Alan Porter is the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League's 2011 fill-in (AAA) umpire of the year. In his second Major League Baseball fill-in umpiring season, Porter finished 2011 with two ejections, including his first career ejection. Porter's first career regular season MLB ejection occurred on June 12, when he ejected Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel for arguing a correctly called third strike.
Porter's second ejection was of Tigers Manager Jim Leyland, for arguing a correct out call at third base. The call was so close, it was originally ruled incorrect by the UEFL, deferred to inconclusive, and eventually overturned to correct. Porter accordingly finished 2011 with 100% accuracy.
Porter was praised by UEFL'ers for a consistent "calm, collected and professional job." Porter's on-field conduct has impressed many UEFL'ers who hope that "Porter sticks around for many years to come." A litmus test for fill-in umpires, several commenters have expressed their opinion that "he looks like he belongs."
As commenter Bugs noted regarding the Leyland ejection, "The entire argument lasted less than 40 secs. No doubt due to the way Porter handled himself. This guy has obviously had some good training. Outstanding job in my opinion."
Alan Porter now has 12 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (10 Previous + 2 Award = 12).
The next postseason award, Ejection(s) of the Year, will be released tomorrow.
