Sorry Toronto - Batter's Interference Call Was Correct

After ejecting John Gibbons in the 6th, HP Umpire Toby Basner ruled batter interference in the 7th, again stirring Toronto's ire. Was this the correct call? Here is the proper interpretation for batter's interference, complicated by what appears to be unintentional backswing contact with the catcher.

Click here for video analysis of this play.

Travis argues Basner's call to no avail.

The Play: With none out and a runner on first in the top of the 7th, Blue Jays batter Devon Travis swung on and missed a 1-0 changeup from Angels pitcher Yusmeiro Petit as Jays baserunner R1 Chris Coghlan attempted to steal second base. Angels catcher Martin Maldonado's throw to second baseman Danny Espinosa was high, and Espinosa's tag on Coghlan occurred after Coghlan slid into second base, resulting in a fairly obvious safe call by 2B Umpire and Crew Chief Jerry Layne.

Back at home plate, however, Basner had called "Time" and interference on batter Travis. As the throw failed to retire Coghlan, Basner enforced the interference rule and declared batter Travis out, returning Coghlan to first base on the dead ball penalty.

Analysis: As is said, what we have here is a failure to communicate: Toronto and acting manager DeMarlo Hale thought Basner called one thing when he really called an entirely different infraction: Basner got this play right, but why? Let's break down the contested sequence.

Diagram of the INT play.

The entire baseball language barrier is alleviated when we separate "batter's interference" from "unintentional backswing contact," and remind ourselves that Basner called Travis for interference, not contact on the backswing.

This also should help: There is no such thing as backswing interference. Interference is an act that results in an out. Unintentional backswing contact is simply a dead ball (delayed as it were).

Learn more about the difference between interference on the batter and unintentional backswing contact at Case Play 2016-9 - A Backswing on Strike 3 (Backswing contact play with David Ortiz from August 2016).

Rule 6.03(a)(3) describes batter's interference, and states that a batter is out for illegal action when "He interferes with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter’s box or making any other movement that hinders the catcher’s play at home base."

Pursuant to this definition, we rewind the tape and see that in swinging and missing at Petit's changeup, Travis' right foot exited the batter's box and landed behind home plate, in front of catcher Maldonado before he released the baseball. It was this infraction that Basner called.

Note, for instance, that when Travis argues his case by recreating his swing, he stays within the confines of the batter's box. Had Travis remained within the batter's box during the play, he would have had a valid argument.

The fact that Travis' bat, on the backswing, made contact with Maldonado is the textbook definition of unintentional backswing contact, but this inadvertent contact is superseded by the batter's interference call that immediately followed it.

In other words, in the hierarchy of baseball rules, interference trumps accidental contact.

Timing: Travis' foot is out before the throw.

Though the backswing contact may or may not have caused Maldonado's high throw, that matter is irrelevant: the proper interference call—due to Travis stepping out of the batter's box in front of a throwing Maldonado—meant that at the end of this play, either Coghlan would be out on the tag, or Travis would be out on interference, pursuant to Rule 6.03(a)(3) and (4) Comment, which states, "If the batter interferes with the catcher, the plate umpire shall call 'interference.' The batter is out and the ball dead...If, however, the catcher makes a play and the runner attempting to advance is put out, it is to be assumed there was no actual interference and that runner is out—not the batter."

For wholesome's sake, Rule 6.03(a)(3) and (4) Comment also dictates the terms of unintentional backswing contact: "If a batter strikes at a ball and misses and swings so hard he carries the bat all the way around and, in the umpire’s judgment, unintentionally hits the catcher or the ball in back of him on the backswing, it shall be called a strike only (not interference). The ball will be dead, however, and no runner shall advance on the play."

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MLB Ejection 019 - Toby Basner (1; John Gibbons)

HP Umpire Toby Basner ejected Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons (strike three call) in the top of the 6th inning of the Blue Jays-Angels game. With two out and none on, Blue Jays batter Russell Martin took a 3-2 fastball from Angels pitcher Jesse Chavez for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and waist high (px 1.234, pz 2.670), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Angels were leading, 2-1. The Angels ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Toby Basner (99)'s first ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Toby Basner now has -2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 3 AAA - 1 N - 4 Incorrect = -2).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 2 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 2).
*Refer to UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule) for full ranges; px > .914 are in "always a ball" category.

This is the 19th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 12th Manager ejection of 2017.
This is Toronto's 2nd ejection of 2017, T-1st in the AL East (BOS, TB, TOR 2; BAL, NYY 0).
This is John Gibbons' 2nd ejection of 2017, 1st since April 23 (Ramon De Jesus; QOC = Y [Illegal Pitch]).
This is Toby Basner's first ejection since September 19, 2016 (Ned Lost; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, 4/24/17 | Video via "Read More"

MLB Ejection 018 - Alfonso Marquez (1; Jeff Banister)

HP Umpire Alfonso Marquez ejected Rangers Manager Jeff Banister (strike three call) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the Twins-Rangers game. With one out and none on, Rangers batter Elvis Andrus took a 2-2 sinker from Twins pitcher Brandon Kintzler for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located thigh high and off the outer edge of home plate (px .952, pz 1.979 [sz_bot 1.535]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Twins were leading, 3-2. The Twins ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Alfonso Marquez (72)'s first ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Alfonso Marquez now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (5 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect = 3).
Crew Chief Alfonso Marquez now has 4 points in Crew Division (4 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 4).
*Refer to UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule) for full ranges; px > .914 are in "always a ball" category.

This is the 18th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 11th Manager ejection of 2017.
This is Texas' 2nd ejection of 2017, 1st in the AL West (TEX 2; SEA 1; HOU, LAA, OAK 0).
This is Jeff Banister's 2nd ejection of 2017, 1st since April 19 (Bill Welke; QOC = N [Fair/Foul]).
This is Alfonso Marquez's 1st ejection since September 22, 2016 (Walt Weiss; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Minnesota Twins vs. Texas Rangers, 4/24/17 | Video via "Read More"

Injury Scout - Brian Gorman Off Plate Duty on Sunday

Sunday's scheduled plate umpire in Philadelphia, Brian Gorman, officiated second base instead due to a "medical clearance" issue, according to the Phillies broadcast.

Gorman, who officiated Saturday's game at first base, returned to his Friday night stomping grounds in the middle infield while Sunday's originally scheduled first base umpire, Tripp Gibson, worked the plate in Gorman's stead.

CSN Philadelphia reported that Gorman's rare counterclockwise rotation from first to second base had to do with a matter related to medical clearance:

Usually, the umpires, as everybody knows, will circle around in a clockwise formation. Brian Gorman, the second base umpire today, was at first base yesterday, so he would normally then just go to home plate, but he cannot ump home just yet. He needs to get medical clearance from his doctors to be behind home plate, so that's why he's at second. He's a pretty good balls and strikes umpire, too.

Gorman's last scheduled plate game had been Friday's Braves-Phillies affair, but that game's originally scheduled first base umpire, Stu Scheurwater, ended up calling balls and strikes, with Gorman taking over at second base—where he notably jumped to avoid being struck by a batted ball—similar to Sunday's rotational maneuver.

Although the MLB Umpire Manual states, "An umpire who returns following injury or illness must be capable of working home plate," Gorman has not missed a scheduled assignment since his last game behind home plate, on April 17, in Houston.

Video via "read more"

MLB Ejection 017 - Paul Emmel (1; Andy Green)

HP Umpire Paul Emmel ejected Padres Manager Andy Green (balls/strikes) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Marlins-Padres game. Green's objection to Emmel's strike zone concerned the final two Padres batters in San Diego's 7th inning (the first batter, Allen Cordoba, flew out before any strikes were thrown). Of the two callable pitches, the called first strike to Padres batter Luis Torrens was located over the inner half of home plate and thigh high (px .350, pz 2.433) and the called second strike to batter Austin Hedges was located over the outer half of home plate and below the midpoint (px .574, pz 3.48 [sz_top 3.549]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Marlins were leading, 6-3. The Marlins ultimately won the contest, 7-3.

This is Paul Emmel (50)'s first ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Paul Emmel now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Paul Emmel now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 3).
*UEFL Rule 6-5-d address Ball/Strike ejections occurring at the end of an inning, and states that holistic review of the umpire's "overall inning's performance" may be used to govern this specific type of ball/strike ejection.

This is the 17th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 10th Manager ejection of 2017.
This is San Diego's 1st ejection of 2017, T-1st in the NL West (COL, LAD, SD 1; ARI, SF 0).
This is Andy Green's 1st ejection since June 29, 2016 (Bill Miller; QOC = N-C [RLI Interference]).
This is Paul Emmel's 1st ejection since July 20, 2016 (Blake Doyle; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs. San Diego Padres, 4/23/17 | Video via "Read More"

MLB Ejection 016 - Ramon De Jesus (John Gibbons)

HP Umpire Ramon De Jesus ejected Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons (Illegal Quick Pitch, automatic ball call) in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Blue Jays-Angels game. With two out and none on, Angels batter Kole Calhoun prepared to receive a 3-1 pitch from Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman. Replays indicate that Stroman began his delivery prior to Calhoun becoming set in the batter's box, resulting in a quick pitch ruling and automatic ball, the fourth ball of Calhoun's at-bat, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 6-2.

This is Ramon De Jesus (18)'s first ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Ramon De Jesus now has 5 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 3 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 5).
Crew Chief Alfonso Marquez now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).
*Rule 5.07(a)(2) Comment states, in part, "if, however, in the umpire’s judgment, a pitcher delivers the ball in a deliberate effort to catch the batter off guard, this delivery shall be deemed a quick pitch, for which the penalty is a ball."
Rule 6.02(a)(5) Comment states, "A quick pitch is an illegal pitch. Umpires will judge a quick pitch as one delivered before the batter is reasonably set in the batter’s box. With runners on base the penalty is a balk; with no runners on base, it is a ball. The quick pitch is dangerous and should not be permitted."
Rule 6.02(b) states, "If the pitcher makes an illegal pitch with the bases unoccupied, it shall be called a ball unless the batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter or otherwise."

This is the 16th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 9th Manager ejection of 2017.
This is Toronto's 1st ejection of 2017, 2nd in the AL East (BOS, TB 2; TOR 1; BAL, NYY 0).
This is John Gibbons' 1st ejection since September 11, 2016 (Jim Joyce; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).
This is Ramon De Jesus' 1st ejection since Sept 13, 2016 (Tim Wallach; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, 4/23/17 | Video via "Read More"

MLB Ejections 014-015 - John Tumpane (1-2; STL x2)

HP Umpire John Tumpane ejected Cardinals 1B Matt Carpenter and Manager Mike Matheny (strike two call) in the top of the 7th inning of the Cardinals-Brewers game. With two out and none on, Carpenter took 3-1 and 3-2 sliders from Brewers pitcher Brent Suter for called second and third strikes. Replays indicate the 3-1 pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and at the midpoint (px .640, pz 3.610 [sz_top 3.49 / MOE 3.57]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 4-2. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 6-4.

This is John Tumpane (74)'s first, second ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
John Tumpane now has -6 points in the UEFL Standings (-2 Previous + 2*[2 MLB - 4 Incorrect] = -6).
Crew Chief Ted Barrett now has 0 points in Crew Division (0 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 0).
*Strike two call (x-1 count) satisfies contributory pitch QOC criteria under UEFL Rule 6-5-c-5-a.

This is the 14th, 15th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 6th player ejection of 2017. Prior to ejection, Carpenter was 0-3 (3 SO) in the contest.
This is St. Louis' 1st/2nd ejection of 2017, 1st in the NL Central (STL 2; CHC, CIN, MIL, PIT 0).
This is Matt Carpenter's first ejection since August 22, 2015 (Chris Segal; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Mike Matheny's first ejection since June 30, 2016 (Mike Everitt; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).
This is John Tumpane's first ejection since May 20, 2016 (Hector Santiago; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: St Louis Cardinals vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 4/23/17 | Video via "Read More"

MLB Ejection 013 - Andy Fletcher (1; Matt Barnes)

HP Umpire Andy Fletcher ejected Red Sox pitcher Matt Barnes (Throwing At Orioles 3B Manny Machado) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Red Sox-Orioles game. With one out and one on (R2), batter Machado fouled a first-pitch changeup from pitcher Barnes. Replays indicate the pitch was located significantly inside and head-high (it was properly officiated as a foul ball, as the pitch indeed struck Machado's bat and did not make contact with his helmet), the call was irrecusable.* At the time of the ejection, the Red Sox were leading, 6-0. The Red Sox ultimately won the contest, 6-2.

This is Andy Fletcher (49)'s first ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Andy Fletcher now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 2).
Crew Chief Hunter Wendelstedt now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 3).
*Related Ejection: Alan Porter/Brian Butterfield (Machado's slide injured BOS 2B Dustin Pedroia).

This is the 13th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 5th player ejection of 2017. Prior to ejection, Barnes' line was 1.1 IP, ER, SO.
This is Boston's 2nd ejection of 2017, T-1st in the AL East (BOS, TB 2; BAL, NYY, TOR 0).
This is Matt Barnes' first career MLB ejection.
This is Andy Fletcher's first ejection since May 30, 2015 (Yunel Escobar; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles, 4/23/17 | Video via "Read More"

MLB Ejections 011-012 - Jordan Baker (1-2; Boyd, Sano)

HP Umpire Jordan Baker ejected Tigers P Matthew Boyd and Twins 3B Miguel Sano (Throwing At & Fighting) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the Tigers-Twins game. With one out and none on, pitcher Boyd threw a first-pitch fastball behind batter Sano, resulting in a bench-clearing incident during which Sano threw a punch at Tigers catcher James McCann. Replays indicate the pitch was located significantly inside and head-high, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Tigers were leading, 3-2. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Jordan Baker (71)'s first, second ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Jordan Baker now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2*[2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable] = 4).
Crew Chief Mike Everitt now has 6 points in Crew Division (4 Previous + 2*[0 Irrecusable Call] = 6).

This is the 11th, 12th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 3rd player ejection of 2017. Prior to ejection, Boyd's line was 4.1 IP, 2 ER, 3 SO. 0 HBP.
This is the 4th player ejection of 2017. Prior to ejection, Sano's was 1-2 in the contest.
This is Minnesota's 2nd ejection of 2017, 1st in the AL Central (MIN 2; DET 1; CLE, CWS, KC 0).
This is Detroit's 1st ejection of 2017, 2nd in the AL Central (MIN 2; DET 1; CLE, CWS, KC 0).
This is Matthew Boyd's first career MLB ejection.
This is Miguel Sano's first ejection since April 10, 2016 (John Hirschbeck; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Jordan Baker's first ejection since March 22, 2017 (Bill Haselman; QOC = Y [Equipment]).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins, 4/22/17 | Video via "Read More"

MLB Ejection 010 - Alan Porter (3; Brian Butterfield)

3B Umpire Alan Porter ejected Red Sox 3B Coach Brian Butterfield (Replay Review/slide rule interference no-call by 2B Umpire Andy Fletcher) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Red Sox-Orioles game. With none out and one on (R1), Orioles batter Mark Trumbo hit a 3-2 slider from Red Sox pitcher Joe Kelly on the ground to shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who threw to second baseman Dustin Pedroia as Orioles baserunner R1 Manny Machado slid into second base, ruled out by 2B Umpire Fletcher on a ruling challenged by Orioles Manager Buck Showalter (pulled foot), and confirmed by Replay Review; Farrell did not challenge this play and Fletcher ruled that, due to the poor quality of Bogaerts' throw, Pedroia was not "hindered and impeded [in his] ability to complete a double play," pursuant to MLB's previously-issued interpretation regarding slide rule interference.^ Replays indicate Pedroia fielded the throw and tagged second base prior to Machado's touch of the base, and that Machado engaged in a bona fide slide into second base; although his foot 'spiked' and injured Pedroia, replays indicate that the Machado's right foot incidentally slid off the top of second base and into Pedroia's ankle after he began the slide before second base, reached the base with his foot, remained on the base with his left foot (complicated by Machado's attempt to brace Pedroia), and slid within reach of the base without changing his pathway for the purpose of initiating contact with Pedroia: though the contact was significant, this is not a violation of the bona fide slide interference rule, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Orioles were leading, 2-0. The Orioles ultimately won the contest, 2-0.

This is Alan Porter (64)'s third ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Alan Porter now has 11 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Previous + 2 MLB + 3 Correct Call [C] = 11).
Crew Chief Hunter Wendelstedt now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).
^In May 2016, MLB added impediment to its bona fide slide rule interpretation, noting that in order for slide interference to be called, "the Replay Official must still find that the runner's actions hindered and impeded the fielder's ability to complete a double play."
*Rule 6.01(j) regarding Sliding to Bases on Double Play Attempts states, "If a runner does not engage in a bona fide slide, and initiates (or attempts to make) contact with the fielder for the purpose of breaking up a double play, he should be called for interference under this Rule 6.01. A “bona fide slide” for purposes of Rule 6.01 occurs when the runner:
(1) Begins his slide (i.e., makes contact with the ground) before reaching the base;
(2) is able and attempts to reach the base with his hand or foot;
(3) is able and attempts to remain on the base (except home plate) after completion of the slide; and
(4) slides within reach of the base without changing his pathway for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder.
A runner who engages in a “bona fide slide” shall not be called for interference under this Rule 6.01, even in cases where the runner makes contact with the fielder as a consequence of a permissible slide."

This is the 10th ejection report of 2017.
This is Boston's 1st ejection of 2017, 2nd in the AL East (TB 2; BOS 1; BAL, NYY, TOR 0).
This is Brian Butterfield's first ejection since August 18, 2016 (Scott Barry; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Alan Porter's 3rd ejection of 2017, 1st since April 20 (Paul Molitor; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles, 4/21/17 | Video via "Read More"