Blue in Yarmouth

April 9th, 2013 at 12:24 PM ^

I would have to say that was the worst stike call in any game I have watched. I'm not even kidding here, I have watched a ton of baseball, and that is the worst I've seen. Baseball has had it's fair share of bad calls over the past couple of years (as I'm sure all you tiger fans can attest after one of your own losing a perfect game because of one), but that was jsut horrible. I mean, that isn't even a split second decision like an out/safe call on a base running play. The ump looked like he just had it in his mind that he wanted to go home and was going to call a strike no matter where the pitch was...

APBlue

April 9th, 2013 at 12:30 PM ^

"The ump looked like he just had it in his mind that he wanted to go home and was going to call a strike no matter where the pitch was..."

My thoughts exactly.  The ump even seemed to have this "excuse me, but I have to go" kind of posture / look on his face.  He seemed to want to do anything but sit there and argue. 

The catcher looked surprised.  You could see Joe Nathan say "WOW".  

I also love how each play-by-play guy is "Ball 4.  He walked him.  NO!  CALLED HIM OUT ON STRIKES!!!

Feel bad for those Rays fans out there.  

tpilews

April 9th, 2013 at 1:00 PM ^

That's because everyone that lives down here is from somewhere else. Every game I've been to has had an absurd amount of opposing fans in attendance. Location of the stadium really kills good attendance as well. I'd love to actually see them play in Tampa. I'd probably go to more games. I've only been to three games in the six years I've been down here. Hell, I've been to more Tiger's games in Detroit than Ray's games while I've lived in Florida. 

Gobgoblue

April 9th, 2013 at 2:09 PM ^

a few years ago with a self-proclaimed "die-hard Rays fan" and we were gabbing about Rays this, Tigers that, and so forth.

Near the end of the baseball conversation I asked, "So you thinking about catching a few games this year?"

He laughed and said, "Anyway, I think I see a school of mackeral up there."

Serth

April 9th, 2013 at 4:07 PM ^

AHHA Not to mention his initial reaction of him pitching it outside.  The hand goes to the back of his head in disbelief...and then what wait?...oh its a strike.  Cut to: 'Wow'.

J.Madrox

April 9th, 2013 at 12:43 PM ^

The worst part of the whole incident is that I doubt there will be any form of discipline for this umpire. I understand they have a hard job and most do a great job of getting the close plays right more times then not, but this call was inexcusable.

He made up his mind before the pitch was thrown and seemed to want to punish Zobrist for starting to go to first. There needs to be some way to hold guys responsible for blatantly missed calls that impact games like this.

Ok, sorry about that rant, maybe I'm still a tad bitter over the block call last night and Jim Joyce's call from a few years ago.

MGoBender

April 9th, 2013 at 2:33 PM ^

Why do people always think there are no reprecussions of poor officiating.

There are.  Officials don't get "fired," they simply do not get games anymore.  Or less games.  Or games of less importance.  This all happens all the time, it's just not announced to the world. 

TheGhostofYost

April 9th, 2013 at 2:40 PM ^

My idea was to increase the number of officials on the basketball court to 15 and electronically connect their whistles such that a sound is only made when a 2/3rds majority blows.  

LSAClassOf2000

April 9th, 2013 at 12:52 PM ^

Madden said of the call: “Without getting to unload my brain, which I’d really like to do right now. That cannot happen in a Major League baseball game. That call cannot occur.” - from TheBigLead.com

I would have to agree with that - it definitely shouldn't occur, it was that bad -  although part of wondered how Billy Martin or Earl Weaver would have handled that sort of situation. I have to believe their unloading of their brain would have been rather entertaining here.

The fact that  the Rangers were in shock at the call says quite a bit about how terrible it was.

 

GRBluefan

April 9th, 2013 at 1:15 PM ^

Eric Gregg would like to have a word with you...

 

Can't imbed, but if someone can find the Florida / Atlanta NLCS ending third strike from Livan Hernandez it would be appreciated. 

Mannix

April 9th, 2013 at 1:18 PM ^

To add to our 24/7 sport cycle would be post game accessibility to officials/ umpires. I think it would be good to hear what they saw and why they called what they did. I also think if they knew they had to answer questions in a pressed for 5-10 minutes a night/game, there may be some judiciousness and better discretion used.

I have nothing with which to back that up, but there are coaches who do think about doing/ not doing something based on how it will look if it doesn't pan out, such as 4th and 1 from his own 49.

hail2mich

April 9th, 2013 at 1:20 PM ^

Wow, that terrible. Umps or refs being influenced by a crowd, momentum, or the timing of a particular play is getting ridiculous.  

This reminded me of a Tigers game in Atlanta a few years ago when Johnny Damon was with Detroit. Tigers are making a comeback in the ninth, only down by one run with the bases loaded and Damon has a full count. This was called strike three to end the game:

 

MGoblu8

April 9th, 2013 at 1:38 PM ^

Braves vs Marlins in the NLCS (Game 5 I think) from 1997. Worst ever. Not just one call, but a bunch of them. we are talking a foot off the plate. It will never be equaled. Ever.

*Edit: GRBluefan - Credit to you. Eric Gregg was the one. Worst ever.

CLord

April 9th, 2013 at 2:01 PM ^

Another reason why baseball blows, right next to the fact that it takes 10 baseball games equate to one NFL game in terms of season relevance.  The ridiculous macho nature of baseball umpires, where if they make a blatant knee-jerk error they are somehow forbidden from changing their call, is absurd.  When was the last time you ever saw an ump change his call that didn’t involve a foul  line or foul post?  Never.  Baseball is almost unwatchable, even with the Tigers being as good as they are now.  Hey MBL – “technology” – it makes the world a better place, and it’s been around for a while.