MLB Ejections 055-6 - Emil Jimenez (1, 2; CHC x2)

HP Umpire Emil Jimenez ejected Cubs DH Eric Hosmer and manager David Ross (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Cubs-#Twins game. With two out and the bases loaded, Hosmer took a 2-2 splitter from Twins pitcher Cole Sands for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and below the midpoint (px -0.37, pz 3.54 [sz_top 3.61 RAD 3.73]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejections, the Twins were leading, 8-1. The Twins ultimately won the contest, 11-1.

These are Emil Jimenez (82)'s 1st and 2nd ejections of 2023.

*This pitch was located 2.28 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

These are the 55th and 56th ejection reports of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 24th player ejection of 2023.

This is the 26th manager ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 26 Managers, 24 Players, 6 Coaches.

This is Chicago's 1/2nd ejection of 2023, T-3rd in the NL Central (STL 4; MIL 3; CHC, PIT 2; CIN 1).

This is Eric Hosmer's 1st ejection since June 29, 2021 (Hunter Wendelstedt; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

This is David Ross' 1st ejection since July 23, 2022 (CB Bucknor; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Emil Jimenez's first career MLB ejection.

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs Minnesota Twins (Game 1), 5/13/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 054 - Alfonso Marquez (1; Christian Walker)

HP Umpire Alfonso Marquez ejected Diamondbacks 1B Christian Walker (check swing call to Nick Ahmed) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Giants-#DBacks game. With one out and none on, Ahmed attempted to check his swing on 1-1 and 2-1 sliders from Giants pitcher Jakob Junis, ruled balls by HP Umpire Marquez and affirmed as no swing by 1B Umpire De Jesus. Replays indicate Walker was initially upset over a check swing strike call during his at-bat in the bottom of the 5th inning that resulted in strike three, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 4-4. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 7-5.

This is Alfonso Marquez (72)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

This is the 54th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 23rd player ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 25 Managers, 23 Players, 6 Coaches.

This is Arizona's 2nd ejection of 2023, T-2nd in the NL West (COL 3; ARI, LAD, SD 2; SF 0).

This is Christian Walker's first career MLB ejection.

This is Alfonso Marquez's 1st ejection since May 15, 2022 (Derek Shelton; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: San Francisco Giants vs Arizona Diamondbacks, 5/12/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 053 - Mark Wegner (2; Troy Snitker)

HP Umpire Mark Wegner ejected Astros hitting coach Troy Snitker (strike one call to Kyle Tucker; QOCY) in the top of the 1st inning of the #Astros-#WhiteSox game. With two out and one on (R1), Astros batter Kyle Tucker took a first-pitch fastball from White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and below the midpoint (px 0.27, pz 3.61 [sz_top 3.51 / RAD 3.63 / MOE 3.71]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 5-1.

This is Mark Wegner (14)'s 2nd ejection of 2023.

*This pitch was located 1.20 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 53rd ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 6th coach ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 25 Managers, 22 Players, 6 Coaches.

This is Houston's 2nd ejection of 2023, T-1st in the AL West (HOU, OAK, SEA 2; LAA, TEX 1).

This is Troy Snitker's first career MLB ejection.

This is Mark Wegner's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since May 9 (Buck Showalter; QOC = N-c [Interference]).

Wrap: Houston Astros vs Chicago White Sox, 5/12/23 | Video as follows:

Infielder's Throw Hits Umpire on Play at 1st Base

Gwinett Stripers batter Yolmer Sanchez picked up an unusual infield single when Nashville Sounds third baseman Cam Devanney's throw to first base hit 1B Umpire Reed Basner...who was running in front of first base as the throw came in. Let's talk about the umpire interference rule as well as mechanics in a crew of three—why was he there?

Umpire interference is defined in both Official Baseball Rule 5.06(c)(2) and OBR 6.01(f) Comment. It occurs under just two specific circumstances:

"Umpire’s interference occurs (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."

Because the case of a non-catcher fielder throwing to retire a runner after a batted ball does not apply, there is no "Time" call to make or out/base to award: the ball is live and the runner, in this case, is safe.

As for the question of why the umpire was inside to begin with, the answer may well have to do with three-person mechanics wherein the 1B Umpire comes into the infield on a base hit to the outfield. Thus, with this batted ball grounded to the back corner of the infield along the left field line, the umpire may have erroneously thought the ball had made its way to the outfield and, thus, it was time to pivot in front of first base.

Unfortunately, the ball was fielded by the third baseman whose long throw to retire the runner ended up hitting the umpire instead.

Video as follows:

Catcher Hits Batter with Throw - Is this an Unsporting Act?

The McCamey Lady Badgers high school softball team is under investigation by the Texas University Interscholastic League after its catcher threw a ball into an opposing batter's head with no imminent play nearby.

With one out and a runner on second, after receiving a 0-1 pitch, the catcher stood and threw the softball directly at Cisco High School's batter in the right-handed batter's box. The runner on second wasn't attempting to steal and the fielder at third base was actually playing in—there was no one at the base and no play to be made.

This was actually the second time McCamey's catcher threw a ball at a batter's head, the first occurring earlier in the game when Cisco had a runner on third base—a potential back pickoff play. No interference was called and no ejections occurred.

The National Federation of High Schools in 2015 placed the interference rule as a point of emphasis for NFHS Softball, instructing coaches: "The NFHS Softball Rules Committee emphasizes that coaches remind their players about this definition [of interference], and what they need to do."

Could this have been coached to try and draw an interference call? It's certainly not the first time a catcher has thrown a ball into a batter in the box, nor is it the first time a catcher would have been instructed to throw at a batter(-runner), as often occurs on potential runner's lane interference plays down the first baseline.

NFHS Softball's Rule 2.35 defines malicious contact as "excessive force with an opponent"—notably not requiring the force take place between two players' bodies. Could a softball thrown at the head of an opponent at close range qualify as "excessive force"? Or does this play fit the Unsporting Acts bill, as in NFHS 3.6.13?

Or is it nothing? Whatever it is, it's now in the League's hands | Video as follows:

30-Year AL Umpire Don Denkinger Dies at 86

Former American League umpire Don Denkinger, whose 30-year career in the AL spanned from 1969 through 1998, has died.

Born on August 28, 1936 in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Denkinger began his professional umpiring career in the 1960 Alabama-Florida League. When all was said and done, Denkiner worked the Northwest, Texas, and International Leagues before his first big league game on April 8, 1969, in Kansas City.

Denkinger officiated 3,823 regular season games in the American League, with two Division Series, six League Championship Series, and 4 World Series.

Although a prominent safe call during Game 6 of the 1985 World Series brought Denkinger's name to fandom prominence, his 30 years of major league service drew routine praise from colleagues, executives, and teams alike. Denkinger concluded his major league career with 47 major league ejections, from his first of Dick Williams in May of 1969 to his last of Davey Johnson on April 16, 1996, with several of Earl Weaver and Billy Martin in between.

After retiring from the field, Denkinger served as a CBS studio analyst for umpire and rules-related matters.

Denkinger was 86.

MLB Ejection 052 - Brock Ballou (1; Bob Melvin)

HP Umpire Brock Ballou ejected Padres manager Bob Melvin (strike one call to Fernando Tatis; QOCN) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Padres-#Twins game. With none out and none on, Tatis took a 1-0 cutter from Twins pitcher Brock Stewart for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px 0.27, pz 1.54 [sz_bot 1.78 / RAD 1.66 / MOE 1.58), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Twins were leading, 5-3. The Twins ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

This is Brock Ballou (119)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

*This pitch was located 0.48 vertical inches from being deemed correct.

This is the 52nd ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 25th manager ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 25 Managers, 22 Players, 5 Coaches.

This is San Diego's 2nd ejection of 2023, T-2nd in the NL West (COL 3; LAD, SD 2; ARI 1; SF 0).

This is Bob Melvin's 1st ejection since August 13, 2022 (Paul Emmel; QOC = Y [Replay Review]).
This is Brock Ballou's first career MLB ejection.

Wrap: San Diego Padres vs Minnesota Twins, 5/11/23 | Video as follows:

MiLB Ejection - Jose Navas Runs Masyn Winn in PA

2B Umpire Jose Navas ejected Redbirds SS Masyn Winn for drawing a line in the dirt while arguing a safe call during Memphis' Triple-A game against Lehigh Valley. IronPigs batter Simon Muzziotti hit a line drive to center field and slid into second base as Winn attempted to tag him, ruled safe by Navas.

We also look at a 4th inning groundout when IronPigs batter Jim Haley didn't run out a ground ball to Redbirds third baseman Taylor Motter, ruled fair by 3B Umpire Brian Walsh. 1B Umpire Taka Matsuda and HP Umpire Ben Phillips rounded out the crew.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 051 - Mark Wegner (1; Buck Showalter)

3B Umpire Mark Wegner ejected Mets manager Buck Showalter (interference no-call by 2B Umpire Malachi Moore; QOCN) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #Mets-#Reds game. With one out and one on (R1), Reds batter Kevin Newman hit a 1-1 fastball from Mets pitcher Stephen Nogosek on the ground to shortstop Francisco Lindor, who was unable to field the baseball due to potential interference by sliding Reds baserunner R1 Wil Myers, ruled no interference (everyone safe) by 2B Umpire Moore. Replays indicate Myers appeared to willfully and deliberately swipe at the batted ball and/or fielder Lindor's glove while the ball was still a batted ball, the no-call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Reds were leading, 4-1. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 7-6.

This is Mark Wegner (47)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

*Official Baseball Rule 6.01(a)(6) states: "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, the ball is dead. The umpire shall call the runner out for interference and also call out the batter-runner because of the action of their teammate. In no event may bases be run or runs scored because of such action by a runner."

This is the 51st ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 24th manager ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 24 Managers, 22 Players, 5 Coaches.

This is New York's 2nd ejection of 2023, 3rd in the NL East (MIA 4; PHI 3; NYM 2; ATL 1; WAS 0).

This is Buck Showalter's 1st ejection since June 25, 2018 (Stu Scheurwater; QOC = Y [Balk]).

This is Mark Wegner's 1st ejection since August 20, 2019 (Brian Snitker; QOC = U [Warnings]).

Wrap: New York Mets vs Cincinnati Reds, 5/9/23 | Video as follows:

Why Did These Runners Get Two Bases? The Rulebook

Two Binghamton Rumble Ponies received an odd two-base award in the 9th inning of a Double-A Eastern League game against Somerset, with HP Umpire Jae-Young Kim signaling the runners' advancement with one out remaining in the teams' one-run ballgame. We were asked why the Binghamton runners were given two bases and, after reviewing the rulebook, we have an answer.

Official Baseball Rule 5.06(b)(4)—NCAA equivalent rule 8-3 and NHFS 8.3.3—decrees that under certain circumstances, "Each runner including the batter-runner may, without liability to be put out, advance" a certain number of bases. There are nine provisions within OBR 5.06(b)(4), which we have listed by quantity of base award:

(A) To home base (4 Bases): HR Hit Over Wall

(B) Three bases: Fielder touches fair ball with detach equipment or uniform, such as a removed hat.

(C) Three bases: Thrown glove touches fair ball—it must actually touch the ball to be a penalty.

(D) Two bases: Fielder touches a thrown ball with detached equipment or uniform.

(E) Two bases: Thrown glove touches thrown ball—it must actually touch the ball.

(F) Two bases: Fair ball bounces out of play, sticks in a fence, goes through the wall, etc.

(G) Two bases: Thrown ball goes out of play.

(H) One base: Pitched ball goes out play. Also includes a pitcher's pickoff attempt from the rubber.

(I) One base: Pitched ball lodges in the catcher or umpire's equipment.

There are other award rules—such as one base for the batter (but not unforced runners) on a batted ball lodging in a fielder's uniform—but these are the relevant ones for this play.

Step by step, we review the video and rule to eliminate award cases A-F, H, and I, leaving just G: a two-base award for a ball thrown out of play (bases awarded from positions at time of throw).

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 050 - Mark Ripperger (1; Jean Segura)

HP Umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Marlins 3B (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Marlins-#Diamondbacks game. With two out and two on (R1, R2), Segura took a 1-2 fastball from Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.82, pz 1.42 [sz_bot 1.51 / RAD 1.39]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1 .The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is Mark Ripperger (90)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.

This pitch was located 1.12 horizontal and 1.32 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 50th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 22nd player ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 23 Managers, 22 Players, 5 Coaches.

This is Miami's 4th ejection of 2023, 1st in the NL East (MIA 4; PHI 3; ATL, NYM 1; WAS 0).

This is Jean Segura's first career MLB ejection.

This is Mark Ripperger's 1st ejection since August 24, 2022 (JP Crawford; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs Arizona Diamondbacks, 5/8/23 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 049 - Manny Gonzalez (1; Andrew Benintendi)

HP Umpire Manny Gonzalez ejected White Sox LF Andrew Benintendi (strike three call to teammate; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Royals-#WhiteSox game. With none out and none on, White Sox batter Elvis Andrus took a 1-2 slider from Royals pitcher Amir Garrett for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and above the hollow of the knee (px 0.62, pz 1.90 [sz_bot 1.44 / RAD 1.32]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 12-4. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 12-5.

This is Manny Gonzalez (79)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

*This pitch was located 3.5 horizontal and 7.9 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 49th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 21st player ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 23 Managers, 21 Players, 5 Coaches.

This is Chicago's the ejection of 2023, 1st in the AL Central (CWS 4; MIN 3; KC 2; CLE, DET 0).

This is Andrew Benintendi's 1st ejection since June 11, 2019 (Vic Carapazza; QOC = Y-c [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Manny Gonzalez's 2nd ejection of 2023, 1st since April 14 (Brian Snitker; QOC = Y [Replay]).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs Kansas City Royals, 5/9/23 | Video as follows: