Pitcher Throws Rosin Bag at KBO Ump, Ejected After Delay

Korea Baseball Organization umpire Kim Sung-chul ejected Lions pitcher and former MLB player Mike Montgomery, who threw a rosin bag at the umpire after arguing an earlier warning for delay of game, an enforcement of Official Baseball Rule 5.07(c), which is a long-time rule designed to support pace of play efforts, but whose enforcement often coincides with an argument or ejection from the team being warned.

During KT batter Jang Sung-woo's 4th inning at-bat against Montgomery, the umpire instructed Montgomery to deliver the baseball sooner after receiving it, within the 12-second time delineated in OBR 5.07(c), which states: "When the bases are unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball to the batter within 12 seconds after he receives the ball. Each time the pitcher delays the game by violating this rule, the umpire shall call 'Ball.'"

According to 5.07(c), "The intent of this rule is to avoid unnecessary delays. The umpire shall insist that the catcher return the ball promptly to the pitcher, and that the pitcher take his position on the rubber promptly. Obvious delay by the pitcher should instantly be penalized by the umpire."

This is a rule enforced more often overseas than at the North American MLB level (MiLB generally uses pitch clocks).

After receiving said instruction, Montgomery replied, "nobody cares about you here" and "stay behind the plate" before retiring the side on a subsequent line-out.

On his way off the mound, Montgomery retrieved the rosin bag and walked toward the umpire, continuing to complain about the warning for delay. Montgomery ultimately was ejected, threw the rosin bag at the umpire, and was restrained by teammates while being ushered off the field.

Video as follows:

Alternate Link: Umpire's warning for delay leads to inning break rosin throw & ejection (KBO)