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Saturday, October 5, 2024

Did Brewers Fan Interfere with Alonso by Pushing Net?

Did a Brewers fan commit interference by pushing the protective netting as Mets first baseman Pete Alonso attempted to catch William Contreras' fly ball along the fence-line?

With two out and two in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Mets-Brewers Wild Card deciding Game 3, the spectator displaced the protective netting MLB mandated be installed along the infield at all stadiums for fan safety by pushing it toward the playing field, on and over the warning track.

Alonso, tracking the foul fly, failed to catch it as it landed near the fan in question, on the warning track, as 1B Umpire Alan Porter signaled "safe": no catch and no interference.

Does this constitute interference?

The definition of spectator interference states, "Spectator interference occurs when a spectator (or an object thrown by the spectator) hinders a player’s attempt to make a play on a live ball, by going onto the playing field, or reaching out of the stands and over the playing field."

Even though the rule does not specifically address the case of a fan pushing a loose infield net over the field but not themself reaching out of the stands, yes, this play is eligible for spectator interference, which is also a reviewable play (it wasn't challenged). Furthermore, pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 6.01(e), the batter may be called out for the actions of the interfering fan.

With that in mind, what's your call? Video as follows:

Sunday, September 29, 2024

MLB Ejection 186 - Marvin Hudson (2; AJ Hinch)

HP Umpire Marvin Hudson ejected Tigers manager AJ Hinch (Replay Review decision that upheld 2B Umpire Nick Mahrley's catch [out] call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the #WhiteSox-#Tigers game. With none out and none on, Tigers batter Zach McKinstry hit a 2-2 fastball from White Sox pitcher Enyel De Los Santos on a fly ball to right fielder Dominic Fletcher, who attempted to catch the baseball near the outfield wall, ruled a catch (out) by 2B Umpire Mahrley. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Tigers manager Hinch, the out call stood. Replays indicate the fly ball appeared to touch the outfield wall before being caught by Fletcher, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the White Sox were leading, 9-5. The White Sox ultimately won the contest, 9-5.

This is Marvin Hudson (51)'s 2nd ejection of 2024.

This is the 186th ejection report of the 2024 MLB regular season.
This is the 93rd manager ejection of 2024. Ejection Tally: 93 Managers, 32 Coaches, 61 Players.
This is Detroit's 2nd ejection of 2024, T-4th in the AL Central (CWS 10; CLE, KC 3; DET, MIN 2).
This is AJ Hinch's 1st ejection since August 25, 2023 (Laz Diaz; QOC = U [Pitch Clock]).
This is Marvin Hudson's 2nd ejection of 2024, 1st since Aug 21 (Ryan O'Hearn; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).