MLB Ejection 055: Joe West (2; Dale Sveum)

HP Umpire Joe West ejected Chicago Cubs Manager Dale Sveum for arguing a safe call by 1B Umpire Toby Basner in the top of the 2nd inning of the Diamondbacks-Cubs game. With one out and none on,

West ushers a defiant Sveum to the dugout.

Diamondbacks batter AJ Pollock hit a 2-2 fastball from Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija on the ground to second baseman Darwin Barney, who threw to first baseman Anthony Rizzo as Pollock arrived at first base, resulting in Basner's call of "safe." Replays indicate Barney appeared to catch the ball with his foot on the base prior to Pollock's contact of first base, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Cubs were leading, 3-1. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 12-4.

This is Joe West (22)'s second ejection of 2013.
Joe West now has 4 points in the UEFL (4 Previous + 2 MLB + -2 Incorrect Call [Crewmate] = 4).
Crew Chief Joe West now has 1 point in the UEFL's Crew Division (1 Previous + 0 Incorrect = 1).

This is the 55th ejection of 2013.
This is the 27th Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the Cubs' 2nd ejection of 2013, T-2nd in the NL Central (PIT 4; CHC, MIL 2; CIN, STL 0).
This is Dale Sveum's first ejection since April 19 (Chris Guccione; QOC = Y).
This is Joe West's first ejection since May 25 (Ron Gardenhire; QOC = Y).

Wrap: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Chicago Cubs, 6/1/13
Video: Protecting his crewmate, West ejects Sveum for arguing Basner's 2nd close call in the game (CHC)

MLB Ejection 054: Brian Knight (3; Don Mattingly)

1B Umpire Brian Knight ejected Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly for arguing a safe call by HP Umpire Gerry Davis in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Dodgers-Rockies game. With none out and one on, Rockies batter

Mattingly argues after Knight dismisses the skip.

Yorvit Torrealba hit a 1-1 curveball from Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke back to the mound, where it was trapped by Greinke, who threw onto first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to retire Torrealba, baserunner R1 Nolan Arenado to second. Replays indicate the ball contacted the dirt ground prior to being caught/fielded by Greinke, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Dodgers were leading, 5-4. The Rockies ultimately won the contest, 7-6, in 10 innings.

This is Brian Knight (91)'s third ejection of 2013.
Brian Knight now has 11 points in the UEFL (8 Previous + 2 MLB + 1 Correct Call [Crewmate] = 11).
Crew Chief Gerry Davis now has 3 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Correct = 3).

This is the 54th ejection of 2013.
This is the 26th Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the Dodgers' 5th ejection of 2013, 1st in the NL West (LAD 5; ARI 3; SF 2; SD 1; COL 0).
This is Don Mattingly's first ejection since March 25 (AJ Johnson; QOC = Y).
This is Brian Knight's first ejection since May 30 (Chip Hale; QOC = Y).

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Colorado Rockies, 6/1/13
Video: Mattingly bounces from umpire to umpire until Knight finally tosses Don for crossing the line (LAD)

MLB Ejection 053: Larry Vanover (1; Fredi Gonzalez)

HP Umpire Larry Vanover ejected Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez for arguing a ball three call in the top of the 4th inning of the Nationals-Braves game. With none out and one on, Nationals batter Ryan Zimmerman

Vanover explains why Gonz was tossed.

took a 2-2 sinker from Braves pitcher Tim Hudson for a called third ball. Replays indicate all three balls during Zimmerman's at bat were located outside the strike zone, the third located beneath the hollow of the knee and over the outer half of home plate (sz_bot 1.5; pz 1.396), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Braves were leading, 1-0. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 2-1, in 10 innings.

This is Larry Vanover (27)'s first ejection of 2013.
Larry Vanover now has 4 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 1 point in the UEFL's Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Correct = 1).
*This is Brian Gorman's first series of 2013. He did not work MLB or MiLB this season prior to WAS-ATL.*

This is the 53rd ejection of 2013.
This is the 25th Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the Braves' 2nd ejection of 2013, T-2nd in the NL East (NYM 3; ATL, PHI, WAS 2; MIA 0).
This is Fredi Gonzalez's first ejection since July 23, 2012 (Laz Diaz; QOC = N).
This is Larry Vanover's first ejection since September 5, 2012 (Dale Sveum; QOC = Y).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves, 6/1/13
Video: Gonzalez exits after disputing Vanover's strike zone mid-AB in the 4th inning (ATL)

MLB Ejection 052: Todd Tichenor (1; Lance Berkman)

HP Umpire Todd Tichenor ejected Rangers DH Lance Berkman for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 1st inning of the Royals-Rangers game. With one out and one on, Berkman took a called third strike from

Berkman, Ron Washington dispute the call.

Royals pitcher James Shields for a called third strike. Replays indicate the strike two and three pitches were located off the outer edge of home plate (px -1.091, -1.226 respectively), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 0-0. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 4-1, in extra innings.

This is Todd Tichenor (97)'s first ejection of 2013.
Todd Tichenor now has -4 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call = -2).
Crew Chief Dale Scott now has 2 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (2 Previous + 0 Incorrect = 2).

This is the 52nd ejection of 2013.
This is the 25th player ejection of 2013. Prior to his ejection, Berkman was 0-1 in the contest.
This is the Rangers' 1st ejection of 2013, T-2nd in the AL West (OAK 5; LAA, SEA, TEX 1; HOU 0).
This is Lance Berkman's first ejection since July 17, 2012 (Brian Gorman; QOC = N).
This is Todd Tichenor's first ejection since September 8, 2012 (Gio Gonzalez; QOC = N).

Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs. Texas Rangers, 6/1/13
Video: Berkman is tossed for arguing balls and strikes following a first inning strikeout (TEX)

MLB Ejection 051: Hunter Wendelstedt (2; Jason Hammel)

HP Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt ejected Orioles pitcher Jason Hammel for throwing at Tigers batter Matt Tuiasosopo in the top of the 4th inning of the Tigers-Orioles game. With none out and none on, Tigers batter Victor Martinez hit a home run off Hammel, followed consecutively with home runs by Jhonny Peralta and Alex Avila resulting in back-to-back-to-back home runs. Replays indicate the fourth batter of the inning,

Wieters and Hammel argue Hunter's ejection.

Tuiasosopo, was hit with a first-pitch inside slider, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Tigers were leading, 4-1. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 10-3.

This is Hunter Wendelstedt (21)'s first ejection of 2013.
Hunter Wendelstedt now has 6 points in the UEFL (4 + 2 + 0 = 6).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 2 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 2).

This is the 51st ejection of 2013.
This is the 24th player ejection of 2013. Prior to his ejection, Hammel's line read 3.0 IP, 5 ER, 3 HR.
This the Orioles' 1st ejection of 2013, T-3rd in the AL East (TOR 5; TB 4; BAL, NYY 1; BOS 0).
This is Jason Hammel's first career ejection.
This is Hunter Wendelstedt's first ejection since May 16 (Eric Wedge; QOC = Y).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles, 6/1/13
Video: After 3 straight HRs, Hammel hits MT and is immediately tossed, leading to Showalter's argument (BAL)

MLB Ejection 050: Vic Carapazza (1; Joe Girardi)

2B Umpire Vic Carapazza ejected Yankees Manager Joe Girardi for arguing an out call at second base in the bottom of the 5th inning of the Red Sox-Yankees game. With none out and one on, Yankees batter Ichiro Suzuki hit a 2-2 fastball from Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester on the ground to Lester, who threw to shortstop Stephen Drew covering second base, baserunner R1 David Adams out at second. Replays indicate Drew successfully caught Lester's wide throw while keeping his left foot in contact with second base, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 2-0. New York ultimately won the contest, 4-1.

Carapazza correctly rules "out" on the force.

This is Vic Carapazza (85)'s first ejection of 2013.
Vic Carapazza now has 4 points in the UEFL (0 + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Gary Cederstrom now has 1 point in the UEFL's Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 1).

This is the 50th ejection of 2013.
This is the 24th Manager ejection of 2013.
This the Yankees' 1st ejection of 2013, 3rd in the AL East (TOR 5; TB 4; NYY 1; BAL 0, BOS 0).
This is Joe Girardi's first ejection since October 14, 2012 (Jeff Nelson; QOC = N).
This is Vic Carapazza's first ejection since August 17, 2012 (Mark Reynolds; QOC = N).
*Clawdad wins Prop #2013-04: Date of Carapazza's first ejection, with a response of June 1 (1 day off)*

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees, 5/31/13
Video: Carapazza rules Adams out at second, resulting in a sprint, discussion and ejection for Girardi (NYY)

MLB Ejection 049: Manny Gonzalez (1; Jhonny Peralta)

HP Umpire Manny Gonzalez ejected Tigers SS Jhonny Peralta for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 4th inning of the Tigers-Pirates game. With two out and one on, Peralta took a 2-2 fastball from Pirates pitcher Jeff Locke for a called third strike. Replays indicate the decisive pitch, and the 2-1 fastball that

Gonzalez's long-distance ejection of Peralta.

preceded it, was located belt high and off the inner edge of home plate (px -.982 and -.994, respectively), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 0-0. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 1-0, in 11 innings.

This is Manny Gonzalez (79)'s first ejection of 2013.
Manny Gonzalez now has -2 points in the UEFL (0 + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call = -2).
Crew Chief Wally Bell now has 3 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (3 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 3).

This is the 49th ejection of 2013.
This is the 23rd player ejection of 2013. Prior to his ejection, Peralta was 0-2 in the contest.
This the Tigers' 1st ejection of 2013, T-3rd in the AL Central (CLE, KC 2; DET, MIN 1; CWS 0).
This is Jhonny Peralta's first career MLB ejection.
This is Manny Gonzalez's first ejection since June 26, 2012 (Ike Davis; QOC = N).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 5/30/13
Video: After taking two called inside strikes, Peralta voices displeasure and is sent packing (DET)

Pitch f/x plot courtesy Brooks Baseball

MLB Ejection 048: Brian Knight (2; Chip Hale)

Brian Knight ejected Athletics Bench Coach Chip Hale for arguing a spectator interference/runner's placement call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the A's-Giants game. With one out and one on, Giants batter Andres Torres hit a 1-2 changeup from A's pitcher Jerry Blevins down the left field line and over the third base bag.

To nullify interference, Blanco scores.

As the ball bounced toward the foul wall along the Giants bullpen, a fan reached onto the playing field and touched the ball, resulting in spectator interference and Knight's ruling that baserunner R1 Gregor Blanco shall be awarded home from his initial position at first base. Replays indicate Blanco was progressing past second base at the time of interference, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the A's were leading, 6-4. The A's ultimately won the contest, 9-6.

This is Brian Knight (91)'s second ejection of 2013.
Brian Knight now has 8 points in the UEFL (4 + 2 MLB + 2 Y = 8).
Crew Chief Gerry Davis now has 2 points in the Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).

This is the 48th ejection of 2013.
This is the 23rd Manager ejection of 2013.
This the A's 5th ejection of 2013, 1st in the AL West (OAK 5; LAA, SEA 1; HOU, TEX 0).
This is Chip Hale's first career MLB ejection.
This is Brian Knight's first ejection since April 17 (Joe Maddon; QOC = Y).

Wrap: Oakland Athletics vs. San Francisco Giants, 5/29/13
Video: After being chewed out by bullpen coach Mark Gardner for interference, fan is ejected (SF)
Video: Melvin airs dispute with Knight, crew chief Davis over fair/foul and runner's award (OAK)

MLB Ejection 047: Adrian Johnson (1; Terry Collins)

2B Umpire Adrian Johnson ejected Mets Manager Terry Collins for arguing an out call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Yankees-Mets game. With two out and one on, Mets baserunner R2 Ruben Tejada was picked

Collins tossed after animated discussion.

off by Yankees pitcher Hiroki Kuroda. Replays indicate shortstop Reid Brignac successfully tagged Tejada while Tejada was not in contact with second base, the safe-turned-out call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 1-0. The Mets ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Adrian Johnson (80)'s first ejection of 2013.
Adrian Johnson now has 4 points in the UEFL (0+2+2=4).

Crew Chief Fieldin Culbreth now has 1 point in the Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 1).

This is the 47th ejection of 2013.
This is the 23rd Manager ejection of 2013.
This the Mets' third ejection of 2013, 1st in the NL East (NYM 3; PHI, WAS 2; ATL 1; MIA 0).

This is Terry Collins' first ejection since May 20 (Tom Hallion; QOC = U).

This is Adrian Johnson's first ejection since May 24, 2011 (Ryan Braun; QOC = Y).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs. New York Mets, 5/28/13

Video: Kuroda's pick off move and ensuing out call results in dispute, ejection (NYM)

No! Hawk: Of Harrelson, Hernandez and the Snap-Back Cap

The infamous Hawk Harrelson and fabled umpire Angel Hernandez, combined with an Alex Rios double-play ball and a little snap-back hat magic, provided comic relief in Chicago this week—unless, of course, you are a

Conspiracy theory: Snap-back has mind of its own.

fan of the White Sox. In that case, you'd have to wait an inning.

As UEFL'er Jeff listed amongst a bevy of blown calls (coincidentally posted as a reply to the Dan Bellino 2-3 Ejections thread in which Bellino was credited with a correct call), Sox batter Rios chopped a grounder to short with the bases loaded and one out in the 10th inning of a tied 3-3 ballgame, the flip to second for out #1 before a return throw to first arrived just as Rios stepped on first base. Replays indicate Marlins first baseman Nick Green caught the throw scarcely after Rios' foot contacted the bag, the call appeared to have been in error.

Hawk's call, however, was entirely irrecusable (transcript below):

Uh-oh... Can't get him—Oh No! No! No!...No!...He is safe and another blown call by Hernandez.

It's better in video form (Video: Hawk can't believe ump's call on double play)
And for those Sox, it's all okay. The Laundry defeated the Fish in the 11th, walking off 4-3.

Major League Umpiring Debut: Quinn Wolcott

Congratulations to Quinn Wolcott, who made his MLB umpiring debut this Memorial Day, May 27, during Game 1 of the Arizona Diamondbacks-Texas Rangers doubleheader with 30,638 in attendance at Chase

Wolcott (L) with Barksdale and Conroy (R) makes his MLB
debut on Memorial Day, featuring the camouflage umpire hat.

Field. Wolcott joined crew chief and HP Umpire Gary Cederstrom, 1B Umpire Lance Barksdale and 2B Umpire and fellow AAA fill-in Chris Conroy for the D-Backs' 5-2 Game 1 victory. The nightcap featured Wolcott at first base with Cederstrom at second, Conroy at third and Vic Carapazza behind the plate.

Wolcott has been working the 2013 season in Triple-A's Pacific Coast League (PCL) and in November 2012 was selected to officiate the Arizona Fall League Championship Game. Wolcott has been an umpire in the PCL since 2011, working the Southern League (AA) from 2009 to 2010 (2010 All-Star Game) with the California (A), Carolina (A), Midwest (A), Northwest (Short A) and Arizona (Rookie) before that.

*Rising Star Alert* At the age of 24, Wolcott was the youngest umpire promoted to AAA of all 2011 hires and was likewise promoted to a PCL crew chief position at a young age, 26 years old, in 2013.

MLB Ejections 045, 046: Marty Foster (4, 5; Butler, Scioscia)

HP Umpire Marty Foster ejected Royals DH Billy Butler for arguing a called third strike which occurred during a previous inning (unsportsmanlike-NEC) in the top of the 6th inning and Angels Manager Mike Scioscia for arguing a foul ball call in the bottom of the 9th inning of the Angels-Royals game. In the 5th, with two out and two on, Butler took a 1-2 cutter from Angels pitcher Jerome Williams for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located belt high and over the inner edge of home plate (px -0.686), the call was correct. In the

Scioscia in disbelief with Foster, chief Welke.

9th, with one out and two on, Royals batter Jeff Francoeur swung at a two-strike pitch from Angels pitcher Ernesto Frieri. Initially ruled a strikeout, the call was reversed after consultation with base umpires Scott Barry, Tim Welke and Mike Everitt. Replays are inconclusive as to whether Francoeur's bat contacted the baseball, the ruling has been deemed inconclusive and referred to the UEFL Appeals Board for further evaluation. The call is now correct.* At the time of the Butler ejection, the Royals were leading, 2-0. At the time of the Scioscia ejection, the Angels were leading, 5-2. The Angels ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

These are Marty Foster (60)'s fourth and fifth ejections of 2013.
Marty Foster now has 4 points in the UEFL (-2 Previous + 2*[2 MLB] + 0 Irrecusable + 2 Correct = 4).
Crew Chief Tim Welke now has 3 points in the Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Irrecusable + 1 Correct = 3).
*After exhaustive review, the QOC ruling has reverted to reflect the call on the field as correct (UEFL 7-1-b)*

These are the 45th and 46th ejections of 2013.
This is the 21st player ejection of 2013. Prior to his ejection, Butler was 1-2 in the contest.

This is the 22nd Manager ejection of 2013.
This the Royals' 2nd ejection of 2013, T-1st in the AL Central (CLE, KC 2; MIN 1; CWS, DET 0).
This is the Angels' 1st ejection of 2013, 2nd in the AL West (OAK 4; LAA 1; HOU, SEA, TEX 0).

This is Billy Butler's first ejection since September 13, 2012 (Mike Estabrook; QOC = Y).
This is Mike Scioscia's first ejection since July 1, 2012 (James Hoye; QOC = Y).
This is Marty Foster's first ejection since yesterday, May 25 (Chris Getz; QOC = U).

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Kansas City Royals, 5/26/13
Video: Butler argues Foster's strike zone from the bench after the fact and is sent to the showers (KC)

Video: After strike three is overturned to foul ball, Scioscia passionately pleas and is asked to leave (LAA)

MLB Ejection 044: Mike Winters (1; Kevin Frandsen)

HP Umpire Mike Winters ejected Phillies 3B Kevin Frandsen for arguing a swinging strike call (strikeout) in the top of the 4th inning of the Phillies-Nationals game. With two out and none on, Frandsen attempted to check

Frandsen heaved for throwing bat after call.

his swing on a 0-2 curveball from Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg. Replays indicate Frandsen attempted to strike the pitch, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 0-0. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 6-1.

This is Mike Winters (33)'s first ejection of 2013.
Mike Winters now has 4 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Mike Winters now has 4 points in the Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 4).

This is the 44th ejection of 2013.
This is the 20th player ejection of 2013. Prior to his ejection, Frandsen was 0-1 in the contest.
This the Phillies' second ejection of 2013, T-1st in the NL East (NYM, PHI, WAS 2; ATL 1; MIA 0).

This is Kevin Frandsen's first career MLB ejection.
This is the Mike Winters' first ejection since July 28, 2012 (Dale Sveum; QOC = N).

Wrap: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals, 5/26/13
Video: After striking out, Frandsen slams bat in reaction to call and gets tossed (PHI)