MLB Ejections 115, 116: Cederstrom, Carapazza (1, 3)

1B Umpire Gary Cederstrom ejected Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel for arguing a foul tip (strike three) call made by HP Umpire Vic Carapazza and HP Umpire Vic Carapazza ejected Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins for unsportsmanlike-NEC (arguing a previously argued call; repeat visit rule) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the

Cederstrom throws Manuel out of the ballgame.

Braves-Phillies game. With none out and none on, Phillies batter Delmon Young attempted to strike a 0-2 slider from Braves pitcher Craig Kimbrel. Replays indicate Young's bat contacted the pitched baseball and that the ball was subsequently caught off the dirt by Braves catcher Brian McCann, the call was incorrect; Rollins' ejection is irrecusable because he was ejected arguing a previously argued call (Manuel's argument finished when he exited the field). After review, Rollins' ejection is also for arguing the foul tip (strike three call) and is incorrect.** At the time of the ejections, the Braves were leading, 6-4. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 6-4.

This is Gary Cederstrom (38)'s first ejection of 2013.
This is Vic Carapazza (85)'s third ejection of 2013.
Gary Cederstrom now has 0 points in the UEFL (0 + 2 MLB + -2 Incorrect Call [Crewmate] = 0).
Vic Carapazza now has 6 points in the UEFL (8 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call = 6).
Crew Chief Gary Cederstrom now has 2 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (2 + 0 Incorrect = 2).
*Rollins was ejected for Unsportsmanlike-NEC pursuant to UEFL Rule 6-2-b-5-b ("DiMuro Rule").
**Rollins' reason for ejection was overturned to balls/strikes after review by the UEFL Appeals Board.

These are the 115th and 116th ejections of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 50th player ejection of 2013. Prior to ejection, Rollins was 0-4 in the contest.
This is the Phillies' 3rd/4th ejection of 2013, T-3rd in the NL East (ATL 6; WAS 5; NYM, PHI 4; MIA 2).
This is Charlie Manuel's 2nd ejection of 2013 and first since April 25, 2013 (Dan Iassogna; QOC = Correct).
This is Jimmy Rollins' 1st ejection of 2013 and first since August 23, 2004 (Paul Emmel; QOC = N/A).
This is Gary Cederstrom's first ejection since May 22, 2012 (Carlos Ruiz; QOC = Correct).
This is Vic Carapazza's first ejection since July 13, 2013 (Ron Gardenhire; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 8/2/13
Video: Brown ruled to have struck out, leading to Manuel's ejection with Rollins close behind (PHI)

MLB Ejections 113, 114: Al Porter (2, 3; M Ellis, Mattingly)

HP Umpire Alan Porter ejected Dodgers 2B Mark Ellis and Manager Don Mattingly for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 4th inning of the Dodgers-Cubs game. With none out and one on, Ellis took a 3-2 cutter

Ellis shows up Porter, who tosses him.

from Cubs pitcher Travis Wood for a called third strike. Replays indicate the decisive pitch was located belt high and off the outer edge of home plate (px 0.989), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Dodgers were leading, 3-1. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 6-2.

These are Alan Porter (64)'s second and third ejections of 2013.
Alan Porter now has 0 points in the UEFL (4 + 2*[2 + -4] = 0).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 5 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (5 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 5).

These are the 113th and 114th ejections of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 49th player ejection of 2013. Prior to ejection, Ellis was 1-3 in the contest.
This is the Dodgers' 10th/11th ejection of 2013, 1st in the NL West (LAD 11; ARI 7; SF 4; COL, SD 3).
This is Mark Ellis' 1st ejection of 2013 and first since June 22, 2008 (Lance Barksdale; QOC = Correct).
This is Don Mattingly's 3rd ejection of 2013 and first since July 31, 2013 (Bill Miller; QOC = Correct).
This is Alan Porter's first ejection since July 2, 2013 (John Gibbons; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs, 8/2/13
Video: Ellis is ejected for excessive complaining, histrionics; Steve Lyons proves he is no Vin Scully (LAD)

Pitching Change Balk: Manager's Arm Commits to Switch

Umpire Gary Darling ruled a pitching change balk against the Mariners Thursday night at Fenway after Manager Robby Thompson briefly motioned to the bullpen with his left arm before immediately switching to the right during a pivotal 9th inning pitching change. The Red Sox would score five times in the frame after Thompson's fateful move, completing an improbable walk-off victory.

SEA wants the righty, but Darling calls the lefty.

With none out and the bases loaded, Thompson ventured to the mound for a pitching change, initially signaling to the bullpen with his left arm before switching to his right arm, all while in the grass area between the third base foul line and the pitcher's mound.

As righty Yoervis Medina prepared to enter the game—he had already run onto the outfield grass—3B Umpire and crew chief Gary Darling quickly addressed the first arm movement and ordered lefty Oliver Perez enter the game instead. Forced to face righty Shane Victorino pursuant to Rule 3.05(b), which states that "if the pitcher is replaced, the substitute shall pitch to the batter then at bat, or any substitute batter, until such batter is put our or reaches first base," Perez allowed all three baserunners to score, surrendering two runs of his own during ensuing action before being relieved by Medina.

Rule 3.03 governs substitutions, stating simply that a player may be substituted during a game when the ball is dead while 3.05 governs the specific case of pitcher substitutions and 3.06 specifies the process:

The manager shall immediately notify the umpire-in-chief of any substitution and shall state to the umpire-in-chief the substitute’s place in the batting order.

HP Umpire and umpire-in-chief David Rackley had removed his lineup cards so as to make the change, but had not yet indicated the new pitcher as in Rule 3.07, which states that "the umpire-in-chief shall, after having been notified, immediately announce, or cause to be announced, each substitution."

Meanwhile, PBUC (MiLB) has officially interpreted that a manager or coach's signal to the bullpen "constitutes a substitution for the pitcher" (4.6); however, the MLBUM (MLB) has deemed that a substitution is completed only when the plate umpire is notified. If PU is not notified, a pitcher is considered as having entered the game when "he takes his place on the pitcher's plate prior to delivering a pitch (preparatory or otherwise)." The Major League Baseball Umpire Manual makes it clear it is the plate umpire's responsibility to coordinate all substitutions. MLBUM does not address the signal to the bullpen.

It sure would have been interesting had Darling worked the 1978 World Series when after positing the "take him out vs. leave him in" debate, Dodgers Manager Tommy Lasorda famously opted to "take him in" while gesturing to the bullpen with both hands.

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs. Boston Red Sox, 8/1/13

Video: Thompson calls for his southpaw before trying to quickly correct his error; Darling says 'no' (BOS)

MLB Ejection 112: Marvin Hudson (1; Troy Tulowitzki)

HP Umpire Marvin Hudson ejected Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 2nd inning of the Rockies-Braves game. With two out and two on, Tulowitzki took a 2-2 curveball from Braves pitcher Julio Teheran for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located below the hollow of the

Tulo argues Hudson's strike zone.

knee and over the outer half of home plate (sz_bot 1.670, pz 1.494) while an earlier strike two call was a pitch located off the inner edge of home plate (px -1.361), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Braves were leading, 3-1. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 11-2.

This is Marvin Hudson (51)'s first ejection of 2013.
Marvin Hudson now has -2 points in the UEFL (0 + 2 + -4 = -2).
Crew Chief Tim McClelland now has 3 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (3 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 3).

This is the 112th ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 48th player ejection of 2013. Prior to ejection, Tulowitzki was 0-2 in the contest.
This is the Rockies' 3rd ejection of 2013, T-4th in the NL West (LAD 9; ARI 7; SF 4; COL, SD 3).
This is Troy Tulowitzki's 1st ejection of 2013 and first since May 20, 2011 (Rob Drake; QOC = Correct).
This is Marvin Hudson's first ejection since October 1, 2012 (John Farrell; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Colorado Rockies vs. Atlanta Braves, 8/1/13
Video: Tulowitzki strikes out during an at-bat that featured two pitches in the strike zone, tossed (COL)

Fleeing the Coop: When an Umpire is Burned by AJ Pitcher

After pitcher A.J. Burnett disagreed with umpire Eric Cooper's call of "ball" Tuesday, gesturing his disapproval toward the veteran home plate umpire, Cooper pantomimed Burnett's actions before sternly and passionately warning Burnett for the perceived unsportsmanlike act of "showing up the umpire."

Cooper chastises Burnett for arguing the zone.

Replays indicate the pitch was located knee high and off the outer edge of home plate (px 0.859), the ball call was correct. As Cooper walked toward the pitcher's mound (the umpire appeared to walk several yards onto the infield grass while Burnett remained within the 18-foot dirt circle surrounding the rubber while jawing toward home plate), Pirates catcher Russell Martin interceded before Manager Clint Hurdle walked with Cooper back toward the dirt circle surrounding home plate.

Meanwhile, 3B Umpire and crew chief Jeff Kellogg walked toward the pitcher's mound before being waved away by Burnett, who met with Martin halfway toward home plate.

Bad title puns notwithstanding, Rule 9.05's General Instructions to Umpires contains the following instruction:

You are the only official representative of baseball on the ball field. It is often a trying position which requires the exercise of much patience and good judgment, but do not forget that the first essential in working out of a bad situation is to keep your own temper and self-control.

Also relevant are rules 9.01(d) and 9.02(a) Comment, regarding disqualification and ejection for arguing:

9.01(d) Each umpire has authority to disqualify any player, coach, manager or substitute for objecting to decisions or for unsportsmanlike conduct or language, and to eject such disqualified person from the playing field.

9.02(a) Comment:  Players leaving their position in the field or on base, or managers or coaches leaving the bench or coaches box, to argue on BALLS AND STRIKES will not be permitted. They should be warned if they start for the plate to protest the call. If they continue, they will be ejected from the game.

PBUC/MiLB has also adopted "use of histrionic gestures...toward an umpire" as grounds for ejection, as are actions by team personnel "specifically intended to ridicule an umpire."

Video: Burnett shows displeasure at first pitch ball call; Cooper shows displeasure of Burnett's actions (PIT)
Video: A compilation of the odd inning, including an incorrectly ruled dropped swinging third strike (PIT)

MLB Ejection 111: Bill Miller (2; Don Mattingly)

3B Umpire Bill Miller ejected Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly for arguing a check swing call during a previous at-bat (unsportsmanlike-NEC) in the top of the 9th inning of the Yankees-Dodgers game. With two out and

Overbay's check swing.

two on, Yankees batter Lyle Overbay attempted to check his swing on a 0-2 curveball from Dodgers pitcher Paco Rodriguez, ruled a ball by HP Umpire CB Bucknor and affirmed as no swing by U3 Miller. During a subsequent pitching change following Overbay and Jayson Nix's at-bats, Mattingly was ejected, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 3-0. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 3-0.

Mattingly questions Miller's judgment.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s 2nd ejection of 2013.
Bill Miller now has 0 points in the UEFL (-2 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 0).
Crew Chief Dale Scott now has 4 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 4).

This is the 111th ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 54th Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the Dodgers' 9th ejection of 2013, 1st in the NL West (LAD 9; ARI 7; SF 4; SD 3; COL 2).
This is Don Mattingly's 2nd ejection of 2013 and first since June 1, 2013 (Brian Knight; QOC = Correct).
This is Bill Miller's first ejection since April 30, 2013 (Bruce Bochy; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 7/31/13
Video: Mattingly kicked out for arguing a call made, in Scully's words, "a while ago" (LAD)

MLB Ejection 110: Jerry Layne (1; Mike Scioscia)

1B Umpire Jerry Layne ejected Angels Manager Mike Scioscia for arguing a safe call in the bottom of the 2nd inning of the Angels-Rangers game. With none out and none on, Rangers batter Geovany Soto hit a 0-1

Layne gives Sciosc a silent stare.

curveball from Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson on the ground to third baseman Alberto Callaspo, who threw to first baseman Mark Trumbo as Soto arrived at the base. Replays indicate Soto's right foot appeared to contact the first base bag prior to Trumbo obtaining secure possession of the baseball in his glove, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 2-2. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 14-11, in 10 innings.

This is Jerry Layne (24)'s first ejection of 2013.
Jerry Layne now has 4 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 5 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (4 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 5).

This is the 110th ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 53rd Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the Angels' 2nd ejection of 2013, T-2nd in the AL West (OAK 5; LAA, TEX 2; SEA 1; HOU 0).
This is Mike Scioscia's 2nd ejection of 2013 and first since May 26, 2013 (Marty Foster; QOC = Correct).
This is Jerry Layne's first ejection since Sept. 6, 2012 (Quirk, Clevengert, Corpas & Gonzalez; QOC = U).

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Texas Rangers, 7/30/13
Video: After close play, Scioscia tossed; receives the patented Jerry Layne silent treatment (LAA)

MLB Ejection 109: Jerry Meals (1; John Farrell)

HP Umpire Jerry Meals ejected Red Sox Manager John Farrell for arguing an out call in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Rays-Red Sox game. With one out and two on, Red Sox batter Brandon Snyder hit a 0-1 splitter

Farrell points a finger at Meals.

from Rays pitcher Joel Peralta in the air to left fielder Sam Fuld, who caught the fly and threw to catcher Jose Molina as Red Sox baserunner R3 Daniel Nava attempted to score from third. Replays indicate Nava's left foot appeared to contact home plate prior to Molina's glove tagging on the left ankle, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Rays were leading, 2-1. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Jerry Meals (41)'s first ejection of 2013.
Jerry Meals now has -2 points in the UEFL (0 + 2 + -4 = -2).
Crew Chief Gary Darling now has 8 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (8 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 8).

This is the 109th ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 52nd Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the Red Sox's 6th ejection of 2013, 2nd in the AL East (TOR 8; BOS 6; BAL, TB 4; NYY 2).
This is John Farrell's 2nd ejection of 2013 and first since June 23, 2013 (Mike DiMuro; QOC = Correct).
This is Jerry Meals' first ejection since September 18, 2012 (Jesse Chavez; QOC = Irrecusable).

Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox, 7/29/13
Video: Rays turn a huge double play to preserve a 2-1 lead heading into the final inning of play (TB)
Video: After pivotal out call at home plate, Farrell disputes Meals' assertion and is tossed (BOS)

Injury Update: Wolf Back to MLB Work, Hickox Still Out

Umpires Jim Wolf and Ed Hickox have effectively switched places on Jim Joyce's crew with Wolf appearing in Chicago Monday night for his first MLB game in two months while Hickox remains sidelined after an injury.

Wolf's rehab to the Major Leagues began and concluded in Charlotte, lasting a period of approximately 10 days during which Jim worked Knights home games in Triple-A's International League. Wolf was assigned to the position of 2B Umpire for Monday's Brewers-Cubs game.

Hickox has not appeared in a professional contest since receiving a probable concussion on July 12 when he took a foul ball to the head off of a 99 miles-per-hour fastball. Hickox appeared staggered by the shot though was able to remain in the game to its completion, working the remaining 8th and 9th innings.

Joining acting crew chief Jeff Nelson (HP), Wolf (2B) and Jim Reynolds (1B; from John Hirschbeck's crew) at Wrigley Field is MiLB call-up umpire Mike Estabrook, at third base. Joyce's crew did not work MLB games last week, a timely vacation given the circumstances.

MLB Ejection 108: Sam Holbrook (6; Jose Bautista)

HP Umpire Sam Holbrook ejected Blue Jays DH Jose Bautista for arguing a strike two call in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Astros-Blue Jays game. With one out and two on, Bautista took a 1-1 fastball from Astros pitcher Josh Fields for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located  belt high and off the

Bautista argues Holbrook's call.

inner edge of home plate (pz 2.712; px -1.018) while the first called strike was located belt high and over the outer half of home plate (pz 2.630; px 0.500), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 1-1. The Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Sam Holbrook (34)'s sixth ejection of 2013.
Sam Holbrook now has 10 points in the UEFL (12 + 2 + -4 = 10).
Crew Chief Joe West now has 3 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (3 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 3).

This is the 108th ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 47th player ejection of 2013. Prior to his ejection, Bautista was 0-4 in the contest.*
This is the Blue Jays' 9th ejection of 2013, 1st in the NL East (TOR 9; BOS 5; BAL, TB 4; NYY 2).
This is Jose Bautista's 2nd ejection of 2013 and first since June 9, 2013 (Gary Darling; QOC = Correct).
This is Sam Holbrook's first ejection since April 19, 2013 (B.J. Upton; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Houston Astros vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 7/28/13
Video: After striking out swinging following strike two inside, Bautista argues and is tossed (TOR)

Blue Hol-O-Day: Hank O'Day Most Recent Hall of Fame Umpire Inductee

Hank O'Day became the most recent umpire inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum on Sunday, a feat only shared by umpires Al Barlick, Nestor Chylak, Jocko Conlan, Tom Connolly, Billy Evans, Cal Hubbard, Bill Klem, Bill McGowan and the most recent inductee, Doug Harvey who was elected in 2010.

Umpire Henry "Hank" O'Day is a 2013 HOF Inductee.

Born in Chicago in 1859, Henry "Hank" O'Day began his professional baseball career as a player with Toledo in 1884 before pitching for the 1885 Pittsburgh Alleghenys, '86-'89 Washington Nationals and '89-'90 New York Giants, leading the Giants to an NL pennant in 1889. Like several other players of the time, O'Day took his turn at umpiring while not pitching and grew to enjoy the craft, earning a spot on the National League staff in 1895 before working 100+ games per season regularly beginning in 1897.

Over his 35-year umpiring career—not including the 1912 or 1914 seasons which were spent managing the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs, respectively—O'Day punched his ticket to 10 World Series, including the first Fall Classic in 1903, and called three no-hitters (May 1, 1906 [Johnny Lush], May 11, 1919 [Hod Eller], July 17, 1924 [Jesse Haines]) before retiring in 1928 after nearly 4,000 games. He served as a league umpire scout in 1929 and 1930.

O'Day is credited with turning umpiring from a rules-related necessity into an honorable profession, serving his sport with the courageous conviction to make the right call even in the face of incredible adversity. O'Day survived a plethora of verbal and even physical abuse and finished his umpiring career with 191 ejections. He was never ejected as a player nor manager.

O'Day died July 2, 1935 in Chicago at the age of 75.

MLB Ejections 106, 107: C Fairchild (7, 8; Cabrera, Leyland)

HP Umpire Chad Fairchild ejected Tigers 3B Miguel Cabrera and Manager Jim Leyland for arguing a strike two call in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Phillies-Tigers game. With three on and one out, Cabrera took a 0-1 fastball from Phillies pitcher Jonathan Pettibone for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located navel high and over the outer half of home plate (sz_top 3.590, pz 3.143; px 0.378) [strike one was also located navel high and over the outer half of home plate (sz_top 3.590, pz 3.041; px 0.241)], the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Phillies were leading, 1-0.

These are Chad Fairchild (75)'s seventh and eighth ejections of 2013.
Chad Fairchild now has 23 points in the UEFL (15 Previous + 2*[2 MLB + 2 Correct Call] = 23).
Crew Chief Jeff Kellogg now has 9 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (7 Previous + 2 Correct Call = 9).
*Substitute batter Matt Tuiasosopo experienced a third strike to credit Cabrera with a strikeout.

These are the 106th and 107th ejections of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 46th player ejection of 2013. Prior to his ejection, Cabrera was 0-1 in the contest.*
This is the 51st Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the Tigers' 4th/5th ejection of 2013, T-1st in the AL Central (CLE, DET 5; KC, 3; CWS, MIN 2).
This is Miguel Cabrera's 1st ejection of 2013 and first since September 8, 2012 (Tim Timmons; QOC = -).
This is Jim Leyland's 2nd ejection of 2013 and first since July 11, 2013 (Chad Fairchild; QOC = Irrecusable).
This is Chad Fairchild's first ejection since July 25, 2013 (Fredi Gonzalez; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Detroit Tigers, 7/28/13
Video: After a called second strike, Cabrera says magic words for heave ho, followed by skipper (DET)

MLB Ejection 105: Tim Timmons (5; David Ortiz)

HP Umpire Tim Timmons ejected Red Sox DH David Ortiz for arguing a strike one call in the top of the 7th inning of the Red Sox-Orioles game. With one out and none on, Ortiz took a 3-0 fastball from Orioles pitcher Jairo Asencio for a called first strike before striking out swinging on a 3-2 changeup. Replays indicate the

Papi destroys dugout as teammates dive for cover

pitch was located underneath the midpoint and over the inner half of home plate (sz_top 4.06, pz 4.032) and the 3-1 pitch ruled strike two was located belt high and over the outer edge of home plate (px -0.926 [UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 "Kulpa Rule"]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Red Sox were leading, 7-2. The Red Sox ultimately won the contest, 7-3.

This is Tim Timmons (95)'s fifth ejection of 2013.
Tim Timmons now has 8 points in the UEFL (4 + 2 + 2 = 8).
Crew Chief Mike Winters now has 9 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (8 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 9).

This is the 105th ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 45th player ejection of 2013. Prior to his ejection, Ortiz was 0-2 in the contest.
This is the Red Sox's 5th ejection of 2013, 2nd in the AL East (TOR 8; BOS 5; BAL, TB 4; NYY 2).
This is David Ortiz's 1st ejection of 2013 and first since July 8, 2011 (Mike Estabrook; QOC = Correct).
This is Tim Timmons' first ejection since July 5, 2013 (Bud Black; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles
Video: Ortiz tries calling ball four as Timmons rules strike one then takes out anger on Orioles property (BOS)