Hirschbeck Bobblehead Latest Minor League Ump Promo

Operating in smaller markets with shoestring budgets, MiLB teams have to be creative to survive. Enter the Class-A Short Mahoning Valley Scrappers, who held a John Hirschbeck Bobblehead Giveaway over the weekend, honoring an umpire from Poland, Ohio (Cleveland is Mahoning Valley's MLB parent team) who retired from the majors following the 2016 season.

John Hirschbeck bobblehead in Single-A.

The John Hirschbeck bobblehead, given to the first 1,000 fans that attended Saturday's Scrappers game at Eastwood Field, is hardly the first minor league promotion to honor umpires—last season, the Charleston RiverDogs held "Umpire Appreciation Night" during which the Class-A squad from South Carolina gave away 1,000 "bobble-wrists" of an umpire cleaning home plate—but it highlights a key aspect of baseball business, especially at lower levels.

Because minor and independent league teams operate with smaller fanbases and with smaller budgets (hence, only 1,000 items are given away), these clubs must reach out beyond the traditional baseball market to draw in customers.

What this means is while big league clubs can more-or-less afford to coast on the backs of big-market casual fans, big-name sponsors, and popular culture trends de jour, minor and independent league teams have to (1) seek out dedicated baseball folks and/or (2) create their own markets.

Thus, the idea of Umpire Appreciation Night—and the umpire honors go back decades, from Arlington's night honoring NL umpire Frank Walsh (1961-63) for his service, to Bill Haller's Joilet Jackhammers bobblehead, to Bob Motley's bobblehead at the Negro Leagues Museum, to Bruce Froemming's 2013 bobblehead from the Northwoods League's Lakeshore Chinooks, to this Orioles bird umpire bobblehead that must be modeled after Mike Estabrook (due to the plastic helmet atop the bird's head)—takes advantage of a very simple fact: umpires are dedicated to baseball and genuinely enjoy the game.
Related Post: MLB History: A Familiar Conflict of Interest (7/14/12).

Bruce Froemming at his bobblehead night.

Though many fans—especially at the popular-to-the-point-of-ignorance MLB level—might say otherwise, the underlying reason why Ump Night exists in the minors is because umpires comprise a key faction of baseball fans that support small-town ball at a level significant enough to merit acknowledgement and thanks.

Yet by the time the game grows to the level of a 40-to 50,000 seat stadium and high-priced regional sports network television deals, the proportion of these hardcore baseball fans—umpires and non-umpires alike—drops dramatically, replaced by the more casual fan that cares not for the intricacies of the game, but simply, whether one's preferred team has won or lost, or even, whether a gambling bet has proven lucrative or costly.

When small town sport is replaced by big market business, appreciation often is lost in translation. It's just a game, after all.
Related Post: Gambling Ban Reversal Has Joe West Scared "to Death" (5/17/18).

2016 Honorable Umpires - Rob Drake & John Hirschbeck

Rob Drake & John Hirschbeck are 2016's Honorable Umpires of the Year [2015: Hirschbeck & Dale Scott].
Voting Results (Top 5): Drake (17%), Hirschbeck (15%), S Holbrook (8%), T Barrett (7%), J Kellogg (2%).

Rob Drake and John Hirschbeck are the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League's 2016 Honorable Umpires of the Year, which is Hirschbeck's third consecutive time receiving this award, and Drake's first.

Like Hirschbeck and runner-up Sam Holbrook who lost his wife Susie in 2014, Drake endured a significant loss when wife Yvonnka passed away in September, upon which Drake left his crew and returned to Arizona to be with his family; he finished the 2016 season on bereavement. Drake, who compiled one ejection earlier in the 2016 season, drew praise for his situation handling and his ability to calmly walk away from an ejection scenario that had run its course.

Hirschbeck, who announced his retirement in October, was credited with returning to "vintage form" in 2016; his one ejection in 2016 drew stark contrast to seven in 2015, which some attributed to a calmer demeanor and better situation handling that might have contributed to postgame comments made in July in which Hirschbeck admitted his crew erroneously reversed a balk call in Miami.

John Hirschbeck now has 5 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (3 Prev + 2 Award = 5).
Rob Drake now has 3 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (1 Previous + 2 Award = 3).
The next postseason award, Noteworthy Umpire of the Year, will be released later tonight.

John Hirschbeck Retires After 34 Year MLB Career

Veteran umpire John Hirschbeck will retire, capping off his 34-year MLB career with a postseason run in 2016, his 14th such journey into October and first Division Series since officiating the 2013 Division and World Series. Hirschbeck's retirement will officially take effect after he works the 2016 Fall Classic.

John Hirschbeck is retiring.

Hirschbeck made his debut in 1983 with the American League seven years after graduating second in his class (Gerry Davis was first) from the Al Somers Umpire School, now operated by Hunter Wendelstedt. Hirschbeck's first year as a professional umpire in Class A's Florida State League featured 28 ejections.

Hirschbeck hails from Bridgeport, Connecticut and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Central Connecticut State University (1976). When the umpires of the unified Major Leagues sought to form a new union in 2000, following 1999's failed bargaining strategy, Hirschbeck was elected the World Umpires Association's first President, an office he held until 2008, when Joe West took over as union chief.

Hirschbeck received the UEFL's Crew Chief of the Year Award in 2013, and was an Honorable Umpire of the Year in 2014 and 2015. It was in 2014 that Hirschbeck lost his second son to ALD, having lost his first in 1993. Hirschbeck himself survived two occurrences of testicular cancer (2008, 12) and missed most of the 2014 season while on bereavement leave.

Upon his return to baseball ahead of 2015, Hirschbeck announced he planned to dedicate the 2015 and 2016 seasons to his late son Michael. Hirschbeck confirmed his 2016 retirement to Vindy.com, a local news source for Hirschbeck's residence in Poland, Ohio.

Hirschbeck's career concludes with 97 Major League ejections, including that of Miguel Sano for arguing a strike three call on April 10, 2016, down from seven ejections in 2015, which includes his postseason ejection of Troy Tulowitzki for arguing a strike three call.

He is the third umpire to announce his retirement in 2016, following Bob Davidson and Tim Welke, who began the 2016 baseball season on the Disabled List.

Humility - Hirschbeck Admits Overturning Balk in Error

After chief John Hirschbeck's crew reversed umpire DJ Reyburn's balk call in Miami on Thursday night, the veteran crew chief himself purportedly admitted to a pool reporter that the reversed call was incorrect, according to MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch.

Fernandez starts, then stops, his motion.

With two outs and runners at second and third in the top of the 2nd inning of a scoreless Cardinals-Marlins game, Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez prepared to dish out an intentional walk before stepping off the rubber in an illegal fashion, according to 3B Umpire Reyburn, who called the balk, which was mirrored by HP Umpire Vic Carapazza and 2B Umpire Bill Welke.

Reyburn ruled Fernandez had violated Rule 6.02(a)(1), which states it is a balk when, "The pitcher, while touching his plate, makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch and fails to make such delivery."

Upon consultation amongst the crew, the balk call was incorrectly reversed and crew chief Hirschbeck walked to the visiting dugout to explain the crew's no-balk ruling to Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny.

Mattingly waits in the distance for a decision.

According to Matheny, two umpires on the crew saw Fernandez move his front/left/free foot prior to disengaging the rubber with his back/right/pivot foot, which would signify a balk for having started his natural pitching motion and failed to complete such delivery. Matheny, in postgame comments, said a third umpire saw Fernandez properly disengage the pitcher's plate with his back foot first, which, had this occurred, would have made the play legal. When pressed on the matter, Matheny declined to further implicate Hirschbeck as the overturning umpire.

Red Herring: Marlins 2B Dee Gordon attempting to call "Time" in the background is irrelevant as replays indicate none of the four umpires on the field acknowledged nor granted Gordon's request.

Hirscheck, according to Langosch, took responsibility for the error after the game and stated the balk should have stood, and St. Louis should have scored as a result. No matter, the Redbirds won the contest, 5-4.

Video available via "Read more"

Rules Review - About Cleveland's Quick Pitch in Seattle

Carlos Carrasco's illegal quick pitch in Seattle, umpire John Hirschbeck's crew presiding, prompted a brief delay during Wednesday's Indians-Mariners game as the crew convened and ultimately returned batter Kyle Seager to the plate (Seager had swung at the 1-2 quick pitch and grounded to the first baseman). The following analysis paints a picture of what HP Umpire Mike Muchlinski, 1B Umpire and Crew Chief John Hirschbeck, 2B Umpire DJ Reyburn, and 3B Umpire Bill Welke considered, discussed, and called.

Diagram of F1's disengagement quick pitch.

By standing on the mound with his pivot foot (right foot) in contact with the pitcher's plate and his free foot (left foot) in front of it, holding the ball in both hands, Carrasco used Set Position, one of two legal pitching positions.

Although Rule 5.07(a) states that, when using Set Position, pitchers shall complete to a complete stop before committing to home plate, the one exception is that with no runners on base, as was the case during Seager's at-bat, the complete stop is not required.

However, Rule 5.07(a)(2) Comment portrays a key consideration for the stop exclusion: "If, however, in the umpire’s judgment, a pitcher delivers the ball in a deliberate effort to catch the batter off guard, this delivery shall be deemed a quick pitch, for which the penalty is a ball."

Replays indicate Carrasco not only attempted a quick pitch, he also illegally disengaged the rubber, his pivot foot (right foot) landing behind the pitcher's plate while his free foot (left foot) appeared to stay put in its position in front of the plate.

Thus, after the umpires convened, Seager was returned to home plate, with a second ball added to the count. Carrasco could have been called for either a quick pitch OR an illegal pitch for illegal disengagement from the rubber. Note that a quick pitch is a subset of the greater category that is "illegal pitch" (Rule 6.02(a)(5): "A quick pitch is an illegal pitch").

NOTE: Rule 6.02(b) states, "If the pitcher makes an illegal pitch with the bases unoccupied, it shall be called a ball unless the batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter or otherwise." Thus, had Seager reached first base, the achievement would stand. This could explain why play wasn't immediately killed.

Injury - Hirschbeck Exits After Foul Ball to Throat

John Hirschbeck left Friday's Rockies-Cubs game after a foul-to-throat incident in the top of the 8th inning, when Rockies batter Tony Wolters' foul ball of a 93 mph fastball bounced off the Chicago dirt and directly up to Hirschbeck's neck, appearing to carom upward and underneath the traditional facemask's throat guard extension.

After a brief delay and evaluation by training staff, crewmate Clint Fagan retreated to the umpire's room and changed into his plate gear, replacing Hirschbeck shortly thereafter as the crew reverted to three-person mechanics.

Marvin Hudson, who officiated Friday in Pittsburgh, joined the Chicago-NL crew on Saturday, replacing the injured Hirschbeck, as Tony Basner was called up to Pittsburgh to replace Hudson.

Hirschbeck previously left a 2013 game after being hit in the wrist by an errant pitch in Philadelphia.

MLB Ejection 004 - John Hirschbeck (1; Miguel Sano)

HP Umpire John Hirschbeck ejected Twins RF Miguel Sano for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 7th inning of the Twins-Royals game. With two out and none on, Sano took a 1-2 fastball from Royals pitcher Luke Hochevar for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh high (px 1.187*, pz 2.055), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Twins were leading, 3-1. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 4-3, in 10 innings.

This is John Hirschbeck (17)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
John Hirschbeck now has -2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect = -2).
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck now has 0 points in Crew Division (0 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 0).
*Px would have to had been less than |.916| in order for the pitch to have been a strike.

This is the fourth ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 2nd player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Sano was 1-4 in the contest (3 SO).
This is the Twins' 1st ejection of 2016, T-1st in the AL Central (DET, MIN 1; CLE, CWS, KC 0).
This is Miguel Sano's first career MLB ejection.
This is John Hirschbeck's first ejection since October 19, 2015 (Troy Tulowitzki; QOC = Y [B/S]).

Wrap: Minnesota Twins vs. Kansas City Royals (American League Baseball), 4/10/16
Video: Sano argues a strike three call, points to the plate, and is run out of the game ("Read more")

2015 Honorable Umpires - John Hirschbeck & Dale Scott

John Hirschbeck and Dale Scott are 2015's Honorable Umpires of the Year [2014: Hirschbeck & Ted Barrett]
Voting Results (Top 5): Hirschbeck (15%), Scott (14%), Ted Barrett (13%), Sam Holbrook (9%), Will Little (8%).

John Hirschbeck and Dale Scott are the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League's 2015 honorable umpires of the year, which marks Hirschbeck's second consecutive season receiving this award. UEFL'ers noted that Hirschbeck dedicated the 2015 season to the memory of his son as driving his receipt of this award: "It's tough to top a father honoring his late son and Hirschbeck's motives for the 2015 MLB season are the definition of honorable." Said another regarding Hirschbeck's return to baseball: "Like or not for how he handles things on the field, for him to come back after a year removed from losing another child should give hope to all of us battling things off the field in our lives."

Support for Dale Scott as Honorable Umpire of the Year referred to "another solid season in what could have been a shit show of both positive and negative publicity coming off his disclosure," which refers to the December 2014 Outsports feature, "MLB umpire Dale Scott comes out as gay in quietest way possible," which itself referred to an October 2014 Referee Magazine feature. Both Scott and Hirschbeck worked postseason baseball, Scott the Division Series and Hirschbeck the League Championship Series.

Other than Hirschbeck, umpires who recently experienced immediate loss include Holbrook (9%) and Little (8%).

John Hirschbeck now has 17 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (15 Previous + 2 Award = 17).
Dale Scott now has 8 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (6 Previous + 2 Award = 8).
The next postseason award, Noteworthy Umpire(s) of the Year will be released later tonight.

2015 UEFL Award for Worst Umpire - John Hirschbeck

The Umpire Ejection Fantasy League announces its postseason awards schedule, beginning with the Worst Umpire of the Year, below, and continuing with Most Improved Umpire, Fill-In, Crew Chief, Honorable, Noteworthy, Ejection(s) of the Year and concluding with Umpire of the Year. 221 total ballots were cast during this year's nominations process, which is a 41% increase over 2014.

Pursuant to UEFL Rule 4-4, the postseason Awards distribution now begins with Worst Umpire of the Year.

2015 UEFL Awards: Worst Umpire of the Year: John Hirschbeck (17) [2014 Winner: Tim Welke]
Voting Results (Top 3): John Hirschbeck (12%), Andy Fletcher (11%), Tim Welke (10%).

John Hirschbeck is the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League's 2015 Worst Umpire of the Year. In his 33rd Major League Baseball umpiring season, Hirschbeck finished with seven ejections, which includes one postseason ejection; Hirschbeck ejected zero times with a reduced schedule in 2014 and twice in 2013. UEFL'ers described Hirschbeck as confrontational: "Although he has gone through a lot of bad things in his personal life, he constantly takes it out on the field and acts unprofessional and bitter towards players and managers." Commenters were particularly critical of Hirschbeck's actions in ejecting Troy Tulowitzki during the postseason (Ejection P-4), Joe Girardi (Ejection 206), Pablo Sandoval (Ejection 183), and the tandem of Bruce Bochy and Angel Pagan (Ejections 089, 090): "He looks uninterested, combative and worst of all, unprofessional. Been seeing cracks in the armor for a while, most of which got a pass for the respect he’s earned over 31 years….it’s time [for retirement]."

John Hirschbeck now has 15 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (18 Previous - 3 Award = 15).
The next postseason award, Most Improved Umpire of the Year, will be released later tonight.

MLB Ejection P-4: John Hirschbeck (7; Troy Tulowitzki)

HP Umpire John Hirschbeck ejected Blue Jays SS Troy Tulowitzki for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Royals-Blue Jays game. With none out and none on, Tulowitzki took a 2-2 fastball from Royals pitcher Kris Medlen for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and thigh high (px .833, pz 2.121), as were the ensuing called strikes to batter Russell Martin, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Blue Jays were leading, 10-4. The Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 11-8.

This is John Hirschbeck (17)'s seventh ejection of 2015.
John Hirschbeck now has 13 points in the UEFL Standings (8 Previous + 3 MLB-PS + 2 Correct = 13).
John Hirschbeck now has 17 points in Crew Division (16 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 17).

This is the fourth ejection of the 2015 MLB Postseason and 214th overall ejection of 2015.
This is the 100th player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Tulowitzki was 2-4 in the contest (2 SO).
This is the Blue Jays' 14th ejection of 2015, 1st in the AL East (TOR 14; BOS 10; NYY 9; BAL, TB 5).
This is Troy Tulowitzki's first ejection since June 6, 2014 (Dan Iassogna; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is John Hirschbeck's first ejection since September 20, 2015 (Joe Girardi; QOC = U [DiMuro]).

Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs. Toronto Blue Jays (AL Championship Series Game 3), 10/19/15
Video: Tulo gets tossed after arguing a strike three call to end the Blue Jays' 7th (FS1)

History Made in Boston with Four Replays at Four Bases

The first instant replay cycle in MLB history occurred Monday night at Fenway Park as four plays—one at each base, by each of the four umpires—were reviewed during the same game. The first replay review cycle in MLB history produced two confirmed and two overturned calls. The Rays and Red Sox had one confirmed and one overturned call apiece.

HP: In the top of the 1st inning, Boston Manager Torey Lovullo challenged HP Umpire John Tumpane's safe call as Rays baserunner Mikie Mahtook slid into home plate. Upon review, the call was confirmed. VIDEO

1B: In the top of the 1st inning, Tampa Bay Manager Kevin Cash challenged 1B Umpire James Hoye's out call on the backend of an attempted Red Sox double play. Upon review, the call was overturned. VIDEO

2B: In the top of the 7th inning, umpires initiated a Crew Chief review of 2B Umpire Bill Welke's safe call on Rays baserunner R1 Brandon Guyer's attempted steal of second base. Upon review, the call was overturned. VIDEO

3B: In the bottom of the 8th inning, Tampa Bay challenged 3B Umpire John Hirschbeck's safe call on Red Sox baserunner R2 Deven Marrero's steal of third base. Upon review, the call was confirmed. VIDEO

MLB Ejection 206: John Hirschbeck (6; Joe Girardi)

3B Umpire John Hirschbeck ejected Yankees Manager Joe Girardi for a repeat visit argument (DiMuro Rule) in the top of the 3rd inning of the Yankees-Mets game. In the 2nd, with one out and none on, Yankees batter Greg Bird attempted to check his swing on a 1-2 slider from Mets pitcher Matt Harvey. Replays indicate Girardi left the Yankees dugout to argue with Hirschbeck, but was not ejected at that time; Hirschbeck later ejected Girardi during a subsequent inning break, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Mets were leading, 1-0. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 11-2.

This is John Hirschbeck (17)'s sixth ejection of 2015.
John Hirschbeck now has 9 points in the UEFL Standings (7 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable = 9).
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck now has 18 points in Crew Division (17 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 18).

This is the 206th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 99th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Yankees' 6th ejection of 2015, 3rd in the AL East (TOR 11; BOS 9; NYY 6; BAL, TB 5).
This is Joe Girardi's 4th ejection of 2015, 1st since August 20 (Dan Iassogna; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is John Hirschbeck's first ejection since August 28, 2015 (Pablo Sandoval; QOC = Y [Fair/Foul]).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs. New York Mets, 9/20/15
Video: Girardi's first discussion with Hirschbeck ends harmlessly, but second attempt prompts ejection (ESPN)

MLB Ejection 183: John Hirschbeck (5; Pablo Sandoval)

HP Umpire John Hirschbeck ejected Red Sox 3B Pablo Sandoval for arguing a fair ball call in the top of the 8th inning of the Red Sox-Mets game. With one out and none on, Sandoval hit a 1-2 splitter from Mets pitcher Tyler Clippard on the ground near home plate, fielded by catcher Travis d'Arnaud. Replays indicate d'Arnaud first touched the baseball while it was in fair territory, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 3-3. The Red Sox ultimately won the contest, 6-4, in 10 innings.

This is John Hirschbeck (17)'s fifth ejection of 2015.
John Hirschbeck now has 7 points in the UEFL Standings (3 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 7).
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck now has 17 points in Crew Division (16 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 17).

This is the 183rd ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 82nd player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Sandoval was 0-3 in the contest.
This is the Red Sox' 9th ejection of 2015, 2nd in the AL East (TOR 10; BOS 9; NYY 5; BAL, TB 4).
This is Pablo Sandoval's first career MLB ejection.
This is John Hirschbeck's first ejection since June 16, 2015 (Bruce Bochy; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs. New York Mets, 8/28/15
Video: Sandoval is tagged out on jammed ball at the plate, gets tossed after his parting comments (BOS)

Case Play 2015-05, Interference and the Base [Solved]

With runners colliding with fielders & questions of interference while on base, Case Play time is upon us once again. For this Case Play, we head to Toronto, with a comparative pit stop in Cleveland.

A tale of two cities
Left: In Cleveland, U1 May rules B1 out for interference.
Right: In Toronto, U2 Hirschbeck rules R2 safe, no violation.

In Cleveland, batter Jose Ramirez hit a fly ball and, having become a probable runner, ran towards first base. The high fly descended near first base and as Ramirez stepped on first base, he made contact with Orioles first baseman Chris Davis, who was attempting to field the pop-up and, after running into Ramirez, was unable to do so. 1B Umpire Ben May subsequently ruled Ramirez out for interference. (Video: Ramirez runs into Davis, and after some jockeying for position, the ball falls to the ground untouched and May calls Davis out)

Up in Canada, the Blue Jays were attempting to complete a come back against the Houston Astros in the bottom of the 9th inning. With Jose Reyes serving as baserunner R2 on second base, Jays batter Jose Bautista hit a fly ball as Reyes retreated to second. With Reyes standing on second base, Astros shortstop Jonathan Villar and Reyes made contact, Villar unable to field the pop-up which fell to the ground untouched. 2B Umpire John Hirshbeck subsequently called Reyes safe, ruling no interference had taken place. (Video: 9th inning pop fly wreaks havoc for Astros as Villar runs into Reyes, allowing the ball to hit the turf for a single)

Case Play Question 2015-05: Compare and contrast these two plays of infielders contacting runners. What happened here?
A) May (CLE) and Hirschbeck (TOR) were both correct;
B) May (CLE) was correct, but Hirschbeck (TOR) was incorrect.
C) May (CLE) was incorrect, but Hirschbeck (TOR) was correct;
D) May (CLE) and Hirschbeck (TOR) were both incorrect.

What rule(s) or interpretation(s) support your determination?

Case Play Answer 2015-05: A) May (CLE) and Hirschbeck (TOR) were both correct. The reason both umpires are correct—May's play was interference and Hirschbeck's was not—has to do with the offensive players' actions in touching first and second base, respectively.

In Cleveland, U1 May ruled B1 out for interference because, in May's judgment, B1 (BR) had not yet achieved first base when the hindrance occurred; B1 was not in legal occupation of the base and may have even intentionally interfered.

In Toronto, U2 Hirschbeck ruled R2 Reyes safe because, in Hirschbeck's judgment, R2 was standing on second base and making no movement to indicate any intent to interfere with F6.

Rule 7.09(j) (2015 OBR Rule 6.01(a)(10)) specifies that the batter or runner is out for interference if "he fails to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field a batted ball." Rule 7.08(b) Comment (2015 OBR 6.01(a) Penalty for Interference Comment) further specifies that "If, however, the runner has contact with a legally occupied base when he hinders the fielder, he shall not be called out unless, in the umpire’s judgment, such hindrance, whether it occurs on fair or foul territory, is intentional."

This is why BAL-CLE B1 was declared out (violation of 7.09(j)/6.01(a)(10), did not meet criteria of 7.08(b)/6.01(a)) while HOU-TOR R2 was declared safe (met the key criterion under 7.08(b)/6.01(a) Comment).

MLB Ejections 089-090: Hirschbeck (3-4; Pagan, Bochy)

HP Umpire John Hirschbeck ejected Giants CF Angel Pagan and Manager Bruce Bochy for arguing a strike two call in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Mariners-Giants game. With one out and none on, Pagan took a 1-1 fastball from Mariners pitcher Tom Wilhelmsen for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -.938, pz 1.491 [sz_bot 1.530 / MOE 1.447]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection the Giants were leading, 3-2. The Giants ultimately won the contest, 6-2.

These are John Hirschbeck (17)'s third and fourth ejections of 2015.
John Hirschbeck now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (10 Prev + 2*[2 MLB - 4 Incorrect] = 6).
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck now has 12 points in Crew Division (12 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 12).

These are the 89th and 90th ejections of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 42nd player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Pagan was 1-4 in the contest (SO).
This is the 41st Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Giants' 2/3rd ejection of 2015, T-3rd in the NL West (SD 9; LAD 6; COL, SF 3; ARI 1).
This is Angel Pagan's first ejection since April 21, 2014 (John Tumpane; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Bruce Bochy's 2nd ejection of 2015, first since April 24 (John Tumpane; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is John Hirschbeck's first ejection since May 9, 2015 (Todd Steverson; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs. San Francisco Giants, 5/16/15
Video: After taking umbrage to a strike two call on the outside, Pagan finds himself run (SF)

MLB Ejection 040: John Hirschbeck (2; Todd Steverson)

HP Umpire John Hirschbeck ejected White Sox Hitting Coach Todd Steverson for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 2nd inning of the Reds-White Sox game. With two out and one on, White Sox batter Micah Johnson took a 1-2 fastball from Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and at the midpoint (px 0.883, pz 3.269 [sz_top 3.220 / MOE 3.303]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 10-4.

This is John Hirschbeck (17)'s second ejection of 2015.
John Hirschbeck now has 9 points in the UEFL Standings (5 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 9).
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck now has 8 points in Crew Division (7 Prev + 1 Correct Call = 8).
*This call is subject to both the Miller and Kulpa Rules (UEFL Rules 6-2-b-1 and 6-2-b-2).

This is the 40th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the White Sox's 3rd ejection of 2015, 2nd in the AL Central (KC 9; CWS 3; DET 1; CLE, MIN 0).
This is Todd Steverson's first career MLB ejection.
This is John Hirschbeck's first ejection since April 27, 2015 (Freddie Freeman; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago White Sox (Doubleheader Game 1), 5/9/15
Video: Steverson tossed between innings for arguing Hirscbheck's strike zone, Hawk laughs (CWS)

MLB Ejections 033-034: Hirschbeck, B Welke (1, 1; ATL)

3B Umpire John Hirschbeck ejected Braves 1B Freddie Freeman for arguing a check swing call in the bottom of the 5th and HP Umpire Bill Welke ejected Braves bench player Jonny Gomes for Unsportsmanlike-NEC in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Nationals-Braves game. In the 5th, with two out and one on, Freeman attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 curveball from Nationals pitcher Doug Fister. Play was reviewed and affirmed, the call was correct. In the 7th, with none out and none on, Braves batter Andrelton Simmons took a 0-0 fastball from Nationals pitcher Rafael Martin for a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside, resulting in warnings issued by PU Welke, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the the Freeman ejection, the Braves were leading, 2-1. At the time of the Gomes ejection, the Braves were leading, 5-2. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 8-4.

This is John Hirschbeck (17)'s first ejection of 2015.
This is Bill Welke (52)'s first ejection of 2015.
John Hirschbeck now has 5 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 5)
Bill Welke now has 1 point in the UEFL Standings (-1 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable = 1).
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck now has 9 points in Crew Division (7 Prev + 1 Y + 1 U = 9).

These are the 33rd and 34th ejections of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
These are the 16th and 17th player ejections of 2015. Prior to ejection, Freeman was 2-3 in the contest.
This is the Braves' 1/2nd ejection of 2015, T-1st in the NL East (ATL, NYM 2; MIA, PHI, WAS 0).
This is Freddie Freeman's first ejection since Sept 15, 2014 (Tim Timmons; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Jonny Gomes' first ejection since May 25, 2014 (Larry Vanover; QOC = U [Fighting]).
This is John Hirschbeck's first ejection since June 13, 2013 (Wilton Lopez; QOC = Y-C [Balk]).
This is Bill Welke's first ejection since August 30, 2014 (Mickey Callaway; QOC = N [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves, 4/26/15
Video: Hirschbeck rules Freeman out on strikes, says "watch your mouth," and throws him out (ATL)
Video: Gomes takes great offense to HBP to lead off the 7th, prompting an early exit for Jonny (ATL)

Hirschbeck Returns, Gibson Changes Official Name to 'Tripp'

Umpire John Hirschbeck returned to baseball during Spring Training action in Florida's Grapefruit League after nearly one year each on umpiring's extended bereavement list.

Hirschbeck, whose second son Michael passed away in early April 2014, made his 2015 comeback during Wednesday's Phillies-Yankees game. Hirschbeck, whose last MLB contest worked was April 6, 2014, served as a field umpire, starting the game at first base, alongside Tim Welke, Sean Barber and home plate umpire Adam Hamari. Hirschbeck had made appearances at the New York Replay Operations Center in September 2014.

Hal 'Tripp' Gibson, whom MLB hired full-time this January, officially changed his name as appears in the box score from "Hal Gibson III" to "Tripp Gibson III." Gibson's first Spring Training game as a freshly minted MLBU was Wednesday's White Sox-Dodgers game at Camelback Ranch.

Co-hires Will Little (TOR-PIT) and Mark Ripperger (ARI-COL) have kept their pre-promotion names.

John Hirschbeck Announces 2015 Return After Son's Death

MLB umpire John Hirschbeck announced his return to baseball in 2015, describing the great importance umpiring and baseball played throughout his and his late son Michael's life. After working MLB's opening week, John Hirschbeck took to umpiring's bereavement list with the death of son Michael at age 27. In 1993, 8-year-old John Drew Hirschbeck died of the rare inherited brain disease ALD.

2015 will be Hirschbeck's fourth return to baseball since missing the entire 2008 season recuperating from back surgery and, in his words, "much more important."

Hirschbeck was the UEFL's 2014 Honorable Umpire of the Year alongside veteran Ted Barrett.

Video: Hirschbeck announces his return to the game and remembers his son Michael (MLBAM)

2014 UEFL Awards: Honorable: J Hirschbeck, T Barrett

2014 UEFL Awards: Honorable Umpires: John Hirschbeck & Ted Barrett (17, 65) [2013: Bell/Barrett]
Voting Results (min. 10%): John Hirschbeck (15%), Ted Barrett (10%).

Umpire John Hirschbeck

In his 31st MLB season, Hirschbeck suffered the loss of his second son, who passed away at the age of 27. In 1993, Hirschbeck's other son died of complications of adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare brain disease. Hirschbeck is a cancer survivor, having seen a remission from testicular cancer episodes in 2009 and 2012. Prior to his April departure from the field, Hirschbeck had his only challenged play confirmed by Replay Review, making him the only MLB umpire to have a perfect replay record in 2014. Hirschbeck returned to baseball in late September, working from New York's Replay Operations Center, but did not return to the playing field. Hirschbeck previously won the UEFL's 2013 Crew Chief of the Year Award, a season in which Hirschbeck served as crew chief for his third All-Star Game and the 2013 World Series (his fourth Fall Classic).

Umpire Ted Barrett

Prior to his 18th MLB season, Barrett, along with Mexico native Alfonso Marquez, travelled to Mexico, as they do every year prior to spring training, to develop Mexican League umpires and for children who are lacking clothing and other necessities ("Fonzie's Kids"). Marquez was the UEFL's Honorable Umpire of the Year in 2011 whereas Barrett was a UEFL Honorable Umpire of the Year in 2013 (Barrett also won the Award in 2012, making 2014 his third-straight Honorable Umpire of the Year Award win). A founder of the baseball-themed ministry Calling for Christ, a ministry for professional baseball umpires, Associate Pastor Barrett holds a Pastoral Ministry PhD in theology from Trinity Theological Seminary and also won the 2014 UEFL Crew Chief of the Year Award. He is the only active umpire to serve as a pastor for the ministry. Chris Guccione, Rob Drake, Mike Everitt, Marvin Hudson and Alfonso Marquez round out the group's Board.

John Hirschbeck now has 3 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (1 Previous + 2 Award = 3).
Ted Barrett now has 21 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (19 Previous + 2 Award = 21).

The next postseason award, Noteworthy Umpire(s) of the Year, will be released later today.