Baseball (Offseason) Ejections: Dario Rivero, Jr. and Jairo Martinez

HP Umpire Dario Rivero, Jr. ejected Leones catcher Yorvit Torrealba for arguing balls and strikes in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Caribes-Leones game. With one out and none on, Torrealba swung and missed at a 2-2 slider from Caribes pitcher Alex Serrano. Replays indicate all pitches to Torrealba were correctly ruled including a disputed strike call earlier in the at bat, the call was correct. After his ejection, Torrealba began yelling at Rivero, Jr., ultimately throwing an open hand slap at Rivero, Jr.'s face mask.* At the time of the ejection, the Caribes were leading 3-2. The Caribes ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

Prior to Torrealba's ejection, 1B Umpire Jairo Martinez ejected Caribes shortstop Luis Nunez for arguing an out call in the top of the 8th inning of the Caribes-Leones game. With none out and one on, Nunez bunted a 0-1 fastball from Leones pitcher Darwin Culliban. Culliban fielded the bunt, threw to Leones shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera for a fielder's choice force out, who threw to second baseman Marwin Gonzalez, covering first, for a ground bunt double play. Replays are unavailable, this call is inconclusive. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 2-2. The Caribes ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

* Had Torrealba battered or assaulted this umpire in the United States, and the umpire elected to press charges and/or pursue the matter in civil court if damages were present, the umpire (or referee, linesman, judge, or other sports official in any sport) would receive enhanced protections in several states because 21 states have officiating assault laws (19 criminal + 2 civil). States with enhanced penalties for assault or battery against a sports official in commission of his or her duties include: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia.

If your state does not currently have enhanced penalties for assault or battery on or against a sports official (or even if your state does), you may request a NASO Assault Legislation Packet at www.naso.org. These packets are available by request free of charge to NASO members.

*Source: Referee Magazine (pp. N4-N5, July 2011 Issue) 

Wrap: Caribes de Anzoategui at Leones del Caracas, 12/23/11

Video: Yorvit Torrealba strikes out, batters Home Plate Umpire Dario Rivero, Jr.

News: Click here for a brief history of players punching, battering and assaulting umpires (b/r)