Cardinals walk off on obstruction call in Game 3 of the World Series

10/26/13: Allen Craig is ruled safe at home plate on an obstruction call to give the Cardinals a 5-4 walk-off victory in Game 3 of the World Series
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[@eliteshooter007]

On a different note, that was a completely badass play by pedroia

[@almostfm]

Absolutely. The front end of that play was a gem.

[@joekoe97]

No shit. I'm a Cards fan and had an "oh shit he got it and Yadi's running home" reaction.

[@alanhess9306]

@Michael Heathman Hey Michael, How are you? I think you have this a bit backwards. The obstruction happened after the ball was past the third baseman so it is type B obstruction. The ball remains live and it becomes umpire judgment as to whether or not Craig scores.

[@trake4440]

@MAN UTD nobody fking cares about ur stupid life

[@Y2JWannabe93]

And what's forgotten out of everything is what a play by Pedroia

[@andrewtabbert5899]

Y2JWannabe93 ikr

[@JayhawkJazzy]

Y2JWannabe93 Absolutely. That was a hell of a reaction time...

[@kole076]

Y2JWannabe93 Although it's mentioned like 40 times during the replay...

[@buffalobraves9]

Kole Linnenbrink Actually it's twice. Exaggerate much?

[@jamespowers9804]

And a laser throw from Nava.

[@fryingice6804]

On a totally different note. That field looks amazing. The gateway Arch looks so cool in the outfield grass

[@jet4212006]

frying ice i agree, more teams should do something like that. I remember the Mets for a little while in 2004 or 2005 had the NYC skyline in the outfield grass which looked really cool.

[@WhiskyBeard]

+jet4212006 I think they still do?

[@saintpablolovezyou]

And this is why I am a Cardinals fan...

[@jasonmichael3676]

You should watch a clip from the 70's and see how stadiums used to look....without all the advertisements. You won't believe it.

[@cug1n387]

Busch is so pretty especially in person

[@dc44indy]

legitimately one of the best examples of great umpiring in recent memory. Great communication, waiting to see the result of the play before making a declaration, and more than anything, definitely the right call.

[@dhbartlett12]

dc44indy I agree. Great umpiring. My question now is did Craig ever touch home plate?

[@warlordofgaul5002]

dc44indy Gotta love Jim Joyce. Screw everyone who says he blew this call.

[@AEMoreira81]

Ed Ward I don't think he did, but with the obstruction play at third, it becomes irrelevant.

[@kavifarr1758]

Adam Moreira Actually, even though he was awarded the base, he still has to touch it, and he didn't

[@theburnetts]

Kavi Farr Yeah I noticed that also. Seems like Craig never touched home.

[@bringitback1123]

I know people hate Joe Buck, but the call on that play is fantastic. It really captures the chaos of those 15 seconds or so.

[@MNsportsnut]

I used to really hate Joe Buck after his reaction on the Pretend Moon on that Randy Moss Touchdown in an NFL Playoff Game (I'm a Vikings & Twins fan) but have thought he's been better since Tim Mccarver retired. Although I agreed with both Buck & McCarver with their commentary on this.

[@dave929]

It also helped that he is from St Louis and started his career there. Oh, wait, he claimed in his book that he has no favorite teams.

[@Michael-un4ij]

MNsportsnut Smoltz is a lot better than Mccarver

[@StevenBohnel]

It’s just tough when you know who his father was. I have slowly started to not hate him over the years, but it seems he’ll always be in the shadow of his dad. Which is tough, but just the way I view it.

[@FrakGaming]

Idk why Joe buck is so garbage at calling football games but is legendary at calling baseball games especially during the playoffs.

[@atomicgiraffe250]

the home plate umpire is literally like "the fuck you talking to me for the call was made at third"

[@noahphillips9752]

3rd base ump never called obstruction, home plate ump called it.

[@usabro410]

+4Gfoley Jim Joyce called it and the plate umpire did a good job for echoing his partner which no one can deny they were on the same page with that call. Great job by this crew on this one.

[@nailersrule]

+bvestationfan Thank you for pointing this out. I just laughed my ass off.

[@StellarWishGaming2002]

+White Knight Agreed.

[@Aqwtiny]

+bvestationfan He's like "go bitch at third base"

[@giovannigracia727]

Greatest play by umps I've ever seen in such a situation. They communicated so well and got it right.

[@derekobrien5481]

Absolutely right. It took balls to make that call and they got it right.

[@carteljameson8395]

It's easy to say that in retrospect, but in the moment? There is no rational or logical thinking. He wasn't thinking to run around anyone. He was just instinctively trying to get to home plate. And fact of the matter is, he shouldn't have had to think about anything other than that. The third baseman was in the baseline and did not have the ball. That's the only time a fielder can be in the runner's way. If they have the ball or the ball is being thrown to them, then it's not obstruction. If not under those circumstances, they can NOT block the runner from getting to the next base or home plate. Whether it's intentional or not doesn't matter.

[@pika62221]

it's Jim Joyce, the guy who has balls, just ask Galaraga! Seriously, calling a guy safe in a perfect game when he was clearly out took balls! What took more balls was admitting he blew it for the kid too, you could feel it in Joyce's voice after he saw the replay.

[@pika62221]

no, fielder was literally in the running lane- the imaginary line between 3rd and home plate. If he ran out of it, then he's out for running outside the running lane. Baseball has weird rules like that, but it protects players from being able to run all over the field to avoid the tag.

[@alanhess9306]

Jude Law, in reality there is no baseline the runner must adhere to unless a tag is being attempted. If the runner runs around a fielder who doesn't have the ball, that would still be obstruction.

[@thomasmckenzie4584]

This might be one of the all-time great endings to a World Series game. The play by Pedroia was unreal. The backup and throw by the left fielder was awesome. The umps got the call right. Just an incredible way to end a game.

[@Geoff69420]

Notice in the replay at about 1:37 Joyce calls obstruction and the home plate umpire immediately acknowledges the obstruction call.

[@KWally]

echoing is key

[@vashthestampede11]

I'm glad in a way for Jim Joyce. He will always be remembered for the Gallaraga call, but now he has another famous call... And this time he was 100% correct

[@owennicholson8914]

I still hate his guts

[@tannobrand]

Owen Nicholson that’s simply because you are a biased fan. Bad reason. Just sayin’. One of the sharpest umpires to ever officiate the game.

[@owennicholson8914]

@@tannobrand yeah and he made arguably the worst call in baseball history

[@tannobrand]

Owen Nicholson typical response from a casual fan who has no clue of the rules. 🤣🤷🏻‍♂️🤯 👌

[@owennicholson8914]

@@tannobrand ouch that burn hurt so bad😭😂

[@tparkerino]

Crowd reactions like this give me the greatest feelings.

[@PR4470]

+Taylor Parker All for nothing, Cardinals lost the world series LOL

[@tparkerino]

+PR4470 yeahhh:/

[@geddoe316]

LOL laugh out loud! LOL, really funny yeah? super funny? LOL?

[@jakesmith2115]

geddoe316 bro, chill

[@graysonkemp8870]

Especially if that crowd is located at Busch Stadium

[@nick2s]

Why are people bring up the words "on purpose" or "intentional", those are totally irrelevant. The only thing of relevance is if any obstruction occurred.

[@johnholton934]

#OrangeManBad /s

[@spittin_BXRS]

There was obstruction.

[@amazingsportsmixes126]

It looked intentional to me

[@tannobrand]

Bingo

[@matthewconrad2908]

I wondered the runner could run safely along the foul line rather than heading towards second and knocking Middle brooks back down face first where he cannot make play on the ball third base line wide open on runners right he "climbs over" the third baseman ...

[@daking414]

Who’s here after that wild rays win?

[@yoodlebug41]

Lmao I thought of this crazy ending right after that one

[@kylepeterson8031]

I thought the rays ending was the craziest ending in the world series for me, but this obstruction call was crazier. I think it’s the fans that make it this way for me.

[@bosoxfan131]

Me lol, I instantly thought of this after the Rays win, as a Sox fan this will forever be burned into my mind 😅 just thankful it didn't cost them the championship lol

[@shannondrey7438]

As a cardinals fan, I thought of this play when I was watching that game

[@nijobkk2322]

Yep

[@francobobfred]

If only Greg Gibson was the home plate umpire....

[@jll9916]

If only he motioned to Middlebrooks and Craig

[@harlanestrada7767]

+Jesse Lindell And the Dodgers celebrating in their dugout...

[@dancorwin9232]

+Jason Nostro (macboy74) you're new here aren't you

[@anthony5439]

lol ikr XD

[@brady13001]

how would that matter since the 3B Umpire made the call? Nice try though.

[@maxwellcooper2]

Umps got it right here. The right call in a high-pressure situation. You know they're going to be all over you analyzing the call at the end of a world series game. Takes some presence of mind to make that call in that situation! Well done umps.

[@auburnltl7452]

This is a very underrated and overlooked moment in sports.

[@csousher]

You can see Joyce and Demuthe signaling obstruction at virtually the same time, as soon as Craig trips over Middlebrooks. That's pretty cool

[@epicninjaquan8357]

1:25 Molina is like “yay but how is he safe”

[@101tjd]

What an unreal play by Pedroia

[@pbrower2a1]

Yes -- it started with a great play by Pedroia -- one so good that the catcher thought that he had a potential double play at third base.Saltalamacchia made a horrible throw, and he nearly finished a rare 4-2-5 double play.

[@TMK-22]

pbrower2a1 Yup Jarrod isn't a great thrower. Still miss him on the Redsox though.

[@omegapiranha]

Every play from Pedroia is unreal.

[@michaelmehicani1453]

I love this video.. It's so exciting and just represents the type of excitement baseball can bring to people. My favorite part is when the home plate umpire calls safe and the crowd goes absolutely berserk. Exact reason why I love playoffs especially.

[@anthonydraghi1768]

lol 75% of the fans probably dont have a clue what happened

[@critter2]

+Anthony Draghi pretty much i am red sox fan but i even know they made the right call

[@critter2]

I don't nesscairly believe what your saying Ashton... the reason for that is most fans i am not saying you but most fans are very much ingorant to the baseall rules... there a lot more people don't get either

[@DonCena619]

+Ashton Cowie i'm pretty certain he meant the fans in attendance at the game, as it was pretty confusing upon first look

[@gaming_noob8032]

What happened? xD

[@brennan883]

I knew what happened.

[@AlexForzano]

The most obvious obstruction call ever lol

[@almostfm]

+Alexander Forzano Yeah. When you read the rule for a "type B" obstruction, it's almost like they wrote the rule to describe this particular play.

[@jerallen47]

What is Farrell arguing? You can see the Pitcher, Saltalamaccia and Pedroia all start to argue but when they realize the call is because of Obstruction B they know it’s the right call

[@LallanAlexHockstetter]

Sup bro 🤣🤣🤣

[@spittin_BXRS]

Exactly!!!

[@spittin_BXRS]

His foot did not touch home plate

[@ndrewdomingo]

Even though that was a clear obstruction by Middle brooks, what a play be Pedroia!

[@RedCard94]

The umpires definitely made the correct call here

[@joebohlmann2582]

no doubt

[@jamescostello507]

I'm a Sox fan and it was absolutely the correct call

[@arturo.arreola]

James Costello Red Sox or White Sox?

[@divorced_dog]

Probably the Red Sox

[@wlm1697]

The Red Sox deserve this XD.

[@djvk11]

The funniest part is how Craig just face plants right in front of home plate as a slide

[@NYCKING718212]

I just came here from the ending of Dodgers/Rays.

[@fallen4life080]

As a spaniard who loves baseball more than the average american, i still dont see two things.. 1. how people still complain that this WASN'T obstruction. 2. Why americans hate Joe Buck for being too plain, boring, and vanilla when he obviously calls the plays with as much emotion as is needed. (i think a lot of people just love to hate)

[@JLong33]

+Omar Morales Luna The two men calling this game (Joe Buck and Tim McCarver) Both have Cardinal heritage. Joe Bucks father was a legendary Cardinal radio broadcaster, and McCarver won a WS with the Cards. Completely biased. Go listen to Vin Scully's call of game 6 of the 86' WS. That's way better.

[@fallen4life080]

Well again, maybe it's that I'm an outsider and don't see it (or maybe I'm unbiased and see things for what they are) when you guys say Joe is "Hollow", "neutral", some say he's "vanilla".... That's exactly what I hear from Vin Scully, who people love. Vin has a soft, sweet, very subtle "Chief Wiggum" (no offense intended) voice, which sounds the same whether he's calling balls & strikes, amazing plays or fights. maybe it's his age but he sounds just a little monotonous to me. But again, maybe it's his age as in 1986 he sounds more lively. I hear plenty of enthusiasm & involvement from Joe, but even if he is slightly "hollow" as you say, is that enough to warrant the universal hate? And what if I'm right and Vin is slightly monotonous, why no hate for him, then? I think its Jljust cause of his reputation, and people wouldn't dream of bad mouthing him. Not hating on Vin, I love him. An amazing career. I'm just using him as a polar opposite comparison to try and support my point for Joe.

[@thebastard84]

+Omar Morales Luna I will say that Buck has gotten a lot better. I think i the past, he tried to be too neutral, and he came off as just boring. In recent years, I think he has kind of found his voice. If you go back to the early 2000s, his calls were atrocious.

[@thebastard84]

+Omar Morales Luna I will say that Buck has gotten a lot better. I think i the past, he tried to be too neutral, and he came off as just boring. In recent years, I think he has kind of found his voice. If you go back to the early 2000s, his calls were atrocious.

[@vulture165]

+Omar Morales Luna I think for me, as a Dodger fan, it is certainly nostalgia that separates the two. But, Vin's ability to call a whole game alone in the booth and keep it entertaining is a lost art. Joe Buck has never sounded genuine to me. I can't quantify that one bit. I don't hate him, but I just can't see how you don't have a living legend like Vin Scully call the World Series - Plenty of time left for the others.

[@rysoucie2]

That play by Pedroia was ridiculous. As a Sox fan I almost lost my mind at the call but it was correct.

[@iangoldberg7453]

Who’s here after the Brett Phillips game 4 walk off?

[@vanteesomeone]

Clearly intentional, and also the right thing to do. The runner was guaranteed to score otherwise. The only way to avoid it was a no-call by the ump. The gamble didn't work, but it was his only chance.

[@tim508]

When I first watched it, it looked like Craig flung himself over Middlebrooks and it also looked like he pushed him down to make it seem like an obstruction. The I realized he tried to push him down and leap over him to try and score but Middlebrooks pushed himself up at the same time causing the obstruction. Either that or Chuck Norris was doing a push-up and caused Craig to trip. Chuck norris doing a push-up sounds more believable but what evs.

[@InfiniteDeWitt]

***** You didn't see him lift his legs to slow down the runner? and really who cares, cause the Red Sox won it all anyway.

[@Arjay404]

***** he lifts his leg TWICE, when your on the ground like that you don't lift your feet into the air to get up, nobody gets up like that, humans are not made that way, If he was trying to get up his feet (toes) would be hooked into the ground to push yourself up. He fell and as you can see his feet came up when he fell,but then when the runner tries to go over him his feet go up again, unless he was bouncing on the floor like a beach ball there is no reason other then trying to slow the runner for his feet to be in that position.

[@BitterBosh]

rjh00 It looks to me like it is unintentional. I think Middlebrooks lifted his legs because he was going to 'hop to his feet' which is not uncommon to do when moving rather quickly, as you do in sports, or (less likely) he thought he was giving room for the runner to run behind him, but Craig didn't & went over, pushing on Middlebrooks' back when he came up & that's why Middlebrooks went up, then down, then up again. That's what I think, personally, but it doesn't matter either way, it doesn't have to be intentional to be obstruction. The call would've been right if he was or wasn't purposefully trying to underhandedly impede the runner.

[@Arjay404]

BitterBosh True, we can argue on intent but only Middlebrooks knows for sure and in any case it doesn't really matter as the call was correct.

[@dylantaylor3139]

There is a quote from Joyce, before this game but after the “almost perfect” where he says an umpire doesn’t want to be remembered for a horrible call. They want to be remembered for getting it right when the stakes are higher than ever. Shockingly enough, he did both.

[@cangri1788]

This type of play would be challenged if it happened again and in my opinion it was a good call by Jim Joyce.

[@joshbuck8]

***** Why do you say that?

[@scopeless22]

***** Watch the vid again, the runner doesn't even touch him until after he falls on him. He in no way kept the third baseman from catching that. However, he was obstructed trying to get home. Had the third baseman just laid there and the runner tripped over him, it would not have been called, but he raised his feet tripping him. Good call by the ump.

[@mrlowhe]

***** youre fucking stupid and dont know the rules of baseball. And obviously have never played

[@devinegesdal1563]

well seth your dumb because the baserunner had nothing to do with missing the ball it was a bad throw by the catcher

[@coachwilson5967]

I don't think this is a reviewable call....But I agree, Joyce made the right call and the Red Sox fans need to get over it....

[@Pauli3b]

i remember watching this. this was one of the craziest things i ever saw in a World Series

[@Aqwtiny]

+Paul Becker guessing you didnt see the 2011 WS

[@bruhbroman5592]

+CiscoLitco He said, "one of," not "the" craziest thing(s) he's seen.

[@Aqwtiny]

good point my mistake

[@snipz127]

+Paul Becker I was at it. Still is the only time i've ever seen a play like it.

[@brady13001]

It's not crazy it's an umpire doing his job.

[@lancatemujhin187]

Pedroia made a great play and umpire Jim Joyce made a great call. That's why both were in the World Series and why both should be in the Hall of Fame.

[@bobsondugnutt4993]

The third baseman put his legs up and sorta blocked him. Was it intentional? Probably not. But, you have to give the runner the benefit of the doubt I think. I think it was the right call , just an unfortunate situation. btw I'm a fan of neither team

[@carloak9]

Daniel Gonzalez Well, I'm a fan of Boston and I have to say that this looked like a good call to me (Dang it). Whether I like it or not (and I don't), it looks like he would have easily scored if he hadn't been obstructed. Therefore, in fairness, awarding him the run is the right thing to do.

[@jasondrew1853]

carloak9 And also Congrats for the 2013 WS title! I'm a Cardinals fan and it was a great series. Boston really played their best in the postseason and my team just didn't have the power to overcome such a lineup.

[@crypticrealm2555]

+Daniel Gonzalez Hey Daniel. I am not a fan of either team either. Whether it was intentional or not is irrelevant. He tripped the runner and the runner always has the right to have a direct path and that is why I believe the correct call was made here.

[@Blade-hf9po]

Interference either way. You can't obstruct the runner's path if you don't have the ball.

[@bman342a]

@@carloak9 It's true, but the base runner intentionally slid to take out the third baseman. I think there could have been an argument there as well.

[@jamiebatten8814]

Joyce is pretty bad considering he blew a perfect game, but this actually wasn't a bad call. One, middlebrooks lifted his legs up, and two, he was blocking the base path for the runner regardless if it did it on purpose or not. Like in football it's illegal to go offside whether or not you did it on purpose or not

[@eastjones]

I respectfully disagree . The runner is clear and PAST the runner, then he steps towards 2nd, putting himself behind the prone fielder. This was the cause of the contact, & it's unfair to reward him for causing that by 'running' towards the wrong base.

[@SuperCuber92]

J.R. Reynolds I agree that the runner stepped towards second base, however he unintentionally did it while he was getting up from his slide and looking to find the ball at the same time. He was not 'running' towards the wrong base, he was just standing up. I think Joyce made the correct call in this situation.

[@eastjones]

I see your point, but I disagree that 'looking for the ball' allows him to reposition himself to draw an obstruction call. The defensive player was lying on the ground, out of the basepath of the runner, who by his own actions moved behind the prone defender, then tried to go over him. Rewarding him with a victory in the game is not a fair resolution, any more than runner on third could position himself behind the third Baseman and then run into him from behind. I have no animus towards the umpires though, when an MLB umpires makes a mistake it makes me feel better about my missed calls!

[@olejnik82]

J.R. Reynolds Thanks for seeing that he step towards 2nd now what is the call. Obstruction yes but he is going to ward 2nd so he is award the base he going to 2nd base give him one he at third . Now he misses Third goin home and is out at the plate should be called out at plate since he was third but continues home at was out there . This is how I see it.

[@generatorx]

J.R. Reynolds Actually, if Middlebrook's legs had not gone up, chances are the obstruction would not have been called.

[@PhoenixLance13]

Personally, as a Sox fan, I think it's the right call to make in that circumstance. You can't judge intent. However, Craig didn't do himself any favors by trying to run through Middlebrooks. Not to mention Salty's through was terrible.

[@TheBenedictchan1]

Well, Craig can't run around the path to home plate otherwise he would be called out.

[@WrathOfRevan]

Benedict Chan craig is allotted 3' to either side of the base path. he didnt have to run into middlebrooks

[@PhoenixLance13]

^ what Revan said.

[@MapleBar777]

WrathOfRevan the runner is allotted that for his own benefit to avoid a fielder with the ball but if he is forced to go around a fielder without the ball it is obstruction

[@mariomasv]

Personally, as a non sox or cardinal fan, I think the call was wrong, after failing to get the ball, Middlebrooks just stood there as low as he could be, he was not on the direct path of the runner, if fact, it looks like the runner stumbled on him nearly on purpose.

[@TheCream14]

Jim Joyce made an incredible and correct call in a matter of seconds. Great ump.

[@zachansen8293]

It wasn't that incredible -- it was blatantly obvious.

[@se7enwords.]

Dustin with one of the greatest infield grabs. Great game

[@SuperFastEddies]

Great call! What a moment!

[@Mike73010]

hahaahahahahaahahahahaaha. I hope your joking.

[@MrCool-ol4zh]

This is what I thought of after the Rays Dodgers game 4

[@jbrhel]

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.

[@marjames257]

The sad part is how Craig has played since this play, ya he had a few more hits in the series, but a brutal 2014. You can't convince me he was healthy. Saw him hit his last cards HR against Miami jul5th before he was traded. Hope he gets back on track, a true professional.

[@stevedufresne7319]

As a Red Sox fan, I hated this call, but it was definitely the right call. Even with the obstruction being unintentional, it's still obstruction. Fortunately, Sox still won the Series.

[@TommyCage0736]

As much as I hated this call, it was the correct call. Umps kept their composure too.

[@Hightemplarl]

I thought that was a great call. Craig was about 1 - 2 ft away from the plate when he was tagged by the catcher. If he wasn't tripped up, he would've easily made up that 1-2 ft earlier.

[@anglobostonian]

Thankfully this was the last time the St Louis Cardinals won in 2013. Nothing beat celebrating the World Series victory at Fenway.

[@tomoakhill8825]

Obstruction occurs when during the course of a play a base runner is impeded by a fielder not in possession of the ball nor in the act of fielding the ball. The play continues until the ball is dead. Then a determination is made if that the impediment did, or did not, change the outcome of the play. The Official Baseball Rule 2.00 says "For example: an infielder dives at a ground ball and the ball passes him and he continues to lie on the ground and delays the progress of the runner, ..." which is *exactly* what happened here. Read the complete rule, with explanations, and you find that the base runner is impeded even if no contact is made, by merely having to change his course, or change is speed. Third base umpire, Jim Joyce, signaled "Obstruction." The play continued until Craig was tagged at home. Because Craig got up as quickly as he could, Craig ran as fast as he could, and Craig almost beat the throw, home plate umpire, Dana DeMuth, call Craig safe. DeMuth determined that Craig would have scored without the obstruction.

[@beaulessard7578]

I’m here cuz of the dodgers tbh

[@johnpetrokaitis3240]

right call 100 percent

[@itzbuddycollazo8064]

My family and I were watching this game, we are yankee fans so we are obviously for the cards. Once we saw Allen Craig trip over Middlebrooks, we all jumped and were yelling, "OBSTRUCTION, OBSTRUCTION!" We were relieved when they called obstruction. LOL

[@RealSwaggy]

I was relieved last night when Ortiz put you guys out of your own misery.

[@itzbuddycollazo8064]

LOL

[@nixhex12]

+SwaggyPGames I laughed. then I saw your name and regret it. Swaggy P is literally the worst player in the nba, a horrible person and teammate.

[@-Diamond-Dave-]

Typical yankees fan. Who cares if it is the call was incorrect.

[@alanhess9306]

Dave, A whole bunch of people care about the call being correct, and it was correct on this play. You are seriously a special kind of stupid for arguing a rule of which you have absolutely no knowledge or understanding.

[@umpireva5440]

Absolutely a great call👍👍👍👍

[@greysonG10]

If I were Midlebrooks, I'd do the same exact thing... With the game on the line like that? Just gotta hope the ump Dosent notice. Unfortunately he did, but it didn't determine the series anyway.. So it's all good!

[@piratesmvp]

It's never okay to break the rules of the game.

[@TheLocalLt]

piratesmvp yes it is. Do you have a problem when guys foul on purpose in the NBA or commit pass interference to save a TD in the NFL?

[@greysonG10]

@@piratesmvp Lol, whatever you say pal. 😅

[@ARMYPOLICE88]

still won that series

[@HecticNicksCorner]

2020 World Series game 4 reminded me of this

[@a_23jacob]

Lol I was at this game, I fell asleep and my grandpa woke me up when this happened, we laughed about it for awhile on the the way home

[@macmac3374]

i remember watching this play live, thank god for jim joyce. i love listening to bosux fans cry.

[@coachv4712]

The runner path is 3 feet to each side, this is up to the discretion of the ump so by watching the replay yes the 3base was in the runner,s way. The fielder have the right to catch the ball so there is no obstruction until that point but after he miss the ball he stay in the runner's path, show no intentions to get out of the way and lifts his legs. This is a good call either you like it or not.

[@buddaman200522]

The 3 feet rule only applies to when a play is being made on the runner. No play was being made on the runner as the ball was headed towards the left field bleachers.

[@coachv4712]

A defensive player can't be in the runner path without the ball, that is a pretty basic rule.

[@Toiska36]

coach vergara But the runner can't alter his path to go hit the fielder. I'm not saying what Craig did was intentional, just that if he had slid on the base and then went straight to home on the line, like you should do, he wouldn't have hit Middlebrooks, instead he slid and took a step or two towards second base and then went to home, so Middlebrooks was in the way.

[@coachv4712]

Yes I am agree with you, in fact that is what a smart base-runner should do as soon as he see a fielder make this mistake. He probably did it on purpose lol, only he knows.

[@jonleonard6948]

great call

[@ccmatos4172]

Allen Craig was a monster for stl that year but got hurt and even hurt got some pinch hits in the World Series

[@TheLocalLt]

Call is correct, intent does not matter at all

[@cjmadison2397]

Back here after Brett Phillips walk off. Last night was the craziest World Series ending since this obstruction call to end the game.

[@johncirillo9544]

Who recalls Reggie interfering with the throw in WS versus the Dodgers? That play was an example of a lack of communication among umpiring crews back in the ‘70s. Umpiring has come a long way.

[@novacometsxd1047]

Pedroia’s play was amazing

[@visionarypine1]

Incredible play by Pedroia. And textbook obstruction. What annoys me is Middlebrooks in the ump’s face arguing when he had to know damn well he tripped the dude. Guy raised his legs like a scorpion’s tail 🦂

[@itscork]

Isn't it odd that St Louis is always in the middle of these controversies ?

[@timfalch1969]

As a lifelong Cards fan, I can say a lot of it is that we've been lucky (or good) enough to play in so many World Series games. In my time on this planet, the Birds have played in 6 world series and won 2. Not quite the Yankees track record but, as a man who's favorite sport is baseball, I count myself fortunate to have been born in Cardinal nation. That said, when you play in so many big games, these things are bound to happen. So you have the Brock non-slide call in 68, the Dinkinger call in 85, the pick-off that wasn't in 87, obstruction on 06 and this one.

[@kingslayr6927]

This is so cool that the umpire called the right call.

[@timfalch1969]

I watched this game at my sister's house. I remember as soon as Craig went down I said, "wait.....that's........yup." I then had to figure out how to explain obsteuction to my non-baseball watching sister.

[@gutjahrmusic]

Great call under a lot of pressure by the umpire.

[@reidcraig3739]

As a Cardinals fan, I have a couple things to say about this scenario. 1. I give Pedroia respect for making that tough play and getting the ball to the plate for the 1st out. 2. This actually worked out in the long run. Since this win gave the Cardinals a 2-1 lead after 3 games. That meant it would’ve taken either 6 or 7 games for the Sox to win the series. And with them controlling the Home-fields for the World Series, The Red Sox would be hosting games 1-2 and 6-7. Ever since they broke the bambinos curse, three of their four championships have been won on the road. 2004 in St. Louis, 2007 in Colorado, and 2018 in Los Angeles. Especially with what happen in Boston in April that year, I think they would prefer winning the championship at Fenway then at Busch.

[@cjs83172]

Interesting to note that this is not the only time a runner has been awarded home plate on an obstruction call in World Series history. In fact, it happened in the 1946 World Series between these same two organizations, though I don't think that particular one affected the outcome of the game in which it was called.

[@justinhogstenii]

for the people that kept on saying this was the wrong call…. well guess what Jim Joyce made the right call and it was the correct call cause apparently this rule was 7.06 in the MLB rulebook. Will Middlebrook’s was called for obstruction for tripping Allen Craig with Middlebrook’s feet were up when Craig tripped over when he was heading to home plate to score

[@alanhess9306]

You are 100% correct, but you need a new rule book, there is no 7.06 in the current book.

[@davej3781]

@@alanhess9306well in his defense, it was indeed OBR 7.06(b) back then. but you're right of course, it's OBR 6.01(h)(2) now.

[@TragicNova]

He intentionally raised his legs to trip him.

[@neweng12]

Middlebrooks was pushing to get up thus making his legs do that. it wasn't intentional

[@dustinchase4664]

Rory O'Connell lol

[@TragicNova]

Rory O'Connell It's impossible to get up with your legs raised like that. It was pretty intentional.

[@neweng12]

I just did it rn.....

[@RedCard94]

Whether or not it was intentional, it doesn't matter. He raised his legs. Obstruction was called, and rightfully so.

[@brmillgr]

Cards didnt win another game in this series

[@sebastiankong1979]

Yes they did, Boston won 4-2.

[@BloxyPlayz]

Sebastian Kong yeah exactly the cards did not win another game because this was their 2nd win

[@austinha11]

That's good umpiring right there

[@toddbiesel4288]

Who's watching this after 2020 WS Game 4?

[@djcremin2962]

I am a sox fan and this is a bizarre way to end a game. I agree, it was the right call, sox win World Series though! :)

[@johncate9541]

It was the right call, even though it stunk for the Red Sox. When Middlebrooks put his legs up like that, he really didn't give Jim Joyce any choice but to call obstruction. But it may have been the worst thing to happen to the Cardinals, because it sure seemed like the Red Sox just got mad after that. This was the last Cardinal victory in 2013.

[@SgtPepper291]

I'm not a Cards, or a Sox fan, but this was definitely a historical World Series

[@marmac2768]

I read what Wikipedia said about the call and this is what it said, "The Red Sox were furious about the call, as manager John Farrell stayed out to argue the call, as did most of the players. They protested that Middlebrooks feet were in the air as he was getting up when Craig ran over him (and replays appeared to prove their point)." What difference would his feet being in the air matter? It doesn't matter, it was obstruction whether his feet were in the air or not. I really don't get this reference.

[@stephenmcneil4573]

Marty Mac I think they were trying to say that he raised his feet to give the runner a lane, however, unfortunately, the runner took a different path, which is legal for him to do, as there is no baseline until there is a tag play on that runner. If there was no obstruction Craig would have been safe anyway so it doesn't matter, which is the point of the rule

[@marmac2768]

Yes, most people think that obstruction or interference has to be intentional for it to be called. That is not the case. Sometimes, circumstances happen and no one is at "fault", at least intentional, but you can't punish a team because of something that the defense did. I applaud the plate umpire because he saw it as well and didn't call the runner out but pointed to the third base ump who made the call.

[@truthcantbesilenced4533]

Looks to me like he would have been safe had the third baseman not obstructed him

[@almostfm]

And that is the whole key to whether a runner gets awarded a base on a "Type B" obstruction like this. The umpires let the play complete, and then make whatever awards they believe would nullify the effect of the obstruction. If Craig had laid there like a dead fish or ambled home like he deserved it, the umpires would have said that even if the obstruction hadn't happened, he wouldn't have scored.

[@kavifarr1758]

Truth can't be silenced He ran straight at Middlebrooks because he had a hurt leg and knew he wouldn't make it home

[@RedCard94]

EXACTLY!!!! Had Middlebrooks not been in Craig's way, he would've scored anyway.

[@bigblue9996]

Boston won the series anyway and they are still complaining about this. What a bunch of arrogant people. No wonder nobody respects Boston sports.

[@wowwt]

***** Probably why nobody gives a fuck about baseball these days.

[@wowwt]

***** Yeah people that can't get over the fact baseball is not a skilled sport. it's like 10% skill 90% physical. You legit cannot compare baseball to something like basketball or football or even any gaming. I use to be huge into baseball but once you see how other sports/games are this sport just does not compete and that's why it's been dying so much these past years.

[@wowwt]

***** Baseball has lots of balancing problems that's why it's not as popular as it use to be back then. I did not say it was dead and if I did then what I meant is it dying out. There is no skillcap or anything in baseball it's mainly about you're body and having contact.

[@jp8376]

wowwt Baseball has so much technique you can't play one sport for 5 years and then just pick it up and be good at it. Baseball is a hard game to be good at and it is way easier to play football for a couple of years and be good at it.

[@wowwt]

jayden profetto Baseball is not a hard game to get good it it's possibly one of the most simple sports out there. most of the skill requirement comes with pitching while the rest is physical. Just saying even games these days take WAY more skill than baseball.

[@matthewganong1730]

Watched this game with the sound off at a Halloween party I was hosting (also my wife’s birthday). I was the only Sox fan there but my friends and I saw this and were all screaming that Craig was out. Watched replay later with sound and umps absolutely made the correct call. The only reason I’m not mad about it is because the next game ended with Uehara picking off Wong and then the Sox went on to win the series. Also, Salty should have just held the ball at home.

[@rayray4192]

Sometimes the best baseball play is no play- hold the ball and make no throw.

[@TehhGonzo]

That was a great call

[@shawnf820]

To this day I cannot believe how terrible of a throw that was from Saltalamacchia. If that ended up costing us the series I would’ve been so pissed.

[@rodadair7333]

The throw was very catchable-off the mark, but radio catchable. You can see Middlebrooks just kind of wave his glove at it. (He was probably already thinking about how he was going to trip the runner.)

[@eliasgflores9858]

Completely unnecessary too just eat the ball. You would have 2 outs and concentrate on the next bat.

[@NDCHEG2012]

That's why Jim Joyce is one of the best in the business. Absolutely the right call no matter the game situation.

[@abigailleblanc4175]

NDCHEG2012 Really? No matter what? Are you sure?

[@strangewatch4315]

Yup, Armando Gallaraga's perfect game that Jim Joyce ruined. Pretty big stakes there.

[@charliemarshall8572]

Was at this game, it twas insane

[@therealraulcamacho6260]

Great play by Dustin tho wow

[@excellentbill69]

Craig tripped over Middlebrooks. Craig deserves to be out. he clearly had a lane to run.

[@willoughbykrenzteinburg]

+bill williams You don't know the rule if you think this. Please quote the rule that states that it is not obstruction if the runner has a lane to run.

[@Mike73010]

+Willoughby Krenzteinburg Bill said take the rules and laws and wipe your ass with them. We use our mind and common sense. What happened on the play. Is the guy out or safe. He's out by 4 feet.

[@alanhess9306]

+MikeNJ27 Bill is an idiot who does not know the rules. This is clearly obstruction, intentional or not.

[@excellentbill69]

Alan Hess You do realize that idiot is more insulting than you would realize. Anyways, don't judge my opinion, I have no authority over the rules, so don't frame me.

[@alanhess9306]

+bill williams Your opinion is in direct contradiction to the rules. You should read a rule book.

[@Shelver92]

Jim Joyce....dude, I find it suspicious that your name is always around controversy.

[@zakdarman]

LOL I was just thinking that

[@sjbcatcher]

Players did vote him the best umpire in the league, getting 53% of the vote.

[@pronkb000]

"Always" meaning "twice."

[@brady13001]

Only cause your a ficking idiot who doesn't know baseball. This wasn't controversy it was the right call. Try knowing wtf your talking about

[@Shelver92]

what about the call he made that ruined the perfect game for the pitcher in Detroit. Explain that one jerkoff.

[@Jiltedin2007]

I'd rather talk about how the next game ended. THAT WAS CLASSIC!

[@bcabskmbonqcnb]

Former Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara is back playing in Japan. He retired at the end of this season.

[@moegerms]

Shout out to my nigga Koji for remaining so calm. I would have exploded.

[@ryanlindsay997]

The amount of ignorance in the comment section is painful.

[@AZAnthony]

+Ryan Lindsay Yeah, it explains why so many little league and high schools games have so many "coaches" and players that get themselves into trouble and eventually earn ejections for rules they clearly don't understand. People don't want to understand the rules UNLESS it favors them. I would bet my mortgage that if these two teams played again in an interleague game and the situation was reversed the Red Sox fans who think it is a "shit call" would suddenly say it was dead on and the Cardinals fans (and announcers) would go on about how it was a "bullshit call". After 20 years of umpiring I retired and moved to stats and scoring. Don't have to deal with announcers, coaches or players who cause trouble when they have no clue.

[@ryanlindsay997]

As an umpire of 5 years, I have totally experienced what youre saying. No matter what, somebody is going to be angry and somebody is going to be thrilled.

[@LaBelleTML]

Easiest call I've ever seen. Still a pretty cool way to end such a meaningful game.

[@dlwile33]

You can't call that to end a World Series game.

[@brady13001]

Why not? What if it's 100% the right call. You have it backwards it would've been an embarrassment for mlb if it hadn't been called. You have no idea what you're talking about here.

[@brady13001]

DeepSouth - no it's not. Not making a call at all means that the Sox score when they shouldn't because that play was 100% obstruction. I used to be a minor league umpire. This was text book obstruction. If he didn't make the call that would've been terrible.

[@brady13001]

DeepSouth - sorry, no call means the cardinals don't score when they should've.

[@idontwantone132]

***** thats a ridiculous statement. there is zero honor in that. the umps have to follow the rules as well as the players. intentionally or not (and I think it WAS) he was obstructing the runner from advancing.

[@brady13001]

I actually played the game for years and have known the game for years. You should try umpiring or reading about the rules a little bit. I don't mean that as a dig but a serious suggestion. I thought like you do before I started umpiring. Things you see now you would see completely different if you started umpiring. This play had nothing to do with an umpire making the play about them it had to with making sure that obstruction by the fielder. You say none of the players thought it was obstruction - 25 guys on the cardinals thought so and so did all of the Boston talk shows the next day. Do me a favor and humor me -- google obstruction &. Oakland/Boston 2004. There were 2 separate plays called obstruction and one where the runner was called out because he stopped running after the call was made therefor he hadn't made a full effort to score. In this play in the WS it's the clear the runner would've scored if not for the obstruction. And btw I made it all the way to Triple A. Wasn't quite good enough to make it to the show but still pretty good. Lastly you're saying if I made that call you would've hurt me if it was you? Few things A. You would've loved it if the call went in your favor cause it was the right call. & 2. You would've gone to jail over an umpire making a call you didn't like? Sounds smart to me.

[@RpgilbertRS]

Wheres the runner interference? Ball would of been caught at 3rd if runner wasnt in the way

[@joshbuck8]

No such thing. Interference can only be called if the runner interferes on a batted ball or a fielder making a play on a batted ball.

[@devinegesdal1563]

You must not play baseball RpgilbertRs because the only time you get called for interfernece as a base runners is if the ball is hit and it makes contact with you but it is not interference if a player throws it and it makes it hit him so i would just get your facts right before you comment

[@RpgilbertRS]

Devin Egesdal I know, i am saying that the rule (or lack of rule) is stupid.

[@chriskinsella8927]

RpgilbertRS what? no it isnt! the baseline belongs to the base runners. period! it is the fielder's job to work around them and not get in their way

[@brady13001]

@Chris Kinsella - you're 100% wrong. It is always the job of the runner to avoid the fielders period. Unless a fielder is in the way when he does not have the ball.

[@omaralejandrosuarez9913]

Who’s here before Game 4 of 2020 World Series?

[@robpatrick4021]

And allen craig was never the same again

[@reformcongress]

That's an iffy call. The runner was at least 2 feet inside the baseline just a couple of feet from the third base bag. It's pretty hard to image he couldn't have ran straight from the bag. Let the game go to extras. Any way, St. Louis, you didn't win the series even though you got a gift.

[@deepcosmiclove]

The chalk line isn't the baseline; it's the foul line. The baseline is the point from wherever the runner is, directly to the next base, in this case home.

[@reformcongress]

Except, he didn't go directly from the base. It was the runner's fault. St. Louis cries a lot.

[@deepcosmiclove]

reformcongress He doesn't have to go directly from the base, that is not a requirement. The baseline is a direct line from wherever the runner is to the next base, whether the runner begins from the bag or not, it doesn't matter.

[@SwIsH189]

reformcongress How do you generalize not only a huge baseball club, but an entire city?

[@chinary8]

reformcongress Nothing funnier than hearing a Boston sports fan accuse another city of whining.