1B Umpire CB Bucknor ejected Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper for arguing an out call in the top of the 9th inning of the Nationals-Marlins game. With none out and one on, Harper hit a 0-2 fastball from Marlins pitcher Heath Bell to first baseman Carlos Lee, to shortstop Jose Reyes and returned to Lee as Harper arrived. Replays indicate the ball was received at first base prior to Harper's arrival, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Nationals were leading, 8-4. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 8-4.
This is CB Bucknor (54)'s second ejection of 2012.
CB Bucknor now has 8 points in the UEFL (4 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).
Crew Chief Dale Scott now has 8 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (7 Previous + 1 Correct = 8).
*The prop prediction for Name of Ejector: 1st Nats ejection received zero correct wagers.
UEFL Standings Update
This is the 143rd ejection of 2012.
This is the 61st player ejection of 2012. Prior to his ejection, Harper was 2-5 in the contest.
This is the Nationals' 1st ejection of 2012, 5th in NL East (NYM 8; ATL 4; MIA, PHI 3; WSH 1).
This is Bryce Harper's first career ejection.
This is CB Bucknor's first ejection since July 15 (Dan Warthen; QOC = Correct).
Wrap: Nationals-Marlins, 8/29/12
Video: Bryce Harper earns first career ejection spiking helmet after grounding into double play (WSH)
News: Harper, Johnson comment on managing emotions following Harper's inaugural heave-ho
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78 comments :
Automatic ej....I'm sure all the thumbsuckers will come on here defending baby Bryce...I'm glad the little prick got run
This should be interesting...
Well, a Harper ejection was certainly a matter of time.
What's going to make it really fun is that it was Bucknor, one of the most beloved umps (not) around. Get out your popcorn, folks.
I like CB Bucknor a lot more than post people and I also dislike Bryce Harper, but I do not think this was a very good ejection by Bucknor. You can tell from his reaction that he is mad at himself and he does not say a word arguing with Bucknor. I believe this should be an equipment fine and then if Harper says something toss him. I reference this play a lot, but it reminds me of the Gerardo Parra-Adrian Johnson ejection from 2 years ago because Parra grounded into a double play and threw his helmet but didn't say a word. He was ejected by Johnson and I did not think it was a good ejection then either. As an umpire you are obviously not expected to know what the player is feeling, but I think they need to be a little more cognizant of the difference between being mad at yourself and being mad at the Umpire. Sometimes I think the Umpire rush the ejections and don't actually realize the play was not being argued. See Sam Holbrook-Zack Greinke as another example of that.
Play-by-play in real-time is accurate: "Close and out at first. Bryce Harper slams his helmet to the ground and CB Bucknor throws him out of the game." That is exactly it. Too bad the Miami feed isn't here because you can clearly read CB and Jewett's lips. Jewett is sticking up for his player with a lot of "no way"s. And CB repeatedly says that Harper was ejected for harshly slamming his helmet. When Jewett tried to assure CB Harper was mad at himself, not at the call or at CB personally, CB says, "It doesn't matter," "I don't know that," and "How am I supposed to know that?" Truth be told, you can't slam your helmet like that. At the very least, MLB will fine you independent of the umpire's actions. At most, you're ejected.
That's brilliant....you can go to lunch now and sit at the little kids table.
@ Russ
I agree that both of those ejections were not necessary. The irony is that neither Bucknor nor Johnson really has a quick hook. The risk in slamming the helmet is that you leave the interpretation to the umpire. The best thing to do is just leave the helmet where it was.
Weak Ejection. If the helmet hit him or came close to, that's one thing...don't see either in this video. Now I'll continue quietly sucking my thumb...
Automatic ej following demonstrative behavior....this was an easy one.
Read a rulebook concerning demonstrative behavior...it doesn't agree with you.
I want to complement Bob Carpenter and FP Santangelo for their usual excellent announcing. [Sarcasm]. Carpenter was much more mild than usual and he was still awful. I don't appreciate their sarcasm when talking about the ejection. On the Miami brodcast Rich Waltz and Tommy Hutton were at a crossroads. Hutton thought this was a bad ejection while Waltz thought it was a good ejection.
Anytime you ask an umpire to judge an angry player's intent, you will lose.
Umpsrule, I totally agree with you there. The best thing to do is not throw your equipment because then as long as you don't say anything you will still be in the game. However, it is an emotional game and Bryce Harper can be a hothead at times so it doesn't surprise me he threw his helmet. This is the same guy who bloodied himself after hitting a bat against a dugout wall.
@ Russ
Yes, like I've said before I have a Bob Carpenter Award that I give out for poor broadcasting with regards to umpires. The fact that it's named after Carpenter will tell you something.
@ Russ
Yes, Bryce does have some growing up to do. I don't think it's a real surprised to see that he got tossed out.
He probably wasn't trying to show up Bucknor and the ejection wasn't necessary. But if you don't throw your equipment like a child, you don't put the umpire in that position. When you make the umpire guess at your intentions, you live with the consequences.
Update in the battle of Rookies of the Year, American/National League:
AVG: .340-.248, Winner: Mike Trout
OPS: .941-.861, Winner: Mike Trout
Hits: 147-101, Winner: Mike Trout
HR: 25-12, Winner: Mike Trout
RBI: 74-37, Winner: Mike Trout
Runs Scored: 101-67, Winner: Mike Trout
Stolen Bases: 41 (4 CS)-13 (5 CS), Winner: Mike Trout
Walks: 45-43, Winner: Mike Trout
Fielding PCT: .984 (251 of 257)-.980 (245 of 255), Winner: Mike Trout
All-Star: Yes/Yes, Tie
Rookie of the Month: 2 (May/June)-1 (May), Winner: Mike Trout
Ejections: 1-0, Winner: Bryce Harper. :)
I think PBUC puts this ejection under "throwing equipment" for justification no its list of Umpire Ejection Standards for Removal from the Game:
"#8: Throwing equipment in disgust over an umpire’s call may be grounds for ejection. If the umpire deems the action severe, the umpire may eject the offender. If league regulations permit, the umpire may instead warn the offender by issuing an equipment violation. If issued, the offender is to be notified immediately."
I'll put this up for grabs. I haven't run the video yet. Normally after focusing on the bag to call the play at 1B, when I make my call I don't recall trying to see the reaction of the overrunning BR. If it's in my peripheral I might notice it. What made Buckner notice Harper?
LOL the CCS twitter just tweeted: "1B Umpire Junior Valentine ejected Hagerstown Suns DH Caleb Ramsey, M Brian Daubach for arguing DP out call, #MiLB A (Nationals affiliate)." If that's true, that is hilarious to have the same franchise have two ejections over what amounts to the same call on the same night.
@Umpsrule
I think Hawk Harrelson will be the runaway winner this year for that award
It's a shame he got himself run. That's a pretty obvious EJ, and not the best way to finish a 2-homer game. Maybe he'll be smarter with a bit more experience, but I don't see a problem with a fired-up player, as long as he makes it obvious that it's not directed towards the umps.
Freikin umpires. I guess it's the rule, but use some common sense and throw out the rule book when it's clear he's not doing it on purpose. Think!!!
A few weeks ago Hawk was yelling stretch to a ball hit by Adam Dunn that nearly hit the jumbotron in center field in Toronto.
Was bound to happen sooner or later....
"That's a clown ejection, bro."
you CAN NOT allow players to spike helmets in the field of play on out #2..... This can NOT happen... If Bryce really doesn't know you can't do this then i'm sure he learned.
This again is another WEAK ejection from another bad umpire. Some of these umpires need clues.
I would personally love to meet and talk to some of the "umpires" that comment on this site. If you don't understand why CB chose to run Harper on a play THAT close (1/2 step or less)...then you are one of those "umpires" that I'm picturing.
Do you guys just walk out onto a field and wear shit all game long? What's it like to have a manager that has you by the balls standing on the top rail of a dugout?
I would have had no problem with CB asking him if he spiked it because of the call...if he walks away and says/does nothing he's clearly making an assumption that everyone on the field and in both dugouts is 100% SURE that he was out. If that's not the case, and it was close enough for even a few people to think he was wrong...he looks like a complete pussy. It's just as simple as that.
Surprisingly, Davey Johnson and Bryce Harper did not criticize Bucknor's decision and Haprer took the blame.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120829&content_id=37555926¬ebook_id=37583498&vkey=notebook_was&c_id=was
Have to say that despite the raw emotion we all see, that response was remarkably composed and in perspective. I credit that to one reason why we haven't seen any other Washington ejections this season.
I get it's hard not to pull the trigger when a player throws his helmet like that, especially when its clearly in the vicinity of the ump making the call. But this had all the earmarks of frustration over hitting into a DB and not any attempt to complain about the call itself or to show Buckner up. If I had been U1 I'd have stared straight ahead and pretended like I never saw the helmet come off.
Oh...i don.t know...maybe the fact he start throwing his helmet as he was running past him?
Jr. is damn good...leads milb in ejs...takes no $hit from anybody
And jacklegs like you who know nothing about umpiring need a clue as well.
All you mindreaders out there have no clue. If the little prick doesn't throw his helmet he stays. Why do you people excuse the throwing of equipment? I don't care who you're pissed at you don't need to throw equipment. All it does is turn young players who see that crap into prima donnas.
Can't stand Harper but to his credit he did take responsibility for it.
All parties involved overreacted and screwed up IMO. Harper shouldn't have thrown his helmet, if that is an Automatic EJ like others are saying then umpires have missed over 100 of them this year. 50% of MLBers that ground out with RISP to end an inning slam their helmet to the ground. I haven't seen an EJ come out of it all year until this one. CB was wrong with the EJ. Harper did a great job taking blame after the game though.
I think this one warrants ejection. The helmet bounced right by the umpire. If he flings the helmet back toward the dugout, that'd be one thing. But to slam it down as he goes past the umpire.. see ya later!
Bryce Harper is quickly becoming one of my most hated players. Part of it is the over-exploitive hype brought by ESPN, and the other half is his incredible immaturity. He may be 19, but most high school players would not slam their helmet like this, even in self-disgust.
Get over yourself. He seems he seeks to bring attention to himself more than the team; he is selfish and immature. He has time to grow, but if he expects to be a legitimate and respected player by his peers, he needs to do so quickly.
What is the point of having the Equipment Violation/Fine, if it isn't going to be used properly?
Mike - So it makes a difference if he slams his helmet as he hits the base as opposed to 5 feet later when he reaches the line of the umpire? Don't think so. Bucknor has to have better composure than that, I mean everyone who is upset at hitting into a double play is angry at the umpire ONLY, right?
Its amazing to see the difference of opinions on this EJ. It shows that we have a wide range of umpire levels because at the youth level through HS and probably some small college, this is an acceptable EJ. However, at the professional level, this is NOT an ejectable offense. Unless something was said that we couldn't hear, this is AT MOST, an equipment violation at the MiLB and MLB levels.
When this happens, PROFESSIONAL umpires are trained to "interpret" the actions of the player and decifer whether or not the behavior was directed toward/for the umpire. If you're not sure, then warn or issue an the equipment violation. He could have pointed to the helmet and simpley said "hey Bryce, was that meant towards me?" Based on his response or actions to that question, you will know whether to ignore, fine or eject the player.
Unfortunately, Bucknor let the emotions of the incident get the best of him and did a knee-jerk reaction to instantly eject... something you might expect from a amateur umipire but NOT from an MLB umpire :( I'll just leave it at because I don't belive in "piling on" when one of us makes a mistake
I think CB Bucknor thought it was directed at him because the play was pretty close. If he would of been out by 2 steps I doubt CB ejects. I would of probably thoguht it was directed at me also if the play was that close. Plus the helmet bounced right infront of him. O yeah horrible annoucing once agian.
I wonder if Bryce called it a 'clown Ejection,Bro"
Harper definitely strikes me as arrogant. He even admitted to doing it his whole life,which means he was probably a terror in little league. I hope he does "change" because he's got incredible talent.
Mike Trout stands out to me as an example. So young,incredible talent, but acts beyond his years in terms of how he conducts himself.
As far as throwing helmet goes, most of the time you'll be tossed. Jacoby Ellsbury was ejected by Cousins a couple years ago after he throw his helmet down 1/2 back to the dugout after being upset being called out at home. Cousins nor Ellsbury are considered hot heads.
What Professiomal league do you work in? Obviously not Major League Baseball. The only time an equipment violation is issued on the major league level is when a batter does something while at the plate. Minor league umpires are bound by league presidents to avoid ejections at all costs......Randy Mobley comes to mind. This is where the problem lies. Minor league players believe they can get away with disrespectful behavior because they aren't penalized by ejection. When they finally make it to the big leagues they are surprised when they are ejected for the same behavior that was allowed on the minor league level. In my opinion. This is the fault of the league presidents and farm directors who have a working relationship together with the odd man out being the minor league umpire. I will say that major college baseball is seeing a change in how games are managed because of the influx of former AAA umpires into their leagues. This is a good start in educating players on acceptable behavior.
It was the 2nd out of the inning. Does he go over and pick it up On the way back to the dugout.
College baseball has become a joke with all the warnings they want issued all the time. They want passive umpires. It sucks.
I agree with Mitch. Bottom line, it was a quick thumb without much thought behind it. Im sure CB would agree after looking at the video...but then again, we're not on the field so there may be more information that we are not privied too.
ANON: August 30, 2012 8:13 AM - RE: NCAA, I agree but remember, you're dealing with "student athletes" ;)
Personally, I think MLB has followed the NCAA lead on huddling/"getting it right" and I think they will do the same as far as trying to keep players in the game. Don't get me wrong, ejections will always be part of the game but I think it should be utilized more like a last type resort rather than "a quick thumb".
I'm sure you've heard the people say handling situations is what separates the good from the great umpires. Its easy to eject someone from a game, however, it takes experience to keep them in the game.
ANON: August 30, 2012 8:05 AM: You are spot on with all your points, however, I respectfully disagree with your contention that MLB Equipment Violations are LIMITED to instances at the plate only. The "intent of the rule" is to hold players' accountable for their actions towards officials on the field. Whether they do it at the plate or on the bases should have no bearing on it. I find it hard to believe that MLB umpires can only issue equipment vioations at the plate and not anywhere else. I agree with all your other points - thanks for your insight.
There's a big difference between yelling "Sh!t" as you throw your helmet down vs. yelling " You gotta be sh!tting me" and throwing your helmet down. The first statement requires you to "umpire" a little more to determine who or what the player is referring to before you ignore, warn, fine or eject. The second one is ATLEAST an equipment fine but most likely an ejection because it's pretty obvious that helmet toss was directed toward the umpire.
There's some grey area with equipment violations and again, this is what separates the good from the great umpires. Personally, and I think most professional umpires would agree, CB did not handle that situation very well and prematurely ejected the player in that instance.
@ Anon 10:25
That's a clown comment bro.
As for Harper being immature, let's not forget the way he handled it when he found out that Cole Hamels had admitted to throwing at him on purpose. This ejection was ticky-tack, but Harper put himself at risk. On a final note, I think we all know Janet is the worst commenter on this board.
@ Eric
Yes, I actually give out Awards for individual situations, not for a whole season, but Harrelson has definitely been the worst this year.
ANON August 30, 2012 7:45 AM:
"...CB Bucknor thought it was directed at him because the play was pretty close" - he probably did but unfortunately, he thought WRONG
"I would of probably thoguht it was directed at me also if the play was that close" - that's because you're an amateur umpire & think like one. CB is a MLB umpire should have acted like one on that play.
Bottom line, his interpretion of the situation was wrong and consequently, made (at the professional level) the wrong choice in ejecting Harper.
I'm shocked at the comments about this being a bad ejection.
Why do we tolerate child-like behavior at all? These guys are paid what they are paid to be "heros"; with that comes the responsibility to act accordingly. Grow up, players and it's a good thing the umps are there to with the negative behavior.
To the people who say MLB umpires don't eject for players throwing helmets.... Can anyone show me an example of a player spiking a helmet for the 2nd out of an inning and not getting run? 3rd out I might be able to cut some slack 2nd or 1st out is a huge difference!!
Well, tmac, this is the first one I thought of, but it is the third out: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=11457509&c_id=mlb
Ironically, as in the video above, here's another one of Chad Fairchild not tossing on a third-out, double-play, helmet toss, although an ejection came later here: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=6748499&c_id=mlb
I'll keep looking for a two-out, helmet slam that didn't lead to a toss.
Off topic, but here's a nice video of the broadcasters giving the umpire (Fairchild again!) credit for a good call: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=23464895&c_id=mlb
I've got two more situations where there was an ejection after a helmet toss with less than two outs. Ironically, both were Ryan Braun and it didn't seem like he was arguing the call either time. Tmac is right in that the fact there were 2 outs had a lot to do with this ejection. I am not so sure Bucknor would have ejected him if it ended the half inning, he is not someone who ejects very often.
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=6258065&c_id=mlb
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=15162413&c_id=mlb
BTW, in the video posted by umpsrule, I think Braun should have been tossed because he slammed his helmet and was arguing the call.
Ugh, why didn't I think of checking the two were Braun was ejected? I also think Braun should have been tossed in the one involving Fairchild, but Chad seems to be more patient over helmet slams. As for Braun's toss last year by Adrian Johnson, note how Bill Schroeder says you will always get tossed for doing that. However, when Greinke got thumbed for spiking the ball earlier this year, Schroeder says that a batter might get fined for that.
"What is the point of having the Equipment Violation/Fine, if it isn't going to be used properly? "
Well, at least ONE person on this board can differentiate between NEED and SHOULD, and thank goodness for that. However, my expectations for Bucknor are VERY low, so it did not phase me. It's one thing to pull a Ryan Braun and slam it down and say something. It's another to be frustrated (like when I see guys slamming bats on the ground, and the bats often splinter and pieces fly everywhere). For the love of glayven, be consistent.
Clown ejection from a clown umpire...
Just another reason were MLB gets it wrong - imagine if Andrew Luck got thrown out of an NFL game in the 4th quarter. He tossed the most popular player on the field after he had hit two home runs in the game. They came to watch him play, not to watch you throw him out for slamming his helmet down because he is pissed he grounded into a double play.
Selig suspended Hammels for "teaching" Harper a lesson, he should do the same to Bucknor.
Yeah, I brought up the Braun comparison under the Darling discussion - it is one of the first things I thought of. I think Harper is NO WHERE NEAR the whining primadonna that Braun is. Oh, and Braun is a CHEATER.
That being said, when I saw this was Bucknor my surprise changed to cautious hilarity. If it is true that every job has 90% performers and 10% underperformers, I know where Bucknor, Angel Campos, & Angel Hernandez fit.
" Why do we tolerate child-like behavior at all? These guys are paid what they are paid to be "heros"; with that comes the responsibility to act accordingly. Grow up, players and it's a good thing the umps are there to with the negative behavior."
So, slamming your helmet down in frustration is CHILD-LIKE? Methinks you puff the wacky tabacky a bit too much..
Why do people always lump Hernandez into the category with the likes of Bucknor and Cuzzi. No offense to those two but Hernandez is miles ahead of both of them. You may not like the way he goes about things on the field, despite his 0 ejections this year, but his resume is quite impressive. Here is his resume since 2000.
2000-LCS
2001-LCS
2002-DS and World Series
2003-LCS
2004-Nothing
2005-DS and World Series
2006-Nothing
2007-LCS
2008-LCS (1 Game for Cousins)
2009-All Star Game and DS
2010-LCS
2011-DS
I'm sorry but that is a damn good resume. It is up there with the Tim McClelland's and Jeff Nelson's of the world. I am obviously talking about 2000 to 2011 becuase overall McClelland of course has a better resume than this.
When I am doing the local 15-20 year olds I see kids throwing their helmets in frustration a few times a year, 99% of the time it is because they popped out or GIDP, I always tell them "I know you're not mad at me but don't throw your helmet, it isn't always obvious who your are mad at"
Coaches usually say thanks, it's better they hear that from you and not me.
Russ at 4:20.
Angel had an LCS in 2004. 16 events in last 15 years. As you alluded to, it must be awful to be so bad.
Have seen countless batters throw down their bat in disgust after popping up the ball with men on base and NONE of them get ejected. Just another selective situation to give the umpires power over the talent.
Harper was not arguing the out call. He was pissed that he hit into a double play at that poiint in the game. The only question is whether a slamming of the helmet warrants an automatic ejection.
Braun whines more than Harper? Now that's funny.
Whatever Janet
Oh...so that makes it ok...i see.
Slamming his bat down at home plate and breaking it after striking out doesn't warrant an ejection, but throwing your helmet does?
Just another reason why MLB umpires are laughed at....
"Braun whines more than Harper? Now that's funny. "
Funny and true. And one likes needles (not Harper).
"Braun whines more than Harper? Now that's funny. "
Yeah, I wonder if Braun knows that it shrinks his "bat".
Haha. Total Leon moment from Curb Your Enthusiasm. "Bats & Balls, Larry. Bats & Balls."
Too many plumbers on here
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