Close Plays Find Baseball's Opening Series Finale

Close plays permeated MLB on Thursday, as two notable tag plays and a passing out call resulted in three manager-umpire discussions, resulting in two upheld calls, one overturned and zero ejections.

Rays batter Evan Longoria was called out for passing runner Ben Zobrist in the bottom of the 9th inning of the Orioles-Rays game. With none out and two on, Longoria hit a first pitch fastball to deep center field, driving in R2 Sean Rodriguez and sending R1 Zobrist to third as Longoria himself cruised into second base with an apparent double. Unfortunately for the Rays, 1B Umpire James Hoye ruled Longoria out under the auspices of Rule 7.08(h)—passing a preceding runner before such runner is out—resulting in the official scoring of a single, Longoria out advancing to second. Zobrist retained third base.

Though Rays Manager Joe Maddon argued a pass situation had not occurred, it was to no avail, as the call was upheld after Hoye consulted crew chief and 2B Umpire John Hirschbeck. What is your QOC?
Longoria ruled out for passing a preceding runner, Zobrist

Meanwhile in Cincinnati, HP Umpire CB Bucknor's timed safe call on Angels runner Albert Pujols' slide past Reds catcher Ryan Hanigan made MLB's "Must C" list, as replays indicate that even though the ball beat Pujols quite handily, Hanigan failed to tag Pujols; as his momentum pushed Pujols to retouch the point of home plate prior to Hanigan's attempted retag, Bucknor gave a timed safe tag, a mechanic that is correct by rule and instruction.
Bucknor shows patience in formulating an excellent safe call at the plate

Finally, in Atlanta, 1B Umpire Scott Barry reversed his initial safe call after conferring with crewmates after a high throw by Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons pulled first baseman Freddie Freeman off the bag, who replays demonstrate successfully tagged Phillies baserunner Erik Kratz as he ran by.

MiLB 2013 Debut Ejections: Ben May (1, 2)

MiLB has its first ejections of 2013; HP Umpire Ben May ejected Bisons third baseman Andy LaRoche and Manager Marty Brown for arguing a foul ball call in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Red Wings-Bisons game. With one out and two on, LaRoche took a 1-2 pitch from Red Wings pitcher Daniel Turpen inside, where contact with LaRoche's wrist, hand and bat area occurred. Replays indicate the ball first contacted LaRoche's wrist and LaRoche did not appear to have attempted to strike the pitch, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Bisons were leading, 9-8. The Bisons ultimately won the contest, 12-7.

Wrap: Rochester Red Wings vs. Buffalo Bisons (AAA, International League), 4/4/13

Video: LaRoche appears to be plunked by pitch, ruled a foul; Brown spikes helmet during argument (N/A)

NBA Ejections: Kennedy/Forte/Richardson (2), TFFL Day 145

Referees Bill Kennedy (crew chief), Brian Forte (R) and Derek Richardson (R2/umpire) ejected Clippers center Ryan Hollins for a flagrant foul penalty two and Suns forward Michael Beasley for fighting during the 4th quarter of the Suns-Clippers game. With 8:57 remaining in the 4th period, Hollins excessively and unnecessarily fouled Suns guard Goran Dragic by grabbing Dragic by the head/neck area, resulting in a flagrant foul type two. Beasley was issued a flagrant technical for attempting to fight Hollins. At the time of the ejections, the Clippers were leading, 104-79. The Clippers ultimately won the contest, 126-101.

These are Bill Kennedy (55)'s third and fourth involvements with ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
These are Brian Forte (45)'s second and third involvements with ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
These are Derek Richardson (63)'s first and second involvements with ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.

Wrap: Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers, 4/3/13

Video: Hollins places Dragic in headlock while giving the ever popular and innocent, "what'd I do?"

2012-13 TFFL: Day 145 (12 Games, 7 Technicals, 1 Ejection)

951: #38 Michael Smith, #50 Olandis Poole, #32 Eddie F. Rush. Wizards' Vesely; 3rd, 1:42 (double-952).
952: #38 Michael Smith, #50 Olandis Poole, #32 Eddie F. Rush. Raptors' Acy; 3rd, 1:42 (double-951).
The Toronto Raptors ultimately won the contest, defeating the Washington Wizards, 88-78.

953: #48 Scott Foster, #6 Tony Brown, #44 Eli Roe. Knicks' Smith; 3rd, 1:32.
The New York Knicks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Altanta Hawks, 95-82.

954: #8 Marc Davis, #70 Brent Barnaky, #35 Kane Fitzgerald. Celtics' Hill; 4th, 3:19.
The Boston Celtics ultimately won the contest, defeating the Detroit Pistons, 98-93.

955: #55 Bill Kennedy, #45 Brian Forte, #63 Derek Richardson. Suns' Tucker; 1st, 8:43 (double-956).
956: #55 Bill Kennedy, #45 Brian Forte, #63 Derek Richardson. Clippers' Griffin; 1st, 8:43 (double-955).
957: #55 Bill Kennedy, #45 Brian Forte, #63 Derek Richardson. Suns' Beasley; 4th, 8:57.
Phoenix Suns F Michael Beasley ejected (flagrant technical foul "fighting").
The Los Angeles Clippers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Phoenix Suns, 126-101.

TFFL Standings Update

1. (207 pts) Bino.

2. (203 pts) Boredcravens.

3. (192 pts) cyclone14.

4. (182 pts) Niicker.
5. (179 pts) flap0703.

NBA Ejection: J Crawford/Corbin/Lane & TFFL Day 144

Referees Joe Crawford (crew chief), Sean Corbin (R) and Karl Lane (R2/umpire) ejected Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich for a second technical foul during the 4th quarter of the Bulls-Wizards game. With 3:19 remaining in the 4th period, Bulls center Nazr Mohammed attempted to tip in a Hinrich missed shot, but was ruled to have contacted the ball while it was still within the cylinder, resulting in offensive basket interference and a turnover. Hinrich disagreed with the call, resulting in Hinrich's two technicals, including an ejection by Corbin. At the time of the ejection, the Wizards were leading, 83-82. The Wizards ultimately won the contest, 90-86.

This is Joe Crawford (17)'s second involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.

This is Sean Corbin (33)'s fourth involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.

This is Karl Lane (77)'s third involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.

Wrap: Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards, 4/2/13

Video: Hinrich disagrees and is dismissed by Corbin (1:42) (0:35)

2012-13 TFFL: Day 144 (3 Games, 7 Technicals, 1 Ejection)

945: #17 Joe Crawford, #33 Sean Corbin, #77 Karl Lane. Bulls' Boozer; 3rd, 10:05.
946: #17 Joe Crawford, #33 Sean Corbin, #77 Karl Lane. Bulls' Hinrich; 4th, 3:19 (consec-947).
947: #17 Joe Crawford, #33 Sean Corbin, #77 Karl Lane. Bulls' Hinrich; 4th, 3:19 (consec-946).
Chicago Bulls G Kirk Hinrich ejected (second technical).
The Washington Wizards ultimately won the contest, defeating the Chicago Bulls, 90-86.

948: #24 Mike Callahan, #47 Bennie Adams, #20 Leroy Richardson. Knicks' Anthony; 1st, 0:02.5.
949: #24 Mike Callahan, #47 Bennie Adams, #20 Leroy Richardson. Heat's Miller; 2nd, 5:59.
The New York Knicks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Miami Heat, 102-90.

950: #10 Ron Garretson, #74 Curtis Blair, #11 Derrick Collins. Mavericks' Nowitzki; 4th, 4:04.
The Los Angeles Lakers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Dallas Mavericks, 101-81.

TFFL Standings Update

1. (207 pts) Bino.

2. (203 pts) Boredcravens.

3. (191 pts) cyclone14.

4. (179 pts) flap0703.

5. (177 pts) Niicker.

NBA Ejection: Mauer/Goble/Barnaky & TFFL Day 143

Referees Ken Mauer (crew chief), John Goble (R) and Brent Barnaky (R2/umpire) ejected Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson for a second technical foul during the 2nd quarter of the Cavaliers-Hawks game. With 7:07 remaining in the 2nd period, Gibson received his first technical foul after failing to draw a foul in connection with a missed three-point jump shot attempt. After jawing with opponent DeShawn Stevenson, Gibson and Stevenson were issued offsetting unsporting conduct technical fouls, resulting in Gibson's accrual of two cumulative technicals and his automatic ejection. At the time of the ejection, the Hawks were leading, 33-25. The Hawks ultimately won the contest, 102-94.

This is Ken Mauer (41)'s seventh involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.

This is John Goble (30)'s seventh involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.

This is Brent Barnaky (70)'s fifth involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.

Wrap: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks, 4/1/13

Video: In the midst of a season-high nine-game losing streak, Gibson's frustration results in ejection (0:35)

2012-13 TFFL: Day 143 (8 Games, 7 Technicals, 1 Ejection)

938: #48 Scott Foster, #56 Mark Ayotte, #72 J.T. Orr. Raptors' Valancuinas; 2nd, 1:19.

The Detroit Pistons ultimately won the contest, defeating the Toronto Raptors, 108-98.

939: #41 Ken Mauer, #30 John Goble, #70 Brent Barnaky. Cavaliers' Gibson; 2nd, 7:07.

940: #41 Ken Mauer, #30 John Goble, #70 Brent Barnaky. Hawks' Stevenson; 2nd, 7:07 (double-941).

941: #41 Ken Mauer, #30 John Goble, #70 Brent Barnaky. Cavaliers' Gibson; 2nd, 7:07 (double-940).

Cleveland Cavaliers G Daniel Gibson ejected (second technical).

942: #41 Ken Mauer, #30 John Goble, #70 Brent Barnaky. Cavaliers' Walton; 3rd, 0:13.1.

The Atlanta Hawks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers, 102-94.

943: #55 Bill Kennedy, #59 Gary Zielinski, #79 Kevin Scott. Bobcats' Henderson; 4th, 2:51.

The Milwaukee Bucks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Charlotte Bobcats, 131-102.

944: #9 Derrick Stafford, #12 Violet Palmer, #28 Zach Zarba. Pacers' Mahinmi; 3rd, 2:56.

The Indiana Pacers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers, 109-106.

TFFL Standings Update

1. (207 pts) Bino.

2. (199 pts) Boredcravens.

3. (189 pts) cyclone14.

4. (179 pts) flap0703.

5. (177 pts) Niicker.

NBA Referee Greg Willard Dead at 54

NBA referee Greg Willard has died nearly 10 months after first being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Greg Willard passed away April 1, 2013.

An official since 1988 who wore the uniform number 57, Willard officiated 1,515 regular season and 134 playoff games, including three NBA Finals after stints with the Continental Basketball Association and college basketball's PCAA (now Big West) and Pac-10 (now Pac-12) conferences. Willard also was affiliated with the Orange County Football Officials Association and attended both Orange Coast College and Long Beach State.

Willard officiated his final NBA contest in October, a pre-season affair between the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers, played in Anaheim, close to Willard's home town of Huntington Beach. He received the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's Spirit of Hope Award later that month.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States with a poor prognosis. Exocrine pancreatic cancer is associated with a one-year survival rate of just 25%, decreasing to 6% after five years. The median survival is about 10 months.

In honor of PCAN and Willard, NBA regional rights-holders such as FOX Sports have raised awareness and funds throughout the season for cancer research; NBA officials have worn purple awareness bracelets throughout the 2012-13 NBA season.

A Southern California native and a married father of three, Willard was 54 years old.

Ejections 1, 2: Enrico Pallazzo (Joe West, Hank Robinson)

HP Umpire Enrico Pallazzo ejected 3B Umpire Joe West and 1B Umpire Hank Robinson for arguing a safe and/or out call in the top of the 7th inning of the Mariners-Angels game. With two out and one on, Mariners batter Armando Criscione hit a 2-0 fastball for a pop fly to Angels catcher Santinez who dropped at least one

Pallazzo's umpire card

baseball, which may have intentionally or inadvertently fallen or been thrown from Pallazzo's plate coat, Mariners runner R3 Dory scoring.

Verbally ruled a fair ball by Pallazzo, B1 Criscione attempted to advance toward second base, Santinez throwing to Angels shortstop Austin, who threw to first baseman Zuhr as the Angels attempted to execute a rundown against Criscione. After Austin received the ball for the third time, he threw to Umpire Pallazzo, who threw to B1 Criscione before Umpire Robinson stepped in to throw with Pallazzo, B1 Criscione, according to Pallazzo, returning safely to first base though Robinson called him out for leaving the baseline as West observed the umpires' altercation. Replays indicate Criscione was either safe or out or neither or both.

Umpires West, Robinson and Pallazzo.

At the time of the ejections, the contest was tied, 4-4. The game was subsequently forfeited due to a bench clearing brawl during which time Angels outfielder Reggie Jackson attempted to assassinate the Queen of England before Pallazzo-Frank Drebin foiled the plot. Drebin was charged with two minutes for roughing, an instigator penalty, 15-yards unsportsmanlike conduct, five minutes for fighting and a game misconduct. The league fined Jackson $5,000 for flopping and Leslie Nielsen was promoted to crew chief. West was given a recording deal.

Video: Robinson and West make history as the first two Major League umpires ever ejected during a game

The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! is copyright Paramount Pictures, 1988. April Fools!

2012-13 TFFL: Day 143, Technical Fouls 935 - 937

2012-13 TFFL: Day 143 (5 Games, 3 Technicals)

935: #13 Monty McCutchen, #20 Leroy Richardson, #32 Eddie F. Rush. Pistons' Singler; 1st, 2:32 (d-936).

936: #13 Monty McCutchen, #20 Leroy Richardson, #32 Eddie F. Rush. Bulls' Robinson; 1st, 2:32 (d-935).

^The Chicago Bulls ultimately won the contest, defeating the Detroit Pistons, 95-94.

937: #49 Tom Washington, #56 Mark Ayotte, #30 John Goble. Celtics' Rivers; 2nd, 4:39.

The New York Knicks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Boston Celtics, 108-89.

TFFL Standings Update

1. (201 pts) Bino.

2. (193 pts) Boredcravens.

3. (183 pts) cyclone14.

4. (178 pts) flap0703.

5. (170 pts) Niicker, Drjjulius.

2012-13 TFFL: Days 140 - 142, Technical Fouls 918 - 934

2012-13 TFFL: Day 142 (12 Games, 11 Technicals)
924: #43 Dan Crawford, #31 Scott Wall, #73 Tre Maddox. Mavericks' Nowitzki; 3rd, 5:50.
925: #43 Dan Crawford, #31 Scott Wall, #73 Tre Maddox. Bulls' Robinson; 4th, 1:20 (double-926).
926: #43 Dan Crawford, #31 Scott Wall, #73 Tre Maddox. Mavericks' James, M.; 4th, 1:20 (double-925).
The Dallas Mavericks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Chicago Bulls, 100-98.

927: #38 Michael Smith, #7 Kevin Fehr, #18 Matt Boland. Hawks' Drew; 3rd, 3:49.
928: #38 Michael Smith, #7 Kevin Fehr, #18 Matt Boland. Magic's Harris; 4th, 2:36.
The Atlanta Hawks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Orlando Magic, 97-88.

929: #19 James Capers, #33 Sean Corbin, #50 Olandis Poole. Clippers' Griffin; 2nd, 6:09.
930: #19 James Capers, #33 Sean Corbin, #50 Olandis Poole. Clippers' Crawford; 2nd, 2:35.
The Houston Rockets ultimately won the contest, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers, 98-81.

931: #36 David Jones, #45 Brian Forte, #74 Curtis Blair. Bucks' Ellis; 2nd, 2:25.
932: #36 David Jones, #45 Brian Forte, #74 Curtis Blair. Bucks' Sanders; 3rd, 3:10.
The Oklahoma City Thunder ultimately won the contest, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks, 109-99.

933: #8 Marc Davis, #27 Dick Bavetta, #11 Derrick Collins. Suns' O'Neal; 1st, 1:48.
The Indiana Pacers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Phoenix Suns, 112-104.

934: #9 Derrick Stafford, #54 Nick Buchert, #28 Zach Zarba. Kings' Cousins; 2nd, 3:17.
The Los Angeles Lakers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Sacramento Kings, 103-98.

2012-13 TFFL: Day 141 (11 Games, 3 Technicals)
921: #13 Monty McCutchen, #42 Eric Lewis, #63 Derek Richardson. Hawks' Smith; 3rd, 6:36.
The Boston Celtics ultimately won the contest, defeating the Atlanta Hawks, 118-107.

922: #14 Ed Malloy, #34 Kevin Cutler, #65 Sean Wright. Thunder's Ibaka; 2nd, 0:08.1.
The Minnesota Timberwolves ultimately won the contest, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder, 101-93.

923: #24 Mike Callahan, #6 Tony Brown, #44 Eli Roe. Spurs' Popovich; 2nd, 4:24.
The San Antonio Spurs ultimately won the contest, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers, 104-102.

2012-13 TFFL: Day 140 (3 Games, 2 Technicals, 2 Flop Disciplines)

918: #48 Scott Foster, #18 Matt Boland, #75 Eric Dalen. Bucks' Jennings; 2nd, 0:57.7.
The Milwaukee Bucks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers, 113-103.

919: #17 Joe Crawford, #33 Sean Corbin, #77 Karl Lane. Mavericks' Kaman; 3rd, 9:59.
The Indiana Pacers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Dallas Mavericks, 103-78.

920: #41 Ken Mauer, #68 Marat Kogut, #40 Leon Wood. Kings' Thompson; 3rd, 6:30.
The Sacramento Kings ultimately won the contest, defeating the Phoenix Suns, 117-103.

Flopping 21: HOU Omer Asik (2nd, $5,000 Fine), Rockets vs. Spurs (3/24/13, Video [Foul Called = Yes]).
Flopping 22: DEN Danilo Gallinari (1st, Warning), Nuggets vs. Hornets (3/25/13, Video [Foul Called = No]).

TFFL Standings Update

1. (201 pts) Bino.

2. (193 pts) Boredcravens.

3. (182 pts) cyclone14.

4. (178 pts) flap0703.

5. (170 pts) Niicker.

Introducing the 2013 UEFL Appeals Board

The 2013 UEFL Appeals Board is now set. Throughout the 2013 season, Appeals Board decisions and pending cases will be posted to the Board's UEFL Portal page. Introducing the Board for the 2013 season:

UEFL Commissioner Gil Imber, Chair and Appellate Interpreter
» Founder and owner, Umpire Ejection Fantasy League's The Left Field Corner (2006-11) and Close Call Sports (2011-present)...Rules Featured Columnist, Bleacher Report (2011-present)...Former football and baseball, present basketball official...UEFL Appeals Board (2012-13).

Deputy UEFL Commissioner Jeremy Dircks
» Umpire Ejection Fantasy League and Close Call Sports Staff (2011-present)...Former Kern County football, basketball and baseball official...Officer, United States Navy...UEFL Appeals Board (2012-13).

Ranking Member tmac
» Former baseball official...Has worked with several present MiLB and MLB umpires...Author of several key 2012 UEFL Appeals Board decisions...Returning for a second term on the UEFL Appeals Board (2012-13).

Ranking Member RichMSN
» 25 years umpiring experience, high school and college...Ardent student of the rules; Jim Evans Annotated, Jaksa/Roder, Wendelstedt Manual, PBUC Manual, Childress BRD, MLB Umpire Manual Rule Interpretations...Returning for a second term on the UEFL Appeals Board (2012-13).

Ranking Member yawetag
» Baseball official for all ages, youth through adult (2007-present)...Knowledge throughout all rule codes; recreational, NFHS, NCAA, OBR/pro...Returning for a second term on the UEFL Appeals Board (2012-13).

Associate Member BT_Blue
» Nearly 20 years of umpiring experience, youth through college and semi-professional...Formerly a 2012 Appeals Board candidate...Inaugural term on the UEFL Appeals Board (2013); 46% of vote.

Associate Member Turducken
» Has officiated high school baseball and, professionally, Single-A MiLB...Former UEFL observer and 2012 participant...Inaugural term on the UEFL Appeals Board (2013); 44% of vote.