MLB Ejection 008: Jim Reynolds (1; Cliff Pennington)

HP Umpire Jim Reynolds ejected Diamondbacks shortstop Cliff Pennington for arguing a called third strike in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Dodgers-Diamondbacks game. With none out and two on, Pennington took a 0-2 sinker from Dodgers pitcher Ronald Belisario for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located at the thighs on over the inner half of home plate (px .704, pz 1.849; sz_bot 1.57), the call was correct. At the time of ejection, the Dodgers were leading, 6-1. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 7-5.

This is Jim Reynolds (77)'s first ejection of 2013.
Jim Reynolds now has 4 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck now has 1 point in the UEFL's Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Correct = 1).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 8th ejection of 2013.
This is the 7th player ejection of 2013.
This is the Diamondbacks' 1st ejection of 2013, T-1st in the NL West (ARI, LAD, SD 1; COL, SF 0).
This is Jim Reynolds' first ejection since April 19, 2011 (Terry Francona; QOC = N).
This is Cliff Pennington's first career ejection.

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks, 4/13/13
Video: Following his strikeout, Pennington slams his bat onto home plate, breaking it into pieces

Pitch f/x courtesy Brooks Baseball

MLB Ejection 007: Andy Fletcher (1; Bob Melvin)

HP Umpire Andy Fletcher ejected Athletics Manager Bob Melvin for arguing a called third strike in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Tigers-A's game. With none out and none on, A's batter Brandon Moss took a 2-2 fastball from Tigers pitcher Phil Coke for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located hollow of the knee high and over the outside corner of home plate (px -.856, pz 1.564; sz_bot 1.500), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Tigers were leading, 7-3. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 7-3.

This is Andy Fletcher (49)'s first ejection of 2013.
Andy Fletcher now has 4 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Sam Holbrook now has 5 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (4 Previous + 1 Correct = 5).
*This ruling has been challenged and affirmed by the UEFL Appeals Board in a 5-0 decision.

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 7th ejection of 2013.
This is the 1st Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the Athletics' 1st ejection of 2013, 1st in the AL West (OAK 1; HOU, LAA, SEA, TEX 0).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers at Oakland Athletics, 4/13/13
Video: Fletcher's called third strike to Moss is met with disgust by Athletics players, coaches and broadcasters

Pitch f/x courtesy Brooks Baseball

MiLB Ejection of the Week (April 12): Quinn Wolcott (1, 2)

HP Umpire Quinn Wolcott supplies our MiLB Ejection of the Week (well, technically Russ supplies our MiLB Ejection of the Week) with his ejection of Iowa Cubs Pitching Coach Mike Mason and pitcher Cory Wade for arguing balls and strikes in the top of the 9th inning of the Isotopes-Cubs game. With two out and none on,

File Photo: Quinn Wolcott
(UmpireAcademy.com Profile)

Wade walked Isotopes batter Matt Angle on a 3-2 pitch ruled low followed by a walk to Scott Van Slyke on a 3-2 pitch ruled outside for ball four, resulting in the ejection of Cubs coach Mason and the removal of Wade from the game on a pitching change. After new pitcher Jensen Lewis gave up a three-run home run to ensuing Isotopes batter Nick Buss, Wade, charged with two earned runs, complained from the dugout and was ejected. Pitch f/x data is unavailable, QOC cannot be determined. At the time of Mason's ejection, the Isotopes were leading, 12-5. At the time of the Wade ejection, the Isotopes were leading, 15-5. The Isotopes ultimately won the contest, 15-5.

These are Quinn Wolcott's first and second ejections of 2013.
*Rising Star Alert* Wolcott was promoted to AAA in advance of the 2011 season; At age 24, he was the youngest hired. At the age of 26 in 2013, Wolcott was promoted to PCL crew chief.
Also on this crew: 1B Umpire D.J Reyburn, 2B Umpire Brandon Misun, 3B Umpire Spencer Flynn.

Wrap: Albuquerque Isotopes vs. Iowa Cubs (Triple-A Pacific Coast League), 4/12/13
MLB Club Affiliations: Los Angeles Dodgers (Albuquerque Isotopes) / Chicago Cubs (Iowa Cubs)

MiLB Ejection of the Week Archive (with special thanks as always to UEFL contributor Russ)

Ball Boy Interference: Judging Intent of Non-Team Persons

A KC ball boy was guilty of intentional interference Friday night during the Blue Jays-Royals game, getting in the way of Toronto right fielder Rajai Davis as Davis attempted to field a foul fly ball in the 7th inning. 1B Umpire Jerry Meals ruled the ball foul, indicating no out would be awarded as a result of the intentional interference. Replays indicate Davis' glove indeed touched the ball before it fell to the ground.
Video: Kansas City ball boy unintentionally commits Intentional Interference against visiting team's Davis

Video: Davis is interfered with.

Rule 3.15 addresses the case of interference with play by persons authorized to be on the playing field other than members of the team at bat, including base coaches: "In case of unintentional interference with play ... the ball is alive and in play. If the interference is intentional, the ball shall be dead at the moment of interference and the umpire shall impose such penalties as in his opinion will nullify the act of interference."

Rule 3.15 Comment takes it a step further, stating: "The question of intentional or unintentional interference shall be decided on the basis of the person's action." The Comment then provides examples:

- Unintentional Interference: A bat boy/attendant/policeman/etc. tries to avoid being touched by a thrown or batted ball but is still touched by the ball. Penalty: ball is alive and in play.
- Intentional Interference: The bat boy, etc. kicks, picks up the ball or pushes it, regardless of his thought process (e.g., even if he "innocently" thought the ball was dead). Penalty: Dead ball; umpire discretion.

2011's Case Play: Cop on Field provides a hypothetical scenario in which Unintentional Interference would be a proper ruling. Because the Royals ball boy initiated contacted with the ball and moreover clearly did not attempt to avoid being touched by it, this constitutes Intentional Interference, subject to the remedies described above.

Rule 3.16 (Spectator Interference) specifies this similar remedy of dead ball/penalties to nullify the act, indicating for all intents and purposes, 3.15 Intent INT is akin to fan INT with regard to enforcement.

Returning to Kansas City and Meals' ruling of "foul ball," as demonstrated above, Rule 3.15 authorizes an umpire to employ discretion in imposing penalties to nullify the act of interference. This is not a rule interpretation call, but one of judgment, as HP Umpire and crew chief Tim McClelland explained to Blue Jays manager John Gibbons; QOC for this particular judgment call, however, is up for debate.

NBA Ejs: Spooner/Blair/Kirkland, Brothers/Brown/Lewis

Referees Bill Spooner (crew chief), Curtis Blair (R) and Courtney Kirkland (R2/umpire) ejected Bulls guard Richard "Rip" Hamilton for a flagrant foul penalty two during the 3rd quarter of the Bulls-Raptors game. With 5:33 remaining in the 3rd period, Hamilton excessively and unnecessarily fouled Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan. At the time of the ejection, the Raptors were leading, 61-52. The Raptors ultimately won the contest, 97-88.

This is Bill Spooner (22)'s second ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
This is Curtis Blair (74)'s fifth involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
This is Courtney Kirkland (61)'s fifth involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.

Wrap: Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors, 4/12/13
Video: Hamilton dangerously elbows DeRozan in chin, leading to an immediate ejection by Spooner

Referees Tony Brothers (crew chief), Tony Brown (R) and Eric Lewis (R2/umpire) ejected Nets forward Reggie Evans for a second technical foul during the 3rd quarter of the Nets-Pacers game. With 8:22 remaining in the 3rd period, Evans earned his first technical foul for violating the NBA's Respect for the Game guidelines, earning his second at 5:38 in the 3rd for throwing his headband in reaction to a foul call. At the time of the ejection, the Nets were leading, 81-67. The Nets ultimately won the contest, 117-109.

This is Tony Brothers (25)'s second ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
This is Tony Brown (6)'s second involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
This is Eric Lewis (42)'s fourth involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.

Wrap: Brooklyn Nets at Indiana Pacers, 4/12/13
Video: After his second unsportsmanlike act, Evans is tossed for a second conduct technical foul

On TFFL Day 153, 17 technical fouls were assessed, beginning with the 1000th technical of the 2012-13 NBA season, assessed by Scott Foster's crew to Clippers guard Chris Paul (TFFL Standings Update).

Ejections 003, 004, 005, 006: Sam Holbrook (1, 2, 3, 4)

Brawl: HP Umpire Sam Holbrook ejected Padres left fielder Carlos Quentin and Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke, third baseman Jerry Hairston and center fielder Matt Kemp for fighting in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Dodgers-Padres game. With none out and none on, Quentin took a 3-2 fastball from Greinke for a hit

Dodgers and Padres brawl at Petco Park following a HBP

by pitch. Immediately following the 3-2 HBP, Quentin charged the mound, throwing Greinke to the ground as benches cleared. In the aftermath of the first altercation, trainers examined Greinke's shoulder; Greinke left the game due to such injuries sustained during the fracas with Quentin, Holbrook confirmed after the game that the Dodgers pitcher had been ejected. Hairston was ejected for subsequently charging the Padres dugout and inciting a secondary bench-clearing incident. Replays indicate the pitch was located at the elbows, the call is irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Dodgers were leading, 2-1. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

These are Sam Holbrook (34)'s 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th ejections of 2013.
Sam Holbrook now has 8 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 4*[2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call] = 8).
Crew Chief Sam Holbrook now has 4 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (0 Previous + 4*[1] = 4).

These are the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th ejections of 2013.
These are the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th player ejections of 2013.
Prior to his ejection, Quentin was 0-2 in the contest.
Prior to his ejection, Kemp was 1-3 in the contest.
Prior to his ejection, Greinke's line read 5 IP, 1 ER. After his ejection, Quentin's replacement scored for 2 ER.
The Dodgers are tied for the MLB ejection lead with two, while San Diego is in third place with one.

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres, 4/11/13
Video: After a lead-off HBP in a one-run ballgame, Quentin charges the mound, injuring Greinke

Train Delay: Umpires Stuck in Traffic, Game Stalled 16 Min

Today's Nats game was delayed because umpires were stuck in traffic, marking the first officiating-related transit delay in Major League Baseball since 2011. Tom Hallion's crew of umpires Phil Cuzzi, Chris Guccione and Ron Kulpa phoned MLB approximately 40 minutes before game-time, advising that although they were only a mile away, traffic was at a standstill. After a 16-minute delay, the White Sox won the inter-league affair, defeating Washington by a 5-2 score. No ejections resulted from the delayed contest.

CB Bucknor works in Cincinnati, 4/22/00.

On July 24, 2012, a three-man umpiring crew transformed into four mid-game as Triple-A call-up John Tumpane hustled through St. Louis to join Jeff Kellogg, Marty Foster and DJ Reyburn to replace Eric Cooper, who had taken ill. That game, however, did start on time and according to schedule.

On August 26, 2011, the umpiring crew of Jerry Layne, Bob Davidson, Brian Knight and Hunter Wendelstedt were ensnared in an accident-provoked 110-freeway traffic jam en route to Dodger Stadium. After arriving at Chavez Ravine at the originally scheduled first pitch time of 7:10 pm, the crew hurriedly donned their game gear in time for a 7:21 pm first pitch. Wendelstedt ejected Rockies Manager Jim Tracy that evening for arguing a no-step balk call.

In May 2000, Larry Young's crew wore Cleveland Indians hats and jackets when their gear, shipped from Seattle, got stuck in Detroit due to inclement weather, only arriving in Cleveland after the first pitch had already been thrown.

HP Umpire Eric Gregg wears a Cubs jacket.

In April 2000, lost umpires' equipment after a flight from Montreal resulted in a 27-minute delay in Cincinnati; plate umpire CB Bucknor wore Reds-loaned shin guards, a chest protector and mask as the crew dressed in black rain jackets and pants purchased from a local sporting goods store. Though the crew had arrived in Cincy from Montreal, their gear had mistakenly been shipped to New York. Also on this date, umpires in Chicago wore White Sox apparel because their equipment did not arrive.

However, perhaps nothing will ever top what happened in 1987, when an umpire lost luggage snafu delayed the start of an early-season game at Wrigley Field, and Eric Gregg's crew ultimately worked the game wearing attire supplied by the Chicago Cubs franchise.

HP Umpire Ed Montague in a Phillies jersey.

Or maybe a case of lost luggage in October 1982 takes the cake.

Picture the following umpires—all working the same game—yet wearing uniforms that didn't quite match...at all.

Over at first base, Harry Wendelstedt wearing a Phillies cap, Phillies-red cardigan and tan khakis. At second base, Lee Weber wore a Phillies hat, Phillies windbreaker, and black slacks. 3B Umpire Randy Marsh also wore a Phillies cap and windbreaker, but wore gray baseball pants, looking  more like a third base coach than an umpire.

But the best make-shift uniform of the night was plate umpire Eddie Montague, whose full-on pinstripe uniform get-up truly gave the game a scrimmage-type feel to it.

Vintage/70s baseball uniforms were truly the best, right?

Back when the Houston Astros wore horizontal orange and yellow stripes, an unnamed home plate umpire was spotted officiating a Major League game in one of the team's off-field jackets used by the club from 1975-79.

MLB began using DHL as the official shipping company of umpires shortly after these and other incidents.

MiLB Ejection: Sean Ryan (of Bat-Wielding Cub Jorge Soler)

HP Umpire Sean Ryan ejected Cubs OF Jorge Soler for fighting: attacking the opposing dugout while brandishing a baseball bat during a bench-clearing incident following the bottom of the 7th inning of the Threshers-Cubs game. With one out and three on, Cubs batter Stephen Bruno hit a grounder to Threshers shortstop Jonathan Roof, who threw to second baseman Carlos Alonso to first baseman Harold Martinez to complete the double play. Apparently feeling he had been stepped on, Soler exchanged words with Alonso, predicating the brawl-less incident before both teams returned to their dugouts. According to eyewitness account, Soler then allegedly grabbed a bat from the Cubs dugout and charged the Threshers dugout and had to be restrained by Javier Baez and Cubs hitting coach Mariano Duncan. At the time of the ejection, the Cubs were leading, 8-7. The Threshers ultimately won the contest in 11 innings, 14-9.

Wrap: Clearwater Threshers vs. Daytona Cubs (MiLB Adv-A Florida State League), 4/10/13 (Video N/A)

NBA Ejection: Garretson/Collins/Williams & TFFL Day 150

Referees Ron Garretson (crew chief), Derrick Collins (R) and James Williams (R2/umpire) ejected Pacers head coach Frank Vogel for a second unsporting technical foul during the 3rd quarter of the Cavaliers-Pacers game. With 2:05 remaining in the 3rd period, Pacers center Ian Mahinmi was called for a shooting foul on a Tyler Zeller successful jump shot; Vogel received two technical fouls in succession as he argued the shooting foul call and the technical foul call. At the time of the ejection, the Cavaliers were leading, 78-63. The Pacers ultimately won the contest, 99-94.

This is Ron Garretson (10)'s second involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.
This is Derrick Collins (11)'s 2nd involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season (2nd w/ Garretson).
This is James Williams (60)'s first involvement with an ejection of the 2012-13 NBA season.

Wrap: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers, 4/9/13
Video: After foul call at the 19' mark, Vogel vehemently argues to the point of ejection (0:35)

2012-13 TFFL: Day 150 (10 Games, 14 Technicals, 1 Ejection)
973: #10 Ron Garretson, #11 Derrick Collins, #60 James Williams. Cavaliers' Thompson; 2nd, 2:05 (d-974).
974: #10 Ron Garretson, #11 Derrick Collins, #60 James Williams. Pacers' West; 2nd, 2:05 (double-973).
975: #10 Ron Garretson, #11 Derrick Collins, #60 James Williams. Pacers' Vogel; 3rd, 2:05 (consec-976).
976: #10 Ron Garretson, #11 Derrick Collins, #60 James Williams. Pacers' Vogel; 3rd, 2:05 (consec-975).
Indiana Pacers HC Frank Vogel ejected for second technical.
The Indiana Pacers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers, 99-94.

977: #55 Bill Kennedy, #30 John Goble, #77 Karl Lane. Bucks' Jennings; 1st, 0:09.3.
The Miami Heat ultimately won the contest, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks, 94-83.

978: #19 James Capers, #16 David Guthrie, #70 Brent Barnaky. Raptors' Acy; 4th, 8:04.
The Toronto Raptors ultimately won the contest, defeating the Chicago Bulls, 101-98.

979: #38 Michael Smith, #31 Scott Wall, #68 Marat Kogut. Grizzlies' Randolph; 3rd, 7:18.
The Memphis Grizzlies ultimately won the contest, defeating the Charlotte Bobcats, 94-75.

980: #36 David Jones, #20 Leroy Richardson, #66 Haywoode Workman. Suns' Dudley; 2nd, 9:12.
981: #36 David Jones, #20 Leroy Richardson, #66 Haywoode Workman. Suns' Tucker; 4th, 2:31 (d-982).
982: #36 David Jones, #20 Leroy Richardson, #66 Haywoode Workman. Rockets' Harden; 4th, 2:31 (d).
983: #36 David Jones, #20 Leroy Richardson, #66 Haywoode Workman. Suns' Scola; 4th, 2:25.
^The Houston Rockets ultimately won the contest, defeating the Phoenix Suns (basket interference), 101-98.

984: #25 Tony Brothers, #61 Courtney Kirkland, #44 Eli Roe. Hornets' Henry; 3rd, 6:39 (double-985).
985: #25 Tony Brothers, #61 Courtney Kirkland, #44 Eli Roe. Lakers' World Peace; 3rd, 6:39 (d-984).
The Los Angeles Lakers ultimately won the contest, defeating the New Orleans Hornets, 104-96.

986: #43 Dan Crawford, #72 J.T. Orr, #32 Eddie F. Rush. Timberwolves' Ridnour; 3rd, 6:58.
The Golden State Warriors ultimately won the contest, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves, 105-89.

TFFL Standings Update

MLB Ejection 002: Jordan Baker (1)

HP Umpire Jordan Baker ejected Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco for throwing at Yankees third baseman Kevin Youkilis in the top of the 4th inning of the Yankees-Indians game. With two out and one on, Yankees batter Robinson Cano hit a 1-1 changeup from Carrasco to left field for a two RBI home run. The next batter, Youkilis, then took a 1-0 fastball high and inside for a hit by pitch. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 7-0. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 14-1.

This is Jordan Baker (71)'s first ejection of 2013.
Jordan Baker now has 3 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 3 AAA + 0 Irrecusable Call = 3).
Crew Chief Tim McClelland now has 1 point in the UEFL's Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Irrecusable = 1).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 2nd ejection of 2013.
This is the 2nd player ejection of 2013. Prior to his ejection, Carrasco's line was 7 ER in 3.2 IP.
This is the Indians' 2nd ejection of 2013, 1st in the AL Central (CLE 2; CWS, DET, KC, MIN 0).
This is Carlos Carrasco's first ejection since July 29, 2011 (Scott Barry; QOC = Correct).*
*Carrasco's 2011 ejection was also for intentionally throwing at a batter's head (Billy Butler).
This is Jordan Baker's first ejection since September 18, 2012 (Michael Saunders; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: New York Yankees at Cleveland Indians, 4/9/13
Video: After surrendering a two-run shot to Robbie Cano, Carrasco plunks Youk, is thrown out

Marty Foster Strikes Out Ben Zobrist, Joe Maddon Reacts

Joe Maddon reacted to Marty Foster's strike three call to end the Rays-Rangers game Monday night with veiled gusto, tweeting, "That can't happen in a major league game." Just what can't? This:

PFX Plot: Nathan vs. Zobrist, HP Umpire Marty Foster presiding

With two out and one on in the top of the 9th inning of a 5-4 ballgame, batter Ben Zobrist took a 3-2 pitch from Rangers pitcher Joe Nathan for a called third strike to end the game. Replays indicate the pitch was located outside. Pitch f/x confirms this, the strike three call corresponding to a px value of -1.394 and a pz value of 1.601. Though Rangers catcher A.J. Pierzynski fielded the ball nearly in the dirt, PFX indicates the pitch did indeed cross home plate while still hollow-of-the-knee high, though it was over 5.5 inches off the outside corner.

Perhaps Foster's call is karma-style justice for Maddon's earlier tweet on Monday, in which he wrote, "We had a minor accident on the bus to the park today. It was like two base runners trying to pass each other on the base path."

On Thursday, April 4, 1B Umpire James Hoye ruled Rays batter-runner Evan Longoria out for passing preceding runner Zobrist, through replays suggest the call may have been made in error.

Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays at Texas Rangers, 4/8/13
Animated GIF: The final pitch to Zobrist in Arlington, ruled strike three by HP Umpire Marty Foster
Video: Nathan earns his 300th career save on pitch Maddon, Zobrist—and Nathan— believed was ball four

Rule 7.09 Part II: A Timeline of Interference

Opening Week has provided several cases of interference and incidental contact alike. From "simple" offensive interference wherein the runner collides with a fielder attempting to field a batted ball, as in Rule

Derek Jeter tags out Miguel Tejada. (WikiCommons)

7.09(j) ["he fails to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field a batted ball or intentionally interferes with a thrown ball"] to the slightly more complex case of after-play interference, baseball has simply become more of a contact sport.

As demonstrated in 2012's Rule 7.09: Base or Batter-Runner Interference and again in Case Plays: Infield Interference, Foul Fly or Complete Chaos, this standard case of interference occurs in the timeframe after batted, but before fielded ball. See below for a timeline of potential interference acts and when they might occur:

Pitched Ball
» Catcher's (defensive) or 7.09(a) third strike ("clearly hinders the catcher").
Batted Ball, Legal Disengagement Pickoff and/or Putout Attempt or Pitch Caught by Catcher
» Umpire's interference, hinders a catcher's throw attempting to prevent a stolen base or retire a runner.
» 7.09(b) Intentionally deflects the course of a foul ball in any manner;
» (c) Batter hinders any fielder in making a play at home;
» (e) Batter who has just been put out hinders or impedes any following play, runner is declared out;
» (f) Base runner intent interference with batted ball or fielder fielding a batted ball for a double play;
» (g) Batter-runner intent interference with a batted ball DP, as in (f);
» (j) Fails to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball;
» (k) Fair ball touches batter or runner on fair territory before passing a non-pitcher or touching any fielder.
» Umpire's interference, a fair ball touching an umpire on fair territory before passing any fielder.
Fielded Ball
» (j) Intentionally interferes with a thrown ball;
Play or Attempted Play, Which May Be a Tag or Throw or Running of the Bases
» (e) Runner who has just been put out or scored hinders or impedes any following play, such runner is out.^

*7.09(d) [offensive huddle around a base to confuse the defense] may occur at any time.
*7.09(h) [1B or 3B coach touches or holds the runner to physically assist him] may occur at any time.
*7.09(i) [With R3, base coach leaves his box and acts in any manner to draw a throw] may occur at any time.

On the other hand, not all contact is illegal. Nationals batter Denard Span safely arrived at first base and Danny Espinosa scored after baserunner R1 Roger Bernadina collided with Marlins second baseman Donovan Solano. Replays indicate that contact did not occur until after Solano already had fielded and was in possession of the batted ball. Bernadina was indeed tagged for the inning's second out; the contact between Bernadina and Solano therefore was related to the tag and not subject to Rule 7.09 interference. Had contact occurred prior to Solano's ability to field the batted ball, Bernadina would be declared out; if the umpires determined a secondary motive, Rule 7.09(f) authorizes a double play call, "If, in the judgment of the umpire, a base runner willfully and deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball with the obvious intent to break up a double play."

^During the weekend's Marlins-Mets series, Marlins batter Greg Dobbs hit a single to right field, runner Juan Pierre scoring. Because the throw was offline, Mets catcher John Buck received the ball at the third base line extended edge of the dirt circle; as Buck attempted to throw to second base to make a play on Dobbs, the already-scored Pierre ran into the catcher, HP Umpire Jim Joyce ruling Dobbs out for Pierre's actions pursuant to Rule 7.09(e), which requires an interference call when, "Any batter or runner who has just been put out, or any runner who has just scored, hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner. Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of his teammate."

2012-13 TFFL: Days 147 - 149, Technical Fouls 958 - 972

2012-13 TFFL: Day 149 (9 Games, 5 Technicals)
968: #13 Monty McCutchen, #11 Derrick Collins, #42 Eric Lewis. Knicks' Chandler; 4th, 10:09.
The New York Knicks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder, 125-120.

969: #23 Jason Phillips, #52 Scott Twardoski, #40 Leon Wood. Celtics' Garnett; 3rd, 7:57.
The Boston Celtics ultimately won the contest, defeating the Washington Wizards, 107-96.

970: #10 Ron Garretson, #7 Kevin Fehr, #38 Michael Smith. Bulls' Mohammed; 3rd, 1:34.
The Detroit Pistons ultimately won the contest, defeating the Chicago Bulls, 99-85.

971: #24 Mike Callahan, #6 Tony Brown, #72 J.T. Orr. Suns' Dragic; 3rd, 3:49.
The New Orleans Hornets ultimately won the contest, defeating the Phoenix Suns, 95-92.

972: #15 Bennett Salvatore, #16 David Guthrie, #63 Derek Richardson. Mavericks' Kaman; 4th, 4:30.
The Dallas Mavericks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers, 96-91.

2012-13 TFFL: Day 148 (7 Games, 3 Technicals)
965: #48 Scott Foster, #54 Nick Buchert, #29 Mark Lindsay. Pacers' Vogel; 3rd, 8:57.
The Washington Wizards ultimately won the contest, defeating the Indiana Pacers, 104-85.

966: #9 Derrick Stafford, #75 Eric Dalen, #30 John Goble. Pistons' Monroe; 4th, 7:20.
The Minnesota Timberwolves ultimately won the contest, defeating the Detroit Pistons, 107-101.

967: #49 Tom Washington, #58 Josh Tiven, #68 Marat Kogut. Raptors' DeRozan; 2nd, 0:56.1.
The Milwaukee Bucks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Toronto Raptors, 100-83.

2012-13 TFFL: Day 147 (12 Games, 7 Technicals, 2 Flop Disciplines)
958: #8 Marc Davis, #52 Scott Twardoski, #40 Leon Wood. Bobcats' Henderson; 3rd, 3:49.
The Miami Heat ultimately won the contest, defeating the Charlotte Bobcats, 89-79.

959: #17 Joe Crawford, #47 Bennie Adams, #20 Leroy Richardson. Thunder's Thabeet; 2nd, 8:51.
960: #17 Joe Crawford, #47 Bennie Adams, #20 Leroy Richardson. Thunder's Westbrook; 2nd, 6:26.
The Oklahoma City Thunder ultimately won the contest, defeating the Indiana Pacers, 97-75.

961: #25 Tony Brothers, #26 Pat Fraher, #61 Courtney Kirkland. Mavericks' Kaman; 3rd, 4:39.
The Dallas Mavericks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Sacramento Kings, 117-108.

962: #24 Mike Callahan, #45 Brian Forte, #14 Ed Malloy. Trail Blazers' Matthews; 1st, 2:19.
963: #24 Mike Callahan, #45 Brian Forte, #14 Ed Malloy. Rockets' Asik; 3rd, 1:06.
The Houston Rockets ultimately won the contest, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers, 116-98.

964: #15 Bennett Salvatore, #56 Mark Ayotte, #16 David Guthrie. Grizzlies' Gasol; 2nd, 10:39.
The Los Angeles Lakers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies, 86-84.

Flopping 23: MIL J.J. Reddick (1st, Warning), Thunder vs. Bucks (3/30/13, Video [Foul Called = Yes]).

Flopping 24: MIN Ricky Rubio (1st, Warning), Thunder vs. T'Wolves (3/29/13, Video [Foul Called = No]).

TFFL Standings Update
1. (207 pts) Bino.
2. (203 pts) Boredcravens.
3. (196 pts) cyclone14.
4. (183 pts) Niicker.
5. (182 pts) flap0703.