MLB-High 10 Umpires Retire During 2022-2023 Off-Season

It's official—10 Major League Baseball umpires have retired following the 2022 season, a record-high for the unified MLB era and most since 1999, when a failed contract strategy led to 22 resignations. Seven crew chiefs and three 'number twos' won't return in 2023, opening the door to call-up umpires looking for a full-time job as well as current backup chiefs looking for a permanent promotion to that role. This retiring class combined for 261 years of on-field Major League experience.

The retirements of Greg Gibson (10/6/22), Tom Hallion (12/8/22), and Jim Reynolds (12/21/22) were previously disclosed by the indivual umpires prior to this announcement of all 10 retirements.

Retirements, Listed as Name, Service Time (Seasons with 1+ games)

- Postseason & total ejection stats listed on following lines:

Ted Barrett, 26 Years (29 Seasons AL/MLB [1994-2022]): Crew Chief with 3,400 regular season games.

- 6 Wild Cards (2012, 13, 15, 16, 20, 22)

- 12 Division Series (2000, 01, 02, 03, 06, 07, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21)

- 10 League Championship Series (2005, 08, 09, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 20, 22)

- 5 World Series (2007, 11, 14, 18, 21)

> 65 MLB ejections

Greg Gibson, 24 Years (25 Seasons NL/MLB [1997-2019, 2021-22]): Crew Chief with 2,746 games.

- 3 Wild Cards (2012, 13, 18)

- 10 Division Series (2001, 03, 04, 06, 07, 09, 10, 11, 15, 21)

- 5 League Championship Series (2005, 12, 13, 14, 18)

- 1 World Series (2011)

> 92 MLB ejections

Marty Foster, 24 Years (27 Seasons AL/MLB [1996-2022]): Number Two with 2,745 games.

- 1 Wild Card (2020)

- 3 Division Series (2006, 08, 17)

> 110 MLB ejections

Tom Hallion, 30 Years (32 Seasons NL/MLB [1985-99, 2005-19, 2021-22]): Crew Chief w 3,645 games.

- 10 Division Series (1996, 97, 2008, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21)

- 5 League Championship Series (1998, 2007, 09, 10, 11)

- 2 World Series (2008, 21)

> 102 MLB ejections

Sam Holbrook, 22½ Years (22 Seasons A/NL/MLB [1996-99, 2002-19, 2021]): Crew Chief w 2,423 games.

- 1 Wild Card (2012)

- 7 Division Series (2005, 07, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21)

- 4 League Championship Series (2008, 09, 11, 12)

- 3 World Series (2010, 16, 19)

> 78 MLB ejections

Jerry Meals, 26 Years (31 Seasons NL/MLB [1992-2022]): Crew Chief with 3,303 games.

- 3 Wild Cards (2020, 21, 22)

- 9 Division Series (1999, 2004, 05, 09, 10, 11, 14, 19, 20)

- 3 League Championship Series (2008, 17, 21)

- 2 World Series (2014, 20)

> 61 MLB ejections

Paul Nauert, 22½ Years (24 Years NL/MLB [1995-99, 2002-20]): Number Two with 2,450 games.

- 1 Wild Card (2020)

- 6 Division Series (2004, 08, 10, 13, 14, 17)

- 1 League Championship Series (2016)

- 1 World Series (2017)

> 33 MLB ejections

Jim Reynolds, 22½ Years (24 Years AL/MLB [1999-2022]): Crew Chief with 2,815 games.

- 3 Wild Cards (2015, 17, 20)

- 7 Division Series (2005, 07, 08, 12, 13, 14, 18)

- 5 League Championship Series (2010, 15, 16, 17, 20)

- 2 World Series (2014, 18)

> 43 MLB ejections

Tim Timmons, 22½ Years (23 Years NL/MLB [1999-2021]): Number Two with 2,746 games.

- 2 Wild Cards (2013, 20)

- 3 Division Series (2005, 09, 18)

- 4 League Championship Series (2011, 14, 15, 20)

- 1 World Series (2018)

> 90 MLB ejections

Bill Welke, 22½ Years (24 Years AL/MLB [1999-2022]): Crew Chief with 2,816 games.

- 3 Wild Cards (2014, 16, 20)

- 6 Division Series (2003, 06, 08, 11, 15, 20)

- 4 League Championship Series (2014, 16, 17, 19)

- 1 World Series (2015)

> 102 MLB ejections

Video as follows:

Jackpot Umpire Tom Hallion Retires After Lengthy Career

Longtime Major League umpire and Crew Chief Tom Hallion retires after an NL and MLB career spanning across five decades, hanging up his mask 37 years after first suiting up in the National back in 1985.

During his big league career, Hallion officiated more than 3600 regular season games, to go along with 78 postseason games—and two separate journeys through Minor League Baseball.

Like retired umpire Bob Davidson, Tom Hallion had to start over in the low minors after losing his National League umpiring job in 1999 as the result of a failed mass resignation negotiation strategy as umpires looked toward a new deal with professional baseball.

In 2003, Hallion began calling games in the Class A New York-Penn League, the same minor league Hallion began his professional umpiring journey with back in 1979.

Hallion, who was hired back to MLB in 2005 thanks to a bargaining agreement with the league the prior offseason, officiated a total of 10 Division Series (1996, 97, 2008, 12, 13, 14 16, 18, 19, 21), five League Championship Series (1998, 2007, 09, 10, 11), and two World Series (2008, 21).

Hallion initially said he planned to retire following the 2021 World Series, but came back to work one more season before calling it a career. He announced his 2022 retirement on a podcast. Hallion retires with 102 career NL and MLB ejections.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 007 - Tom Hallion (1; Aaron Boone)

HP Umpire Tom Hallion ejected Yankees manager Aaron Boone (ball four call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 11th inning of the #Yankees-#Orioles game. With two out and the bases loaded, Orioles batter Ramon Urias took a 3-2 slider from Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and above the midpoint (px 0.55, pz 3.53 [sz_top 3.37 / RAD 3.49]) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Orioles had won the contest, 2-1.

This is Tom Hallion (20)'s 1st ejection of 2022.

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

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

*This pitch was located 1.48 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the seventh ejection report of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 2nd manager ejection of 2022.

This is New York's 1st ejection of 2022, 1st in the AL East (NYY 1; BAL, BOS, TB, TOR 0).

This is Aaron Boone's 1st ejection since Sept 5, 2021 (Jeff Nelson; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Tom Hallion's 1st ejection since Sept 3, 2021 (Andy Green; QOC = Y [Slide Interference NC]).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles, 4/15/22 | Video as follows:

2021 Ejection of the Year - Tom Hallion & Jeremy Riggs

Tom Hallion and Jeremy Riggs produced 2021's Ejections of the Year [2020: Dan Bellino].

Voting: 160 Hallion (12.0%), 101 Riggs (11.4%), 55 Joe West (9.8%), 103 Cory Blaser (7.4%).

Ejection 160 - Tom Hallion (Andy Green)

Tom Hallion's September 3, 2021 ejection of Chicago Cubs acting manager Andy Green after a correctly officiated bona fide slide rule interference no-call received the most votes for the UEFL Ejection of the Year Award.

During the ensuing argument, Hallion stated to Green, "You don't even know what the f* you're talking about. That's what I'm telling you: You don't always know what the f* you're talking about."

As far as final career ejections are concerned, Hallion's could be near the top of the all-time list.

Ejection 101 - Jeremy Riggs (Luis Rojas)

When Jeremy Riggs ejected Mets manager Luis Rojas as New York visited Pittsburgh on July 18, 2021, it brought into focus several key decisions that had to be made in a very short period of time: Riggs' multiple judgment calls on this play included whether the batted ball hit the batter in the box (no), whether the batted ball touched the lead baserunner along the foul line (no), whether or not the runner interfered with the catcher (no), whether the pitcher first touched the batted ball on the infield in fair or foul territory (fair), whether the third base coach interfered with the defense's play on the trailing runner (no), whether the third baseman obstructed the trailing baserunner (no), and whether the ball left the playing field (no).

Replays indicate Riggs' calls were correct while Rojas, apparently not satisfied with Riggs' response, appeared to assault bump the umpire. Perhaps the ejection accomplished its goal, as the Mets came back from a six-run deficit to defeat the Pirates one day after blowing a six-run lead to lose to Pittsburgh, the first time such an event has occurred in MLB history.

Perhaps best of all, this ejection featured commentary by legendary broadcaster Gary Thorne.

UEFL Awards History, Tom Hallion

Crew Chief of the Year: 2021

UEFL Awards History, Jeremy Riggs

None

The final postseason award, (Best) Umpire of the Year, will be released next | Videos as follows:

2021 UEFL Award for Crew Chief - Tom Hallion

Tom Hallion wins the UEFL's 2021 Crew Chief of the Year Award [2020 Winner: Jim Reynolds].

Voting Results: Hallion (30.8%), Joe West (18.9%), Dan Iassogna / Alfonso Marquez (7.1%).

Tom Hallion is the 2021 UEFL Crew Chief of the Year.

In what may be his final MLB season (subject to the outcome of the owners/players' dispute and lockout amongst others), Tom Hallion returned to the Fall Classic with his second career World Series assignment, this time as Crew Chief.

Voters cited his leadership and handling of this non-runner's lane interference situation in the Houston-Chicago ALDS, a no-call supported by rule.

Hallion also featured in a September Teachable regarding a tag play involving the batter-runner sliding into first base.

UEFL Awards History, Tom Hallion

None

The next postseason award to be announced will be the Bernice Gera Honorable Umpire of the Year.

Sorry, Stros - RLI Doesn't Apply on Plays FROM First Base

When Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel's thrown ball toward home plate hit White Sox batter-runner Yasmani Grandal on the infield grass, Houston sought a runner's lane interference call, but HP Umpire Tom Hallion said the 45-foot line didn't matter for this play. Why is that?

With none out and runners at the corners in the 4th inning of Sunday's Houston-Chicago ALDS Game 3, White Sox batter Grandal hit a 0-1 changeup from Astros pitcher Zack Greinke on the ground to first baseman Gurriel, who threw home to make a play on White Sox baserunner R3 Luis Robert. Gurriel's throw hit Grandal and deflected past catcher Martin Maldonado, allowing Robert to score and runner R1 Jose Abreu to advance to third base.

After the play, Houston campaigned for a call, but after conference, the umpires opted not to rule Grandal out for interference. There are two kinds of interference that came up in Hallion's subsequent discussion with Houston manager Dusty Baker.

The first is runner's lane interference, or Official Baseball Rule 5.09(a)(11), which states, in part, "In running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base," the runner isn't within the lane, etc. I stopped after the first phrase because we already have our answer as to why RLI doesn't apply: the ball was not "being field TO first base": it was being thrown FROM first base. That's how simple it is to explain why RLI, and thus the runner's lane itself, doesn't matter here. You'll recall every time we've discussed RLI, it's been on a play TO first base, and now you know why.

As for interference with a thrown ball, OBR 6.01(a)(10) states that a runner can be declared out for two reasons: "fails to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field a batted ball, or intentionally interferes with a thrown ball." Just like RLI, the rule gives us our answer. This is not a batted ball, but a thrown ball, which means the interference must be intentional. Simply running on the grass or otherwise is not on its own sufficient to establish this level of intent—Hallion gave an elbow/chicken wing gesture while talking with Baker to demonstrate what would signify intent—and for that reason, umpires declined to call interference.

Finally, as we have stated many times over the years, the baseline is irrelevant here and the base path three-foot rule also does not apply because the base path rule only applies when a fielder is attempting to tag the runner.

Video as follows:

Teachable - Hallion Hustle on Sliding Tag Play in Chicago

When Chicago walked off a day after umpire Tom Hallion ejected Cubs interim manager Andy Green in David Ross' absence, it was Hallion at first base who ruled batter-runner Frank Schwindel safe, having eluded Pirates first baseman Colin Moran's tag attempt. The call was upheld following Replay Review.

Tmac turns Hallion's hustle into a teachable moment as the crew chief demonstrates the principles of how getting into position to find the keyhole angle helps make for more accurate calls. In this situation, Hallion runs in toward first base, in fair territory roughly parallel to the right field foul line, and sells the safe call with repeated mechanics for this game-ending play.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 160 - Tom Hallion (4; Andy Green)

2B Umpire Tom Hallion ejected Cubs bench coach/acting manager Andy Green (bona fide slide rule interference no-call; QOCY) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Pirates-#Cubs game. With one out and two on (R1, R2), Pirates batter Michael Perez hit a first-pitch sinker from Cubs pitcher Alec Mills on the ground to second baseman Matt Duffy who threw to shortstop Sergio Alcantara as Pirates baserunner Kevin Newman slid, and who threw the ball past first base and out of play. Green was unable to request a manager's challenge due to losing said challenge an inning earlier and Crew Chief reviews for non-HR plays are unavailable prior to the 8th inning. Replays indicate the runner fulfilled the criteria for a bona fide slide criteria, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Cubs were leading, 5-3. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 6-5.

This is Tom Hallion (20)'s 4th ejection of 2021.

Tom Hallion now has 10 points in the UEFL Standings (6 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 10).

Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 7 points in Crew Division (6 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 7).

*Official Baseball Rule 6.01(j)'s four criteria for a bona fide slide:

(1) begins his slide (i.e., makes contact with the ground) before reaching the base [YES];

(2) is able and attempts to reach the base with his hand or foot [YES];

(3) is able and attempts to remain on the base (except home plate) after completion of the slide [YES];

(4) slides within reach of the base without changing pathway for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder [YES].

This is the 160th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is Chicago's 7th ejection of 2021, 3rd in the NL Central (MIL 15; CIN 12; CHC 7; STL 6; PIT 3).

This is Andy Green's 1st ejection since Sept 14, 2019 (Carlos Torres; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

This is Tom Hallion's 4th ejection of 2021, 1st since Aug 18 (Caleb Smith; QOC = U [Foreign Substance]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs, 9/3/21 | Video as follows:

Injury Scout - Tom Hallion Leaves Boston in 1st Inning

HP Umpire Tom Hallion left Tuesday's #Twins-#RedSox game due a 1st inning head injury.

With two out in the bottom of the 1st inning, Red Sox batter Xander Bogaerts fouled a first-pitch 92.8-mph fastball from Twins pitcher Griffin Jax into Hallion's traditional-style facemask.

Hallion, who remained in the game to complete Bogaerts' inning-enind at-bat, was replaced behind home plate prior to the top of the 2nd inning by 2B Umpire and acting crew chief Phil Cuzzi with 1B Umpire Mark Ripperger and 3B Umpire Cory Blaser remaining on the lines.

Relevant Injury History: Tom Hallion has a significant history of head injuries.

> On June 4, 2019, Hallion left a Giants-Mets game after a foul ball to the head.

> On April 9, 2019, Hallion exited a Brewers-Angels game following a 2nd-inning foul ball to the head.

> On July 24, 2018, Hallion left a Dodgers-Phillies game in extra innings after a foul to the jaw.

> On August 19, 2017, Hallion left an Angels-Orioles game after a foul ball to the mask.

> On July 1, 2015, Hallion left a Rockies-Athletics game after a 1st inning foul ball to the mask.

Last Game: August 24 | Return to Play: September 2 | Time Absent: 7 Days | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 140 - Tom Hallion (3; Caleb Smith)

HP Umpire Tom Hallion ejected Diamondbacks pitcher Caleb Smith (failed foreign substance inspection) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Phillies-#Diamondbacks game. Following Phillies batter Bryce Harper's fly out to conclude the top of the 8th inning and in accordance with MLB's June 2021 foreign substance enforcement protocol, umpires inspected Smith as the Arizona pitcher left the field. During this inspection, umpires located an illegal substance on Smith's glove, resulting in an ejection pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 6.02(c) regarding foreign substances, the call was irrecusable.* At the time of the ejection, the Diamondbacks were leading, 4-2. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

This is Tom Hallion (20)'s 3rd ejection of 2021.

Tom Hallion now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Prev + 2 Irrecusable Call = 6).

Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 5 points in Crew Division (4 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 5).

*OBR 6.02(c): "The pitcher shall not have on his person, or in his possession, any foreign substance."

This is the 140th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 56th player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Smith's line was 2.2 IP, ER.

This is Arizona's 5th ejection of 2021, 2nd in the NL West (SD 12; ARI 5; LAD 3; COL, SF 2).

This is Caleb Smith's first career MLB ejection.

This is Tom Hallion's 3rd ejection of 2021, 1st since July 3 (Ethan Katz; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 8/18/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 089 - Tom Hallion (2; Ethan Katz)

HP Umpire Tom Hallion ejected White Sox pitching coach Ethan Katz (ball four call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #WhiteSox-#Tigers game. With two out and the bases loaded, Tigers batter Zack Short took a 0-1 cutter from White Sox pitcher Ryan Burr for a called first ball and 3-2 fastball from Burr for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the 0-1 pitch, ruled ball one, was located over the outer half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px 0.54, pz 1.45 [sz_bot 1.50 / RAD 1.38 / MOE 1.46]) while the 3-2 pitch, ruled ball four, was located over the outer half of home plate and below the midpoint (px 0.59, pz 3.29 [sz_top 3.30 / RAD 3.42 / MOE 3.34]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Tigers were leading, 7-5. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 11-5.

This is Tom Hallion (20)'s 2nd ejection of 2021.

Tom Hallion now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 0).

Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 2 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 0 QOCN = 2).

*The 3-2 pitch was located 0.60 vertical inches from being deemed a correct call.

This is the 89th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is Chicago's 2nd ejection of 2021, 3rd in the AL Central (KC, MIN 4; CWS 2; CLE, DET 0).

This is Ethan Katz's first career MLB ejection.

This is Tom Hallion's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since April 21 (Jayce Tingler; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers, 7/3/21 | Video as follows:

No, Giants, A Retired Batter Can't Also Pass A Runner

The Pittsburgh Pirates had to wait a few extra minutes to fully enjoy a walk-off win against San Francisco Friday night after Giants manager Gabe Kapler questioned HP Umpire Tom Hallion about Pittsburgh's baserunning during batter Gregory Polanco's game-ending sacrifice fly that scored Adam Frazier from third base.

Play: With one out and the bases loaded of a tied game in the bottom of the 11th inning, Pirates batter Polanco hit a fly ball to center fielder Austin Slater, scoring baserunner R3 Frazier to break the tie and award Pittsburgh a 3-2 victory.

Kapler Doth Protest: Although at first glance, Kapler's complaint might appear to have been a question of a runner leaving a base too early, this question is discarded for San Francisco never appealed on any of Pittsburgh's runners.

The second possibility, according to at least one of the broadcast crews, was that no runner other than Frazier advanced to and touched their next base...but with a sacrifice fly, no runner was forced to advance.

This leaves us with what Kapler actually argued: that batter-runner Polanco passed teammate and baserunner R1 Caleb Baragar at first base and, thus, the inning should have ended on a double play with no run scoring.

Rule: Official Baseball Rule 5.09(b)(9) states that a runner is out when they pass a "preceding runner before such runner is out." Kapler's argument was that because Polanco passed Baragar before Baragar was out, this is an out and, combined with the caught fly ball, should have been an inning-ending double play.

Double Jeopardy: Not so fast, Giants. Recall that batter-runner Polanco hit a sacrifice fly and was put out by outfielder Slater's catch. Accordingly, Polanco cannot be out for more than one reason: he might be out on the fly ball to the outfield or on the runners passing situation, but not both. Once Polanco is declared out for one of those reasons, he cannot be declared out for the other.

Although situations do exist where a retired runner's actions may cause the runner's teammate to be declared out for the retired runner's actions (e.g., interference), no individual player may be declared out more than once during any individual play.

The Other Runners: Assume that trailing batter-runner Polanco was declared out for passing lead runner Baragar prior to Slater catching the fly ball. Does this absolve all other runners of their tag-up (retouch) responsibilities on the eventually-caught fly ball (since the batter who hit it was already declared out for another reason)? Answer: No. OBR 5.09(c)(1) states that a runner is out on appeal when "After a fly ball is caught, they fail to retouch their original base before they or their original base is tagged."

In sum, batter-runner Polanco is out on the caught fly ball (or [but not and] for passing preceding runner Baragar) for the second out of the inning; Polanco cannot be declared out a second time. All runners appeared to properly tag up on the caught fly ball with Frazier scoring the Pirates' winning run. Game over, score the run.

A retired player cannot be declared out a second time. | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 015 - Tom Hallion (1; Jayce Tingler)

HP Umpire Tom Hallion ejected Padres manager Jayce Tingler (strike one call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Brewers-#Padres game. With none out and two on (R1, R3), Padres batter Jurickson Profar took a 1-0 slider from Brewers pitcher Brad Boxberger for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.57, pz 1.53 [sz_bot 1.53 / RAD 1.41]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Brewers were leading, 4-2. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

This is Tom Hallion (20)'s 1st ejection of 2021.
Tom Hallion now has 5 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 5).
Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 3).

*This pitch was located 2.47 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 15th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the eighth manager ejection of 2021.

This is San Diego's 2nd ejection of 2021, T-1st in the NL West (COL, SD 2; ARI, LAD, SF 0).

This is Jayce Tingler's 1st ejection since October 6, 2020 (Lance Barrett; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Tom Hallion's 1st ejection since August 6, 2019 (Jarrod Dyson; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs. San Diego Padres, 4/21/21 | Video as follows:

Kershaw & Profar's Catcher Interference Dispute

After HP Umpire Tom Hallion called "strike three" on Padres batter Jurickson Profar's 3-2 check swing to seemingly end San Diego's 4th inning, Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw and Profar shouted at each other, SD convinced catcher's interference had occurred as Los Angeles accused the Padres of playing dirty.

Situation Handling Side Note: As Kershaw and Profar shouted across the diamond, the umpiring crew went into game management mode, with Hallion attending to Kershaw, Umpire Phil Cuzzi taking Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts and 1B Umpire Cory Blaser standing in front of Profar.

As for the catcher's interference play itself, which Padres Manager Jayce Tingler challenged and was overturned from strike three to catcher's interference as a result of Replay Review, tmac just days earlier had assembled an analysis regarding a check swing catcher's interference call in Seattle, with the moral of the story being that, yes, catcher's interference is possible on a check swing.

Related Post: Teachable - Catcher's Interference on a Check Swing (4/13/21).

Kershaw-Profar takes it a step farther, as replays did clearly and convincingly indicate that Profar's bat indeed made contact with Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes' mitt...but the question is whether Barnes had actually interfered with Profar's opportunity to strike the pitch (the Official Baseball Rule's definition is as follows: "defensive interference is an act by a fielder that hinders or prevents a batter from hitting a pitch").

Over the years, it has become clear that a batter need not actually swing for a catcher's interference call to occur, but at what point of the ball traversing through the hitting zone does catcher's interference cease to be a liability to the defense? Must the batter have a realistic chance of actually hitting the ball (either fair or foul) or has this become a black-and-white did the bat make contact with the glove kind of a play?

Regardless, Profar would not have been awarded first base for catcher's interference had umpires ruled that Profar intentionally swung at Barnes, in order to draw the call, instead of legitimately attempting to strike at or check his swing at Kershaw's pitch.

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 Ejection 155 - Tom Hallion (2; Jarrod Dyson)

HP Umpire Tom Hallion ejected Diamondbacks CF Jarrod Dyson (strike two call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Phillies-Diamondbacks game. With one out and none on, Dyson took a 0-1 slider from Phillies pitcher Zach Eflin for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -1.17, pz 1.59 [sz_bot 1.63 / RAD 1.51]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Diamondbacks were leading, 8-4. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 8-4.

This is Tom Hallion (20)'s second ejection of 2019.
Tom Hallion now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (6 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 4).
Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 11 points in Crew Division (11 Previous + 0 QOCN = 11).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.
This pitch was located 3.07 horizontal inches from being deemed a correct call.

This is the 155th ejection report of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 73rd player ejection of 2019. Prior to ejection, Dyson was 2-5 (SO) in the contest.
This is Arizona's 4th ejection of 2019, 3rd in the NL West (SD, SF 5; ARI 4; COL, LAD 3).
This is Jarrod Dyson's first career MLB ejection.
This is Tom Hallion's 2nd ejection of 2019, 1st since July 16 (Jorge Soler; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 8/6/19 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 121 - Tom Hallion (1; Jorge Soler)

HP Umpire Tom Hallion ejected Royals DH Jorge Soler (strike three call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the White Sox-Royals game. With two out and none on, Soler took a 3-2 cutter from White Sox pitcher Josh Osich for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and knee-high (px -0.63, pz 1.89 [sz_bot 1.72]) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 11-0. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 11-0.

This is Tom Hallion (20)'s first ejection of 2019.
Tom Hallion now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 6).
Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 5 points in Crew Division (4 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 5).
*This pitch was located 3.4 horizontal and 4.5 vertical inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

This is the 121st ejection report of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 52nd player ejection of 2019. Prior to ejection, Soler was 0-4 (2 SO) in the contest.
This is Kansas City's 7th ejection of 2019, 2nd in the AL Central (DET 9; KC 7; CWS 6; CLE, MIN 1).
This is Jorge Soler's 2nd ejection of 2019, 1st since June 14 (H Wendelstedt; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Tom Hallion's 1st ejection since Sept 9, 2018 (Jacob Nottingham; QOC = U [Warnings]).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs. Kansas City Royals, 7/17/19 | 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:

Injury Scout - Hallion Out in Anaheim After Hit to Head

HP Umpire Tom Hallion exited Tuesday's Brewers-Angels game in California following a second-inning foul ball to the head.

With two out, Angels batter Andrelton Simmons fouled a 2-0 90.8-mph fastball into Hallion's traditional-style facemask, knocking the mask to the ground; Hallion remained in the game for the next pitch, a force out to end the inning.

During the break, Hallion left the field and was replaced behind home plate by 2B Umpire Todd Tichenor, with 1B Umpire Phil Cuzzi and 3B Umpire Adam Hamari holding their positions in the field. Cuzzi served as acting crew chief.

Relevant Injury History: Hallion has a history of head injuries as a home plate umpire.
Hallion last left a July 24, 2018 game in Philadelphia after a foul ball off the facemask.
Related Post: Injury Scout - Tom Hallion Out on Extra Inning Foul to Jaw (7/24/18).

On August 19, 2017, Hallion left a game in Baltimore following a foul ball to the top of his mask.
Related Post: Injury Scout - Hallion Exits After Foul to Face Mask (8/19/17).

Hallion remained in an August 2015 game after a direct hit, but left a July game after a foul-to-mask.
Related Post: Tom Hallion Takes Direct Shot to Mask, Remains in Game (8/14/15).
Related Post: Tom Hallion Squarely Struck by Foul, Leaves A's Game (7/1/15).

Injury Scout Update: Both Jerry Layne and Scott Barry returned to the field earlier this month.
Related Post: Injury Scout - Jerry Layne Exits After Two Head Hits (4/1/19).
Related Post: Injury Scout - Scott Barry Hit by Fastball Late in LA (3/29/19).

Last Game: April 9 | Return to Play: April 19 | Time Absent: 10 Days | Video as follows:

Odd - Harper-Diaz Feud Adds to Hallion-Frazier Mystique

HP Umpire Laz Diaz and Nationals CF Bryce Harper held an hour-long disagreement in Atlanta, the feud between official and player extending from the fifth to seventh inning during Washington's game against the Braves and involving skipper Dave Martinez in the process, as well. It was the second curious umpire-player interaction in as many days, following Tom Hallion's interesting positioning on top of home plate during a walk-off home run trot by New York's Todd Frazier on Thursday afternoon.

Bryce Harper and Laz Diaz had a spat Friday.

Diaz and Harper Carry on a Spat: In the top of the 5th inning, Harper struck out swinging after appearing to take umbrage with a first-pitch fastball Diaz had ruled a strike. The thigh-high pitch was located just off the outer edge of home plate (px -.923). Per UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule), the pitch would have been deemed correctly officiated had its px value been -.914 or closer to zero, which amounts to just over one-tenth of an inch into conclusively "incorrect" territory (-.923 + .914 = .009 * 12 = .108 inches).

The disagreement continued into the bottom of the 5th, when Braves batter Dansby Swanson took a 1-2 fastball outside for a called second ball (px 1.387, or about six inches off the plate) and Harper's purported discontent from his position in center field drew Diaz's attention. For what it's worth, Dansby had taken a called strike earlier in the at-bat which was similarly outside, albeit closer to home plate (the 1-0 pitch, ruled strike one, was off the outer edge of home plate by 2.664 inches; px 1.136).

It was at this time that Diaz informed Nats Manager Martinez, "He needs to cut it out, you need to talk to him...you take care of him or I will."

Relevant History: This should remind ardent Left Field Corner-era UEFL'ers of Ed Rapuano's August 9, 2009 ejection of Shane Victorino in Philadelphia for arguing a ball call from his position in center field. As was the case with Harper's protestation of Diaz's call from the outfield, Victorino likewise was admonished by the umpire for arguing a correctly officiated pitch.
Related Post: Ejections: Ed Rapuano (4) (8/9/09).

Laz Diaz addresses the Nationals dugout.

In the top of the 7th inning, Diaz called strike two on a 1-2 offering to Harper, drawing further discontent and a brief delay as Martinez exited the dugout to address Diaz. More-so than the fifth inning pitch, this one was located off the plate (px -1.353), 5.268 inches from the Kulpa Rule's .914 outer mark.

Harper grounded out and the game eventually ended without further incident, but Harper let his feelings be known following Washington's loss, telling the press that Diaz made inappropriate comments during the 7th inning disruption, adding: "That's my biggest thing this year is I don't want to get tossed. So I think I go to the edge, then kinda quiet up."

Harper, who as recently as 2016 (and also 2017) was MLB's biggest hothead player, according to ejection statistics and specifically the games-per-ejection (GPE) metric, has greatly simmered down over the past year; his last ejection occurred in July 2017.
Related Post: MLB Ejection 107 - Chris Segal (2; Bryce Harper) (7/26/17).
Related Post: Passing the Torch - Papi Out, Harper In as Biggest Hothead (5/13/16).

Martinez's summation was more pointed as he appealed to Major League Baseball to investigate the incident:

I'm not going to make any comments on balls and strikes there, but umpires are supposed to be non-confrontational, they're supposed to uphold the peace on the baseball field...For me, I think the MLB needs to take a look at that. That's all I'm going to say. I've known Laz for a very long time, and I'm not going to throw anybody under the bus, but we're in a pivotal moment of the game, and he's saying things to Harp, and I thought that was uncalled for.

And then Martinez commented on balls and strikes: "He called a pitch on him that was pretty ridiculous, but hopefully MLB will take a look at it and decide what to do."

Hallion stands in front of Frazier in New York.

Add in a Mix of Hallion-Frazier and You've Got a Busy Two Days: If MLB does pick up the Harper-Diaz case, it would mark MLB's second investigation of a player-umpire incident in the past few days. Earlier Friday, the New York Post reported that MLB is investigating Tom Hallion's positioning during Todd Frazier's home run to end the first game of New York's doubleheader against Miami on Thursday.

This video of Frazier's walk-off HR shows Hallion standing on the third baseline side of home plate as the Mets' batsman approached home. After the game, Frazier said, "I am not looking too far into it, but at first I was just befuddled," surmising that, "There have been some quirky things going on with me and the umpires and baseballs and home plate incidents and I looked back and saw Tom and he was kind of smirking like he did something."
Related Video: Todd Frazier's walk-off HR ends with umpire obstruction at home plate (NYM)

Frazier's 2018 history includes a recent ejection care of Hallion crewmate Dan Bellino, admitting to willfully fooling 3B Umpire Mark Wegner at Dodger Stadium by pretending to catch a foul ball in the seats, and, earlier this season, calling out the entire MLB umpire staff, saying, "These umpires have got to get better."
Related Post: MLB Ejection 158 - Dan Bellino (2; Todd Frazier) (9/11/18).
Related Post: Replay Rewind - Hollywood Magic at Dodger Stadium (9/5/18).
Related Post: Todd Frazier - "These Umpires Have Got to Get Better" (5/3/18).

Video (Diaz-Harper) as follows: