baseball Rule 8.02(c) allows umpires to change earlier calls: "...No umpire shall criticize, seek to reverse or interfere with another umpire’s decision unless asked to do so by the umpire making it. If the umpires consult after a play and change a call that had been made, then they have the authority to take all steps that they may deem necessary, in their discretion, to eliminate the results and consequences of the earlier call that they are reversing, including placing runners where they think those runners would have been after the play, had the ultimate call been made as the initial call, disregarding interference or obstruction that may have occurred on the play; failures of runners to tag up based upon the initial call on the field; runners passing other runners or missing bases; etc., all in the discretion of the umpires. No player, manager or coach shall be permitted to argue the exercise of the umpires’ discretion in resolving the play and any person so arguing shall be subject to ejection."

NCAA/college's correcting an earlier call rule goes further to specify that certain calls lend themselves quite well to post-play reversal (such as erroneous foul ball vs home run calls, etc.) while others should not be reversed (such as ball/strike decisions).

As for OBR, although the rule states no umpire shall seek to reverse another umpire's decision unless asked to do so, there exist some calls—such as Barber's foul ball call—that aren't your garden variety 50-50 judgment or other close calls that portion of the rule is designed to protect. Instead, this was a definitively obvious error, and the crew's convening resulted in a crewsaver of a changed call. From a Replay Review standpoint, this is an important fix because if the play was closer, "call stands" would revert to whatever the umpires called after their conference.

Finally, the umpires considered the batted ball's path caroming off the outfield wall and in proximity to Brewers right fielder Brian Anderson, combined with Narvaez's below average running speed, suggesting the likely outcome of this play had the initial call been "fair" was a single for Narvaez, so they placed him at first base.

Video as follows:

MLB Hires Sean Barber & Ben May as Full-Time Umpires

Rounding out its set of early January 2022 hires, MLB promoted Sean Barber and Ben May to the full-time major league umpire staff, joining Ryan Additon, John Libka, and Roberto Ortiz who also got the call.

Sean Barber's perseverance through eight years and 693 games of MLB experience prior to official hiring signifies the longest period of time spent as a Triple-A call-up umpire of MLB's five January hires. Barber's Opening Day (April 1) 2014 debut in San Diego followed a minor league journey that begin upon graduation from the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School in 2006. Barber has officiated in the Appalachian, South Atlantic, Florida State, Southern, Arizona Instructionl, Venezuela, Arizona Fall, and International Leagues. Additionally, Barber officiated the 2013 World Baseball Classic qualifier in Jupiter, Florida (not terribly far from his hometown of Lakeland, FL).

Ben May, who nearly ties Barber's MLB history with eight years and 658 games, debuted on April 17, 2014 in Minnesota. May's minor league career includes stops at the Gulf Coast, New York-Penn, Midwest, Florida State, Eastern, Arizona Fall, and International Leagues. Like Barber, May also officiated the 2013 World Baseball Classic Qualifying round, but did so in Germany.

With MLB's five new-hires, you might be wondering who in addition to those previously reported (Davis, Gorman, West) have retired. Stay tuned for future announcements, which will include crew chief promotions to fill the new vacancies.

MLB Ejections 133-134 - Barber, Porter (CIN x2)

HP Umpire Sean Barber ejected Reds RF Nick Castellanos and 3B Umpire Alan Porter ejected manager David Bell (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 1st inning of the #Reds-#Phillies game. With one out and none on, Castellanos took a 1-2 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 above the hollow of the knee (px 0.87, pz 1.80 [sz_bot 1.63 / RAD 1.51]) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejections, the Reds were leading, 1-0. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 7-4.

This is Sean Barber (29)'s 3rd ejection of 2021.

This is Alan Porter (64)'s 3rd ejection of 2021.

Sean Barber now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 2 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 6).

Alan Porter now has 11 points in the UEFL Standings (8 Prev + 2 MLB + 1 Correct-Crewmate = 11).

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

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

This pitch was located 0.53 horizontal inches from being deemed incorrect.

These are the 133rd and 134th ejection reports of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 52nd player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Castellanos was 0-1 (SO) in the contest.

This is the 65th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Cincinnati's 9/10th ejection of 2021, 1st in the NL Central (CIN 10; MIL 9; CHC 6; STL 5; PIT 3).

This is Nick Castellanos' 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since April 3 (Jim Reynolds; QOC = U [Fighting]).

This is David Bell's 4th ejection of 2021, 1st since June 19 (Ryan Additon; QOC = Y-c [Check Swing]).

This is Sean Barber's 3rd ejection of 2021, 1st since June 19 (Aaron Boone; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Alan Porter's 3rd ejection of 2021, 1st since August 12 (Kevin Long; QOC = Y-c [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 8/15/21 | Video as follows:

June 2021 Call of the Month - Sean Barber's Position Slide

For the month of June 2021, Tmac has selected 3B Umpire Sean Barber's Father's Day safe call on a tag play in New York as Yankees baserunner Gary Sanchez steps around A's third baseman Matt Chapman and eludes the tag, with Barber scrambling around the base to officiate the play.

With Chapman falling down to field Oakland's throw to third, Sanchez jogs into third base standing up, eventually running by third base before diving back to get his hand into the base while still avoiding Chapman's tag attempt.

Barber's call, ultimately upheld via Replay Review, involves adjusting one's position to gain the best angle to see whether or not the fielder tagged the runner.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 076 - Sean Barber (2; Aaron Boone)

HP Umpire Sean Barber ejected Yankees manager Aaron Boone (ball three/four call; QOCN) in the top of the 9th inning of the #Athletics-#Yankees game. With one out and none on, A's batter Mark Canha took a 2-1 slider from Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman for a called third ball and 3-1 fastball from Chapman for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the 2-1 pitch ruled ball three was located over the outer half of home plate and below the midpoint (px 0.63, pz 3.33 [sz_top 3.47 / RAD 3.59 / MOE 3.51]) and the 3-1 pitch ruled ball four was located over the outer edge of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.72, pz 1.60 [sz_bot 1.59 / RAD 1.47 / MOE 1.55]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 7-4. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 7-5.

This is Sean Barber (29)'s 3rd ejection of 2021.

Sean Barber now has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Prev + 2 AAA - 4 Incorrect Call = 2).

Crew Chief Marvin Hudson now has 3 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 0 QOCN = 3).

*The 2-1 pitch was located 2.16 and 3-1 pitch located 0.60 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 76th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 40th manager ejection of 2021.

This is New York's 6th ejection of 2021, 1st in the AL East (NYY 6; BOS 3; BAL 2; TOR 1; TB 0).

This is Aaron Boone's 3rd ejection of 2021, 1st since June 3 (Chad Whitson; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Sean Barber's 3rd ejection of 2021, 1st since June 10 (Dusty Baker; QOC = Y [Fair/Foul]).

Wrap: Oakland Athletics vs. New York Yankees, 6/19/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 072 - Sean Barber (Dusty Baker) & Infield Fly

HP Umpire Sean Barber ejected Astros manager Dusty Baker (fair ball call; QOCY) an inning after 2B Umpire John Tumpane ruled Red Sox batter Rafael Devers out on the infield fly rule during Thursday's #Astros-#RedSox game. In the bottom of the 6th inning, with one out and two on (R1, R2), Red Sox batter Devers hit a fly ball to Astros shortstop Carlos Correa, resulting in an infield fly declaration by 2B Umpire Tumpane that put Devers out before Correa dropped the ball. As we've discussed many, many times, umpires consider several criteria regarding an infield fly.*

1) First and second base were occupied with less than two outs (one out, R1, R2).

2) The batter hit a fair fly ball which was not a line drive nor a bunt.

3) It could be caught by infielder Correa with ordinary effort. This was established as Correa positioned himself in the outfield facing the infield, or, colloquially, was "camped."

As for the ejection, in the top of the 7th inning, with one out and one on (R1), Astros batter Yuli Gurriel hit a 1-2 sinker from Red Sox pitcher Adam Ottavino in front of home plate, ruled fair by HP Umpire Barber upon the baseball being initially touched in fair territory by Red Sox catcher Christian Vasquez, and resulting in a double play as Astros baserunner Yordan Alvarez was tagged out while off his base by Red Sox second baseman Christian Arroyo. Replays indicate Gurriel's batted ball was retrieved by Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez in fair territory and that the batted ball did not touch Gurriel's person, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Red Sox were leading, 12-8. The Red Sox ultimately won the contest, 12-8.

This is Sean Barber (29)'s 2nd ejection of 2021.

Sean Barber now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).

Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Prev + 1 Correct Call = 3).

*"An INFIELD FLY is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive nor an attempted bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied, before two are out...On the infield fly rule the umpire is to rule whether the ball could ordinarily have been handled by an infielder-not by some arbitrary limitation such as the grass, or the base lines."

This is the 72nd ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 37th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Houston's 1st ejection of 2021, T-4th in the AL West (OAK 3; LAA, TEX 2; HOU, SEA 1).

This is Dusty Baker's 1st ejection since August 9, 2020 (Nick Mahrley; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Sean Barber's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since April 26 (Bob Melvin; QOC = N [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox, 6/10/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 019 - Sean Barber (1; Bob Melvin)

HP Umpire Sean Barber ejected A's Manager Bob Melvin (Replay Review decision that upheld an out call; QOCN) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Athletics-#Rays game. With two out and one on (R1), A's batter Tony Kemp hit a fly ball to shallow left field, retrieved on a bounce by Rays shortstop Willy Adames, who threw to catcher Mike Zunino as A's baserunner R1 Elvis Andrus slid into home plate, ruled out by HP Umpire Barber. Upon Replay Review as the result of a Manager's Challenge by Melvin, Barber's call was upheld (call stands). Replays indicate Andrus' hand appeared to touch home plate prior to Zunino's tag, the call was incorrect. Play was reviewed and affirmed by the UEFL Appeals Board (7-0), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Athletics were leading 2-1. The Athletics ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Sean Barber (29)'s first ejection of 2021.
Sean Barber now has -1 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 2 AAA - 4 Incorrect Call = -1).
Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 0 points in Crew Division (0 Previous + 0 Incorrect = 0).

This is the 19th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 12th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Oakland's 1st ejection of 2021, T-1st in the AL West (LAA, OAK, SEA 1; HOU, TEX 0).

This is Bob Melvin's 1st ejection since June 12, 2019 (Sean Barber; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Sean Barber's 1st ejection since July 27, 2019 (Chris Woodward; QOC = U [Throwing At]).

Wrap: Oakland Athletics vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 4/26/21 | Video as follows:

Crew Foster Sets Replay Record with Six Upheld Calls

MLB's 2020 season provided its latest trick as Chief Marty Foster's Crew set a new baseball record with six Replay Review calls during Monday's Orioles-Blue Jays game as Foster and umpires Alan Porter, Sean Barber and Jeremy Riggs had all six calls upheld via video review.

Because the Buffalo stadium doesn't have a dedicated major league replay video room, both teams during games at Sahlen Field are afforded two managers challenges. Here's the play-by-play.

Replay Review 1, Bot 4 (TOR Challenge): Out/Safe (Tag) at second base on Orioles pitcher Keegan Akin's pickoff of Blue Jays baserunner R2 Teoscar Hernandez, initially ruled "out" by 2B Umpire Marty Foster. After review, the call was upheld.

Replay Review 2, Bot 6 (BAL Challenge): Out/Safe (Tag) at third base on Orioles catcher Pedro Severino's attempt to throw out Blue Jays baserunner R2 Lourdes Gurriel, Jr on his attempted steal of third base, initially ruled "safe" by 3B Umpire Sean Barber. After review, the call was upheld.

Replay Review 3, Bot 9 (TOR Challenge): Out/Safe (Tag) at second base on Orioles catcher Severino's attempt to throw out Blue Jays baserunner R1 Derek Fisher on his attempted steal of second base, initially ruled "out" by 2B Umpire Marty Foster. After review, the call was upheld.

Replay Review 4, Top 10 (BAL Challenge): Out/Safe ("Force") at first base on Blue Jays pitcher AJ Cole's attempt to throw out Orioles batter-runner Hanser Alberto, initially ruled "out" by 1B Umpire Alan Porter. After review, the call was upheld.

Replay Review 5, Top 10 (Crew Chief Review): Out/Safe (Tag) at home plate on Blue Jays right fielder Hernandez's attempt to throw out Orioles baserunner R3 Mason Williams on his attempted score, initially ruled "out" by HP Umpire Jeremy Riggs. After review the call was upheld.

Replay Review 6, Bot 11 (Crew Chief Review): Out/Safe (Tag) at home plate on Orioles right fielder Anthony Santander/shortstop Jose Iglesias' attempt to throw out Blue Jays baserunner R1 Gurriel on his attempted score, initially ruled "out" by HP Umpire Jeremy Riggs. After review, the call was upheld.

In 2017, the World Baseball Classic broke a then-record for most Replay Reviews in a nine-inning game (five).
Related Post: WBC Game 2 Breaks Replay Review Record (3/22/17).

Video as follows:

Barber's Batter Interference - Mancini Impedes Chirinos

When HP Umpire Sean Barber declared Orioles runner Jonathan Villar out for teammate Trey Mancini's interference in Baltimore, he enforced Official Baseball Rule 6.01(a)(5) that deals with a batter who impedes a catcher's throw at home plate by illegally stepping out of the box.

As the following video analysis illustrates, this hindrance may appear subtle at first, but on review, it is quite apparent that in stepping out of the box, Mancini impeded Astros catcher Robinson Chirinos' throw to second base in an attempt to retire baserunner Villar.

Ordinarily, a batter committing interference in such a manner is out for the illegal act while the runner is returned to his base of origin. The relevant rule is 6.03(a)(3), which states, "A batter is out for illegal action when—He interferes with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter’s box or making any other movement that hinders the catcher’s play at home base," and whose penalty states, "If the batter interferes with the catcher, the plate umpire shall call 'interference.' The batter is out and the ball dead. No player may advance on such interference (offensive interference) and all runners must return to the last base that was, in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the interference."

However, because Mancini struck out on the pitch during which the interfering act occurred (swing-and-a-miss on a 3-2 slider from Houston pitcher Justin Verlander that was legally caught by the catcher), an additional rule was invoked in OBR 6.01(a)(5), which states, "It is interference by a batter or a runner when—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."

Sidebar: Once again, there need not be contact for interference (or obstruction). That is a harmful rules myth. The only standard is whether or not the fielder was impeded by the retired batter. 

Tmac's Take: This also means the catcher does not have to complete a throw. If the batter's illegal actions impeded the catcher's ability to throw the ball, that too is interference, even if the ball never leaves home plate. Naturally, an umpire must judge whether or not the catcher would have actually thrown the ball had the batter not interfered (e.g., we're probably not looking at interference if the pitcher throws a wild pitch).  Also, notice that Barber with a right-handed batter takes a step left; If there was a left-handed batter you should take a step right to see this play.  The angle will open up.  For a switch-hitter do the hokey pokey!!  That's what it's all about!

Video as follows:

Video Teachable - One-Out Time Play in LA

This Tmac's Teachable Moments video concerns time plays, and specifically a play that occurred with one out and runners at the corners at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Chief Tom Hallion's Crew with HP Umpire Todd Tichenor and 2B Umpire Sean Barber officiated this inning-ending double play as a well-oiled machine, with a run-cancelling call that was affirmed via Replay Review.

The Play: With one out and runners at first and third (R1, R3), Padres batter Greg Garcia hit a ground ball down the right field line to first baseman Max Muncy, who stepped on the base and threw to Chris Taylor at second base as Padres baserunner R1 Franmil Reyes slid into the bag, tagged by infielder Taylor as R3 attempted to score from third base.

The Call: 1B Umpire Tom Hallion signaled batter-runner Garcia out on Muncy's tag of first base following the fair ground ball and 2B Umpire Sean Barber called runner Reyes out at second base as HP Umpire Todd Tichenor waved that R3's run did not score prior to the third out at second base.

Tichenor voids the run for a tardy touch.

Analysis: With a runner at third base, a HP Umpire should generally be afforded the opportunity to get into position for a potential play at home plate on a ground ball to the infield. Different crews may employ different mechanics, and for Hallion's crew, this could mean that 1B Umpire Hallion or 3B Umpire Adam Hamari would be enabled to rule on a fair/foul ground ball in front of the bag (even though, ordinarily, the plate umpire has that responsibility...umpiring is all about adjusting to situations; sometimes it isn't possible to stick with cookie-cutter procedure).

As F3 Muncy touches the ball over fair territory, he steps on first base—it's a nearly simultaneous "fair" and "out" call, which U1 Hallion motions as Muncy throws down to Taylor covering second base.

F3's BR out removes the force on R1 at 2B.

Hallion's out call on the batter-runner indicates to U2 Barber that the force play on San Diego runner R1 Reyes has been removed by virtue of the batter-runner's retirement, and the Dodgers will need to tag the remaining runner for the final out. Barber officiates the tag for the third out of the inning as PU Tichenor observes the base touch of home plate relative to the timing of the tag-out at second base by lining up home plate with second base.

UIC Tichenor lines up the potential time play.

Satisfied that the run did not score prior to the third out of the inning, Tichenor signals that the run should not count by waving his arms above his shoulders. It's important to raise both arms above the shoulders so as not to confuse teams or players with the "safe" mechanic, which is generally effected at shoulder-height or below.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 137-138 - Sean Barber (2-3; TEX)

HP Umpire Sean Barber ejected Rangers pitcher Rafael Montero and Manager Chris Woodward (throwing at A's batter Ramon Laureano after warnings) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Rangers-Athletics game. With two out and one on (R1), Laureano took a 2-1 fastball from Montero for a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and struck Laureano on the upper left arm, resulting in a benches-clearing incident; warnings had previously been issued, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejections, the Athletics were leading, 5-4. The Athletics ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

These are Sean Barber's second and third ejections of 2019.
Sean Barber now has 7 points in the UEFL Standings (3 Prev + 2*[2 AAA + 0 QOCU] = 7).
Crew Chief Sam Holbrook now has 10 points in Crew Division (8 Previous + 2 QOCU = 10).

These are the 137th and 138th ejection reports of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 61st player ejection of 2019. Prior to ejection, Montero's line was 1.2 IP, 0 ER, HBP.
This is the 70th Manager ejection of 2019.
This is Texas' 3/4th ejection of 2019, 2nd in the AL West (OAK 6; TEX 4; LAA 3; HOU, SEA 2).
This is Rafael Montero's first career MLB ejection.
This is Chris Woodward's 2nd ejection of 2019, 1st since June 11 (Angel Hernandez; QOC = Y [Out/Safe]).
This is Sean Barber's 2/3rd ejection of 2019, 1st since June 12 (Bob Melvin; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics, 7/27/19 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 084 - Sean Barber (1; Bob Melvin)

HP Umpire Sean Barber ejected Athletics Manager Bob Melvin (ball two call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the A's-Rays game. With one out and two on (R1, R2), Rays batter Austin Meadows took a 1-0 slider from Athletics pitcher Brett Anderson for a called second ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px -1.03, pz 1.52 [sz_bot 1.58]) and that all other pitches during the inning were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The A's ultimately won the contest, 6-2.

This is Sean Barber (29)'s first ejection of 2019.
Sean Barber now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (-4 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 0).
Crew Chief Alfonso Marquez 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 3.384 horizontal inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

This is the 84th ejection report of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 44th Manager ejection of 2019.
This is Oakland's 6th ejection of 2019, 1st in the AL West (OAK 6; LAA 3; HOU 2; SEA, TEX 1).
This is Bob Melvin's 3rd ejection of 2019, 1st since June 2 (Alan Porter; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Sean Barber's first ejection since July 25, 2018 (John Gibbons; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Oakland Athletics vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6/12/19 | Video as follows:

Fan Inter-Beer-ence - Baseball's Neutral Zone

Friday's Replay Review that upheld umpires' home run and fan interference no-call in San Diego upset Arizona after video conclusively indicated that Diamondbacks left fielder Jon Jay's glove made contact with a Padres fan's beer during Eric Hosmer's solo-HR in the bottom of the 5th inning.

Did a fan interfere with Jay in San Diego?

Lest they say we're going to the animals in the jungle of outfield fandom, let's cruise into our capstone report on spectator interference, introducing a concept of interference neutrality.

The Play: With one out and none on during Friday's D'Backs-Padres game, Padres batter Hosmer hit a fly ball to deep left field. As D'Backs outfielder Jay leapt to catch Hosmer's batted ball, his right hand and glove came into contact with a fan in the left field bleachers attempting to do the same. Upon Crew Chief Review, the Replay Official upheld 3B Umpire Sean Barber's on-field ruling of home run (no fan interference).

The Rule: By now, we know that "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."
Related Post: MLB Changes Rules for Retired Runner, Fan Interference (3/25/18).

We're dealt with this play before, most recently when Astros batter Alex Bregman fell prey to an interference ruling by 2B Umpire Greg Gibson, but it's time to add another layer to the issue. We call it baseball's "neutral zone."
Related Post: Fact Check - Bregman's Fan Interference Out (7/26/18).

Related Rule: The Definition of Terms states that "FAIR TERRITORY is that part of the playing field within, and including the first base and third base lines, from home base to the bottom of the playing field fence and perpendicularly upwards. All foul lines are in fair territory" (underline added for emphasis).

The neutral zone is a free-for-all.

Analysis: This neutral zone encompasses that area referred to as the "top of the wall" extended vertically upward—any fly ball that bounces off the top of the wall, untouched by a fan, and caroms back onto the field is considered live and in play, while any ball that bounces off the top of the wall and caroms into the seats behind is deemed a home run.

For all intents and purposes relative to this rule, wall padding is to be considered part of the wall itself.

As for a ball that sticks to the top of the wall, that's where the neutral zone takes on a rather unique quality: if a batted ball in flight strikes and settles on top of an outfield wall without a fan touching it, the call is "Time" and a two-base award. If a fan does touch the ball atop the wall before it settles, the proper call is "Home Run."

Summary of Top-of-the-Wall Batted Ball Considerations/Calls (Fair ball, wall/seats in fair territory):
Fly ball hits top of wall and immediately bounces back into play, untouched by fans = In Play.
Fly ball hits top of wall and immediately bounces out of play (in fair territory) = Home Run.
Fly ball hits top of wall, eventually settling on top of the wall, untouched by a fan = Two Bases.
Fly ball hits top of wall, and a fan picks it up while it's still in motion on top of the wall = HR.
Fly ball hits top of wall, and a fan picks it up after it's settled on top of the wall = Two Bases.

I'm not kidding—that's the importance of this neutral zone and an example of how a spry home-town fan can influence the game simply by choosing to touch or not touch a batted ball on top of the wall.

Relative to actual fan interference, because the term is interference, this implies a violative act (by the fan). In order to be said to have violated a rule, the fan has to actively engage in misconduct by "reaching out of the stands and over the playing field" (or by going onto the playing field).

Jay's arm bends backward above the wall.

In other words, "reaching out of the stands" and into the neutral zone is not enough for interference: the fan must break the plane separating the playing field from the neutral zone in order to submit candidacy for interference; otherwise, the fielder reaches into the neutral zone (and stands) at his own peril.

The accompanying image indicates Jay's right arm is flush with the outfield wall, and bends backward at the wrist (and possibly elbow, as well), which is at or above the height of the wall. This portion of Jay's body and glove which has bent backward beyond the base-of-wall plane and into the neutral zone is not subject to protection against interference: if the fan makes contact with the portion of Jay's person or glove that is extended into the neutral zone, this contact shall not be deemed fan interference for the fielder has reached out of the playing field at his own peril.

That makes this the proper ruling, for lack of evidence or angle to suggest the fan broke the playing field plane.

SIDEBAR: Another baseball saying holds that "it all evens out." Perhaps, one can consider this an even-out play for Padres Manager Andy Green, who was ejected in April on an interference no-call decision (also finalized via Replay Review) that went against San Diego.
Related Post: MLB Ejection 011 - Brian Gorman (1; Andy Green) (4/9/18).

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 105 - Sean Barber (3; John Gibbons)

HP Umpire Sean Barber ejected Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons (balls/strikes; QOCY) in the top of the 11th inning of the Twins-Blue Jays game. With none out and none on, Jays pitcher Jake Petricka faced six Twins batters: Eddie Rosario (groundout), Eduardo Escobar (groundout), Brian Dozier (double), Logan Morrison (walk), Jorge Polanco (walk), and Max Kepler (HBP). Replays indicate that of the 17 callable pitches during the inning prior to Gibbons' ejection, Barber officiated all 17 properly (17/17 = 100% accuracy), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Twins were leading, 7-6. The Twins ultimately won the contest, 12-6, in 11 innings.

This is Sean Barber (29)'s third ejection of 2018.
Sean Barber now has 12 points in the UEFL Standings (8 Prev + 2 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 12).
Crew Chief Larry Vanover now has 16 points in Crew Division (15 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 16).

This is the 105th ejection report of the 2018 MLB regular season.
This is the 43rd Manager ejection of 2018.
This is Toronto's 6th ejection of 2018, 2nd in the AL East (NYY 7; TOR 6; BAL 3; BOS 2; TB 1).
This is John Gibbons' 5th ejection of 2018, 1st since July 7 (Lance Barrett; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Sean Barber's 3rd ejection of 2018, 1st since June 13 (Matt Kemp; QOC = U [Fighting]).

Wrap: Minnesota Twins vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 7/25/18 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 060-61 - Sean Barber (1-2; Kemp, Chirinos)

HP Umpire Sean Barber ejected Dodgers LF Matt Kemp and Rangers C Robinson Chirinos (fighting after home plate collision; QOCU) in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Rangers-Dodgers game. With two out and one on (R2), Dodgers batter Enrique Hernandez hit a ground ball to Rangers right fielder Nomar Mazara, who threw to catcher Chirinos as Dodgers baserunner R2 Kemp arrived at home plate. Replays indicate that once he obtained possession of the baseball, Chirinos legally blocked Kemp's access to home plate, and Kemp, in turn, legally made contact with Chirinos, resulting in a permissible home plate collision pursuant to Rule 6.01(i) and bench-clearing incident during which both players were ejected for fighting, the call was irrecusable.* At the time of the ejection, the Dodgers were leading, 2-0. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 3-2, in 11 innings.

This is Sean Barber (29)'s first ejection of 2018.
Sean Barber now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2*[2 AAA + 0 Irrecusable Call] = 6).
Crew Chief Bill Welke now has 3 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 2 Irrecusable Call = 3).
*Rule 6.01(i)(2) allows the catcher to "block the pathway of the runner as he is attempting to score" if the catcher is in possession of the ball. As it relates to runners, Rule 6.01(i)(1) states, "If a catcher blocks the pathway of the runner, the umpire shall not find that the runner initiated an avoidable collision in violation of this Rule 6.01(i)(1)." Accordingly, both players were legal and Kemp was properly declared out on Chirinos' tag. See the related post for more discussion on the two parties' responsibilities during a potential home plate collision.
Related Post: Little Home Plate Collision Begets Wrigley Bench Clearing

This is the 60th, 61st ejection report of the 2018 MLB regular season.
This is the 29th player ejection of 2018. Prior to ejection, Kemp was 1-2 (SO) in the contest.
This is the 30th player ejection of 2018. Prior to ejection, Chirinos was 0-1 in the contest.
This is Los Angeles' 2nd ejection of 2018, 5th in the NL West (ARI, SD, SF 4; COL 3; LAD 2).
This is Texas' 3rd ejection of 2018, T-1st in the AL West (LAA, SEA, TEX 3; HOU 2; OAK 0).
This is Matt Kemp's 2nd ejection of 2018, 1st since May 11 (Alan Porter; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Robinson Chirinos' first career MLB ejection.
This is Sean Barber's first ejection since April 24, 2016 (Melvin Upton Jr; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 6/13/18 | Video as follows:

Unringing the Bell - Replay Reversal New Wrinkle for Cards

A reversed catch/trap call turned into a Reds single, leaving Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny shaking his head as Crew Chief Jerry Meals simply listened to the complaint.

With one out and one on (R1) in the bottom of the 8th inning of a 3-2 ballgame, Reds batter Ivan De Jesus hit a fly ball to shallow right field, where Cardinals right fielder Stephen Piscotty dove in an attempt to catch the ball, ruled an out and catch by 1B Umpire Sean Barber as Reds baserunner R1 Tyler Holt retreated back to first base to tag up.

Meals and Barber await New York's decision.

Upon Replay Review as the result of a request by Reds Manager Bryan Price and Crew Chief Review by Jerry Meals, Barber's ruling was overturned: F9 Piscotty was ruled to have trapped the ball on a bounce; De Jesus was credited with a single and awarded first base, and R1 Holt was placed at second base.

What is so unusual about this play, of course, is that F9 Piscotty quickly gathered himself and threw the ball into second base, meaning that had R1 Holt continued his run, there is a chance he would have been forced out, just as there is a chance he would have beaten the play. That judgment (the Replay Official's placement of Holt at second base) is what Mike Matheny called into question.

Matheny argues runner placement with Meals.

As Cardinals Manager Matheny discussed Holt's placement with Meals, we were reminded of the "You can't unring the bell" response that first accompanied expanded video instant replay back in 2014. Even as far back as Tim Welke's ejection of Joe Girardi in 2012, the "you can't unring the bell" argument surfaced.

Succinctly, Welke appeared to have possibly signaled "Time" using the standard arms-up mechanic during a fair/foul ball situation. After Welke subsequently lowered his right arm to point "Fair," Yanks skipper Girardi was ejected arguing that Welke had already called the play dead, only to "unring the bell."

"I thought was pointing that the ball was dead."
- Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully.

Even earlier in 2012 (far before expanded replay), tmac foresaw such a problem, writing for the Majority in the UEFL Appeals Board's decision on Dale Scott's misleading mechanics/triple play call at Dodger Stadium, resulting in Bud Black's ejection: "In any case it's my belief that from a mechanical standpoint you can not kill a play like that and change your mind. It's as bad as calling a guy out on a catch in the outfield getting guys to go back to their bases and switching to a no catch call."

When Tim Timmons ejected Chip Hale last season during a pending Replay Review call, a new discussion began, conjecturing that umpires may very well err on the side of "not ringing the bell," knowing that replay can simply correct the call after the fact.

However, as the Welke and Scott plays illustrates, there are several instances in which the bell may be rung in baseball that Replay Review may not be able to satisfactorily fix ex post facto, such as the umpire's call of "Time" or dead ball, and the improper catch/out call in the outfield, such as the present play.

The only difference, of course, is that Replay Review opened up that Pandora's Box such that umpires on the field cannot simply rely on common sense to distribute fairness: Replay will simply call what the video evidence demonstrates, without regard to runners or fielders being put in jeopardy.

MLB Ejection 010 - Sean Barber (1; Melvin Upton Jr)

HP Umpire Sean Barber ejected Padres LF Melvin Upton Jr for arguing a strike two call in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Cardinals-Padres game. With two out and none on, Upton Jr took two fastballs from Cardinals pitcher Kevin Siegrist for called first and second strikes, before striking out on a later pitch. Replays indicate the first and second strikes were located over the inner edge of home plate and thigh high (px1 -.888, pz1 2.408; px2 -.811, pz2 1.848 [sz_bot 1.650]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 5-5. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 8-5.

This is Sean Barber (29)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Sean Barber now has 5 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 3 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 5).
Crew Chief Mike Everitt now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).
*QOC would be incorrect had px been greater than |.916|.

This is the 10th ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 6th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Upton Jr was 1-4 (SO) in the contest.
This is the Padres' 2nd ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL West (SD 2; ARI, LAD 1; COL, SF 0).
This is Melvin Upton's first ejection since Sept 7, 2015 (Mike Muchlinski; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Sean Barber's first ejection since April 26, 2015 (Lloyd McClendon; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).

Wrap: St. Louis Cardinals vs. San Diego Padres (National League Baseball), 4/24/16
Video: Barber ejected Upton during argument about balls and strikes ("Read more")

MLB Ejection 031: Sean Barber (1; Lloyd McClendon)

HP Umpire Sean Barber ejected Mariners Manager Lloyd McClendon for Unsportsmanlike-NEC in the top of the 4th inning of the Twins-Mariners game. With none out and one on, Twins batter Chris Herrmann took a 1-1 curveball from Mariners pitcher Roenis Elias for a called second strike. Replays indicate all pitches during the inning were correctly officiated and the call immediately preceding ejection benefitted McClendon's team; thus, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Twins were leading, 2-0. The Twins ultimately won the contest, 4-2, in 11 innings.

This is Sean Barber (29)'s first ejection of 2015.
Sean Barber now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 3 AAA + 0 Irrecusable Call = 3).
Crew Chief Ted Barrett now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Irrecusable = 2).

This is the 31st ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 13th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Mariners' 1st ejection of 2015, T-1st in the AL West (HOU, LAA, OAK, SEA 1; TEX 0).
This is Lloyd McClendon's first ejection since March 31, 2015 (Alan Porter; QOC = U [Warnings]).
This is Sean Barber's first ejection since May 16, 2014 (Mike Matheny; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Minnesota Twins vs. Seattle Mariners, 4/26/15
Video: After a mid-AB jaunt to the pitcher's mound, Lloyd is given the boot enroute to the bench (SEA)

MLB Instant Replay Reviews 1211-1215: Sept 20, 2014

September 20, 2014 featured the following MLB Instant Replay Review decisions:

Type

R#

Pos

Umpire

RU#

Team

RT#

Name

Inn

Pre

Result

R	1211	2B	Gibson, Greg	15	CHC	60	Rick Renteria	3	Safe	Stands
R	1212	1B	Drake, Rob	13	PIT	44	Clint Hurdle	2	Out	Overturned
r	1213	1B	Barber, Sean	13	CWS	40	Robin Ventura	2	HR	Stands
R	1214	2B	Reynolds, Jim	20	CLE	41	Terry Francona	7	Safe	Overturned
r	1215	HP	Fairchild, Chad	8	WAS	41	Matt Williams	7	Out	Confirmed

MLB Instant Replay Review Videos (MLB Advanced Media):
Video 1211: LAD@CHC: Safe call at second stands in 3rd inning
Video 1212: MIL@PIT: Out call overturned in the 2nd inning

Video 1213: CWS@TB: Umpires review Franklin's homer in the 2nd, stands
Video 1214: CLE@MIN: Safe call overturned in the 7th inning
Video 1215: WSH@MIA: Out call confirmed at the plate in the 7th

MLB Instant Replay Reviews 1122-1129: Sept 7, 2014

September 7, 2014 featured the following MLB Instant Replay Review decisions:

Type

R#

Pos

Umpire

RU#

Team

RT#

Name

Inn

Pre

Result

R	1122	1B	Tichenor, Todd	15	CWS	36	Robin Ventura	4	Safe	Overturned
R	1123	3B	Cederstrom, Gary	20	NYY	30	Joe Girardi	4	Safe	Overturned
R	1124	1B	Barber, Sean	12	ATL	33	Fredi Gonzalez	1	Safe	Overturned
R	1125	1B	Schrieber, Paul	17	CIN	31	Bryan Price	9	Out	Overturned
R	1126	2B	Johnson, Adrian	17	WAS	39	Matt Williams	8	Safe	Overturned
R	1127	2B	Welke, Bill	15	LAA	40	Mike Scioscia	1	Safe	Stands
R	1128	1B	Iassogna, Dan	16	SD	34	Bud Black	8	Safe	Overturned
R	1129	1B	Winters, Mike	14	DET	38	Brad Ausmus	7	Safe	Stands

MLB Instant Replay Review Videos (MLB Advanced Media):
Video 1122: CWS@CLE: Kipnis out at first after challenge in 4th
Video 1123: KC@NYY: Escobar out at third after challenge in 4th
Video 1124: ATL@MIA: Yelich picked off after challenge in the 1st
Video 1125: NYM@CIN: Reds load the bases after challenge in 9th
Video 1126: PHI@WSH: Revere out at second after challenge in 8th
Video 1127: LAA@MIN: Dozier safe as call stands in the 1st
Video 1128: SD@COL: LeMahieu out at first after challenge in 8th
Video 1129: SF@DET: Safe call stands after challenge in the 7th