MLB Ejection 020 - Marty Foster (1; Pat Murphy)

Two innings after Brewers manager Craig Counsel argued an obstruction call at first base, 1B Umpire Marty Foster ejected Brewers bench coach Pat Murphy (check swing) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Brewers-#Marlins game. With two out and none on, Marlins batter Sandy Alcantara squared to bunt a first-pitch sinker from Brewers pitcher Eric Yardley for a called first ball by HP Umpire Mike Muchlinski, affirmed as no swing on appeal by 1B Umpire Foster. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board (8-0), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 2-2. The Marlins ultimately won the contest, 6-2.

As for the 2nd inning obstruction call when Marlins batter-runner Isan Diaz reached on an error by Brewers pitcher Zack Godley, by the letter of the rule, this was obstruction. The definition of obstruction is "the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner." After fielding the ball, as soon as Godley threw/lobbed the ball to first base, the pitcher was no longer in possession of the ball nor in the act of fielding the ball.

Because runner Diaz had to slow down or modify a stride to first base as a result of Godley standing ahead of him, this is an act of impeding the progress of the runner and, thus, obstruction. There is no "common sense says Diaz would have been out at first base anyway" provision for this brand of obstruction; because a play was being made on Diaz at the time of obstruction (and Diaz was also a batter-runner prior to reaching first base), Official Baseball Rule 6.01(h)(1) [Obstruction Type 1 or Type A] requires the umpire to award the obstructed runner "at least one base beyond the base he had last legally touched before the obstruction" (in this case, Diaz was awarded one base [first base]).

Had this been a case of a runner obstructed while no play was being made on said runner (including a batter-runner who had already reached first base), it would have qualified for OBR 6.01(h)(2) [OBS Type 2 or Type B]'s enforcement, which allows umpires to "nullify the act" using judgment and common sense: if this was a Type 2/B call, all else equal, Foster could have "nullified the act" and, having adjudged that Diaz would likely be out had the obstruction not occurred, called Diaz out; however, OBS Type 1/A does not allow for this manner of judgment call. Finally, the runner is permitted to establish their own base path: whether the runner is running to the left of the foul line/on the infield grass does not apply to this play as this is not a case of potential runner's lane interference.

This is Marty Foster (60)'s 1st ejection of 2021.
Marty Foster now has -3 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -3).
Crew Chief Sam Holbrook now has 3 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 0 Incorrect = 3).

This is the 20th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is Milwaukee's 1st ejection of 2021, 3rd in the NL Central (CIN 3; CHC 2; MIL 1; PIT, STL 0).

This is Pat Murphy's 1st ejection since Sept 15, 2015 (Alfonso Marquez; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Marty Foster's 1st ejection since May 7, 2019 (Rick Renteria; QOC = N [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 4/28/21 | Video as follows:

Injury Scout - Kerwin Danley Knocked Out of Giants Game

HP Umpire Kerwin Danley left Tuesday's #Rockies-#Giants game after a foul ball to the mask, the latest in a long string of head injuries for the veteran crew chief.

In the top of the 6th inning in San Francisco, Rockies batter Sam Hilliard fouled a 0-1 sinker from Giants pitcher Jose Alvarez into Danley's hockey-style mask, sending Danley to the ground.

Danley was replaced at home plate by 2B Umpire Ryan Additon while 1B Umpire CB Bucknor assumed acting crew chief duties and shared field responsibilities with 3B Umpire Adam Hamari.

Relevant Injury History: Danley has a significant injury history of head trauma, including concussion.

> On July 9, 2017, Danley left a Royals-Dodgers game after a foul ball head injury.

> On April 7, 2016, Danley remained in a game after a 98-mph fastball to the head.
> On May 12, 2015, Danley exited a game in Arizona as the result of a 94-mph pitch fouled into his HSM.
> On June 3, 2013, Danley exited in Cincinnati after a bouncing ball deflected and struck his mask.
> On April 21, 2009, Danley was carted off the field after a broken bat struck the side of his head.
> On April 26, 2008, Danley was knocked unconscious in LA by a 96-mph pitch directly to the mask.

Last Game: April 27 | Return to Play: May 7 | Time Absent: 9 Days | Video as follows:

Seconds from Disaster - Protest Upheld as Umpires Reverse Strike 3 Call

Saturday's Mercyhurst University Lakers vs Seton Hill Griffins NCAA baseball game was wiped off the books following a protest after umpires reversed a strike three and batter's interference call to a ball four call, in contravention of NCAA rules, and extending SMU's second inning, leading to the tying and go-ahead runs being scored in a most severe instance of a teachable moment.

To borrow from National Geographic's Seconds from Disaster, disasters don't just happen. They're triggered by a chain of critical events. Unravel the fatal decisions on those final seconds from disaster.

For our Seconds from Disaster analysis of Saturday's game—which, thanks to the upheld protest by the PSAC, was literally removed from the two school's websites—we begin with the play itself.

With one out and one on (R1) in the bottom of the 2nd inning of the MU-SMU game, with MU leading by one run, SMU batter Tyler Peterson took a 3-2 pitch from MU starter Brett Whiteman, called strike three by the home plate umpire as the runner from first base attempted to steal second. The batter appeared to step in front of the catcher as he threw in an attempt to retire the runner and the plate umpire called the batter out for interference, which results in a double play in accordance with NCAA Rule 6-3-b ("The batter 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...Penalty: If the batter strikes out, the runner is also out").

The following contributed to these Seconds from Disaster. Whether or not the umpires had a reasonable opportunity to control these events—through conscious decision-making as opposed to spur of the moment reaction—is indicated as well.

Event 1) According to the aggrieved coach, the plate umpire purportedly blinked and missed the ball/strike call. Not a controllable decision.

Event 2) After the play, perhaps swayed by the 3B Coach's objection to the calls made, the umpires convened and took the unusual step of reversing not just the interference call, but the strike three call as well: the outcome of the crew consultation was to reverse strike three to ball four and place runners at first and second base with one out, instead of ending the inning. Controllable decision.

Reversing ball/strike calls is prohibited by NCAA Appendix E-1-f: "Judgment calls, which have traditionally not been subject to reversal, include steal and other tag plays (except if the ball is dropped without the umpire’s knowledge, as discussed above); force plays (when the ball is not dropped and foot is not pulled); balls and strikes (other than check swings). This practice shall continue. Also, some calls cannot be reversed without creating larger problems."

Event 3) In explaining their ruling to MU's head coach, the field umpire engaged with the dugout as opposed to sticking to the head coach for assistance in managing the team's conduct. Controllable decision.

Event 4) Inning drags on thanks to wild pitch, sacrifice fly (scores tying run), and double (scores go-ahead run). Not a controllable decision.

Event 5) MU fielder engages in verbal misconduct with the field umpire, resulting in ejection. Controllable decision.

Event 6) Field umpire ejects then looks back at player, then turns to MU dugout. Controllable decision.

Event 7) Field umpire approaches MU dugout, has further interaction with team personnel. Controllable decision.

Event 8) After inning ends, field umpire picks up plate umpire to approach MU dugout. Controllable decision.

Event 9) Umpires interact with SMU coach instead of proceeding to MU dugout. Controllable decision.

Event 10) SMU pitcher wants to warm up... Not a controllable decision.

Event 11) ...umpires move toward MU dugout and again engage with MU personnel. Controllable decision.

Event 10) SMU wins the game (thus protest is entertained). Not a controllable decision.

As one can see, a handful of events—some controllable and handled properly decisions (green), some handled improperly (red), and some uncontrollable events (neutral, yellow)—contributed to the PSAC's decision to uphold MU's protest and rule that the results of the game will not count. If the teams are able to resume play, the resumed game will begin in the top of the third inning with a 2-1 score (MU leading), as if the umpire's original strike three/batter's interference call had prevailed and NCAA Appendix E-1-f had been properly applied.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 019 - Sean Barber (1; Bob Melvin)

HP Umpire Sean Barber ejected A's Manager Bob Melvin (Replay Review decision that upheld an out call; QOCN) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Athletics-#Rays game. With two out and one on (R1), A's batter Tony Kemp hit a fly ball to shallow left field, retrieved on a bounce by Rays shortstop Willy Adames, who threw to catcher Mike Zunino as A's baserunner R1 Elvis Andrus slid into home plate, ruled out by HP Umpire Barber. Upon Replay Review as the result of a Manager's Challenge by Melvin, Barber's call was upheld (call stands). Replays indicate Andrus' hand appeared to touch home plate prior to Zunino's tag, the call was incorrect. Play was reviewed and affirmed by the UEFL Appeals Board (7-0), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Athletics were leading 2-1. The Athletics ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Sean Barber (29)'s first ejection of 2021.
Sean Barber now has -1 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 2 AAA - 4 Incorrect Call = -1).
Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 0 points in Crew Division (0 Previous + 0 Incorrect = 0).

This is the 19th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 12th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Oakland's 1st ejection of 2021, T-1st in the AL West (LAA, OAK, SEA 1; HOU, TEX 0).

This is Bob Melvin's 1st ejection since June 12, 2019 (Sean Barber; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Sean Barber's 1st ejection since July 27, 2019 (Chris Woodward; QOC = U [Throwing At]).

Wrap: Oakland Athletics vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 4/26/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 018 - Greg Gibson (2; Aaron Boone)

1B Umpire Greg Gibson ejected Yankees Manager Aaron Boone (untimely Replay Review challenge of run no-score time play; QOC) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Yankees-#Orioles game. With two out and the bases loaded, Yankees batter Gio Urshela hit a line drive to Orioles left fielder Austin Hays, who threw to third baseman Maikel Franco as Yankees baserunner R1 Aaron Judge slid into third base, ruled out by 3B Umpire Rob Drake, and runner R2 DJ LeMahieu arrived at home plate, ruled not to have scored prior to the third out by HP Umpire Will Little. Gibson subsequently denied Boone's attempt to challenge Little's time play decision, ruling that Boone had consumed more than 20 seconds from the end of the play until announcing his intent to challenge/request a review of the play to the umpires in contravention of Replay Review regulations. Replays indicate less than 20 seconds transpired from Little's effectuation of the no score mechanic until Boone's request to review the play, the call was incorrect. Play was reviewed and affirmed by the UEFL Appeals Board (6-0), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Orioles were leading, 4-2. The Orioles ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

This is Greg Gibson (53)'s second ejection of the 2021 MLB regular season.
Greg Gibson now has 1 point in the UEFL Standings (3 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call* = 1).
Crew Chief Greg Gibson now has 1 point in Crew Division (1 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 1).

*Because of Crew Chief status, Gibson is assigned the role of calling umpire for the Replay denial.

Boone's post-game comments: "[Gibson] said we didn't have any time left."

This is the 18th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 11th manager ejection of 2021.

This is New York's 1st ejection of 2021, T-1st in the AL East (BAL, BOS, NYY 1; TB, TOR 0).

This is Aaron Boone's 1st ejection since Sept 25, 2020 (John Tumpane; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Greg Gibson's 2nd ejection of 2020, 1st since April 11 (Mike Borzello; QOC = U [Warnings]).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles, 4/26/21 | Video as follows:

Replay Rewind - HBP Reversed to Out at First Base

After HP Umpire Jordan Baker called for a hit-by-pitch on an inside pitch to Red Sox batter Christian Vasquez, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli challenged the call, resulting in Replay Review's decision to declare Vasquez out at first base despite Baker having called "Time" immediately after the ball ricocheted from the batter's box.

With no score in the 2nd inning during Jackie Robinson Day's Boston-Minnesota game, batter Vasquez checked his swing on a 0-2 fastball from Twins pitcher Michael Pineda, ruled a hit-by-pitch by HP Umpire Baker.

With umpires ruling the batter had not attempted to strike the pitch (no swing), Baldelli challenged the call, with Replay Review determining that the pitched ball had not made contact with Vasquez's hands, but instead with the knob of the bat.

As a result, despite the plate umpire's "Time" call, Replay HQ ruled Vasquez out at first base, having seen that Twins shortstop JT Riddle was in position to field the batted ball and actually did retrieve the ball and throw it to first baseman Miguel Sano, who tagged first base prior to Vasquez's arrival (all off-camera). 

Naturally, Vasquez acted as if the pitch hit him so he didn't actually run to first base while the Twins acted as if the pitch had struck the bat (and was thus a fair ground ball). Replay determined the Twins were in the right, and thus awarded the out.

It should be noted that when first released in 2014, MLB's Replay Review Regulations (specifically IV.A.4) stated, "The Replay Official may not declare a runner out based on a play the umpire believes would have occurred subsequent to the play subject to Replay Review." MLB's website, which fails to supply the full text of the regulations as it did in 2014, makes no reference to this sentence.

For more information on playing out a sequence that might go to and be reversed by replay, see the following articles regarding the false fourth out.

Related Post: False Fourth Out - Ball Stays Alive After Third Out (7/25/18).

Related Post: Baseball Rules Series: Replay's New Normal (4th Out) (4/19/14).

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 017 - Joe West (1; David Bell)

2B Umpire Joe West ejected Reds Manager David Bell (warnings) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Reds-#Cardinals game. With one out and none on, Reds batter Jonathan India took a 1-1 fastball from Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty for a hit-by-pitch, resulting in a crew consultation and warnings issued to both teams. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and struck India in the forehead, the call was irrecusable.* At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 4-0. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is Joe West (22)'s 1st ejection of 2021.
Joe West now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 2).
Crew Chief Joe West now has 7 points in Crew Division (6 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 7).

*Official Baseball Rule 6.02(c)(9) states, "If, in the umpire’s judgment, circumstances warrant, both teams may be officially 'warned' prior to the game or at any time during the game...Team personnel may not come onto the playing surface to argue or dispute a warning issued under Rule 6.02(c)(9). If a manager, coach or player leaves the dugout or his position to dispute a warning, he should be warned to stop. If he continues, he is subject to ejection."

This is the 17th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 10th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Cincinnati's 3rd ejection of 2021, 1st in the NL Central (CIN 3; CHC 2; MIL, PIT, STL 0).

This is David Bell's 1st ejection since August 29, 2020 (Dan Bellino; QOC = U [Fighting]).

This is Joe West's 1st ejection since September 21, 2019 (Aaron Boone; QOC = Y-c [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 4/25/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 016 - Cory Blaser (1; David Ross)

HP Umpire Cory Blaser ejected Cubs Manager David Ross (strike one call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the #Brewers-#Cubs game. With none out and one on (R1), Cubs batter Jake Marisnick took a first-pitch fastball from Brewers pitcher Josh Hader for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and above the midpoint between the pants-top and shoulders (px 0.01, pz 3.89 [sz_top 3.29 / RAD 3.41 / MOE 3.50]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Brewers were leading, 4-3. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Cory Blaser (89)'s 1st ejection of 2021.
Cory Blaser now has -2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -2).
Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 3 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 0 Incorrect = 3).

*This pitch was located 4.68 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 16th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the ninth manager ejection of 2021.

This is Chicago's 2nd ejection of 2021, T-1st in the NL Central (CHC, CIN 2; MIL, PIT, STL 0).

This is David Ross' 1st ejection since August 29, 2020 (Nic Lentz; QOC = U [Warnings]).

This is Cory Blaser's 1st ejection since Sept 15, 2018 (Gene Glynn; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs, 4/24/21 | Video as follows:

Real Time Call - Marquez's Juggling Out at First Base

In this real-time call, we watch along with 1B Umpire Alfonso Marquez as Giants batter-runner Mauricio Dubon attempted to leg out an infield single as Marlins first baseman Jesus Aguilar used his bare hand to secure shortstop Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s throw.

Tmac takes us through umpiring a play at first base where one of the two expected bang-bang sounds never quite materializes, as the fielder grabs for a baseball out of mid-air.

Marquez sticks with the play and renders a decisive out call, which is confirmed via Replay Review as a result of a San Francisco challenge with clear and convincing evidence that the runner was out.

Video as follows:

The Strict Scrutiny of Runner's Lane Interference in LA

Los Angeles lost a potential baserunner Thursday night when Dodgers batter-runner Luke Raley failed to run within the runner's lane, HP Umpire Tony Randazzo's interference call awarding the San Diego Padres an out in the 5th inning of a one-run ballgame as 1B Umpire Todd Tichenor explained to a confused Raley what his crew mate had called.

As we have discussed with runner's lane interference (RLI) Official Baseball Rule 5.09(a)(11)—"A batter is out for interference when—In running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, he runs outside (to the right of) the three-foot line, or inside (to the left of) the foul line, and in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base, in which case the ball is dead"—the interpretation of this rule is fairly strict.

As long as the batter-runner is not within the runner's lane at the moment of hindering the fielder taking the throw (which includes getting hit by the baseball), the call must be interference as long as the otherwise-fully compliant batter-runner has not exited the lane in the immediate vicinity of first base for the sole purpose of touching the base, and as long as the throw could still reasonably retire the runner if not for the batter-runner's illegal act.

Thus, Randazzo, having observed Raley running to the left of the foul line well in advance of the "immediate vicinity" of first base, ruled the play runner's lane interference, the consequence for which is a dead ball, out, and any runners on base (had there been any) forced to return. San Diego ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

For more in-depth analysis of runner's lane interference, including a history of the RLI rule and potential flaws therein, see the following article.

Related Post: World Series Interference - Blame the Rule, not the Umpire (10/30/19).

Video as follows: