MLB Ejection 151: Will Little (3; Ned Yost)

HP Umpire Will Little ejected Royals Manager Ned Yost for arguing a ball four call in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Royals-Blue Jays game. With two out and three on, Blue Jays batter Rajai Davis took a 3-0 fastball from Royals pitcher Aaron Crow for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located belt high and over the outer half of home plate (px 0.670), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Blue Jays were leading, 4-2. The Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

 

This is Will Little (93)'s third ejection of 2013.

Will Little now has 8 points in the UEFL (10+3-1-4=8).

Crew Chief Gary Darling now has X points in the UEFL's Crew Division (X + 0 Incorrect Call = X).

 

This is the 151st ejection of the 2013 MLB season.

This is the 73rd Manager ejection of 2013.

This is the Royals' 4th ejection of 2013, T-4th in the AL Central (DET 8; CLE 6; CWS 5; KC, MIN 3).

This is Ned Yost's 1st ejection of 2013 and first since August 22, 2012 (Scott Barry; QOC = -).

This is Will Little's first ejection since August 9, 2013 (Max Scherzer; QOC = Correct).

 

Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 8/31/13

Video: Back-to-back bases loaded walks leads to mound visit, argument and ejection (TOR)

In Memoriam: Remembering NL Umpire Frank Pulli

28-year NL umpire Frank Pulli passed away at the age of 78 due to complications from Parkinson's disease.

Born on March 22, 1935 in Eaton, Pennsylvania, Pulli began his umpiring career locally after a stint in the US Air Force, working the VFW Teener League National Championship in 1968. Shortly thereafter, Pulli graduated from pro umpires' school and was soon promoted to the International League. Hired by the NL in 1972, Pulli worked over 30 years in professional baseball, umpiring 3,774 National League games and serving as one of the lead instructors for MLB's Umpire Development Program before falling prey to the 1999 mass resignation debacle. After his forced retirement and subsequent court-ordered reinstatement, Pulli joined the merged MLB office as an umpire supervisor in 2000 and played a significant role in the development of Pitch f/x predecessor QuesTec Umpire Information System. Pulli retired from baseball completely in 2007.

NL Umpire Frank Pulli.

Presenting the UEFL Profile of MLB Umpire Frank Pulli.
Name: Frank Victor Pulli
Nickname: Ish
Date of Birth: March 22, 1935
Place of Birth: Eaton, Pennsylvania
Date of Death: August 28, 2013
Place of Death: Palm Harbor, Florida

MiLB Leagues Worked: Midwest, Eastern, International
MLB Debut: 1972 (NL) / Last Game: 1999 (NL)
Level: NL
Umpire Uniform Number: 14
Crew Chief: Yes
Ejection History: 1 (1972), 3 (1973), 1 (1974), 1 (1975), 4 (1976), 6 (1977), 0 (1978-1982), 1 (1983), 2 (1984), 0 (1985), 3 (1986), 1 (1987), 0 (1988-89), 2 (1990), 0 (1991), 1 (1992), 0 (1993-94), 1 (1995), 6 (1996), 2 (1997), 2 (1998), 0 (1999); 37 Total.
First Ejection: 4/24/72 (Cesar Cedeno; Reason = Safe/Out Call at first base)
Final Ejection: 7/15/98 (Jim Leyland; Reason = Out No-Call, runner passing another runner)
Most Common Ejectee: Jim Leyland (2; 8/17/90 [Balk], 7/15/98 [Safe/Out])

Postseason and Special Events History
2 All-Star Game: 1977 (LF), 1988 (HP, -cc)
4 Division Series: 1981, 1995, 1996, 1998
6 Championship Series: 1975, 1979, 1986, 1991, 1993, 1997
4 World Series: 1978, 1983, 1990, 1995

Notes: Ruled Yankees runner Reggie Jackson did not interfere with a throw during the 1978 World Series.
» First umpire to consult instant replay during game; confirmed umpire Greg Gibson's call of double (5/31/99)

MLB Ejection 150: Alan Porter (4; Ron Gardenhire)

HP Umpire Alan Porter ejected Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire for arguing warnings (Unsportsmanlike-NEC) in the top of the 2nd inning of the Royals-Twins game. With none out and one on, Royals batter Justin Maxwell took a 2-2 cutter from Twins pitcher Samuel Deduno for a hit by pitch after which Porter issued

Porter ejects Gardenhire after warnings.

warnings. 3B Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt issued warnings yesterday after a Royals-Twins inside fastball following a home run. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and hit Maxwell who slammed his bat with force and stared in Deduno's direction before being escorted to first base by 1B Umpire Greg Gibson, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 0-0. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 3-1.

This is Alan Porter (64)'s fourth ejection of 2013.
Alan Porter now has 2 points in the UEFL (0 + 2 + 0 = 2).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 11 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (10 + 1 Irrecusable Call = 11).

This is the 150th ejection of 2013 MLB season.
This is the 72nd Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the Twins' 4th ejection of 2013, 4th in the AL Central (DET 8; CLE 6; CWS 5; MIN 4; KC 3).
This is Ron Gardenhire's 4th ejection of 2013 and first since July 13 (Vic Carapazza; QOC = Correct).
This is Alan Porter's first ejection since August 2, 2013 (Mark Ellis, Don Mattingly; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 8/29/13
Video: After Maxwell reacts angrily to a HBP, Porter elects to issue warnings; Gardy tossed arguing (MLB)

MLB Ejection 149: Lance Barksdale (1; Dale Sveum)

1B Umpire Lance Barksdale ejected Cubs Manager Dale Sveum for arguing a check swing (ball) call in the bottom of the 1st inning of the Cubs-Dodgers game. With none out and none on, Dodgers batter Yasiel Puig

Sveum confronts Barksdale after his ejection.

attempted to check his swing on a 2-2 fastball from Cubs pitcher Edwin Jackson, initially ruled a ball by HP Umpire Kerwin Danley and appealed to Barksdale for review. Replays are inconclusive as to whether Puig attempted to strike the pitch, the call has been referred to the UEFL Appeals Board for further review. After review, the call is now incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 0-0. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 4-0.

This is Lance Barksdale (23)'s first ejection of 2013.
Lance Barksdale now has -2 points in the UEFL (0 + 2 + -4 = -2).
Crew Chief Gary Cederstrom now has 3 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (3 + 0 Incorrect Call = 3).
*The Board issued a unanimous decision, 6-0-0, affirming the call's incorrectness.

This is the 149th ejection of 2013 MLB season.
This is the 71st Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the Cubs' 7th ejection of 2013, 2nd in the NL Central (PIT 8; CHC 7; STL 5; MIL 3; CIN 0).
This is Dale Sveum's 6th ejection of 2013 and first since August 18, 2013 (Phil Cuzzi; QOC = Incorrect).
This is Lance Barksdale's first ejection since May 1, 2011 (Charlie Manuel; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 8/28/13
Video: After an initial complaint, Sveum barks at Barksdale after a foul, earning the early shower (CHC)

MLB Ejection 148: Greg Gibson (3; Joe Maddon)

HP Umpire Greg Gibson ejected Rays Manager Joe Maddon for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 4th inning of the Rays-Royals game. With two out and three on, Rays batter David DeJesus took a 1-2 slider

Maddon expresses disagreement with Gibson.

from Royals pitcher Jeremy Guthrie for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located letter-high and over the inner half of home plate (sz_top 3.24, pz 3.438), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 5-1. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 11-1.

This is Greg Gibson (53)'s third ejection of 2013.
Greg Gibson now has 6 points in the UEFL (8 + 2 + -4 N = 6).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 10 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (10 + 0 Incorrect Call = 10).

This is the 148th ejection of 2013 MLB season.
This is the 70th Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the Rays' 6th ejection of 2013, 3rd in the AL East (TOR 12; BOS 8; TB 6; BAL 5; NYY 3).
This is Joe Maddon's 4th ejection of 2013 and first since May 8, 2013 (Scott Barry; QOC = Incorrect).
This is Greg Gibson's first ejection since August 23, 2013 (Robin Ventura; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Kansas City Royals, 8/26/13
Video: After a called third strike against DeJesus to leave three men on base, Maddon earns a heave-ho (TB)

MLB Ejection 147: Jerry Layne (4; Mark Parent)

2B Umpire Jerry Layne ejected Chicago White Sox Bench Coach Mark Parent for Unsportsmanlike-NEC during the pre-game conference and lineup card exchange at home plate for the Rangers-White Sox game.

Layne ejects Parent during pre-game ceremonies.

With both team's bench coaches, a pre-game guest and cameraman in attendance, Parent was ejected after discussing an inappropriate matter with crew chief U2 Layne. Replays indicate the game hadn't yet started and no calls had been made, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 0-0. The White Sox ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is Jerry Layne (24)'s fourth ejection of 2013.

Jerry Layne now has 10 points in the UEFL (8+2=10).

Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 9 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (8 + 1 Irrecusable Call = 9).

This is the 147th ejection of 2013 MLB season.
This is the White Sox's 5th ejection of 2013, 3rd in the AL Central (DET 8; CLE 6; CWS 5; KC 3; MIN 2).

This is Mark Parent's 2nd ejection of 2013 and first since June 4, 2013 (Dale Scott; QOC = Correct).

This is Jerry Layne's first ejection since August 21, 2013 (Daniel Murphy; Terry Collins; QOC = Irrecusable).

Wrap: Texas Rangers vs. Chicago White Sox, 8/25/13
Video: Parent is ejected during the pre-game ground rules meeting with umpires at home plate (CWS)

Clint Fagan's Record 712-Pitch, 7:06 Game; 100% 18th QOC

HP Umpire Clint Fagan squatted for 712 pitches over seven hours and six minutes during Saturday night's 18-inning Diamondbacks-Phillies game, the longest game in time of the season and the lengthiest since Houston-Los Angeles on June 3, 1989, which lasted seven hours and 14 minutes, encompassing 643 pitches. Fagan's 18th inning strike zone was called at 100% accuracy, which is an MLB umpiring record.

The previous 2013 record for longest game was Kerwin Danley's 597-pitch Angels-A's game on April 29. That game lasted just six hours and 32 minutes and featured 372 strikes (62.3%).

PFX: Fagan called the 18th inning at 100% accuracy (32 callable pitches)

With an average MLB umpire squatting for 295 pitches per game, Fagan called the equivalent of nearly two-and-a-half regulation ballgames, though the game lasted just 18 innings. Of his 643 pitches seen, 405 were strikes (63.0%); the game also featured 28 total walks, six of them intentional (Arizona's Paul Goldschmidt and Philadelphia's Cody Asche were IBB'd twice each).

Maligned by Phillies fans for allegedly "squeezing" regular right fielder Casper Wells during his pitching assignment in the top of the 18th inning, Pitch f/x confirms that Clint Fagan finished strong, carrying an accuracy rating of 100 percent through the final inning of play (32 Correct Ball/Strike Calls out of 32 Callable Pitches = 100%). This figure includes both the top and bottom halves of the frame.

Therefore, it is a logically indisputable fact that Fagan has at the least tied, if not set, the MLB record for highest accuracy by a home plate umpire during an 18th inning.

Wrap: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 8/25/13

MLB Ejection 146: Paul Nauert (2; Justin Upton)

HP Umpire Paul Nauert ejected Braves LF Justin Upton for arguing a strike one call in the top of the 6th inning of the Braves-Cardinals game. With one out and one on, Upton took a 0-0 fastball from Cardinals

Upton was restrained after his ejection.

pitcher Adam Wainwright for a called first strike before grounding out and on a 0-1 cutter. Replays indicate the first pitch was located thigh high and over the outer edge of home plate (px 0.617; sz_bot 1.570, pz 1.812), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 1-0. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 3-1.

This is Paul Nauert (39)'s second ejection of 2013.
Paul Nauert now has 8 points in the UEFL (4 + 2 MLB + 2 Y = 8).
Crew Chief Dana DeMuth now has 9 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (8 + 1 Correct Call = 9).

This is the 146th ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 66th player ejection of 2013. Prior to ejection, Upton was 0-3 in the contest.
This is the Braves' 8th ejection of 2013, T-1st in the NL East (ATL, WAS 8; NYM 6; PHI 4; MIA 2).
This is Justin Upton's 1st ejection of 2013 and first since August 8, 2012 (Alfonso Marquez; QOC = Correct).
This is Paul Nauert's first ejection since August 10, 2013 (Tom Foley; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Atlanta Braves vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 8/23/13
Video: Upon grounding out to go 0-3 on the day, Upton is tossed and has choice words for Nauert (ATL)

MLB Ejection 145: Greg Gibson (2; Robin Ventura)

3B Umpire Greg Gibson ejected White Sox Manager Robin Ventura for arguing a dead ball no-call (lodged/stuck) in the top of the 3rd inning of the Rangers-White Sox game. With one out and none on, Rangers batter Ian Kinsler hit a 1-0 changeup from White Sox pitcher Chris Sale for a line drive down the left

Gibson signals a fair ball as Viciedo retrieves it.

field line. After struggling to locate the baseball, White Sox left fielder Dayan Viciedo attempted to request "time," which was not granted by Gibson; Viciedo eventually retrieved the ball and fired home as Kinsler attempted to score, resulting in an inside-the-park home run. Replays indicate the fair bounding ball caromed off the base of the left field wall, appearing to follow a tract underneath the wall's padding as it remained loose; as the ball was not stuck pursuant to OBR Rule 6.09(f) and as suggested by the Universal Ground Rules, came to rest but was not lodged, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Rangers were leading, 5-3. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 11-5.

This is Greg Gibson (53)'s second ejection of 2013.

Greg Gibson now has 8 points in the UEFL (4 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).

Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 9 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (8 + 1 Correct Call = 9).

*Rule 6.09(f) states, in part, that a batter becomes a runner and is entitled to two bases when "any fair ball...sticks in a fence or scoreboard."

*Rule 6.09(e) entitles a batter to two bases if a fair ball after touching the ground "passes under a fence."

This is the 145th ejection of the 2013 MLB season.

This is the 69th Manager ejection of 2013.

This is the White Sox's 4th ejection of 2013, 3rd in the AL Central (DET 8; CLE 6; CWS 4; KC 3; MIN 2).
This is Robin Ventura's 2nd ejection of 2013 and first since July 24, 2013 (Gary Darling; QOC = Correct).
This is Greg Gibson's first ejection since August 7, 2013 (Don Cooper; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Texas Rangers vs. Chicago White Sox, 8/23/13

Video: After ball evades Viciedo's sight near the wall, Kinsler collects a HR; Ventura an ejection (TEX)
Video: Ventura tossed as Hawk admits, "Viciedo doesn't know the rules," calls for common sense (CWS)
Video: Kinsler able to score as confusion reigns along the left field fence line (MLB/Must C)

MLB Ejections 143, 144: Scott Barry, Ted Barrett (2, 2)

1B Umpire Scott Barry ejected Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons and 3B Umpire Ted Barrett ejected Blue Jays P Mark Buehrle for arguing Barry's no catch call in the bottom of the 5th inning of the Blue Jays-Yankees

Replay suggests Davis made the catch.

game. With one out and three on, Yankees batter Vernon Wells hit a 0-0 changeup from Blue Jays pitcher J.A. Happ to center fielder Rajai Davis, who threw to second baseman Munenori Kawasaki, who tagged baserunners R2 Chris Stewart (tagged off base) and R1 Ichiro Suzuki (tagged while on second base), ruled out and safe, respectively, by 2B Umpire Alfonso Marquez. Replays indicate Davis appeared to capture the ball in his glove and demonstrate secure possession before releasing the ball (and that Barry immediately signaled "safe" while Barrett did not mechanize any call), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 2-1. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

This is Scott Barry (87)'s second ejection of 2013.
This is Ted Barrett (65)'s second ejection of 2013.
Scott Barry now has -2 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call = -2).
Ted Barrett now has 4 points in the UEFL (4 Previous + 2 MLB + -2 Incorrect Call [Crewmate] = 4).
Crew Chief Ted Barrett now has 4 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (4 + 0 Incorrect Call = 4).

These are the 143rd and 144th ejections of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 68th Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the 65th player ejection of 2013. Prior to ejection, Buehrle did not participate in the contest.
This is the Blue Jays' 11/12th ejection of 2013, 1st in the AL East (TOR 12; BOS 8; BAL, TB 5; NYY 3).
This is John Gibbons' 5th ejection of 2013 and first since July 2, 2013 (Alan Porter; QOC = Correct).
This is Mark Buehrle's 1st ejection of 2013 and first since May 26, 2010 (Joe West; QOC = Correct).
This is Scott Barry's first ejection since May 8, 2013 (Joe Maddon; QOC = Incorrect [Crewmate]).
This is Ted Barrett's first ejection since yesterday, August 21, 2013 (Jose Reyes; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees, 8/22/13
Video: Yankees score a run on an odd play that is ultimately scored an RBI forceout; Gibbons tossed (NYY)