MLB-High 10 Umpires Retire During 2022-2023 Off-Season

It's official—10 Major League Baseball umpires have retired following the 2022 season, a record-high for the unified MLB era and most since 1999, when a failed contract strategy led to 22 resignations. Seven crew chiefs and three 'number twos' won't return in 2023, opening the door to call-up umpires looking for a full-time job as well as current backup chiefs looking for a permanent promotion to that role. This retiring class combined for 261 years of on-field Major League experience.

The retirements of Greg Gibson (10/6/22), Tom Hallion (12/8/22), and Jim Reynolds (12/21/22) were previously disclosed by the indivual umpires prior to this announcement of all 10 retirements.

Retirements, Listed as Name, Service Time (Seasons with 1+ games)

- Postseason & total ejection stats listed on following lines:

Ted Barrett, 26 Years (29 Seasons AL/MLB [1994-2022]): Crew Chief with 3,400 regular season games.

- 6 Wild Cards (2012, 13, 15, 16, 20, 22)

- 12 Division Series (2000, 01, 02, 03, 06, 07, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21)

- 10 League Championship Series (2005, 08, 09, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 20, 22)

- 5 World Series (2007, 11, 14, 18, 21)

> 65 MLB ejections

Greg Gibson, 24 Years (25 Seasons NL/MLB [1997-2019, 2021-22]): Crew Chief with 2,746 games.

- 3 Wild Cards (2012, 13, 18)

- 10 Division Series (2001, 03, 04, 06, 07, 09, 10, 11, 15, 21)

- 5 League Championship Series (2005, 12, 13, 14, 18)

- 1 World Series (2011)

> 92 MLB ejections

Marty Foster, 24 Years (27 Seasons AL/MLB [1996-2022]): Number Two with 2,745 games.

- 1 Wild Card (2020)

- 3 Division Series (2006, 08, 17)

> 110 MLB ejections

Tom Hallion, 30 Years (32 Seasons NL/MLB [1985-99, 2005-19, 2021-22]): Crew Chief w 3,645 games.

- 10 Division Series (1996, 97, 2008, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21)

- 5 League Championship Series (1998, 2007, 09, 10, 11)

- 2 World Series (2008, 21)

> 102 MLB ejections

Sam Holbrook, 22½ Years (22 Seasons A/NL/MLB [1996-99, 2002-19, 2021]): Crew Chief w 2,423 games.

- 1 Wild Card (2012)

- 7 Division Series (2005, 07, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21)

- 4 League Championship Series (2008, 09, 11, 12)

- 3 World Series (2010, 16, 19)

> 78 MLB ejections

Jerry Meals, 26 Years (31 Seasons NL/MLB [1992-2022]): Crew Chief with 3,303 games.

- 3 Wild Cards (2020, 21, 22)

- 9 Division Series (1999, 2004, 05, 09, 10, 11, 14, 19, 20)

- 3 League Championship Series (2008, 17, 21)

- 2 World Series (2014, 20)

> 61 MLB ejections

Paul Nauert, 22½ Years (24 Years NL/MLB [1995-99, 2002-20]): Number Two with 2,450 games.

- 1 Wild Card (2020)

- 6 Division Series (2004, 08, 10, 13, 14, 17)

- 1 League Championship Series (2016)

- 1 World Series (2017)

> 33 MLB ejections

Jim Reynolds, 22½ Years (24 Years AL/MLB [1999-2022]): Crew Chief with 2,815 games.

- 3 Wild Cards (2015, 17, 20)

- 7 Division Series (2005, 07, 08, 12, 13, 14, 18)

- 5 League Championship Series (2010, 15, 16, 17, 20)

- 2 World Series (2014, 18)

> 43 MLB ejections

Tim Timmons, 22½ Years (23 Years NL/MLB [1999-2021]): Number Two with 2,746 games.

- 2 Wild Cards (2013, 20)

- 3 Division Series (2005, 09, 18)

- 4 League Championship Series (2011, 14, 15, 20)

- 1 World Series (2018)

> 90 MLB ejections

Bill Welke, 22½ Years (24 Years AL/MLB [1999-2022]): Crew Chief with 2,816 games.

- 3 Wild Cards (2014, 16, 20)

- 6 Division Series (2003, 06, 08, 11, 15, 20)

- 4 League Championship Series (2014, 16, 17, 19)

- 1 World Series (2015)

> 102 MLB ejections

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection P1 - Ted Barrett (1; Jurickson Profar)

HP Umpire Ted Barrett ejected Padres LF Jurickson Profar (check swing strike three call by 3B Umpire Todd Tichenor) in the top of the 9th inning of the #Padres-#Phillies game. With none out and one on, Profar attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 fastball from Phillies pitcher Seranthony Dominguez, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Barrett and called a swinging strike on appeal to 3B Umpire Tichenor. Play was reviewed and affirmed by the UEFL Appeals Board (7-0), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Phillies were leading, 4-2. The Phillies ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

This is Ted Barrett (65)'s 1st ejection of 2022.

This is the 1st ejection report of the 2022 MLB postseason (177th overall).

This is the 61st player ejection of 2022. Prior to ejection, Profar was 1-4 (SO) in the contest.

This is San Diego's 7th ejection of 2022, 2nd in the NL West (ARI 9; SD 7; SF 5; COL 3; LAD 1).

This is Jurickson Profar's 1st ejection since June 5, 2021 (Hunter Wendelstedt; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Ted Barrett's 1st ejection since Sept 2, 2021 (Craig Counsell; QOC = Y-c [Fair/Foul]).

Wrap: San Diego Padres vs Philadelphia Phillies (NLCS Gm 3), 10/21/22 | Video as follows:

Teachable - A Boundary for Barrett - Catch Considerations

For this Teachable Moment, tmac highlights HP Umpire Ted Barrett officiating a catch play near the dugout boundary on a foul fly ball to Cleveland catcher Austin Hedges during a game vs Minnesota. There are a few considerations for a pop fly hit back to the screen, and tmac reviews them here.

Upon Twins batter Max Kepler making contact with the baseball, Barrett's first move is to watch catcher Hedges—Barrett needs to clear the catcher, or move out of the catcher's way as Hedges is glancing skyward for the ball; thus, Barrett keeps an eye on the catcher before looking for the ball since the catcher's eyes will communicate where the ball might be.

After clearing the catcher, Hedges runs toward the first-base dugout and Barrett pursues, ready to open the gate by matching Hedges' movements with corresponding position adjustments in order to attain a keyhole angle to see a potential catch or boundary issue. Speaking of this boundary issue, HP Umpire Barrett must find a position near the fence-line to rule on various aspects of this play such as: did the fielder catch the ball before or after stepping or falling into dead ball territory (also see Rule 5.06(b)(3)(C) for "Catch & Carry"), did the ball scrape the protective netting behind home plate, etc.

This play was reviewed and upheld as a legal catch | Video as follows:

Jean Segura Thrown Out After Mistakenly Thinking Ball 3 Was Ball 4 - Reviewing The Umpire's Official Count

Phillies baserunner Jean Segura was thrown out between first and second base in Chicago after mistakenly thinking a 3-0 pitch had been called ball four when, in fact, it was a 2-0 pitch for ball three. HP Umpire Ted Barrett's and the Wrigley Field scoreboard's displayed counts conflicted and when an umpire's count conflicts with a broadcast or scoreboard, the umpire's version of events usually wins.

In baseball, stadium scoreboards are generally operated by the home team's entertainment or production department, as the modern Daktronics All Sport consoles (controllers) usually integrate with the overall show control system used to manage the video and LED boards around the facility.

And as fate would have it, this team-employed scoreboard operator rarely sits or communicates whatsoever with the actual MLB-trained stats stringer/datacaster, or the official scorer, who usually sits in the press box detached from the entertainment control room.

This approach differs from leagues such as the NHL, which employ off-ice officials to operate or sit with the scoreboard operator and are representatives (and paid by) the league itself, as opposed to the local team.

Nonetheless, the mistaken count—a ball was improperly added to begin Nick Maton's at-bat despite Cubs pitcher Javier Assad not throwing a single pitch (there was a pickoff attempt though)—made its way to both the scoreboard and Cubs television scorebug, but curiously not to the Phillies broadcast graphics (which presumably was independently controlled by a visiting TV operator)...although Philadelphia's broadcaster did refer to the scoreboard and give the incorrect count with such frequency that the independent away TV operator succumbed and incorrectly added a ball to the count, thus making it seem to most viewers that Maton had walked when in fact the count had simply reached 3-1.

With both broadcasts and the in-stadium scoreboard incorrectly adding a ball to the count, Segura was easily retired, with Barrett and 1B Umpire Charlie Ramos cognizant of the correct count.

When in doubt, refer to the on-field umpire, who carries a ball/strike/out indicator for just such a purpose.

Video as follows:

Ask - Hair Check and the Pitcher Foreign Substance Rule

HP Umpire Ted Barrett took the unusual step of checking Guardians pitcher James Karinchak's hair for foreign substances, after Twins manager Rocco Baldelli filed a request to inspect the Cleveland reliever. Official Baseball Rule 6.02(c)(7) prohibits a pitcher from having "on their person, or in their possession, any foreign substance." The penalty for violation is immediate ejection and automatic suspension.

Pursuant to a directive from the MLB Commissioner's Office in June 2021, umpires already pursue enhanced illegal substance checks for every pitcher when they are removed from the game or at the conclusion of the inning after coming into the game (starting pitchers are checked multiple times at the end of their half-innings of work).

Related Post: MLB Issues New Foreign Substance Guidelines (6/16/21).

This makes Bald-elli's hirsute request somewhat rare for the post-2021 edict era, but nonetheless a legal one. There is no penalty for requesting an inspection and the umpire declaring the opposing pitcher to be legal.

Contrast this to the National Hockey League's stick measurement rule, which states that if the referee finds the complainant's allegation is with merit, the opposing player shall be assessed a penalty, but if the complaint is unsuccessful and the referee deems no violation has occurred, the complaining club receives a bench minor penalty for delay of game.

Video as follows:

Ted Barrett Delivers First Replay Review PA Mic Call

Major League Baseball's 2022 umpire microphones hit the ground running during Monday's Angels-Dodgers Spring Training Freeway Series in Los Angeles, with Crew Chief Ted Barrett announcing to the crowd a Replay Review decision after Anaheim LA manager Joe Maddon unsuccessfully challenged HP Umpire Mark Ripperger's hit-by-pitch call during Dodgers hitter Chris Taylor's at-bat.

As previously indicated, the procedure for umpires to address the stadium over the public address system is to first announce who is challenging the play (or if it is a Crew Chief review instead), and what specifically is being challenged. Then, after New York makes its ruling, the Chief announces over the PA the confirmed/stands/overturned decision, as well as outcomes if applicable (such as runner placement if complex) and whether a team has lost its challenge.

Related Post: MLB Umpire Chiefs To Wear Microphones in 2022 (4/1/22).

One final technical note is that the umpiring crew—not just the chief—will have their own individual microphone/earpiece sets. When Barrett announced the Review Monday night, he and calling umpire Ripperger stood along the foul line near first base—the bulky headsets of yore were not used as all the action took place over the umpires' personally-worn com systems.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 159 - Ted Barrett (1; Craig Counsell)

3B Umpire Ted Barrett ejected Brewers manager Craig Counsell (foul ball [non-fair HR] call by 1B Umpire Stu Scheurwater; QOCY) in the top of the 9th inning of the #Brewers-#Giants game. With two out and one on (R1), Brewers batter Willy Adames hit a 2-1 fastball from Giants pitcher Jake McGee into the right fielder corner and out of the stadium, initially ruled a home run (fair ball) by 1B Umpire Scheurwater before immediately convening the crew of HP Umpire Angel Hernandez, 2B Umpire Tosi, and 3B Umpire Barrett and changing the call to foul ball, a call confirmed via Replay Review. Replays indicate the ball left the playing field in foul territory and did not touch the foul pole, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Giants were leading, 5-1. The Giants ultimately won the contest, 5-1.

This is Ted Barrett (65)'s 1st ejection of 2021.

Ted Barrett now has 5 points in in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB + 1 QOCY-Crewmate = 5).

Crew Chief Ted Barrett now has 7 points in Crew Division (6 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 7).

*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-7 states: "Quality of Correctness for an ejection that occurs after umpire consultation or instant replay review, wherein the initial call was changed during or after consultation/review, shall be adjudged by the correctness of the call after consultation/review."

This is the 159th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 73rd manager ejection of 2021.

This is Milwaukee's 15th ejection of 2021, 1st in the NL Central (MIL 15; CIN 12; CHC, STL 6; PIT 3).

This is Craig Counsell's 5th ejection of 2021, 1st since Aug 18 (Ramon De Jesus; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Ted Barrett's 1st ejection since August 9, 2020 (Mike Fiers; QOC = U [Fighting]).

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs. San Francisco Giants, 9/2/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 12-15 - Mahrley & Ted Barrett (OAK-HOU)

HP Umpire Nick Mahrley ejected Astros Manager Dusty Baker (strike two call; QOCY) and 1B Umpire Ted Barrett ejected A's CF Ramon Laureano, C Austin Allen, and P Mike Fiers (fighting) in the 7th inning of the #Astros-#Athletics game. With none out and none on in the top of the 7th, Astros batter Kyle Tucker took a 1-1 fastball from Athletics pitcher Burch Smith for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.18, pz 1.62 [sz_bot 1.69 / RAD 1.57]), the call was correct.*

In the bottom of the 7th, with one out and none on, A's batter Laureano took a 3-2 curveball from Astros pitcher Humberto Castellanos for a hit-by-pitch, resulting in a benches-clearing brawl when Laureano charged the Houston dugout in response to Astros hitting coach Alex Cintron's taunting. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and struck Laureano in the back, Laureano's second HBP of the game (different pitchers), the call was irrecusable. At the time of all ejections, the Athletics were leading, 6-2. The Athletics ultimately won the contest, 7-2.

This is Nick Mahrley (48)'s first ejection of 2020.
These are Ted Barrett (65)'s first, second, and third ejections of 2020.
Nick Mahrley now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Ted Barrett now has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 3*[2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable] = 8).
Crew Chief Ted Barrett now has 9 points in Crew Division (5 Previous + QOCY + 3*QOCU = 9).
*The pitch to Tucker was located 1.60 vertical inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

These are the 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th ejection reports of the 2020 MLB regular season.
This is the sixth Manager ejection of 2020.
These are the fourth, fifth, and sixth player ejections of 2020.
Prior to ejection, Laureano was 0-2 (SO, 2 HBP) and Allen was 0-3 (2 SO) in the contest.
This is Houston's 1st ejection of 2020, T-2nd in the AL West (OAK 3; HOU, LAA 1; SEA, TEX 0).
This is Oakland's 1/2/3rd ejection of 2020, 1st in the AL West (OAK 3; HOU, LAA 1; SEA, TEX 0).
This is Dusty Baker's 1st ejection since June 29, 2017 (David Rackley; QOC = N-C [Foul/K]).
This is Ramon Laureano's first career MLB ejection.
This is Austin Allen's first career MLB ejection.
This is Mike Fiers' first career MLB ejection.
This is Nick Mahrley's 1st ejection since April 17, 2019 (David Bell; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Ted Barrett's 1st ejection since May 31, 2017 (Brian Snitker; QOC = Y [Balk]).

Wrap: Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics, 8/9/20 | Video as follows:

Braves' Donaldson Called for Retired Batter's INT

After Braves batter Josh Donaldson swung and missed at a 3-2 pitch in Philadelphia, HP Umpire Ted Barrett ruled baserunner Freddie Freeman out for Donaldson’s interference on Phillies catcher JT Realmuto. Was this the correct call? Why or why not?

The Play: With one out and one on (R1), Donaldson struck out swinging on a 3-2 pitch as baserunner R1 Freddie Freeman attempted to steal second base. As Phillies catcher JT Realmuto threw to second base, he interacted with Donaldson in the batter's box, drawing an interference call from HP Umpire Barrett.

The Rule: There are two potential rule at play here: Official Baseball Rule 6.03(a)(3) and 6.01(a)(5). OBR 6.03 pertains to illegal action by the batter: "A batter is out for illegal action when—He interferes with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter’s box or making any other movement that hinders the catcher’s play at home base."

We analyze this from both rules' perspectives.

Because Donaldson was already out on the strikeout, OBR 6.03(a)(3) does not apply. Instead, it is Rule 6.01(a)(5) pertaining to a retired batter which rules the day: "It is interference when—Any batter or runner who has just been put out, or any runner who has just scored, hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner. Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of his teammate."

Call & Analysis: The batter’s box is not a safe haven, especially under the retired batter’s rule which makes no reference to a batter’s box. Instead, the standard is whether a batter or recently-retired batter’s movements have hindered the catcher.

Nonetheless, Donaldson is a RETIRED BATTER and his movement, albeit unintentional, nonetheless constitutes interference. He isn't protected just because he remained in the batter's box.

What Atlanta Thinks Happened: The Braves broadcast featured the phrase: "Donaldson did not move."

Umpire Ted Barrett observes the interference.

What that refers to is a batter who swings and, after swinging, stays still in the box and is run into by the throwing catcher or something of the sort. In that case, it is NOT interference, for the batter has not made a movement ("did not move") to hinder the catcher.

What Actually Happened: Instead, after Donaldson's swing-and-a-miss, he stumbles and falls to his right (toward home plate), where he makes contact with the catcher (albeit unintentionally), and thanks in part to the catcher's own movement to and beyond the front of home plate; however, we know that the catcher got to his spot first, by virtue of Donaldson stepping on top of the catcher's foot.

The rule favors the defense here (especially with a retired batter) and allows the catcher an opportunity to make an unimpeded play.

Gil's Call: This was a popular Ask the UEFL request. I understand Atlanta's argument. Nothing about this was remotely intentional (but it doesn't have to be). Donaldson is falling and happens to fall into the catcher, who in turn may be gamesmanship-ing his way into a call. But Donaldson's foot being on top of Realmuto's seals the deal for me. The catcher got there first, so the batter's movements have hindered him by virtue of stepping on top of JT's plant foot. The batter's box is not a safe space.

Had Donaldson not moved (as depicted by the ATL broadcasters), interference would be an incorrect ruling. But because Donaldson did move, however slightly, unintentionally, solely because he was off-balance, or otherwise, this is an interfering (hindering/impeding) act and the proper call is made.

And at the end of the day, I suppose that's the difference between the team (ATL) and the umpire: Atlanta held that Donaldson "did not move" whereas replays clearly indicate that he did move.

Video as follows:

Tmac's Teachable - Ted & Tumpane's Teamwork

Tuesday's Tmac's Teachable talks to Ted & Tumpane's teamwork as Crew Chief Barrett at third base & HP Umpire John officiated a game-ending play in Houston.

With two out and Yuri Gurriel on first base in the 11th inning of a 3-3 Orioles-Astros game, batter Robinson Chirinos hit a 3-2 fastball from Baltimore pitcher Branden Kline for a line drive down the left field line, ruled fair by 3B Umpire Barrett. With Gurriel running on the full-count, two-out pitch, Barrett quickly released the ball into The Left Field Corner and watched Gurriel's touch of third base as HP Umpire Tumpane moved into position for a play at the plate.

Another fine example of crew mechanics.

As Orioles catcher Chance Sisco prepared to receive the cutoff throw, baserunner Gurriel began his slide, crashing head-first into Sisco as the ball arrived at home plate.

Sidebar: This is also an example of a legal home plate collision situation; had Gurriel not slid and instead crashed into the catcher on this same trajectory (via foul territory), this would be a legal play as the catcher without the ball (but legally fielding the throw) moved into the runner's base path...compare and contrast with Marisnick play in which the catcher was positioned entirely in fair territory at the time of the collision).
Related Post: HP Collision Rule - Marisnick Illegally Hits Lucroy (7/8/19).

F2 legally blocks R1 while fielding the throw.

Tumpane, who began the play third-baseline extended and on the catcher's left hip, effected a position adjustment by moving to his right, ruling the runner safe at home upon observing that Sisco had dropped the baseball, which was affirmed via Replay Review.

The lesson here is twofold: First, as the third base umpire, don't over-hustle by immediately chasing a ball into the outfield. There is a time and place for going out on a batted ball, and a bounding ball already ruled fair may not be one of those times, given the situation of a runner already on base.

Be patient and locate the ball before your call.

That said, in four-person umpiring, the crew could have easily adjusted to U3 running into the outfield via rotation (plate umpire Tumpane would take the touch at third & 1B Umpire Ramon De Jesus would rotate to take the play at the plate). But in a crew of three or two, coverage becomes more difficult when an umpire goes out. Bear that in mind and do as Barrett does by keeping your head on a swivel to prepare for either eventuality.

Finally, as the plate umpire preparing to take a play at home, start at your point of plate and move with the catcher's hip as the projected tag play dictates. At the moment of truth, adjust your position to locate the baseball and runner while slowing down your call.

Video as follows:

Blarge - Obstruction Saves Doomed Runner

Obstruction (not interference) visited Miami during Phillies batter Bryce Harper's long single to deep left field, scoring Maikel Franco and Jake Arrieta after a baserunning blunder turned into a Marlins mishap and umpires' uh-oh when catcher Jorge Alfaro's obstruction on baserunner Arrieta during a rundown led to an automatic base award following apparently conflicting calls from two umpires on the same play.

The Play: With one out and the bases loaded, Harper hit a 3-2 fastball off Marlins pitcher Jeff Brigham to the wall in left field, retrieved and returned to the infield by left fielder Curtis Granderson, to catcher Jorge Alfaro as preceding runner R2 Arrieta and trailing runner R1 Jean Segura both stood on third base. As Alfaro jogged toward and lobbed the ball toward third base, R3 Arrieta sprinted down the third baseline, colliding with Alfaro as the Marlins catcher failed to get out of the baserunner's path, resulting in an obstruction call from 2B Umpire John Tumpane as HP Umpire Ted Barrett ruled the runner out, having called no obstruction as evidenced by his "safe" mechanic in the immediate aftermath of the runner-fielder interaction.

Tumpane and Barrett make conflicting calls.

Analysis, OBS vs Not OBS: Before we get to the obstruction rule itself, let's discuss the general principle of conflicting umpire calls.

Official Baseball Rule 8.03(c) is officiating's catch-all for conflicting calls made on the same play: "If different decisions should be made on one play by different umpires, the umpire-in-chief shall call all the umpires into consultation, with no manager or player present. After consultation, the umpire-in-chief (unless another umpire may have been designated by the League President) shall determine which decision shall prevail, based on which umpire was in best position and which decision was most likely correct. Play shall proceed as if only the final decision had been made."

For MLB/MiLB, this means the crew chief will decide the final call after consultation. This play didn't merit the same level of additional discussion as portrayed in OBR 8.03(c), but why?

Barrett's call technically doesn't happen.

Because Tumpane's call of "Obstruction 1/A" causes the ball to become dead (we'll discuss this later), Barrett's no-call and subsequent out call of Arrieta technically occurs during a dead ball, after the infraction had already been ruled. Thus, Tumpane's call prevails simply because it came first and killed the play prior to Barrett having made any call. Accordingly, we don't technically have conflicting umpire calls since Tumpane's call occurred first and prevented any subsequent "live ball" calls from being made.

In the grand scheme of conflicting calls, a "safe" mechanic in the context of no-calling a violation is a rather tame conflicting call to have, as whether an umpire indicates "safe" or not, the result is the same: the potential obstruction or interference is no-called. The only difference between a mechanic vs no mechanic is "safe" clearly communicates that the umpire has seen the play and observed no infraction of the rules. In general, an umpire's ruling that obstruction has taken place (an active call) takes precedence over an umpire's ruling that no obstruction has taken place (a passive call).

The active vs. passive set of "conflicting calls" is easily correctable—much easier than what Rule 8.03(c)'s purpose is meant for, which would be a set of two active conflicting calls (e.g., "safe" at a base vs "out" at a base, or "that's interference" vs "that's obstruction").

This (conflicting calls) is also one reason why it is important to call "Time" immediately upon ruling that Obstruction Type 1/A has occurred (for Type 2/B, by contrast, play is to be kept alive).

SIDEBAR: We'll use the terms Obstruction 1 and Obstruction A interchangeably, as we will with Obstruction 2/B. The reason for this is the 'old' OBR codification for Obstruction split the types into provisions (a) and (b). The 'new' OBR numbering changed (a) to (1) and (b) to (2); hence 1/A and 2/B).

Analysis, Obstruction 1/A vs 2/B (vs Interference): There are two elements to drill into the audience here. The first is the difference between Obstruction 1/A and 2/B. Succinctly, obstruction type 1 (old OBR: Obstruction A) occurs when a play is being made on the obstructed runner.

This is an example of OBS Type 1/A.

SIDEBAR: Obstruction A also occurs if the batter-runner is obstructed prior to reaching first base on a ground ball to an infielder, whether or not a play is being made on the batter-runner. In the case of a pop-up or line drive to an infielder, obstruction against the batter-runner is identified but the ball is kept alive. If the fly ball is legally caught, the batter is out. If not, it becomes Obstruction A and the batter-runner is awarded first base. In the case of any ball hit to the outfield, the ball is kept alive. The batter-runner, however, is protected to at least first base.

On an outfield hit like Harper's, Obstruction A ordinarily occurs during an ensuing rundown when a fielder hinders or impedes the baserunner's attempt to run the bases. It's important to contrast this with an Obstruction B play, which occurs when there is no play being made on the obstructed runner at the time of obstruction.

If OBS occurs at this moment, it is OBS 2/B.

The 2013 World Series Jim Joyce/Dana DeMuth (Allen Craig/Will Middlebrooks) play is an example of this second obstruction type. Even though the defense may have attempted a play on the runner at some point during the live ball—or may even try to retire the runner later during the same play—Obstruction A only applies to a runner who is obstructed while there is an active play being made on him/her. If, for instance, the defense throws the ball away and the runner is obstructed while attempting to advance while the defense is pursuing the loose ball away from the runner, this would be an example of Obstruction B.
Related Post: Obstruction 1 or A vs 2 or B - The Difference is Crucial (6/23/17).

Graphic: Timeline of Obstruction.

As you read the following scenario, take a look at the attached Timeline of Obstruction graphic for an illustration of when Obstruction B turns to A, and back again: With baserunner R2 leading off from second base, the batter hits a ball on the ground to shortstop F6. F6 notices R2 halfway between second and third base and throws to second baseman F4. F4 catches the ball and runs toward R2, who is attempting to run toward third base. F4 throws the ball to third baseman F5, who misses the catch as the ball bounces toward the third-base dugout and into foul territory. R2 slides into third base.

If obstruction occurs between baserunner R2 and a fielder while the shortstop is fielding the ball but before he has turned his attention to R2, the obstruction is Type B. If obstruction occurs after F4 has started his attempt to play on the baserunner (and before F5 misses his attempt to field F4's throw), the obstruction is Type A. If obstruction occurs after F5 fails to make the catch and while the ball is loose on the field, the obstruction is Type B. Rinse and repeat.

Obstruction A: Play on runner or BR.

Knowing whether a play is Obstruction 1 or 2 is crucial, because the penalties are different. For Obstruction 1, the ball is immediately dead and all non-obstructed runners are placed where they would have been had there been no obstruction. The obstructed runner is awarded at least one base beyond the base last legally touched at the time of obstruction. It's important to note that the nullify-the-act principle explicitly does not apply to the obstructed runner in the sense that the obstructed runner cannot be returned to a base. The obstructed runner must be awarded at minimum one base and may even be awarded two or more bases. The obstructed runner shall not be declared out.

Obstruction B: No active play on runner.

In OBS 2, all runners are placed where the umpire believes they would have been had obstruction not occurred in the "nullify the act" resolution. This means a runner may be declared out under this scenario if the umpire deems the runner would have been out regardless of the obstruction.

Commentary Critique: The second point to drive home is a broadcasting nightmare wherein announcers have a tendency to confuse "interference" and "obstruction." Here's a quick guide:

Obstruction: The defensive team generally obstructs the offense.
Interference: The offensive team interferes with the fielders.

Catcher's Interference: A limited exception to the general principle occurs with catcher's interference against a batter (an illegal act by the catcher against a runner is always obstruction), but CI can only exist during a pitched ball. Once the ball is no longer pitched (e.g., it is batted, becomes a passed ball/wild pitch, etc.), illegal hindrance by a defensive player against a runner is referred to as obstruction, not interference. NFHS makes it even easier and replaces what OBR/NCAA ordinarily refers to as "catcher's interference" with the term "catcher's obstruction."

Official Baseball Rules, Obstruction:
[Definition of Terms]: "OBSTRUCTION is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner."
Rule 6.01(h)(1): "If a play is being made on the obstructed runner, or if the batter-runner is obstructed before he touches first base, the ball is dead and all runners shall advance, without liability to be put out, to the bases they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgment, if there had been no obstruction. The obstructed runner shall be awarded at least one base beyond the base he had last legally touched before the obstruction. Any preceding runners, forced to advance by the award of bases as the penalty for obstruction, shall advance without liability to be put out."
Rule 6.02(h)(2): "If no play is being made on the obstructed runner, the play shall proceed until no further action is possible. The umpire shall then call 'Time' and impose such penalties, if any, as in his judgment will nullify the act of obstruction."

Video as follows:

Replay Clock Crackdown - Barrett Denies Bochy Review

Umpires Ramon De Jesus and Ted Barrett enforced a time-based pace of play provision Sunday in San Diego. It was a clock—not for a pitch, but for Replay Review—as the umpire crew denied Giants manager Bruce Bochy the ability to challenge a safe call at Petco Park because Bochy took too long to decide whether he wanted to challenge the play.

After San Diego's Manny Machado beat out the backend of a double play attempt in the top of the 7th inning of Sunday's Giants-Padres game, allowing a runner to score instead of the inning to end, San Francisco skipper Bruce Bochy attempted to challenge 1B Umpire Ted Barrett's safe call, only for Barrett to deny Bochy the opportunity after he failed to indicate his desire to challenge in a timely manner.

Andy Green is upset over a late challenge.

Not to worry, replays indicate 1B Umpire Barrett's safe call was correct and likely would have been confirmed via review.

This is a refreshing follow-up to our 2017 analysis on crews' by-and-large tendency, at that time, to allow reviews initiated via Manager's Challenge after more than 30 seconds transpired since the play-to-be-reviewed had concluded. The other part of the rule states that a manager must inform an umpire that he is considering a potential challenge no more than 10 seconds after the play's conclusion (e.g., by the 20-second mark on the clock that is counting down from 30).

The analysis indicated that despite the new-for-2017 video replay decision time limit, some crews were still honoring manager requests to review plays well after the 30-second clock's expiration, perhaps loosening enforcement in the rule's inaugural season, while other crew chiefs held tight to the rule and denied requests filed after the clock reached zero.
Related Post: Time Limit Trouble - Replay Review from 0-to-30 Seconds (6/8/17).

Replay Review Regulation II.D.1.a describes the 10- and 30-second rules: "A Manager must notify an Umpire that the Club is contemplating challenging the play in less than ten (10) seconds after the conclusion of the play. If a Manager wishes to invoke his challenge he must do so within thirty (30) seconds after the conclusion of the play or prior to the commencement of the next play, whichever occurs first. This time limit applies to all plays in the game, including plays that end an inning and plays that end the game."

Video as follows:

Milestone - Ted Barrett Umpires Game 3000

Veteran umpire and crew chief Ted Barrett officiated his 3,000th career regular season MLB game during Saturday's Giants-Padres match-up in San Diego. The Reverend Dr. Barrett served as 2B Umpire alongside crewmates John Tumpane (HP), Ramon De Jesus (1B), and Lance Barksdale (3B).

Edward George "Ted" Barrett began the 2019 season with 2,997 regular season games officiated over 25 years in the big leagues, and he hits the 3,000-game milestone just three games into his 26th Major League officiating season. Barrett has also called four Wild Card games, 10 Division Series, eight League Championship Series, and four World Series, in addition to the 2007 and 2018 All-Star Games.

Teddy has received a record-10 UEFL Postseason Awards, including two Top Umpire of the Year (2014, 2018), four Honorable Umpire of the Year (2012, 2013, 2014, 2018), and four Crew Chief of the Year (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018) selections. He was inducted into the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame in 2018.

The most recent of his 60 MLB ejections was of Brian Snitker on May 31, 2017.

All in the Family - Ted & Andrew Barrett Call Cubs Game

Father Ted and son Andrew Barrett (actually, it's "Reverend Doctor Ted") officiated together for the first time at the professional level during Saturday's Brewers-Cubs MLB Spring Training game in the Arizona Cactus League as umpire slots for both HP & 2B ended in "Barrett."

Andrew drew the plate assignment while Ted served as crew chief from the field, starting at second base (in Spring Training, the field umpires rotate every few innings between the three bases). The Barrett family was joined by Tony Randazzo and Pat Hoberg.

Ted and Andrew Barrett hope to join six other father-son umpires in MLB history (five full-time MLBU). They are (dates include time as MiLB fill-in umpires):
> Shag "Henry" & Jerry Crawford (1956-75 and 1976-2010);
> Lou & Mike DiMuro (1963-82 and 1997-present);
> Lou & Ray DiMuro (1963-82 and 1996-98);
> Tom & Brian Gorman (1951-77 and 1991-present);
> Ed, Paul & Brian Runge (1954-70, 1973-97, and 1999-2012);
> Harry & Hunter Wendelstedt (1966-1998 and 1998-present).

Harry and Hunter are the only father-son to have officiated a Major League contest together, which they did during Hunter's call-up season in 1998.

Taking it even a step further, Mike and Lou are the only father-son umpires to both have called an MLB no-hitter from behind the plate (Mike's was a perfect game). Ted Barrett has already called two perfect games from behind home plate.

For the Barretts, this isn't the first similar pro assignment, though it is the first time they've called the same game. Teddy served as home plate umpire and crew chief during the 2018 MLB All-Star Game in Washington, DC while Andrew had the plate for the 2018 California League (Class-A) All-Star Game in California.
Related Post: 2018 MLB All-Star Game Umpires (7/10/18).

Though Andrew is only in Double-A and thus did not receive a full-MLB Spring invitation, due to all the split squad, early schedule, and plethora of umpires all in the same city, he is one of a handful of young umpires to have the opportunity to call the one-off (or two, or three) MLB Spring Training game, some of which would otherwise have just two assigned umpires.

For instance, while Andrew called the Cubs game in Mesa, other non-invitee umpires who officiated MLB Spring Training games on Saturday included Derek Thomas (NYY-BOS), Sam Burch (STL-MIA), Adam Beck (ATL-NYM), Bryan Fields (CLE-CIN), Reid Gibbs (TEX-KC), Jason Starkovich (CHI-OAK), and Mark Stewart (HOU-WAS).
Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs (Spring Training), 2/23/19

2018 UEFL Award for Umpire of the Year - Ted Barrett

Ted Barrett is the UEFL's (Best) Umpire of the Year for 2018 [2017: Mark Wegner].
Voting (Top 5): Barrett (43.6%), Jeff Nelson (10.1%), Joe West/Jim Wolf (6%), Chad Fairchild (4.7%).

Award Winner: Ted Barrett (65).

Ted Barrett wins the UEFL Umpire of the Year Award for 2018. In his 22nd season in the majors, Barrett was ejection-less and finished 16th in Replay Review (.619 RAP, eight overturns). A three-Award winner for the second time (also: 2014), Barrett chiefed the World Series and called 18 innings (seven hours, 20 minutes) behind home plate in Game 3, seeing 561 pitches (286 callable) and, on average, missing just one pitch per hour of game time.
Related Post: Twofer - Plate Umpire Ted Barrett's 18-Inning Night (10/30/18).

A postseason regular (that's now 14 consecutive seasons with a playoff assignment [2005-18], the highest active streak amongst the staff), Barrett officiated his fourth World Series in October just 11 years after he worked his first Fall Classic (2007, 11, 14, 18), and just four years after his third, which in turn was three years after his second, which was four after his first. So we can expect to see him in the 2022 World Series as well.

UEFL Awards History, Ted Barrett
Umpire of the Year: 2014, 2018.
Honorable Umpire of the Year: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018.
Crew Chief of the Year: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018.

Ted Barrett now has 21 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (16 Previous + 5 Award = 21).
Final Standings will be released this weekend.

2018 UEFL Award for Honorable - T Barrett & P Cuzzi

Ted Barrett & Phil Cuzzi are 2018's Honorable Umpires of the Year [2017 Winner: John Tumpane].
Voting Results (Top 5): Barrett (13.7%), Cuzzi (10%), Kerwin Danley/Doug Eddings (5.8%), Tumpane (3%).

Award Winners: Ted Barrett (65) & Phil Cuzzi (10).

Ted Barrett & Phil Cuzzi are the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League's 2018 Honorable Umpires of the Year.

Barrett received praise after working 18 innings of baseball for over seven hours during Game 3 of World Series, as well as the crew's UMPS CARE Charities visit to Boston Children's Hospital on the morning of Game 2.
Related Post: Twofer - Plate Umpire Ted Barrett's 18-Inning Night (10/30/18).
Related Post: World Series Crew Embarks on Boston UMPS Care Visit (10/25/18).

Cuzzi, who finished the year with three ejections, including the Ben Zobrist "that's why we want an electronic strike zone" ejection in August, continued his ALS work this season. Cuzzi's charity, the Robert Luongo ALS fund, was established in 2003 in honor of Luongo, who died in 2004 from the disease, and its annual winter dinner draws baseball celebrities from Bob Costas to Tony LaRussa, Goose Gossage, Willie Randolph, and more.
Related Post: MLB Ejections 119-120 - Phil Cuzzi (1-2; Maddon, Zobrist) (8/14/18).
Related Post: Phil Cuzzi Fulfills Promise to Late Friend Luongo (2/20/17).

UEFL Awards History, Ted Barrett
Umpire of the Year: 2014.
Honorable Umpire of the Year: 2012, 2013, 2014.
Crew Chief of the Year: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018.

UEFL Awards History, Phil Cuzzi
None.

Ted Barrett now has 16 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (14 Previous + 2 Award = 16).
Phil Cuzzi now has 19 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (17 Prev + 2 Award = 19).
The next postseason award, Promising Umpire of the Year, will be released tonight.

2018 UEFL Award for Top Crew Chief - Ted Barrett

Ted Barrett wins the UEFL's 2018 Crew Chief of the Year Award [2017 Winner: Ted Barrett].
Voting Results (Top 3): Ted Barrett (48.3%), Jeff Nelson (14.0%), Tom Hallion (12.6%).

Award Winner: Ted Barrett (65).

Ted Barrett is the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League's 2018 Crew Chief of the Year, which marks his fourth time Barrett has won the Crew Chief of the Year Award, and third consecutive season receiving an award (second consecutive Crew Chief of the Year selection). In his 22nd MLB season, Barrett experienced zero ejections.

Earlier this summer, Barrett and runner-up Nelson were inducted into the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame, the first two umpires ever selected to enter the AFL's Hall. Barrett officiated the AFL from 1993 through 1995 prior to his American League debut in 1994. Barrett joined the MLB staff in 1999 and became a full-time crew chief prior to the 2013 season.
Related Post: Ted Barrett, Jeff Nelson Named to AFL Hall of Fame (7/8/18).

As was the case in 2017, all four members of Barrett's regular season crew—Barrett, Kerwin Danley, Lance Barksdale, and Will Little—officiated during the postseason, including Danley's second selection to the World Series, and Barrett's first time chiefing the Fall Classic.

With his own Division and World Series selections this fall, Barrett has officiated the postseason for 14 consecutive years (2005-18). He finished 16th amongst 88 tracked umpires with a .619 Replay Affirmation Percentage, having been overturned eight times in 21 reviews, including the postseason.

UEFL Awards History, Ted Barrett
Umpire of the Year: 2014.
Honorable Umpire of the Year: 2012, 2013, 2014.
Crew Chief of the Year: 2014, 2016, 2017.

Ted Barrett now has 14 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (13 Previous + 1 Award = 14).
The next postseason award, Honorable Umpire of the Year, will be released tomorrow.

Twofer - Plate Umpire Ted Barrett's 18-Inning Night

Baseball is often thought of as a sport where its umpires don't have to be in peak best physical condition. From Simpsons to Seinfeld, the "fat umpire" shtick persists. And then there's Ted Barrett and his World Series crew, 18 innings spanning seven hours and 20 minutes, and umps whose very fitness contrary to the out-of-shape trope enabled these six men to get through a continuous pattern of standing, walking, jogging, running, and—oh yeah—making calls on a baseball field during the third-longest game in Major League history, and the longest postseason game of all-time.

Ted Barrett worked 18 innings behind the plate.

For home plate umpire Barrett himself, add 561 squats (without sitting) over 7:20 of game time, and on top of everything else, you have the sorest thighs in all of baseball, and a not-so-brief glimpse back at a man who used to spar with the likes of boxers George Foreman, Evander Holyfield, and Mike Tyson.

In 2017, Referee showed us that MLB has taken umpires' fitness to the next level, emphasizing several programs to keep the staff in shape and, according to MLB Umpiring Director of Medical Services Mark Letendre, change the perception surrounding the "fat and out of shape" caricature.

But especially for a plate umpire, the physical demands of 18 innings don't paint the whole picture. Barrett told the New York Times that in addition to physically having to work leg and back muscles over the course of the record-setting 440 minutes of baseball in Game 3 of the 2018 World Series, "the mental part is really tough, because you've got to concentrate. It's just complete concentration every pitch, just staying in the moment and fighting any temptation to let your mind wander."

Barrett saw 561 pitches (286 callable).

And for the Rev. Dr. officiating the ceremony known as Game 3 Friday night (you can also call him "Reverend Doctor Crew Chief"), it's a theme that he knows quite well, as his dissertation for Trinity University was entitled, "An Investigation of Faith as a Life Principle in the Lives of Major League Umpires."

Barrett explained how said faith got him through 18 innings at Dodger Stadium: "For me it’s a lot of prayer, it’s quoting verses in my head, and that just helps me stay focused, stay locked in."

Barrett's Calling for Christ ministry for professional umpires grew out of a divided channel that emanated from The Baseball Chapel in 2007, which Barrett was not in charge of. Umpires such as Josh Miller described his experience with the Chapel thusly: "From Day 1 it was uncomfortable...You have a guy coming in and preaching to you about something you don’t believe in, it throws you off mentally."

Al Clark dealt with bigotry in his journey.

Miller also said that he experienced bullying as a result of his Jewish faith. Retired AL umpire Al Clark said he experienced similar anti-Semitism—even threats that made direct reference to his religion, allegedly from Hall of Fame umpire and NL Supervisor Al Barlick—and Bruce Froemming was caught as recently as 2003 using a slur of his own.

When Barrett developed Calling for Christ to fill the void, and as he progressed in his studies into faith, Barrett made it a central point to mold the group's mission to fully embrace and welcome umpires of all walks of life and spiritualities, from atheist beliefs to religious prayer diversity and beyond. CFC grew to establish relationships with Jewish and Muslim clergy, and under Barrett's leadership is in a position to support any umpire and any faith with a key theme of inclusiveness.
Related Post: Angel Hernandez, MLB, and Discrimination (Part 2) (7/13/17).

This message of personal virtue ultimately led Barrett to become the most-decorated umpire in UEFL Postseason Awards history, having earned three Crew Chief of the Year titles (2014, 16, 17), three Honorable Umpire of the Year awards (2012, 13, 14), and one (Best) Umpire of the Year trophy (2014).

All of this—and an UMPS CARE visit to Boston Children's Hospital alongside Jeff Nelson, Jim Reynolds, and Tim Timmons on the morning of Game 2—led to a historically challenging game in Los Angeles, during which Barrett logged a 96.9% plate score, actually improving over the final nine innings of the game, and missing just nine pitches on the night...which amounts to just 1.2 per hour.

World Series Forfeit? Unable to Field Nine Players

With Dodgers and Red Sox managers running out of bench players and substitutes during Friday/Saturday's World Series Game 3 in Los Angeles, we ask what would happen if a team ran out of players and someone got hurt? Answer: Forfeit (umpire declaration). Longest postseason game in MLB history or not, professional baseball requires nine position players during every game with penalty of forfeit for any team that attempts to play shorthanded.

Really—a forfeit on baseball's biggest stage?

It certainly hasn't happened before during the World Series, but Official Baseball Rule 7.03(b) states that at the Major League level, a team forfeits when it cannot or will not field nine players on defense:

A game shall be forfeited to the opposing team when a team is unable or refuses to place nine players on the field.

And don't even think about trying to bring someone back into the game after they were already replaced: "A player once removed from a game shall not re-enter that game. If a player who has been substituted for attempts to reenter, or re-enters, the game in any capacity, the umpire-in-chief shall direct the player’s manager to remove such player from the game immediately" (OBR 5.10(d)).

And 5.10(d) Comment: "If, in an umpire’s judgment, the player re-entered the game knowing that he had been removed, the umpire may eject the manager."

Weaver and Springstead have a conversation.

History: The last major league forfeit of this variety occurred on September 15, 1977, when Orioles Manager Earl Weaver refused to place his team on the field after umpire Marty Springstead, alongside Larry Barnett, Jim Evans, and Vic Voltaggio, rejected Weaver's request to remove a bullpen tarp. Though Weaver claimed player safety as motivation, the American League recorded the game as a forfeit in favor of Toronto (the Blue Jays were leading, 4-0 at the time).

Meanwhile, the last minor league forfeit under 7.03(b) (formerly 4.15(c)) took place in August 2014, when umpires Andy Stukel and Jordan Johnson ruled a forfeit in the Pioneer League when the Ogden Raptors refused to take the field following a rain delay, arguing that the field was unplayable. That protest wound up overturned after the Pioneer League affirmed Ogden's protest and ordered the game replayed from the seventh inning interruption.
Related Post: MiLB Rookie Ball Forfeit Overturned on Upheld Protest (8/27/14).

One of the first forfeits of this variety occurred on August 31, 1872. According to retrosheet, Brooklyn refused to continue playing after disagreeing with umpire Tom Pratt's call. Philadelphia's Athletics thus won the contest.

Meanwhile, Boston's forfeit win over Cleveland on August 1, 1883 establishes that players not on the roster at the time of first pitch shall not be permitted to enter the game. Cleveland had attempted to replace injured pitcher Hugh Daily with Will Sawyer; Boston cried foul because Sawyer wasn't present at the start of the game, resulting in a forfeit.

Torre would come up with a solution.

That said, MLB brass—Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre, Commissioner Rob Manfred, and the like—does have some flexibility within the rules. For instance, OBR does not explicitly state how many players may be named to the roster. Though we know "25-man roster" as standard baseball vernacular, could MLB corporate tweak this element of the "not an official rule" provision? Recall, of course, pursuant to the 1883 precedent, that the player must be present at the start of the game, barring a rules change.

After all, Commissioner Emeritus Bud Selig did infamously declare a tie in the 11th inning of the 2002 All-Star Game after both teams ran out of available pitchers. That led to the whole "This time it counts" home-field advantage for the World Series campaign, and so forth, but most importantly...Selig's action took place during an All-Star Game that, at the time, didn't count for all that much.

We're talking about the World Series here.

Pursuant to MLB Umpire Manual procedure, a forfeit requires Crew Chief consent and the Crew Chief shall give ample warning to both sides (and to the crowd via the public address system, in the event of fans throwing debris, for instance) before declaring a forfeit; after the game, said Crew Chief contacts the MLB office to advise them of the forfeit.

SIDEBAR: Bob Davidson described a forfeit he had at Dodger Stadium in his Plate Meeting Podcast interview (Episode 1) when the Dodgers forfeited to the Cardinals in August 1995 on baseball giveaway night (fans threw balls on the field when things didn't go LA's way late in the game), and his late night conversation with NL President Leonard Coleman to advise him of the forfeited game.
Related Post: Plate Meeting Podcast Episode 1 - Bob Davidson (7/17/18).

Bob Davidson had a forfeit in LA in 1995.

For 2018 World Series Game 3, Crew Chief and HP Umpire Ted Barrett—who presided over 561 total pitches, 286 of which were callable—would surely consult with a supervisor or someone higher up the food chain, even if it meant waiting for Manfred and Torre to make it down to the field, or to get someone up in New York via Replay Review...this is MLB's ultimate jewel event, after all.

SIDEBAR: Stats count in a forfeit as long as the game has progressed enough innings to be a regulation game. With this potential forfeit situation occurring in extras, those states would count. If the team credited with the win was leading at the time of the forfeit, the pitchers would be credited with a win or loss as usual. If the team credited with the win was losing at the time of the forfeit, there would be no winning or losing pitchers. Forfeits receive an official score of 9-0 victories in favor of the benefiting team.

In sum, although Rule 7.03(b) is pretty clear about forfeiting a game when a team is unable to place nine players on the field, the collective MLB brain trust would have little trouble working out a creative solution to prevent this ultimate travesty from marring a World Series—or at least present an intercedent measure to soften the blow. Either that or a rules change for the offseason. One thing is for certain though, a decision this significant, at this monumental stage, would surely be out of the umpires' hands.