Calls of the Call: John Tumpane (Rays at Red Sox)

Triple-A call-up umpire John Tumpane had a whacker of an out call in Boston on Sunday, ruling Red Sox runner R3 Dustin Pedroia failed to beat Rays pitcher Alex Cobb's throw to catcher Jose Molina for the force out at home. Replays indicate Pedroia's lead foot glided over home plate without actually touching the dish; his trail foot only came into contact with the plate after Molina already fielded Cobb's throw. As the "Calls of the Call" video below demonstrates, more than one broadcaster had his doubts about the accuracy of Tumpane's call at first, but after consulting replay, all agreed Tumpane got the call right.

Meanwhile in Anaheim, it was 2B Umpire Tim Timmons who stuck with the play as Brandon Barnes' throw to second retired Angels catcher Hank Conger, whose foot Timmons ruled broke contact with the base as Astros shortstop Ronny Cedeno kept the tag on. [Video: Conger retired after long single]

The Stripes is All-Access Profile of NHL On-Ice Officials

The National Hockey League recently debuted an online feature, "The Stripes: Referee All Access," which follows professional hockey's officials throughout the course of a game during this lockout-shortened season.

With the tagline, "as a ref, there are no shifts, no time outs, no plus/minus" The Stripes takes off, greeting as they arrive at Toronto's Air Canada Centre, home to the Maple Leafs and the NBA's Toronto Raptors.

NFL referees Tim Peel and Brian Pochmara are highlighted throughout the segment as they speak of the officiating atmosphere at North American hockey's highest level. Also present are linesmen Brad Kovachik and Derek Nansen along with a trip to Toronto's video "war room" during which a goal call is upheld.

NHL VP and Sr Dir of Officiating Terry Gregson appears in the dressing room for the officials' post-game.

McCreary is honored before his last NHL game (4/3/2011)

The Stripes and the similar title Behind the Stripes have been used before in connection with officiating-related profiles, including the "Behind the Stripes: A Ref's Life" feature, a 23-minute segment still available online.

That documentary followed AHL referee Ghislain Hebert as he negotiated the minor-to-major league officiating pipeline, hoping for an eventual full-time NHL schedule and appointment to the staff. Also profiled was veteran Bill McCreary, who spoke of his own journey through the sport. Toronto and the Philadelphia Flyers were featured during that segment; referee Dean Morton and linesmen Scott Driscoll and Steve Barton also made an appearance as members of McCreary's on-ice crew in Philadelphia. Linesman Mark Pare and referee Greg Kimmerly join McCreary and Driscoll for Game #2 in Detroit for a Blackhawks-Red Wing fray.

Hebert's second game is a major league call-up affair, an NHL contest with referee Kevin Pollock and linesmen Mark Shewchyk and Kovachik at Buffalo's HSBC Arena where NHL Officiating Manager and former referee Don Koharski drops by for a pre-game, likening his pre-game speech to that of a hockey coach to his team. Both Games #2 ended in shootouts, including an 11-rounder during which the Colorado Avalanche beat the Sabres.

After working one last Stanley Cup Finals, McCreary retired after nearly 30 years on the ice. Hebert since was hired to the full-time NHL staff.

As a profile of professional hockey officials, yes, the videos prominently feature several fight situations.

Videos: The Stripes: Referee All Access (NHL.com) & Behind the Stripes - A Ref's Life (SwissHabs)

After Instant Replay Review, Fan Ejected due to Interference

A Pirates fan was ejected Sunday following instant replay review that revealed an instance of spectator "fan" interference. With two out and one on in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Reds-Pirates game, Travis Snider

Porter, PIT Manager Clint Hurdle and Layne discuss the play.

hit a fly ball to deep right center field, where 1B Umpire Alan Porter initially ruled the ball alive and in play as it caromed off the upper Roberto Clemente wall (named as such for its 21-foot height). After consultation and instant replay review, 2B Umpire and crew chief Jerry Layne kept Snider's double in order, but changed the reason from a simple hit off the wall to a dead ball caused by fan interference.

Video: Snider's RBI double is technically upheld, though the rationale was changed to interference
Animated GIF: Alternate angles of the reviewed double, ruled fan interference (Compressed size)

As explained in Ball Boy Interference: Judging Intent of Non-Team Persons, Rule 3.16 authorizes umpires to "impose such penalties as in his opinion will nullify the act of interference." Meanwhile, Rule 2.00 [Interference (d)] was modified prior to the 2013 season, with the emphasized text added: "Spectator interference occurs when a spectator reaches out of the stands and over the playing field, or goes on the playing field, and (1) touches a live ball or (2) touches a player and hinders an attempt to make a play on a live ball."

As for the fan guilty of interference, PNC Park's A-Z Guide portrays a "zero tolerance policy regarding fan interference with a ball in play or a player during the game," specifying immediate removal from PNC Park and/or criminal sanctions as possible penalties. All other MLB stadiums have similar policies.

When Joe West ejected Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel in 2011 (Ejections: Joe West 7), it too concerned spectator interference; after review, the offending fans were accordingly ejected from the Florida ballpark.

MLB Ejection 008: Jim Reynolds (1; Cliff Pennington)

HP Umpire Jim Reynolds ejected Diamondbacks shortstop Cliff Pennington for arguing a called third strike in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Dodgers-Diamondbacks game. With none out and two on, Pennington took a 0-2 sinker from Dodgers pitcher Ronald Belisario for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located at the thighs on over the inner half of home plate (px .704, pz 1.849; sz_bot 1.57), the call was correct. At the time of ejection, the Dodgers were leading, 6-1. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 7-5.

This is Jim Reynolds (77)'s first ejection of 2013.
Jim Reynolds now has 4 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck now has 1 point in the UEFL's Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Correct = 1).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 8th ejection of 2013.
This is the 7th player ejection of 2013.
This is the Diamondbacks' 1st ejection of 2013, T-1st in the NL West (ARI, LAD, SD 1; COL, SF 0).
This is Jim Reynolds' first ejection since April 19, 2011 (Terry Francona; QOC = N).
This is Cliff Pennington's first career ejection.

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks, 4/13/13
Video: Following his strikeout, Pennington slams his bat onto home plate, breaking it into pieces

Pitch f/x courtesy Brooks Baseball

MLB Ejection 007: Andy Fletcher (1; Bob Melvin)

HP Umpire Andy Fletcher ejected Athletics Manager Bob Melvin for arguing a called third strike in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Tigers-A's game. With none out and none on, A's batter Brandon Moss took a 2-2 fastball from Tigers pitcher Phil Coke for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located hollow of the knee high and over the outside corner of home plate (px -.856, pz 1.564; sz_bot 1.500), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Tigers were leading, 7-3. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 7-3.

This is Andy Fletcher (49)'s first ejection of 2013.
Andy Fletcher now has 4 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Sam Holbrook now has 5 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (4 Previous + 1 Correct = 5).
*This ruling has been challenged and affirmed by the UEFL Appeals Board in a 5-0 decision.

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 7th ejection of 2013.
This is the 1st Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the Athletics' 1st ejection of 2013, 1st in the AL West (OAK 1; HOU, LAA, SEA, TEX 0).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers at Oakland Athletics, 4/13/13
Video: Fletcher's called third strike to Moss is met with disgust by Athletics players, coaches and broadcasters

Pitch f/x courtesy Brooks Baseball

MiLB Ejection of the Week (April 12): Quinn Wolcott (1, 2)

HP Umpire Quinn Wolcott supplies our MiLB Ejection of the Week (well, technically Russ supplies our MiLB Ejection of the Week) with his ejection of Iowa Cubs Pitching Coach Mike Mason and pitcher Cory Wade for arguing balls and strikes in the top of the 9th inning of the Isotopes-Cubs game. With two out and none on,

File Photo: Quinn Wolcott
(UmpireAcademy.com Profile)

Wade walked Isotopes batter Matt Angle on a 3-2 pitch ruled low followed by a walk to Scott Van Slyke on a 3-2 pitch ruled outside for ball four, resulting in the ejection of Cubs coach Mason and the removal of Wade from the game on a pitching change. After new pitcher Jensen Lewis gave up a three-run home run to ensuing Isotopes batter Nick Buss, Wade, charged with two earned runs, complained from the dugout and was ejected. Pitch f/x data is unavailable, QOC cannot be determined. At the time of Mason's ejection, the Isotopes were leading, 12-5. At the time of the Wade ejection, the Isotopes were leading, 15-5. The Isotopes ultimately won the contest, 15-5.

These are Quinn Wolcott's first and second ejections of 2013.
*Rising Star Alert* Wolcott was promoted to AAA in advance of the 2011 season; At age 24, he was the youngest hired. At the age of 26 in 2013, Wolcott was promoted to PCL crew chief.
Also on this crew: 1B Umpire D.J Reyburn, 2B Umpire Brandon Misun, 3B Umpire Spencer Flynn.

Wrap: Albuquerque Isotopes vs. Iowa Cubs (Triple-A Pacific Coast League), 4/12/13
MLB Club Affiliations: Los Angeles Dodgers (Albuquerque Isotopes) / Chicago Cubs (Iowa Cubs)

MiLB Ejection of the Week Archive (with special thanks as always to UEFL contributor Russ)

Ball Boy Interference: Judging Intent of Non-Team Persons

A KC ball boy was guilty of intentional interference Friday night during the Blue Jays-Royals game, getting in the way of Toronto right fielder Rajai Davis as Davis attempted to field a foul fly ball in the 7th inning. 1B Umpire Jerry Meals ruled the ball foul, indicating no out would be awarded as a result of the intentional interference. Replays indicate Davis' glove indeed touched the ball before it fell to the ground.
Video: Kansas City ball boy unintentionally commits Intentional Interference against visiting team's Davis

Video: Davis is interfered with.

Rule 3.15 addresses the case of interference with play by persons authorized to be on the playing field other than members of the team at bat, including base coaches: "In case of unintentional interference with play ... the ball is alive and in play. If the interference is intentional, the ball shall be dead at the moment of interference and the umpire shall impose such penalties as in his opinion will nullify the act of interference."

Rule 3.15 Comment takes it a step further, stating: "The question of intentional or unintentional interference shall be decided on the basis of the person's action." The Comment then provides examples:

- Unintentional Interference: A bat boy/attendant/policeman/etc. tries to avoid being touched by a thrown or batted ball but is still touched by the ball. Penalty: ball is alive and in play.
- Intentional Interference: The bat boy, etc. kicks, picks up the ball or pushes it, regardless of his thought process (e.g., even if he "innocently" thought the ball was dead). Penalty: Dead ball; umpire discretion.

2011's Case Play: Cop on Field provides a hypothetical scenario in which Unintentional Interference would be a proper ruling. Because the Royals ball boy initiated contacted with the ball and moreover clearly did not attempt to avoid being touched by it, this constitutes Intentional Interference, subject to the remedies described above.

Rule 3.16 (Spectator Interference) specifies this similar remedy of dead ball/penalties to nullify the act, indicating for all intents and purposes, 3.15 Intent INT is akin to fan INT with regard to enforcement.

Returning to Kansas City and Meals' ruling of "foul ball," as demonstrated above, Rule 3.15 authorizes an umpire to employ discretion in imposing penalties to nullify the act of interference. This is not a rule interpretation call, but one of judgment, as HP Umpire and crew chief Tim McClelland explained to Blue Jays manager John Gibbons; QOC for this particular judgment call, however, is up for debate.

NBA Ejs: Spooner/Blair/Kirkland, Brothers/Brown/Lewis

Referees Bill Spooner (crew chief), Curtis Blair (R) and Courtney Kirkland (R2/umpire) ejected Bulls guard Richard "Rip" Hamilton for a flagrant foul penalty two during the 3rd quarter of the Bulls-Raptors game. With 5:33 remaining in the 3rd period, Hamilton excessively and unnecessarily fouled Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan. At the time of the ejection, the Raptors were leading, 61-52. The Raptors ultimately won the contest, 97-88.

This is Bill Spooner (22)'s second ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
This is Curtis Blair (74)'s fifth involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
This is Courtney Kirkland (61)'s fifth involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.

Wrap: Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors, 4/12/13
Video: Hamilton dangerously elbows DeRozan in chin, leading to an immediate ejection by Spooner

Referees Tony Brothers (crew chief), Tony Brown (R) and Eric Lewis (R2/umpire) ejected Nets forward Reggie Evans for a second technical foul during the 3rd quarter of the Nets-Pacers game. With 8:22 remaining in the 3rd period, Evans earned his first technical foul for violating the NBA's Respect for the Game guidelines, earning his second at 5:38 in the 3rd for throwing his headband in reaction to a foul call. At the time of the ejection, the Nets were leading, 81-67. The Nets ultimately won the contest, 117-109.

This is Tony Brothers (25)'s second ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
This is Tony Brown (6)'s second involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
This is Eric Lewis (42)'s fourth involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.

Wrap: Brooklyn Nets at Indiana Pacers, 4/12/13
Video: After his second unsportsmanlike act, Evans is tossed for a second conduct technical foul

On TFFL Day 153, 17 technical fouls were assessed, beginning with the 1000th technical of the 2012-13 NBA season, assessed by Scott Foster's crew to Clippers guard Chris Paul (TFFL Standings Update).

Ejections 003, 004, 005, 006: Sam Holbrook (1, 2, 3, 4)

Brawl: HP Umpire Sam Holbrook ejected Padres left fielder Carlos Quentin and Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke, third baseman Jerry Hairston and center fielder Matt Kemp for fighting in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Dodgers-Padres game. With none out and none on, Quentin took a 3-2 fastball from Greinke for a hit

Dodgers and Padres brawl at Petco Park following a HBP

by pitch. Immediately following the 3-2 HBP, Quentin charged the mound, throwing Greinke to the ground as benches cleared. In the aftermath of the first altercation, trainers examined Greinke's shoulder; Greinke left the game due to such injuries sustained during the fracas with Quentin, Holbrook confirmed after the game that the Dodgers pitcher had been ejected. Hairston was ejected for subsequently charging the Padres dugout and inciting a secondary bench-clearing incident. Replays indicate the pitch was located at the elbows, the call is irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Dodgers were leading, 2-1. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

These are Sam Holbrook (34)'s 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th ejections of 2013.
Sam Holbrook now has 8 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 4*[2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call] = 8).
Crew Chief Sam Holbrook now has 4 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (0 Previous + 4*[1] = 4).

These are the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th ejections of 2013.
These are the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th player ejections of 2013.
Prior to his ejection, Quentin was 0-2 in the contest.
Prior to his ejection, Kemp was 1-3 in the contest.
Prior to his ejection, Greinke's line read 5 IP, 1 ER. After his ejection, Quentin's replacement scored for 2 ER.
The Dodgers are tied for the MLB ejection lead with two, while San Diego is in third place with one.

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres, 4/11/13
Video: After a lead-off HBP in a one-run ballgame, Quentin charges the mound, injuring Greinke

Train Delay: Umpires Stuck in Traffic, Game Stalled 16 Min

Today's Nats game was delayed because umpires were stuck in traffic, marking the first officiating-related transit delay in Major League Baseball since 2011. Tom Hallion's crew of umpires Phil Cuzzi, Chris Guccione and Ron Kulpa phoned MLB approximately 40 minutes before game-time, advising that although they were only a mile away, traffic was at a standstill. After a 16-minute delay, the White Sox won the inter-league affair, defeating Washington by a 5-2 score. No ejections resulted from the delayed contest.

CB Bucknor works in Cincinnati, 4/22/00.

On July 24, 2012, a three-man umpiring crew transformed into four mid-game as Triple-A call-up John Tumpane hustled through St. Louis to join Jeff Kellogg, Marty Foster and DJ Reyburn to replace Eric Cooper, who had taken ill. That game, however, did start on time and according to schedule.

On August 26, 2011, the umpiring crew of Jerry Layne, Bob Davidson, Brian Knight and Hunter Wendelstedt were ensnared in an accident-provoked 110-freeway traffic jam en route to Dodger Stadium. After arriving at Chavez Ravine at the originally scheduled first pitch time of 7:10 pm, the crew hurriedly donned their game gear in time for a 7:21 pm first pitch. Wendelstedt ejected Rockies Manager Jim Tracy that evening for arguing a no-step balk call.

In May 2000, Larry Young's crew wore Cleveland Indians hats and jackets when their gear, shipped from Seattle, got stuck in Detroit due to inclement weather, only arriving in Cleveland after the first pitch had already been thrown.

HP Umpire Eric Gregg wears a Cubs jacket.

In April 2000, lost umpires' equipment after a flight from Montreal resulted in a 27-minute delay in Cincinnati; plate umpire CB Bucknor wore Reds-loaned shin guards, a chest protector and mask as the crew dressed in black rain jackets and pants purchased from a local sporting goods store. Though the crew had arrived in Cincy from Montreal, their gear had mistakenly been shipped to New York. Also on this date, umpires in Chicago wore White Sox apparel because their equipment did not arrive.

However, perhaps nothing will ever top what happened in 1987, when an umpire lost luggage snafu delayed the start of an early-season game at Wrigley Field, and Eric Gregg's crew ultimately worked the game wearing attire supplied by the Chicago Cubs franchise.

HP Umpire Ed Montague in a Phillies jersey.

Or maybe a case of lost luggage in October 1982 takes the cake.

Picture the following umpires—all working the same game—yet wearing uniforms that didn't quite match...at all.

Over at first base, Harry Wendelstedt wearing a Phillies cap, Phillies-red cardigan and tan khakis. At second base, Lee Weber wore a Phillies hat, Phillies windbreaker, and black slacks. 3B Umpire Randy Marsh also wore a Phillies cap and windbreaker, but wore gray baseball pants, looking  more like a third base coach than an umpire.

But the best make-shift uniform of the night was plate umpire Eddie Montague, whose full-on pinstripe uniform get-up truly gave the game a scrimmage-type feel to it.

Vintage/70s baseball uniforms were truly the best, right?

Back when the Houston Astros wore horizontal orange and yellow stripes, an unnamed home plate umpire was spotted officiating a Major League game in one of the team's off-field jackets used by the club from 1975-79.

MLB began using DHL as the official shipping company of umpires shortly after these and other incidents.