Ejections 084, 085: Sam Holbrook (3, 4)

1B Umpire Sam Holbrook ejected Brewers pitcher Zack Greinke and Brewers Manager Ron Roenicke for arguing a safe call in the bottom of the 1st inning of the Brewers-Astros game. With one on and none out, Astros batter Jose Altuve hit a 1-1 slider from Greinke to Brewers first baseman Corey Hart (who threw to Greinke covering first) for an infield single. Replays indicate that Greinke's foot did not touch first base prior to Altuve's foot touching first base, the call was correct. At the time of the ejections, the Astros were leading, 1-0. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 6-3.

These are Sam Holbrook (34)'s third and fourth ejection of 2012.
Sam Holbrook now has 16 points in the UEFL (8 Previous + 2 MLB + 2*[2 Correct Call] = 16).
Crew Chief Joe West now has 4 points in the Crew Division (2 Previous + 2*[1 Correct Call] = 4).
*After review, Quality of Correctness has been affirmed by the UEFL Appeals Board (4-0-1).
*Historical Appeals Board decisions may be consulted via the UEFL Portal.*

UEFL Standings Update

These are the 84th and 85th ejections of 2012.
This is the 33rd player ejection of 2012.
This is the 43rd Manager ejection of 2012.
Greinke's final line was 0.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 H
This is Zack Greinke's first ejection since September 24, 2009 (Greg Gibson; QOC = Incorrect).
This is Ron Roenicke's first ejection since June 20, 2011 (Bob Davidson; QOC = Incorrect).
These are the Brewers' second and third ejections of 2012.

Wrap: Brewers at Astros 7/7/12
Video: Greinke spikes ball after close play at first; Holbrook quickly shows Greinke and Roenicke the door
Video: Holbrook ejects Brewers duo, Roenicke and HP Umpire Joe West jaw as manager exits field

Ejection 083: Brian Knight (2)

1B Umpire Brian Knight ejected Padres Manager Bud Black for arguing an out call in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Reds-Padres game. With one out and one on, Padres batter Cameron Maybin hit a 1-2 slider from Reds pitcher Mat Latos to second baseman Brandon Phillips, who threw to first baseman Joey Votto as Maybin attempted a head-first slide into first base. Replays indicate Maybin's hand touched first base prior to Votto's catch, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Reds were leading, 1-0. The Padres ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Brian Knight (91)'s second ejection of 2012.

Brian Knight now has 2 points in the UEFL (4 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call = 2).

Crew Chief Mike Winters now has 3 points in the Crew Division (3 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 3).

UEFL Standings Update 

Maybin appears to have been safe

This is the 83rd ejection of 2012.
This is the 42nd Manager ejection of 2012.
This is Bud Black's first ejection since April 24 (Lance Barrett; Correct).

This is Brian Knight's first ejection since May 8 (Jim Leyland; Correct).

The Padres are second in the NL West with 3 ejections (LAD 7; COL, SF 1; AZ 0). 

Wrap: Reds at Padres, 7/5/12

Video: Maybin dives into first base, is ruled out by umpire Knight; Bud Black ejected arguing call
Related: Brian Knight named to first All-Star game, quickest hiring-to-ASG call since MLB merger

Rules 2.00 & 6.01(f): Umpire Interference

Interference: Though MLB rules specify that an umpire is routinely considered part of the playing field insofar as the ball generally remains alive and in play after a player or fair ball contacts an umpire, umpire interference provides an exception to this general practice.

Jack be limber, Jack be quick. Jack jump over the candle stick; yet, when Ump Jack isn't quick enough, the following rules are in place to address what happens next.

Umpire Interference (1): At the plate

Rule 2.00 INTERFERENCE (c) [NOTE: Under OBR renumbering, as of 2015, the relevant rule is 6.01(f)]  specifies when umpire interference may be called:

(1) when a plate umpire hinders, impedes or prevents a catcher’s throw attempting to prevent a stolen base or retire a runner on a pick-off play, or (2) when a fair ball touches an umpire on fair territory before passing a fielder. Umpire interference may also occur when an umpire interferes with a catcher returning the ball to the pitcher.

Rule 5.09(b) [NOTE: Under OBR renumbering, as of 2015, the relevant rule is 6.01(f)] further specifies the case of umpire interference at home plate between umpire and catcher:

The plate umpire interferes with the catcher’s throw attempting to prevent a stolen base or retire a runner on a pick-off play; runners may not advance. NOTE: The interference shall be disregarded if the catcher’s throw retires the runner.

Meanwhile, Rule 5.09(f) [presently 5.05(b)(4)] specifies when umpire interference occurs, as it relates to a batted ball:

A fair ball touches an umpire...on fair territory before touching a fielder. If a fair ball touches an umpire after having passed a fielder other than the pitcher, or having touched a fielder, including the pitcher, the ball is in play.

In this scenario, the ball is dead upon the interference and the batter is awarded first base (credited with a single).

Read on for some examples of umpire interference, including video footage:

Roster: 2012 All-Star Game Umpires Announced

MLB has announced the umpires for the 2012 All-Star Game to be held on July 10 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. They will include:

After a two-year absence,
Jim Joyce is back to working
special baseball events.

HP: Gerry Davis -cc: Working his fourth All-Star Game (1989, 97, 2002), Davis will serve as crew chief for just the second time. Having worked 10 Division Series, eight League Championship Series and four World Series, Davis' 106 career postseason assignments are third most all-time and most among all active umpires.
1B: Jim Joyce: This is Joyce's third Midsummer Classic (1994, 2001). Joyce has worked eight Division Series, four League Championship Series and two World Series, missing the 2011 postseason due to injury. This marks Joyce's first special event since the 2009 NLDS; the last time Joyce worked an All-Star Game, he was assigned to that season's World Series (2001).
2B: Brian Runge: This is the first All-Star Game for Brian Runge. Since joining the Majors in 1999, he has worked three Division Series (2004, 07, 08). Runge recently became the 10th umpire in MLB history to call balls and strikes for multiple no-hitters in a single season.
3B: Tony Randazzo: 2012 is Randazzo's second All-Star Game (2001). He has worked four Division Series and the 2010 ALCS.
LF: Lance Barksdale: This is the first Midsummer Classic for Lance Barksdale and first special event assignment since joining the full-time MLB staff in July 2006.
RF: Brian Knight: Promoted to the MLB staff in 2011, this is the first special event assignment for Brian Knight, who umpired his first Major League contest on May 7, 2001, as a Triple-A call-up umpire.

News: Umpires, official scorers appointed for the 2012 Midsummer Classic

Ejection 082: Derryl Cousins (2)

HP Umpire Derryl Cousins ejected Miami Marlins catcher John Buck for arguing a swinging strike three call in the top of the 6th inning of the Marlins-Brewers game. With two out and one on, Marlins batter John Buck attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 slider from Brewers pitcher Zack Greinke, but was ruled to have swung by Cousins. Replays indicate that Buck successfully checked his swing, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Marlins were leading, 5-3. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 6-5.

This is Derryl Cousins' (13) second ejection of 2012.
Derryl Cousins now has 2 points in the UEFL (4 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call = 2).
Crew Chief Derryl Cousins now has 1 point in the Crew Division (1 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 1).
*After review, Quality of Correctness has been affirmed by the UEFL Appeals Board (3-2).
*Historical Appeals Board decisions may be consulted via the UEFL Portal.*

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 82nd ejection of 2012.
This is the 32nd player ejection of 2012.
This is John Buck's first ejection of 2012.
This is John Buck's first ejection since July 4, 2011 (Kerwin Danley; QOC = Incorrect).
This is Derryl Cousins' first ejection since May 11 (Steve Smith; QOC = Correct).
The Marlins are fourth in the NL East with two ejections (NYM=4, ATL=3, PHI=3, WAS=0). 

Wrap: Marlins at Brewers 7/2/12
Video: Cousins rules strike three on a swing by Buck; Buck goes ballistic, gets ejected

Ejection 081: James Hoye (2)

HP Umpire James Hoye ejected Angels Manager Mike Scioscia for arguing a safe call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Angels-Blue Jays game. With none out and three on, Blue Jays batter Jose Bautista reached on a force attempt, fielding error by Angels second baseman Howard Kendrick. Blue Jays R3 Omar Vizquel scored. R2 Brett Lawrie scored. R1 Colby Rasmus to 3rd. Jose Bautista to 2nd. Replays indicate that as Lawrie went into the plate he collided with Angels catcher John Hester. Lawrie collided into Hester's forearm at the plate, but while in continued contact, Hester contacted Lawrie's shoulder with his bottom portion and base of the glove with the ball inside prior to Lawrie touching home plate (Hoye signaled safe, and then safe again when Lawrie retouched home plate prior to once again being tagged by Hester), the call was incorrect. After review, QOC has been reversed. The call is now correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Angels were leading, 3-2. The Angels ultimately won the contest, 10-6.

This is James Hoye (92)'s second ejection of 2012.
James Hoye now has 6 points in the UEFL (2 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 6).
Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 2 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).
*After review, Quality of Correctness has been reversed by the UEFL Appeals Board (4-2).
*Historical Appeals Board decisions may be consulted via the UEFL Portal.*

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 81st ejection of 2012.
This is the 41st Manager ejection of 2012.
This is Mike Scioscia's third ejection of 2012.
This is Mike Scioscia's first ejection since June 24 (Dan Iassogna; QOC = Correct).
This is James Hoye's first ejection since  May 19 (Bob Melvin; QOC = Irrecusable).
This is the Angels' third ejection of 2012, tied for second in the AL West (OAK 4; TEX 3; SEA 0).

Wrap: Angels at Blue Jays 7/1/12 (Canada Day)
Video: Error leads to collision at the plate between Lawrie, Hester; Scioscia tossed by Hoye
Video: Angels broadcasters determine Hoye has had "atrocious afternoon" after close call at plate
Related: Changed strike three call by Eric Cooper negates double play, results in Bobby Cox's ejection (2009)

UEFL Umpires' Standings Update: End of June 2012

The UEFL Presents: An Umpires' standings update at the conclusion of play on June 30, 2012. Featured are key ejections from the first three months of the 2012 MLB season.

Umpires: Most Ejections
1) Gary Darling - 5 Ejections: April 14 [CLE M Manny Acta, P Jeanmar Gomez, 3B Jack Hannahan], May 15 [NYM P D.J. Carrasco], May 18 [BOS M Bobby Valentine].
2) Marty Foster - 4 Ejections: May 4 [CHC M Dale Sveum], May 18 [CHC M Dale Sveum], May 26 [TOR P Henderson Alvarez], June 24 [PIT M Clint Hurdle].
3) Dan Bellino - 3 Ejections: April 29 [TEX Ron Washington], May 17 [BOS SS Mike Aviles], June 26 [MIA M Ozzie Guillen].
3) Tim Tschida - 3 Ejections: May 22 [HOU 3B Chris Johnson], May 28 [DET 3BC Gene Lamont], June 19 [TB P Joel Peralta].
3) Greg Gibson - 3 Ejections: April 17 [MIN CF Denard Span, M Ron Gardenhire], June 10 [COL M Jim Tracy].
3) Dan Iassogna - 3 Ejections: June 14 [KC RF Jeff Francoeur, M Ned Yost], June 24 [LAA M Mike Scioscia].
3) Bob Davidson - 3 Ejections: May 15 [PHI M Charlie Manuel], June 2 [NYY BC Long, M Joe Girardi].
3) Alan Porter - 3 Ejections: May 25 [MIN SS Jamey Carroll, M Gardenhire], June 10 [BOS M Valentine].
3) Angel Campos - 3 Ejections: April 22 [BAL M Buck Showalter], May 2 [PIT C Rod Barajas, M Hurdle].

Though Gary Darling leads MLB
Umpires with 5 ejections, several
others, including Mark Carlson,
 lead QOC with 100% accuracy.

Umpires: UEFL Points
1) Gary Darling - 12
2) Mark Carlson, Sam Holbrook, Tim McClelland, Marty Foster, Doug Eddings, Angel Campos - 8

Umpires: Accuracy (As determined by Quality of Correctness)
1) Mark Carlson - 100%, 2/2; May 13 [LAD RF Andre Ethier, M Mattingly].
1) Sam Holbrook - 100%, 2/2; May 1 [TOR SS Omar Vizquel], May 9 [LAA M Scioscia].
1) Tim McClelland - 100%, 2/2; June 2 [TEX C Yorvit Torrealba], June 9 [OAK M Bob Melvin].
1) Doug Eddings - 100%, 2/2: May 29 [BAL C Matt Wieters], June 8 [BOS 3B Kevin Youkilis].
5) Gary Darling, Tony Randazzo, Derryl Cousins, Joe West, Larry Vanover, Gary Cederstrom, Marvin Hudson, Todd Tichenor - 100%, 1/1.
14) Jim Joyce, Brian Knight - 100%, 0.5/0.5 [Crewmate].

Rule 4.09: How A Team Scores and the Time Play

The objective of each team in baseball is to win by scoring more runs than the opponent (Rule 1.02). To accomplish such a feat, the bat & ball sport is unique in that, unlike football, basketball or hockey, a team's status as offensive or defensive does not change during each half inning—no interception may be returned for a touchdown, turnovers are not converted for two points the other way and one-timers cannot deflect all the way back for an own goal, though Jose Canseco might have found a loophole.

Rule 4.09 specifies how a team scores:

One run shall be scored each time a runner legally advances to and touches first, second, third and home base before three men are put out to end the inning. EXCEPTION: A run is not scored if the runner advances to home base during a play in which the third out is made (1) by the batter-runner before he touches first base; (2) by any runner being forced out; or (3) by a preceding runner who is declared out because he failed to touch one of the bases.

The following approved ruling clearly delineates the principle established in 4.09: "One out, Jones on third, Smith on first, and Brown flies out to right field. Two outs. Jones tags up and scores after the catch. Smith attempted to return to first but the right fielder’s throw beat him to the base. Three outs. But Jones scored before the throw to catch Smith reached first base, hence Jones’ run counts. It was not a force play." The aforementioned scenario is also known in umpiring circles as a Time Play.

What is a Time Play and how is it manifested?

A Time Play occurs when a preceding runner has an opportunity to score during a play in which a subsequent runner or batter-runner commits the third out of an inning. Umpires must be vigilant as to the possibility of a Time Play, which generally may occur during a play that begins with a runner in scoring position and two out. Most Time Plays result from a runner approaching home plate as a play is made on a subsequent runner at second or third base.

Test Yourself: Examples: 1, 2, 3, 4

Read on for the answer key.

How the Visiting Team Can Walk-Off: Touch 'em All

Rule 4.09 of the MLB & Official Baseball Rules is titled, "How a Team Scores," and is one of the most vital parts of the rules book; without it, no teams would ever plate runs and games could never end.

The very first sentence of Rule 4.09 is the simplest of the entire subsection: "One run shall be scored each time a runner legally advances to and touches first, second, third and home base before three men are put out to end the inning." Simple, right?

Well, not if you forget to touch one of the bases.

This week, Raul Mondesi, Jr.—yes, that Mondesi—stepped up to the plate with his Helena Brewers in the bottom of the 10th inning. When Missoula Osprey pitcher Dexter Price left a 0-1 curveball over the heart of the plate, Mondesi smacked it into the outfield bleachers for an apparent game-tying home run.

Only he forgot to touch one important piece of the field—he missed home plate entirely.

Under the confines of Rule 7.10(d), "Any runner shall be called out, on appeal, when ... He fails to touch home base and makes no attempt to return to that base, and home base is tagged."

Sure enough and after some bumbling about proper appeal procedures (remember, ball has to be live; after a HR it is not), Osprey catcher Michael Perez called for the newly distributed baseball and stepped on home plate to appeal. After looking into the Helene dugout and finding Mondesi, HP Umpire Blake Mickelson signaled, "out," effectively ending the game with the tying run wiped off the board.

For his part, Helena manager Jeff Isom reluctantly believed Mickelson's version of events—not to mention instant replay and video evidence: "On any home run, the umpire has one job and that's to watch the plate and make sure the runners touch it. He said [Mondesi] missed it by eight inches."

Fred Merkle, is that you? As George Santayana wrote way back in 1924, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Well, as long as the umpire is doing his "one job," that is.

Article: Raul Mondesi, Jr. Misses Home Plate, Recalls Memories of Merkle's Mistake [b/r]
Video: Game Ends as Mondesi Forgets to Touch Home Plate After Game-Tying Home Run [ds]

Ejection 080: Manny Gonzalez (1)

1B Umpire Manny Gonzalez ejected Mets first baseman Ike Davis for arguing a safe call in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Mets-Cubs game. With one out and two on, Cubs batter Reed Johnson swung on and missed a 2-1 fastball from Mets pitcher Miguel Batista for strike two as catcher Josh Thole attempted to pick off Cubs baserunner Steve Clevenger at first base. Replays indicate Davis' swipe tag attempt contacted Clevenger's right arm while the runner was not in contact with the first base bag, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Cubs were leading, 4-3. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

This is Manny Gonzalez (79)'s first ejection of 2012.
Manny Gonzalez now has -2 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 3 AAA + -1 Penalty + -4 Incorrect Call = -2).
Crew Chief Gerry Davis now has 2 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (2 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 2).
*After review, Quality of Correctness has been affirmed in a 5-0 decision by the UEFL Appeals Board.
*Historical UEFL Appeals Board decisions may be consulted via the UEFL Portal.*

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 80th ejection of 2012.
This is the 31st player ejection of 2012.
This is the Mets' fourth ejection of 2012, first in the NL East (ATL, PHI 3; MIA 1; WSH 0).
This is Ike Davis' first career ejection.
This is Manny Gonzalez's first career ejection.

Wrap: Mets at Cubs, 6/26/12
Video: Ike Davis Argues Safe Call, Touches Gonzalez with Glove During Argument, No Apparent Bump