Critique - Cone Off the Ump Name Calling from the Booth

In this Commentary Critique, tmac reviews Yankees broadcaster David Cone's criticism of 2B Umpire Junior Valentine's start-stop balk in New York, a correct call in accordance with the Official Baseball Rules. Cone called Valentine a name, with a backdrop of a nationwide phenomenon of umpire abuse that has caused officiating shortages across multiple sports, mainly at the youth level.

After Valentine called Yankees pitcher Darren O'Day for a start-stop balk, Cone warned "I want to go off on a rant," before stating, "Barney Fife on second base is going to call it."

In complaining about the call, Cone described the pitcher's actions: "He started his motion a little bit and then stepped off the rubber," still perplexed at the balk call.

As a quick Rules Review, Cone's description is precisely why the balk was called. The two start-stop pitching rules in Set Position relate to going from the stretch to the set and for actions from set to delivery. This is an example of the former, as elucidated in OBR 5.07(a)(2): "Preparatory to coming to a set position, the pitcher shall have one hand on his side [the stretch]; from this position he shall go to his set position as defined in Rule 5.07(a)(2) without interruption and in one continuous motion." The accompanying latter balk rule is OBR 6.02(a)(1): "It is a balk when—the pitcher, while touching his plate, makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch and fails to make such delivery."

Replays indicate that, while in the stretch, O'Day started to moving his hands together, but stopped and then disengaged the rubber by stepping off with his pivot foot. This is an illegal disengagement because he had already started his transition from stretch to set, as in OBR 5.07(a)(2).

As for Cone's name-calling, despite admitting the call was correct and later offering an apology, for the casual fan that sees a simple 10-second video clip, the damage is done.

And with a nationwide referee and umpire shortage generating national headlines and citing abusive fan/coach/player conduct and poor sportsmanship as a top reason for officials opting not to participate in youth sports, the example of umpire abuse at baseball's highest level does no favors.

Video as follows:

Rhys Hoskins' HR Overturned to Double in Philadelphia

With New York leading 8-5 in the bottom of the 9th inning of Sunday's #Mets-#Phillies game, Philadelphia's 1B Rhys Hoskins appeared to tie the score with a 3-run home run, only for umpires to overturn the call to a double upon Replay Review. Was this the rules-correct decision?

The Play: With two out and two on (R1, R3), Philadelphia was down to its last two strikes when Hoskins appeared to tie the game on an Edwin Diaz fastball with a three-run home run to deep right-center field, ruled a home run by 1B Umpire Jose Navas. After a Crew Chief Review, Replay HQ overturned Navas' ruling and HP Umpire Andy Fletcher signaled that New York had awarded Hoskins a double.

Ground Rule: According to MLB's Ground Rules for Citizen's Bank Park in Philadelphia, a ball that strikes the top of the outfield fence or scoreboard and rebounds onto the playing field shall be ruled in play. The railing/chain link fence at the top of the wall in Philadelphia is considered part of the outfield fence.

Replay Decision: Clear and convincing visual evidence indicates the batted ball struck the top of the railing and caromed back onto the playing field, resulting in an overturned call. Placing baserunners was the most difficult decision for New York, but with two outs, the Replay Official, finding that runner R1 Matt Joyce was running on contact, properly awarded Joyce three bases (scoring a run), ruling that had the umpires called Hoskins' hit in play, Joyce would have scored. The Replay Official also placed Hoskins at second base—a literal ground rule double.

Aftermath: Ensuing batter Bryce Harper struck out swinging, stranding tying run Hoskins on base to end the game with a Mets victory, final score 8-7.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 026-27 - Brian O'Nora (1-2; TEX x2)

HP Umpire Brian O'Nora ejected Rangers RF Joey Gallo and manager Chris Woodward (strike three call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #RedSox-#Rangers game. With one out and none on, Gallo took a 1-2 curveball from Red Sox pitcher Darwinzon Hernandez for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.72, pz 1.73 [sz_bot 1.68 / RAD 1.56]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejections, the Red Sox were leading, 2-1. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

These are Brian O'Nora (7)'s 1st and 2nd ejections of 2021.
Brian O'Nora now has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2*[2 MLB + 2 Correct Call] = 8).
Crew Chief Ron Kulpa now has 7 points in Crew Division (5 Previous + 2*[2 Correct Call] = 7).

*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.

This pitch was located 2.33 horizontal and 3.07 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

These are the 26th and 27th ejection reports of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the ninth player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Gallo was 1-3 (2 SO) in the contest.

This is the 16th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Texas' 1/2nd ejection of 2021, 1st in the AL West (TEX 2; LAA, OAK, SEA 1; HOU 0).

This is Joey Gallo's first career MLB ejection.

This is Chris Woodward's 1st ejection since Sept 23, 2020 (Nick Mahrley; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brian O'Nora's 1st ejection since May 19, 2019 (Craig Counsell; QOC = N [Fair/Foul]).

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs. Texas Rangers, 5/2/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 025 - Andy Fletcher (1; Bryce Harper)

1B Umpire Andy Fletcher ejected Phillies bench player Bryce Harper (out of base path call by 2B Umpire Jose Navas; QOCN) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Mets-#Phillies game. With one out and one on (R1), Phillies batter Matt Joyce hit a ground ball to Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil, who threw to shortstop Francisco Lindor, to first baseman Pete Alonso, Phillies baserunner R1 Andrew McCutchen ruled out for running more than three feet away from his base path to avoid a tag and Phillies batter-runner Joyce ruled out upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Mets manager Luis Rojas. Replays indicate McCutchen did not deviate from his base path to avoid a tag in contravention of Official Baseball Rule 5.09(b)(1), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 4-4. The Mets ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Andy Fletcher (49)'s 1st ejection of 2021.
Andy Fletcher now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB - 2 Incorrect [Crewmate] = 0).
Crew Chief Andy Fletcher now has 0 points in Crew Division (0 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 0).

*OBR 5.09(b)(1) states that "any runner is out when—He runs more than three feet away from his base path to avoid being tagged unless his action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball. A runner’s base path is established when the tag attempt occurs and is a straight line from the runner to the base he is attempting to reach safely."

This is the 25th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the eighth player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Harper did not appear in the contest.

This is Philadelphia's 2nd ejection of 2021, T-1st in the NL East (NYM, PHI 2; MIA 1; ATL, WAS 0).

This is Bryce Harper's 1st ejection since Sept 5, 2020 (Roberto Ortiz; QOC = Y [Fair/Foul]).

This is Andy Fletcher's 1st ejection since May 17, 2019 (Bruce Bochy; QOC = N-c [Check Swing]).

Wrap: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 5/1/21 | Video as follows:

April 2021 Call of the Month - John Libka's Out at 2B

Tmac presents our Call of the Month for April 2021 and it features 2B Umpire John Libka officiating a stolen base attempt by Chicago's Kris Bryant at second base.

On April 22, 2021, Mets catcher James McCann attempted to throw out Cubs baserunner R1 Bryant attempting to steal second, ruled out by 2B Umpire Libka and affirmed after Replay Review as the result of a Cubs challenge.

Libka observes the play and communicates through his out mechanic that Bryant's foot popped off of the base with fielder Jeff McNeil keeping the tag on Bryant while the runner was not in contact with second base, a call that in the expanded replay era has become more commonly accepted and expected.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 024 - Angel Hernandez (1; Dave Roberts)

1B Umpire Angel Hernandez ejected Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts (check swing strike one call) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Dodgers-#Brewers game. With two out and none on, Dodgers batter Chris Taylor attempted to check his swing on a 1-0 changeup from Brewers pitcher JP Feyereisen, ruled a swinging strike on appeal by 1B Umpire Hernandez. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board (7-2), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Brewers were leading, 2-1. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 3-1.

This is Angel Hernandez (5)'s 1st ejection of 2021.
Angel Hernandez now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Ted Barrett now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 3).

This is the 24th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 15th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Los Angeles' 1st ejection of 2021, 3rd in the NL West (COL, SD 2; LAD 1; ARI, SF 0).

This is Dave Roberts' 1st ejection since August 19, 2020 (Mark Ripperger; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Angel Hernandez's 1st ejection since Sept 22, 2020 (Rick Renteria; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 4/30/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 023 - James Hoye (1; Phillip Evans)

HP Umpire James Hoye ejected Pirates pinch hitter Phillip Evans (strike three call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the #Cardinals-#Pirates game. With none out and one on (R1), Evans took a 0-2 fastball from Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and thigh-high (px -0.75, pz 2.22) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 7-3. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 7-3.

This is James Hoye (92)'s 1st ejection of 2021.

James Hoye now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief James Hoye now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 3).

This is the 23rd ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the seventh player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Evans was 0-1 (SO) in the contest.

This is Pittsburgh's 1st ejection of 2021, T-3rd in the NL Central (CIN 3; CHC 2; MIL, PIT, STL 1).

This is Phillip Evans' first career MLB ejection.

This is James Hoye's 1st ejection since August 16, 2020 (Don Mattingly; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: St Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 4/30/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 022 - Brennan Miller (1; Mike Schildt)

HP Umpire Brennan Miller ejected Cardinals Manager Mike Shildt (strike one after HBP warnings no-call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the #Phillies-#Cardinals game. With two out and none on, Cardinals batter Nolan Arenado took a first-pitch fastball from Phillies pitcher Hector Neris for a hit-by-pitch, the first hit batsman of the game, resulting in a crew consultation with no warnings/ejection issued. Ensuing batter Tyler O'Neill then took a first-pitch splitter from Nerris for a called first strike upon which Shildt was ejected. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.27, pz 1.52 [sz_bot 1.51 / RAD 1.39]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 3-3. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 4-3, in 10 innings. 

This is Brennan Miller (55)'s 1st ejection of 2021.
Brennan Miller now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief James Hoye now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).

*This pitch was located 2.60 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

Related Post: MLB Ejection 021 - Chris Segal (1; Joe Girardi) (4/28/21).

This is the 22nd ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 14th manager ejection of 2021.

This is St. Louis' 1st ejection of 2021, T-3rd in the NL Central (CIN 3; CHC 2; MIL, STL 1; PIT 0).

This is Mike Shildt's 1st ejection since Sept 15, 2020 (Ron Kulpa; QOC = U [Fighting]).

This is Brennan Miller's 1st ejection since Sept 15, 2020 (Brandon Hyde; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Philadelphia Phillies vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 4/29/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 021 - Chris Segal (1; Joe Girardi)

HP Umpire Chris Segal ejected Phillies manager Joe Girardi (warnings/non-ejection) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Phillies-#Cardinals game. With none out and none on, Phillies batter Bryce Harper took a first-pitch sinker from Cardinals pitcher Genesis Cabrera for a hit-by-pitch before subsequent Phillies batter Didi Gregorius took a first-pitch fastball from Cabrera for a hit-by-pitch, the only two hit batsmen of the game, resulting in warnings. Replays indicate that both HBP events resulted in injury delays, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 3-3. The Phillies ultimately won the contest, 5-3. 

This is Chris Segal (96)'s 1st ejection of 2021.
Chris Segal now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 3).
Crew Chief James Hoye now has 1 point in Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 1).

This is the 21st ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 13th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Philadelphia's 1st ejection of 2021, T-2nd in the NL East (NYM 2; MIA, PHI 1; ATL, WAS 0).

This is Joe Girardi's 1st ejection since Sept 21, 2020 (Junior Valentine; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Chris Segal's 1st ejection since August 9, 2019 (Brett Gardner; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Philadelphia Phillies vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 4/28/21 | Video as follows:

Injury Scout - Jerry Layne Exits in NY After Hit to Head

HP Umpire Jerry Layne left Wednesday's #RedSox-#Mets game in New York after a foul ball off the mask, a day after Kerwin Danley took a similar shot to the head in California.

In the bottom of the 3rd inning, Mets batter Francisco Lindor fouled a 94-mph 1-0 fastball from Red Sox pitcher Nick Pavetta into the center of Layne's traditional-style facemask.

Layne was replaced at home plate by acting crew chief 1B Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt while 2B Umpire Dan Merzel moved to first base and 3B Umpire Quinn Wolcott remained on the left field line.

Relevant Injury History: Like Danley, Layne has a significant history of head trauma.

> On April 1, 2019, Layne left his Opening Day assignment in Pittsburgh after foul balls to the head.

> On September 25, 2016, Layne exited a Mariners-Twins game after a foul ball to the mask.

> On August 31, 2016, Layne left a Blue Jays-Orioles game after a direct 94-mph shot to the mask.

> On June 27, 2016, Layne left an Indian-Braves game after a foul ball to the jaw region.

> On April 15, 2015, Layne left a Tigers-Pirates game after a deflection from the catcher to the mask.

Last Game: April 28 | Return to Play: 2022 | Time Absent: Rest of Season | Video as follows: