MLB Ejection 037 - Bill Miller (1; Clint Frazier)

HP Umpire Bill Miller ejected Yankees LF Clint Frazier (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 5th inning of the #Yankees-#Rays game. With one out and none on, Frazier took a 3-2 cutter from Rays pitcher Ryan Yarbrough for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and below the midpoint (px -0.65, pz 3.12 [sz_top 3.41 / RAD 3.53]) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were officiated properly, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 1-0.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s 1st ejection of 2021.
Bill Miller now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 3).
Crew Chief Bill Miller now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).

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

*This pitch was located 3.17 horizontal and 5.88 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 37th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 14th player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Frazier was 0-2 in the contest.

This is New York's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st in the AL East (NYY 2; BAL, BOS 1; TB, TOR 0).

This is Clint Frazier's first career MLB ejection.

This is Bill Miller's 1st ejection since Sept 23, 2020 (Brian Butterfield; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 5/12/21 | Video as follows:

NCAA Softball Interference Prompts Rules Check

When Loyola (Chicago)'s catcher hit Drake's retired batter-runner in the back with a throw following a caught bunt during a college softball game, NCAA umpires ruled a double play, but not after consulting both the rulebook and making a phone call to a rules authority.

With one out and one on (R1) in the first inning, a popped up bunt at home plate quickly turned into an air out thanks to a diving grab by the catcher, who threw toward first base in attempt to retire R1 for failing to tag up. However, F2's throw hit the retired batter-runner in the back, allowing R1 to advance to second base and kicking off a delay to sort out what would ultimately be ruled a double play.

We preface this by acknowledging that baseball's rules are different than softball's.

Specifically, softball's interference rule is defined as "an act that denies a defensive player a reasonable opportunity to make a play (field/throw) anywhere on the playing field. The act may be intentional or unintentional and the ball must have been playable." NCAA softball also has a specific rule for retired members of the offense (12.17.3), which states, "An offensive player, who no longer has status (a retired member of the offense or a player who has scored), may not interfere with a defensive player making a play on an active runner."

Whether one deems that, technically speaking, the retired batter-runner interfered with the catcher or with the fielder taking the throw at first base (similar to runner's lane interference's general principle that the interference with a thrown ball is with the fielder receiving the throw) is ultimately immaterial.

The only question here is whether the retired batter-runner's actions (or lack thereof) by standing on the foul line with her back turned to the catcher and (very most likely) unintentionally being struck by the catcher's throw constitutes interference: did this deprive the defense a reasonable opportunity to make a play?

For what it's worth, in MLB, Official Baseball Rule 6.01(a)(5) Comment specifically excludes this interaction from being deemed interference: "If the batter or a runner continues to advance or returns or attempts to return to their last legally touched base after they have been put out, they shall not by that alone be considered as confusing, hindering or impeding the fielders." For more information, see the related post in which retired Yankees runner Matt Holliday slides into first base and effectively gets in the way of Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland. Umpire Gary Cederstrom's crew no-called the interference.

Related Post: MLB Denies Boston's Protest, Interference No-Call Upheld (7/17/17).

Finally, although NCAA Softball does not mirror OBR's General Instructions to Umpires, the umpires by referencing the physical rulebook and ultimately calling a supervisor or other instructional person (similar to MLB umpires accessing Replay Review/New York for a Rules Check) exemplified OBR's instruction: "It is better to consult the rules and hold up the game ten minutes to decide a knotty problem than to inadvertently misapply the rules."

Also, from a game management standpoint, the controversial decision-making (one out, R1 vs two-outs) is sent to someone off the field and the on-field crew becomes observers, so when the coach is unhappy with the outcome, it is no longer because of an on-field ruling, but because of an off-field interpretation.

Note: This General Instruction was changed in 2020 to reflect MLB's new stance that protests shall no longer be allowed. The 2019 version stated, "It is better to consult the rules and hold up the game ten minutes to decide a knotty problem than to have a game thrown out on protest and replayed."

Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 035-36 - Manny Gonzalez (2-3; ARI x2)

HP Umpire Manny Gonzalez ejected Diamondbacks 3B Eduardo Escobar and manager Torey Lovullo (strike two call; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Dbacks-#Mets game. With none out and none on, Escobar took a 1-1 cutter from Mets pitcher Jacob Barnes for a called second strike before striking out swinging on the next pitch. Replays indicate the 1-1 pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.04, pz 1.31 [sz_bot 1.50 / RAD 1.38 / MOE 1.29]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejections the Mets were leading, 3-1. The Mets ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

These are Manny Gonzalez (79)'s 2nd and 3rd ejections of 2021.
Manny Gonzalez now has 12 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Prev + 2*[2 MLB + 2 QOCY] = 12).
Crew Chief Jeff Nelson now has 4 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 2 Correct Call = 4).

*This pitch was located 0.24 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

These are the 35th and 36th ejection reports of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 13th player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Escobar was 0-2 (SO) in the contest.

This is the 20th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Arizona's 1/2nd ejection of 2021, T-2nd in the NL West (SD 3; AZ, COL 2; LAD, SF 1).

This is Eduardo Escobar's 1st ejection since July 15, 2018 (Ryan Additon; QOC = U [Fighting-USC]).

This is Torey Lovullo's 1st ejection since Sept 20, 2020 (Adam Hamari; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Manny Gonzalez's 2/3rd ejection of 2021, 1st since April 11 (Matt Shoemaker; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. New York Mets, 5/9/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 034 - Brian Gorman (1; Joe Maddon)

2B Umpire Brian Gorman ejected Angels Manager Joe Maddon (Replay Review decision that upheld a fair ball call by 3B Umpire Adrian Johnson; QOCY) in the top of the 7th of the #Dodgers-#Angels game. With none out and none on, Dodgers batter DJ Peters hit a 1-0 slider from Angels pitcher Mike Mayers on fly ball along the left field line, where Angels left fielder Jon Jay unsuccessfully attempted to catch the ball, deflecting it to shortstop David Fletcher, ruled fair by Adrian Johnson and upheld as a result of a challenge by Angels Manager Joe Maddon. Replays indicate the ball made contact with Jay's wrist as it was above the left field foul line, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Dodgers were leading, 13-4. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 14-11.

This is Brian Gorman (9)'s first ejection of 2021.
Brian Gorman now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 4 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 4).

This is the 34th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 19th manager ejection of 2021.

This is Anaheim's 2nd ejection of 2021, T-1st in the AL West (LAA, TEX 2; OAK, SEA 1; HOU 0).

This is Joe Maddon's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since April 10 (Jerry Layne; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).

This is Brian Gorman's 1st ejection since June 10, 2019 (Clint Hurdle; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Los Angeles Angels, 5/8/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 033 - Nic Lentz (1; Jayce Tingler)

HP Umpire Nic Lentz ejected Padres manager Jayce Tingler (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Padres-#Giants game. With one out and one on (R1), Padres batter Manny Machado took a 2-2 fastball from Giants pitcher Kevin Gausman for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and above the knee (px 0.48, pz 1.72 [sz_bot 1.59 / RAD 1.47]) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Giants were leading, 4-1. The Giants ultimately won the contest, 7-1.

This is Nic Lentz (59)'s first ejection of 2021.
Nic Lentz now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 6).
Crew Chief Joe West now has 7 points in Crew Division (6 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 7).

*This pitch was located 4.03 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 33rd ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 18th manager ejection of 2021.

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

This is Jayce Tingler's 2nd ejection of 2021, 1st since April 21 (Tom Hallion; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

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

Wrap: San Diego Padres vs. San Francisco Giants, 5/8/21 | Video as follows:

Rules Review of PIT's Retired Batter Interference Plea

Pirates Manager Derek Shelton had an impassioned but brief argument with HP Umpire Brennan Miller over an interference no-call in Chicago when Cubs batter Jason Heyward, having struck out, stepped into Pittsburgh catcher Michael Perez as Perez attempted to retrieve the uncaught third strike and retire Cubs baserunner R1 Willson Contreras.

Officially a wild pitch by Wil Crow, Contreras' advancement eventually turned into a run as Contreras scored to tie the game on a sacrifice fly to and error by Pirates center fielder Wilmer Difo. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

As for the rule itself, we have several potential options. To recap, Heyward faced an 0-2 count with Contreras on first base and none out.

Possible Rule: Official Baseball Rule 6.03(a)(3) states "a batter is out for illegal action when—They interfere 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." Alas, Heyward is no longer a batter because Heyward swung and missed at strike three. Thus, OBR 6.03(a)(3) does not apply.

Next up is 6.01(a)(1), "It is interference by a batter or a runner when—After a third strike that is not caught by the catcher, the batter-runner clearly hinders the catcher in their attempt to field the ball. Such batter-runner is out, the ball is dead, and all other runners return to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch." Remember, however, two things: First, no player may be called out twice for two different reasons, and, second, first base was occupied with less than two outs. This means Heyward was automatically out on strike three, whether or not the pitch was caught. Accordingly, Heyward is no longer a batter and certainly not a batter-runner: Heyward is a retired batter, already out on strike three. 6.01(a)(1) isn't it, either.

That means 6.01(a)(5) must be it: "Any batter or runner who has just been put out, or any runner who has just scored, hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner. Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of their teammate." Bingo: If a retired batter (Heyward) interferes with a catcher (Perez) trying to retire a runner (Contreras), the runner shall be declared out for the interference of the retired teammate.

Finally, remember that the batter's box is not a safe haven for this brand of interference, especially with replays indicating Heyward appeared to have started haphazardly walking back to the Cubs dugout when he unintentionally walked into Perez, who was trying to make a "following play...on a runner." If Heyward's actions hindered Perez, that would qualify as 6.01(a)(5) interference, regardless of intent, rendering Contreras out as well for a double play. It does not matter if Perez had the ball or not at the time of the hindrance: if the retired batter or runner hinders or impedes a fielder making a play on another runner, "such runner shall be declared out for the interference of their teammate."

PS: The least shocking development? Pittsburgh broadcasters thought the play was interference while Chicago's TV coverage was more than content with a no-call, thinking interference only applies when the catcher already has the ball.

Video as follows:

Royals' Runners Passing Replay Stands on Tag Attempt

Royals Manager Mike Matheny unsuccessfully challenged 3B Umpire David Rackley's runners passing no-call Friday night in Kansas City as catcher Salvador Perez ran White Sox runner R3 Zack Collins back to and past third base, into left field, as trail runner R2 Billy Hamilton stood on third base, in rare case where being "too good" at one's job might have cost Kansas City an extra out.

The Play: With one out and two on (R2, R3) in the 7th inning of a 3-0 game, Chicago batter Nick Madrigal hit a ground ball to Kansas City shortstop Nick Madrigal, who threw to catcher Perez as White Sox R3 Collins ran toward home plate and R2 Hamilton advanced to third base. Perez ran Collins back to third base where Hamilton was standing and as Perez attempted to tag Collins, Collins ran past the base and up the left field line.

The Call: 3B Umpire David Rackley signaled Hamilton safe at third base after a collision with Perez and then signaled Collins out for abandoning his effort to run the bases.

The Challenge: Matheny challenged Rackley's runner's passing no-call, asserting that Hamilton (the trailing runner) should have been declared out when Collins (the lead/preceding runner) ran past third base and into left field.

The Rule: A very similar play occurred during Spring Training 2021 when 3B Umpire Sam Holbrook called Tampa Bay's Nathan Lukes (trailing runner) out for passing Vidal Brujan (lead runner). Official Baseball Rule 5.09(b)(9) states that a runner is out when they pass a preceding runner: "A runner may be deemed to have passed a preceding (i.e., lead) runner based on their actions or the actions of a preceding runner." For abandonment, a runner is out pursuant to OBR 5.09(b)(2) when the runner leaves the base path, "obviously abandoning their effort to touch the next base." Finally, though this did not occur here, if two runners are in contact with a base at the same time, OBR 5.06(a)(2) states, "the following runner shall be out when tagged and the preceding runner is entitled to the base, unless [it is a force play and the trailing runner is forced to advance; in this situation, the preceding/lead runner is out when tagged]."

Related Post: Runners Passing Nearly Turns to Lead Abandonment (3/9/21).

As we previously discussed, the abandonment rule means that it is simply not possible for a lead runner in this situation to be out for abandonment until said runner returns to and runs past the base, thus causing a passing situation to occur. In other words, the runner must demonstrate their abandonment through actions, such as running up the left field line well past third base and the only way to do that is to cause the trail runner to be guilty of passing the lead runner prior to the abandonment.

The Replay Review & Result: Thus, the CWS-KC play had all the makings of a double play for passing and abandonment, if not for one crucial piece: catcher Salvy Perez's tag attempt. If Perez was able to tag Collins prior to Collins returning to third base, Collins would be out at the moment of the tag and thus Hamilton would be unable to pass him. Because the Replay Official could not definitively determine whether a tag actually occurred, Rackley's call (abandonment, no passing) stood and Hamilton remained at third base.

This is one situation where Perez's hustle might have actually hurt his team; if Perez didn't attempt to tag Collins, all else equal, Hamilton would have been out for passing followed shortly by Collins being declared out for abandonment: an inning-ending double play.

Video as follows:

2021 No-Hitter 4, Lance Barksdale (1; Wade Miley)

HP Umpire Lance Barksdale called Reds pitcher Wade Miley's no-hitter against the Indians in Cleveland Friday evening, joined by 1B Umpire and Crew Chief Ted Barrett, 2B Umpire Ryan Wills, and 3B Umpire Stu Scheurwater. This is the second time Cleveland has been no-hit this season (2021 No-Hitter 2, Doug Eddings (1; Carlos Rodón)).

In accordance with UEFL tradition, the following are umpire Barksdale's three plate scores, including a 99.3% (133/134) performance under ML Private/Zone Evaluation Equivalent conditions, 96.3% (129/134) UEFL f/x score, and 91.0% (122/134) value for ML Public / the broadcast-facing zero error system.

The UEFL f/x look:

Balls: 85 called balls outside strike zone / 2 called balls within strike zone = 85/87 = 97.7% accuracy.

Strikes: 44 called strikes within strike zone / 3 called strike outside strike zone = 44/47 = 93.6% accuracy.

Total Raw Accuracy Score for Barksdale = 129/134 = 96.3% accuracy (+1 CIN/skew favored Reds).

Analysis of Texas Softball Umpires' Foul Ball Confusion

Today's Ask the UEFL concerns a softball video many of you sent in from Texas in which umpires appeared to allow the offense to run the bases and score runs during a foul ball wide of third base, an ensuing overthrow intended for the pitcher, and a ball thrown onto the field from the stands.

The Play: With runners on first and third base, the batter hits a ground ball to the outside of third base—a foul ball. The left fielder retrieves the ball and throws to an infielder, whose throw back to the pitcher goes wild as a second ball is thrown onto the field, seemingly from the stands. The offensive team runs the bases on the overthrow, with both runners and the batter coming around to touch home plate.

Aftermath: The umpires confer and, although the video ends before the final resolution is given, the offensive team's reaction suggests the umpires rendered a ruling in which run(s) were permitted to score.

Analysis: First and foremost, softball or baseball, the ball is dead on a foul ball and during a dead ball, no bases may be run, as in Official Baseball Rule 5.06(c) [similar NCAA softball rule is 6.9.5]: "While the ball is dead no player may be put out, no bases may be run and no runs may be scored, except that runners may advance one or more bases as the result of acts which occurred while the ball was alive (such as, but not limited to a balk, an overthrow, interference, or a home run or other fair ball hit out of the playing field)."

As this game was a high school affair between Jefferson High School and Ysleta High, the relevant NFHS rule is 5-2-2-b ("a runner may not advance").

Gil's Call: I am known in the officiating world as what's called an over-communicator: I am of the mindset that mechanics are made to be used and I might give signals that other officials might deem superfluous or unnecessary. Some officials take to the mindset of only give signals as absolutely necessary, and that's a valid stance as well; I've simply found that it doesn't work for a kinesthetic learner as myself.

The way the communication philosophy relates to this play is thus: Unless a foul ball is exorbitantly obvious (such as a batted ball out of play), I "go through the motions" of putting my arms up in the standard "Time" mechanic, to signal a dead ball. I likely won't verbalize "Foul" or anything to that effect on a play where the ball is plainly foul, like this one, but I nonetheless put arms up if for nothing else than for my own edification.

MLB Ejections 030-32 - Angel Hernandez (2-4; KC x3)

HP Umpire Angel Hernandez ejected Royals pitching coach Cal Eldred, manager Mike Matheny, and pitcher Brady Singer (balk call; QOCY) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Indians-#Royals game. With one out and two on (R1, R2), Royals pitcher Singer was called for a balk while attempting to pick off Indians baserunner R2 Eddie Rosario, advancing Rosario to third base and R1 Franmil Reyes to second base. Replays indicate Singer appeared to make a motion associated with delivery prior to attempting the pickoff throw, the call was correct.* At the time of Eldred and Matheny's ejections, the Royals were leading, 4-2. At the time of Singer's ejection, the Royals were leading, 4-3. The Indians ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

These are Angel Hernandez (5)'s 2/3/4th ejections of 2021.

Angel Hernandez now has 16 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Prev + 3*[2 MLB + 2 QOCY] = 16).

Crew Chief Angel Hernandez now has 5 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 3 Correct Call = 5).

*Official Baseball Rule 6.02(a): "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."

These are the 30th, 31st, and 32nd ejection reports of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 17th manager ejection of 2021.

This is the 12th player ejection of 2021. Prior to ejection, Singer's line was 5.2 IP, 3 ER.

This is Kansas City's 1/2/3rd ejection of 2021, 1st in the AL Central (KC 3; MIN 1; CLE, CWS, DET 0).

This is Cal Eldred's first career MLB ejection.

This is Mike Matheny's 1st ejection since Sept 22, 2020 (Manny Gonzalez; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Brady Singer's first career MLB ejection.

This is Angel Hernandez's 2-4th ejection of 2021, 1st since April 30 (Dave Roberts; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Cleveland Indians vs. Kansas City Royals, 5/5/21 | Video as follows: