MLB Ejection 163 - Gerry Davis (2; Bryan Price)

HP Umpire Gerry Davis ejected Reds Manager Bryan Price for arguing a Replay Review decision that confirmed Davis' bona fide slide and home plate collision violation no-calls in the top of the 10th inning of the Pirates-Reds game. With none out and the bases loaded, Pirates batter Jason Rogers hit a 1-1 fastball from Reds pitcher Tony Cingrani on the ground to Reds shortstop Jose Peraza, who threw to catcher Ramon Cabrera for the force at home, and onto first baseman Joey Votto as Rogers arrived at first base, initially ruled an out by Holbrook and overturned to "safe" as a result of a challenge by Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle, while Davis' ruling of "no violation" was confirmed as the result of a Crew Chief Review. Replays indicate Pirates baserunner R3 Sean Rodriguez did not illegally initiate contact with Reds catcher Cabrera at home plate and engaged in a bona fide slide, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 7-6. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 7-6, in 10 innings.

This is Gerry Davis (12)'s second ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Gerry Davis now has -6 points in UEFL Standings (-10 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = -6).
Crew Chief Gerry Davis now has -2 points in Crew Division (-3 Previous + 1 Correct Call = -2).
*Rule 6.01(i)(1) [formerly Rule 7.13] states: "A runner attempting to score may not deviate from his direct pathway to the plate in order to initiate contact with the catcher (or other player covering home plate), or otherwise initiate an avoidable collision."
*Rule 6.01(i)(I) Comment states: "A slide shall be deemed appropriate, in the case of a feet first slide, if the runner’s buttocks and legs should hit the ground before contact with the catcher."
*Rule 6.01(j) states: "If a runner does not engage in a bona fide slide, and initiates (or attempts to make) contact with the fielder for the purpose of break- ing up a double play, he should be called for interference under this Rule 6.01." A bona fide slide occurs when all four of these criteria are met:
* > Begins his slide (makes contact with the ground) before reaching the base; (YES)
* > Is able and attempts to reach the base with his hand or foot; (YES)
* > Is able and attempts to remain on the base (except home plate); (N/A [Home Plate Exemption])
* > Slides within base's reach without changing pathway for the purpose of initiating contact. (YES)

This is the 163rd ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 66th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Cincinnati's 7th ejection of 2016, 2nd in the NL Central (PIT 14; CIN 7; CHC 4; MIL 3; STL 1).
This is Bryan Price's 4th ejection of 2016, 1st since July 16 (Quinn Wolcott; QOC = N [Foul/HBP]).
This is Gerry Davis' first ejection since April 30, 2016 (Robin Ventura; QOC = N-C [Replay/Slide]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds, 9/16/16 | Video available via "read more."

Case Play 2016-11 - Time to Pass a Runner [Solved]

Runner passing occurs when a trailing baserunner passes a preceding one. Time to Pass a Runner is our 11th Case Play of the 2016 season and, like Case Play 2016-10, concerns a Replay Review decision flagged for discussion by tmac.

Diagram of the Runners Passing Case Play.

The Play: With one out and one on (R1), White Sox batter Tyler Saladino hit a 1-2 fastball from Royals pitcher Matt Strahm to deep left-center field, where the ball fell onto the warning track untouched before bouncing over the outfield wall as Royals outfielder Jarrod Dyson unsuccessfully tried to glove it. Initially ruled a two-base award for Saladino and baserunner R1 Leury Garcia, giving Garcia third base and Saladino second base, the play was challenged by Royals Manager Ned Yost, who alleged that Saladino had illegally passed Garcia on the base paths, and therefore, should have been declared out pursuant to Rule (Garcia would still be awarded third base). After review, however, the Replay Official ruled both runners safe and placed them at second and third base, explaining in his decision to confirm the on-field ruling, that "The runner was not passed by another runner prior to the ball going out of play."

NY/Replay's Explanation in Confirming the Call.

Question: Is this the proper ruling, given visual evidence (or assuming that the evidence indicates) that Saladino did pass Garcia, but only after the ball had become dead by virtue of it bouncing out of the playing field? If not, what is the proper ruling, and who would get credit for the putout (if applicable)?

In other words, assume Crew Chief Fieldin Culbreth ruled the runners did pass each other, but only after the ball was dead, and assume this is visually correct. The question at hand is whether or not the ball becoming dead has any bearing on the legality of the trail runner's passing of the lead runner at some point during the dead ball period. Does the runners passing rule become suspended/not applicable when the ball is dead?

Answer: If Yost specifically challenged that the runners passing action occurred prior to the ball going out of play (as the above graphic and explanation from NY/Replay HQ indicates), then this is the proper ruling, as the passing did not occur during a live ball ("The Replay Official shall have no authority to review any calls other than those included in a Manager's Challenge or those accepted for review by the Crew Chief" Replay Review Regulation II.I).

Otherwise, Rule 5.06(c) states that the when the ball is dead, bases may not be run, no run scored, and no runner may be put out, except "as the result of acts which occurred while the ball was alive." For this play, the batted ball bouncing out of play is a live ball event that results in a dead ball bases-run situation (R1 awarded 3rd, B1 awarded 2nd). By contrast, a foul ball is also a dead ball, but no bases are awarded as result of the foul ball, so no runners may advance or be put out. (There is no potential for illegal base running during a dead foul ball because no runners may advance during a foul ball.)

Rule 5.06(b)(4)(I) Comment specifies that a base award without liability to be put out "does not relieve [a runner] of the responsibility..." For example, a batter-runner who hits a home run must still touch all bases in order. If a base is missed, the defense may appeal when the ball next becomes live. However, does this responsibility extend to other baserunning obligations, such as passing or abandonment?

Abandonment may occur during a home run.

A runner may not be put out during a dead ball—this is why the defense must wait for the ball to become live before lodging an appeal—but this isn't to say a runner may not be declared out during a dead ball. "Put out" is something the defense does, whereas "declare out" is something the umpire does.

For example, with one out and the bases loaded, B1 hits a game-winning home run, and runs across the field to celebrate before the winning run crosses home plate (for simplicity's sake, assume B1 already touched first base). B1's run will not count, as B1 never legally touched home plate and therefore will be declared out for abandonment, even though this action occurs when the ball is dead. The winning run thus will score with two outs.

A passing runners play from earlier in 2016.

A similar circumstance exists with passing runners. This occurred in Case Play 2016-3, when Marlins batter JT Realmuto passed baserunner Marcell Ozuna during an apparent home run. Originally no-called, the Replay Official in overturning the on-field ruing simply explained that runner passing occurred, without regard to the timing relative to live/dead ball (the definitive angle used to overturn the call appears in the image to the left—the ball's location was not considered as it was in Chicago).

Similarly, Orioles batter Javy Lopez was declared out by 2B Umpire Gerry Davis for passing baserunner Miguel Tejada during a 2006 non-home run in Baltimore, while Robin Ventura hit a grand slam single during the 1999 NLCS after failing to legally run the bases during a dead ball. Naturally, the umpire may reverse the passing if doing so will nullify the defense's illegal act (for instance, passing may be reversed/cancelled/nullified if the defense has obstructed the offense, for instance by face guarding, jockeying, or improperly blocking R1's view, and doing so will nullify the obstruction).

F4 is closest to the passing & gets the putout.

The only consideration in regards to the "put out" is scoring the play: the fielder closest to the violation receives credit for an unassisted put out (9.09(c)(4)). Technically, however, the offending trail runner is declared out by the umpire, rather than physically put out by the defense: there is no tag.

Retrosheet.org has a list of notable Passing Runners situations that have occurred over the years, including several instances of batters and runners being declared out for passing that occurred during a dead ball.

NFHS vs NCAA vs OBR: All codes agree, passing can occur during a dead ball. However, only NFHS does not treat runner passing during a dead ball as a time play. PLAY: With two outs and two on, B1 hits a home run. After R3 scores, B1 passes R1 on the bases. Undeterred, R1 completes his HR trot and touches home plate. RULING: In NFHS, R3 & R1's runs both count. In NCAA & OBR, only R3's run counts due to the timing of the third out. NOTE: If the bases are loaded with two outs and B1 walks on a 3-2 pitch, after which R1 passes R2, then R3's run shall count whether or not he touched home plate prior to the third out, since he was forced home.

Official Baseball Rules Library
OBR 5.05(a)(6): "A fair ball, after touching the ground, bounds into the stands, or passes through, over or under a fence, or through or under a scoreboard, or through or under shrubbery, or vines on the fence, in which case the batter and the runners shall be entitled to advance two bases."
5.06(b)(4)(I) Comment: "The fact a runner is awarded a base or bases without liability to be put out does not relieve him of the responsibility to touch the base he is awarded and all intervening bases."
Rule 5.06(c): "While the ball is dead no player may be put out, no bases may be run and no runs may be scored, except that runners may advance one or more bases as the result of acts which occurred while the ball was alive (such as, but not limited to a balk, an overthrow, interference, or a home run or other fair ball hit out of the playing field)."
OBR 5.09(b)(9): "Any runner is out when—He passes a preceding runner before such runner is out."
OBR 5.09(b)(9) Comment: "A runner may be deemed to have passed a preceding (i.e., lead) runner based on his actions or the actions of a preceding runner."

Video available via "Read more"

MLB Ejection 162 - Marvin Hudson (3; Jose Ramirez)

HP Umpire Marvin Hudson ejected Braves pitcher Jose Ramirez for throwing at Marlins batter Jose Fernandez in the top of the 7th inning of the Marlins-Braves game. With one out and none on, Fernandez took a first-pitch 94.6-mph fastball inside for a called first ball, resulting in a bench-clearing incident. Replays indicate the pitch was located 3.14 feet off the inner edge of home plate and head high (px -3.845, pz 5.431) and that Fernandez had hit Nick Markakis with an inside fastball during the immediately preceding half inning which itself occurred one inning after Fernandez was nearly hit by an up-and-in slider from Braves pitcher Julio Teheran, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Marlins were leading, 5-4. The Marlins ultimately won the contest, 7-5.

This is Marvin Hudson (51)'s third ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Marvin Hudson now has -1 points in UEFL Standings (-3 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable = -1).
Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 13 points in Crew Division (12 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 13).

This is the 162nd ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 74th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Ramirez's line was 1.0 IP.
This is Atlanta's 8th ejection of 2016, T-1st in the NL East (ATL, MIA 8; NYM 5; WAS 4; PHI 1).
This is Jose Ramirez's first career MLB ejection.
This is Marvin Hudson's first ejection since April 24, 2016 (Nick Ahmed; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves, 9/14/16 | Video available via "read more."

MLB Ejection 161 - Ramon De Jesus (1; Tim Wallach)

HP Umpire Ramon De Jesus ejected Marlins Bench Coach Tim Wallach for arguing a ball four call in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Marlins-Braves game. With two out and two on (R1, R3), Braves batter Tyler Flowers took a 3-2 slider from Marlins pitcher Kyle Barraclough for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the inner edge of home plate and belt high (px -.975, pz 2.898) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated while De Jesus' overall accuracy rating since the preceding pitching change was 13-for-13 (100%), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Marlins were leading, 6-5. The Marlins ultimately won the contest, 7-5.

This is Ramon De Jesus (18)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Ramon De Jesus now has 11 points in UEFL Standings (6 Previous + 3 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 11).
Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 12 points in Crew Division (11 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 12).

This is the 161st ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is Miami's 8th ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL East (MIA 8; ATL 7; NYM 5; WAS 4; PHI 1).
This is Tim Wallach's first ejection since April 24, 2005 (Phil Cuzzi; QOC = U [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Ramon De Jesus' first career MLB ejection.

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves, 9/13/16 | Video available via "read more."

MLB Ejection 160 - Alan Porter (4; Clint Hurdle)

1B Umpire Alan Porter ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle for arguing an interference no-call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Pirates-Phillies game. With none out and two on (R1, R3), Phillies batter Ryan Howard hit a 0-0 fastball from Pirates pitcher Ivan Nova on the ground to first baseman Josh Bell, who threw to shortstop Jordy Mercer for the force out and onto second baseman Adam Frazier as Howard arrived at first base. Replays indicate Howard's foot made contact with the first base bag before the thrown ball touched Frazier's glove while umpire interference as delineated by Rule 6.01(f) did not occur, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Phillies were leading, 2-1. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

This is Alan Porter (64)'s fourth ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Alan Porter now has 16 points in UEFL Standings (12 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 16).
Crew Chief Jeff Kellogg now has 9 points in Crew Division (8 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 9).
*Although Hurdle argued that Porter interfered with Frazier's ability to field the position, there is no such rule as umpire interference with an infielder, in this regard. Umpire Interference only exists (and OBR 6.01(f) states):
(1) when a plate umpire hinders, impedes or prevents a catcher’s throw attempting to prevent a stolen base or retire a runner on a pick-off play, or (2) when a fair ball touches an umpire on fair territory before passing a fielder. Umpire interference may also occur when an umpire interferes with a catcher returning the ball to the pitcher. Umpire interference does not apply to contact between a field umpire and a non-catcher.

This is the 160th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 65th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Pittsburgh's 14th ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL Central (PIT 14; CIN 6; CHC 4; MIL 3; STL 1).
This is Clint Hurdle's 6th ejection of 2016, 1st since July 20 (Sam Holbrook; QOC = Y [Foul/INT]).
This is Alan Porter's first ejection since August 6, 2016 (Jose Altuve; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 9/13/16 | Video available via "read more."

MLB Ejection 159 - Joe West (5; Joe Maddon)

HP Umpire Joe West ejected Cubs Manager Joe Maddon for arguing pace-of-play procedure/mound visit enforcement (Unsportsmanlike-NEC/Rule 5.10) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the Cubs-Cardinals game. With none out and none on, Cardinals batter Jeremy Hazelbaker hit a 0-2 changeup from Cardinals pitcher Kyle Hendricks for a home run. Replays indicate that after the home run, Cubs catcher Miguel Montero visited Hendricks on the mound and returned to home plate, after which several Cubs infielders visited Hendricks on the mound as substitute Aroldis Chapman warmed in the bullpen (Chapman eventually did replace Hendricks after Maddon's argument and ejection), and that West attempted to break up the delay, pursuant to pace-of-play directives & Rule 5.10(l), the call was irrecusable.* At the time of the ejection, the Cubs were leading, 4-1. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 4-1.

This is Joe West (22)'s fifth ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Joe West now has 10 points in UEFL Standings (8 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 10).
Crew Chief Joe West now has 8 points in Crew Division (7 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 8).
*Rule 5.10(l): "Any attempt to evade or circumvent [the maximum of one mound visit per batter] rule by the manager or coach going to the catcher or an infielder and then that player going to the mound to confer with the pitcher shall constitute a trip to the mound."

This is the 159th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 64th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Chicago's 4th ejection of 2016, 3rd in the NL Central (PIT 13; CIN 6; CHC 4; MIL 3; STL 1).
This is Joe Maddon's 3rd ejection of 2016, 1st since July 5 (Jerry Meals; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Joe West's first ejection since September 4, 2016 (Terry Francona; QOC = Y-C [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 9/12/16 | Video available via "read more."

Rob Drake On Bereavement After Wife Yvonnka Dies

Umpire Rob Drake is on bereavement after wife Yvonnka's sudden death in Arizona over the weekend. She was 38. Drake reportedly was informed Saturday night after his Brewers-Cardinals game, and promptly left for Phoenix to be with his family.

Drake has two children and lives in the Mesa, Arizona area. Memorial services will be held in Mesa, and later on in Edmonton, Canada. Yvonnka Chodkiewicz-Drake's family resides in Edmonton.

The memorial service was held at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park.

Obituary, from Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park [link]:

Yvonnka Monika (Chodkiewicz) Drake was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on February 13, 1978. As a young woman, Yvonnka loved dancing and traveling and participated in a traveling dance troupe that performed in Canada and Europe. Yvonnka married Rob Drake on October 12, 2002 and has lived in Mesa, AZ since then. She could always be found on the sidelines of Nicolas's baseball and soccer games. Yvonnka is survived by her husband, Rob, her son, Nicolas, and by step-daughter, Morgan, all of Mesa. Yvonnka's parents, Alex and Barbara Chodkiewicz, and sisters, Tereska, and Renia, all of Edmonton, Alberta also survive her. An additional service honoring Yvonnka's life will be held in Edmonton at a date yet to be determined.

In 2014, Sam Holbrook's wife Laura "Susie" Glass died at the age of 47 following a 2010 cancer diagnosis. Holbrook subsequently missed the entire 2014 season before returning to baseball during Grapefruit League Spring Training in 2015.

Mark Ripperger was moved from Detroit to fill in behind home plate for Drake on Gerry Davis' crew during Sunday's Brewers-Cardinals game, while Nic Lentz joined Ripperger's regular crew chief, Joe West, in Detroit.

On Monday, Vic Carapazza (Hirschbeck) replaced Todd Tichenor (Miller) and Sam Holbrook took over Ripperger's spot on Davis' crew in Detroit as Ripperger rejoined West's crew in St. Louis.

This story was initially reported on September 12 by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch as, "Umpire' wife dies."

MLB Ejection 158 - Jim Joyce (2; John Gibbons)

1B Umpire Jim Joyce ejected Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons for arguing a Replay Review decision that affirmed Joyce's foul ball call in the bottom of the 9th inning of the Red Sox-Blue Jays game. With one out and one on, Blue Jays batter Russell Martin hit a 1-0 fastball from Red Sox pitcher Craig Kimbrel down the right field line, initially ruled fair by Joyce before Joyce reversed the call to that of "foul ball" during an ensuing conference amongst the umpiring crew. Upon Replay Review as the result of a Crew Chief Review, Joyce's ruling was affirmed as replays do not indicate the ball struck the outfield wall in fair territory, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Red Sox were leading, 11-8. The Red Sox ultimately won the contest, 11-8.

This is Jim Joyce (66)'s second ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Jim Joyce now has -3 points in UEFL Standings (-7 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = -3).
Crew Chief Jim Joyce now has -5 points in Crew Division (-6 Previous + 1 Correct Call = -5).

This is the 158th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 63rd Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Toronto's 16th ejection of 2016, 1st in MLB/AL East (TOR 16; BOS 6; BAL 3; NYY, TB 2).
This is John Gibbons' 8th ejection of 2016, 1st since Sept 4 (Pat Hoberg; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Jim Joyce's first ejection since September 8, 2016 (AJ Hinch; QOC = N [Foul/HBP]).

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 9/11/16 | Video available via "read more."

MLB Ejection 157 - Pat Hoberg (5; Gregory Polanco)

HP Umpire Pat Hoberg ejected Pirates LF Gregory Polanco for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Reds-Pirates game. With two out and two on, Polanco took a 2-2 sinker from Reds pitcher Brandon Finnegan for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -.699, pz 1.881 [sz_bot 1.950 / MOE 1.867]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Reds were leading, 6-0.

This is Pat Hoberg (31)'s fifth ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Pat Hoberg now has 22 points in UEFL Standings (17 Previous + 3 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 22).*
Crew Chief Paul Nauert now has 0 points in Crew Division (-1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 0).
*Hoberg now leads the UEFL outright in total points (Primary & Secondary Umpire categories).

This is the 157th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 73rd player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Polanco was 0-1 (SO) in the contest.
This is Pittsburgh's 13th ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL Central (PIT 13; CIN 6; CHC, MIL 3; STL 1).
This is Gregory Polanco's first career MLB ejection.
This is Pat Hoberg's first ejection since September 4, 2016 (John Gibbons; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 9/11/16 | Video available via "read more."