After the Rays-Phillies series opener was postponed due to rain on Friday, the make-up doubleheader was scheduled for Sunday, necessitating an additional umpire to provide base services for both games. Because fill-in umpire Vic Carapazza had already been working in Philadelphia with Jim Joyce's crew due to Jim Reynolds' regularly scheduled vacation, the doubleheader necessitated a second call-up to supplement the base absences left by Vic Carapazza (Plate for Game 1) and James Hoye (Plate for Game 2). Toby Basner got the call this weekend and made his MLB debut at second base during Game 1. Mike DiMuro worked first base, while Joyce was at third.Basner is a 2012 member of the International League staff, his third season in the IL and ninth as a professional umpire. The Snellville, Georgia resident previously umpired in the minor's Gulf Coast, Appalachian, Florida Instructional, South Atlantic, Carolina, Southern and Pacific Coast Leagues. Basner has also worked the Dominican, Venezuelan, Puerto Rican Winter and Arizona Fall Leagues. He has been a Major League Spring Training umpire since 2010.
Basner was recently named to the Triple-A All-Star Game, where he will serve as second base umpire. His crew mates for the July 11 contest at Buffalo's Coca-Cola Field will include Mark Lollo (HP; 4th season, IL), Shaun Francis (1B; 3rd season, PCL) and Clint Fagan (3B; 3rd season, PCL).
Weird that he would make his debut at second base. I always thought they started at 3rd in their debut.
ReplyDeleteI noticed the same thing the other night with Jordan Baker.
This could be a stupid question,but did MLB change the procedure for first time MLB umpires and what base they start at?
Manny Gonzalez, who is umpiring with Baker this weekend, made his MLB debut at third. Interestingly enough, since Baker started at second base on Friday, he is behind the plate in just his third major league game today.
ReplyDeletewhat game is Jorday Baker behind the dish for?
ReplyDeleteJordan Baker had Indians vs. Astros on Friday and he had the plate today (Houston won 7-1).
ReplyDeleteBasner looks so young, he's only what, 27 or 28? Congrats to him
ReplyDeleteLooks like Basner had one little hickup there on a stolen base attempt, called the runner safe before seeing he overslid the bag and was out on the tag. Otherwise, a fine debut.
ReplyDeletehttp://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=22548177
Thought Toby looked great, very proud of him. Good luck in the triple a all-star game, you deserve it.
ReplyDeleteAAA All-Star Game has three of four umpires as MLB call-up/fill-ins. Perhaps Francis will be next in for MLB duty?
ReplyDeleteHappy you got your cup of coffee Toby.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted you to know that I've followed you all through your ascent. I tried to say "hello" a couple times at Gwinnett but I wasn't able to get close. I'll always remember fondly our talk between games at Shilo before you headed to umpires school. Bill B
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