E107 - Home Plate Collision Overturn Causes Bruce Bochy's Ejection by Umpire DJ Reyburn

HP Umpire DJ Reyburn ejected Rangers manager Bruce Bochy for arguing a Replay Review decision overturning Reyburn's out call as White Sox runner Elvis Andrus attempted to score. Instead, Replay HQ called Rangers catcher Jonah Heim for blocking home plate, awarding Chicago a run. Report: www.closecallsports.com/2023/...
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Baseball's rule relating to plate blocking (OBR 6.01(i)(2)) states: "Unless the catcher is in possession of the ball, the catcher cannot block the pathway of the runner as they are attempting to score."
However, the rule continues that a catcher may block the runner in a legitimate attempt to field the throw AND that a catcher shall not be called for blocking the plate if the catcher didn't hinder or impede the runner, as well as if the runner would have been out regardless of the catcher having blocked the plate.

[@davidvelleman3525]

I appreciate your explanation of the rules in question here. I really do, because otherwise I would have absolutely NO CLUE why they would overturn this call based on that replay. This is the most ludicrous example of "technically correct is the best kind of correct" that I've ever seen with replay. They took an excellent baseball play and disallowed it in favor of an incoherent interpretation of a safety rule in a situation that had no safety concern. One of these days MLB is going to remember that baseball is supposed to be an entertainment product, but today is not that day.

[@DAK4Blizzard]

I agree. I am for a rule that prevents home plate collisions, but this is overly nuanced, because it involves judgement on whether the catcher needed to occupy any portion of the plate. Well replay review team, that's easy for you to judge when you slow down the play. You try receiving a 70 mph throw while checking that your feet don't touch the plate. The catcher should be given more leeway with receiving the throw. I would suggest a standard of not blocking over half the plate when receiving a throw. That allows the catcher a fair opportunity to clear part of the plate while still focusing on receiving the throw. He simply needs to be on one side of the plate; he doesn't have to focus on avoiding the plate altogether. And it'd still mean the catcher must allow the full plate when he's not adjusting to the throw - because the catcher can afford to check his exact positioning in that situation.

[@johannesney2132]

@@DAK4Blizzard I understand that NY wants to prevent catchers from abusing the rule in a way that would let them block the plate when fielding the ball (as in a situation where the catcher didnt have to move as much to receive a throw but did anyway to block the runner), but this is just too much. Like David said, they took an excellent baseball play and disallowed based on a technicality. I also understand the attempt to remove judgement calls from replay ("stick to the letter of the law and all replay calls will be the same" but that is not the case anyway, especially with home plate violations). Allowing replay officials to interpret and judge situations individually might be opening pandora's box, but the way it is right now they're not making themselves friends either. I have an out here in this video every time. Good call on DJ for seing that close tag!

[@andreymalov9602]

Agreed, great throw, then Heim did everything right, the runner still had the clear path to the base. Then DJ made a great call. So sad...

[@DAK4Blizzard]

@@johannesney2132 Ironically, I think the rule as written allows circumstances for catchers to fully block the plate when fielding the ball. (For example, the catcher is a few feet in front of plate, the throw is directly to the plate, so the catcher shifts and blocks the plate to field it.) I accept that some judgement is probably necessary. I think it's fair to judge whether the catcher needed to move to field the ball. By setting a standard on how much of the plate can be blocked, it's a check against the catcher "faking" a move in order to fully block the plate. That standard also eliminates the subjective variable of "Did the catcher need that body part blocking the plate to field the ball?" It becomes an objective variable of "How much of the plate did the catcher's body block?" The one big complication I can think of is how to determine the fraction of the plate blocked when the catcher isn't on the plate. I'd say it could use a comment guiding that process. I'd suggest the start of the home plate circle (currently 13 ft from the back of the plate) can be the threshold for referencing how much of home plate is blocked, and the standard can be whether the catcher is on both sides of the 3B lines when receiving the throw. (If he is, that's considered blocking over half the plate.) If the catcher is further up the 3B line from that point, the current rules apply: he can block the entire path to the plate if he's moving to receive the ball. And yes, we're in agreement the runner should've been out here.

[@carypyke935]

Well said

[@Aparatchik09]

What a terrible decision by the replay crew. Props to the PU who got every aspect of the call right on a bang-bang play!

[@JMSF32]

This is the first time in awhile that I absolutely cannot see a reason to overturn the call here. I'm shocked. Like, this ejection wasn't for arguing really. It was out of pure shock and disbelief.

[@eymannreport4177]

bochy is going to likely get fined to add insult to injury

[@drewsummers7288]

Agreed, Bruce Bochy will get fined/suspended for this.

[@user-xz1xz4lc1g]

This is why I can't stand the way the game is played today! Overturning that call is a JOKE!!! Over paid fools in New York!

[@tubelooker71]

@@user-xz1xz4lc1g I guess we know where Angel is ??

[@rdr4095]

His entire foot is on the plate and its not a force out

[@EXPERTISE]

This ruling was absurd. There's not a single person in the world who could have fielded that throw without moving. I mean the fact that he moved right before the bounce even benefited the runner, because it still did give him that half second to decide to slide toward the first base corner. He likely would have been out even if the throw was right on the money.

[@ingiford175]

And the catcher was at the back of the plate. if the catcher took the front of the plate, I might agree with the overturn, but the catcher did everything right in my opinion.

[@Alboalt]

Yeah, I don't understand this one at all. Bad reversal

[@danielj6880]

It wasn't necessary, at all, for the catcher to keep his foot extended onto and covering part of home plate while waiting for the ball. There's no requirement to touch a base or home plate if it's not a force play. A tag was needed. The catcher did what was reasonably convenient for him to reposition himself for the catch and then the tag. Unfortunately, the new rules don't allow the catcher to act in a manner that's reasonably convenient for the catcher, because it's a safety rule that should reduce collisions and injuries and perhaps also a rule to encourage aggressive base running and scoring. ***I think the runner should've been out. But this is my explanation for how they might justify the overturn -- if the league doesn't issue a clarification or revision as a result of this play.

[@edsidawi1448]

​@@danielj6880 I agree with your assessment. I do think the rule lacks intentionality. I don't think most fielders would have 100% awareness of their feet when trying to square up a throw in anticipation of a runner and tag. Here the catcher hops over the plate indicating he knows the plate is a no go zone but leaves part of his foot on the plate. It's not like other catchers who drop the shin guard as the ball is coming. I can't see the "changing base path" since the runner (especially one as savvy as andrus) always alters path based on fielder. Runners are lauded for moving INTO the path of the ball when a throw is behind them in order to get in the way. The runner here could be moving inside in hopes the ball hits them. My opinion is as is, it's a tough overturn, but there should be even more clarity on receiving throws.

[@adipsous]

Part of the game at catcher is maneuvering - instinctively - to force the runner to make adjustments. I consider this play by Heim a masterful maneuver to force Andrus to alter his approach - WITHOUT BREAKING THE RULE. He did not block access to the plate. What was he supposed to do, not square up naturally to receive the incoming ball? Was he supposed to think, Andrus is coming on the third base side of the plate and wants to touch that side of it so I better reach way out to my left to hopefully catch the ball on a bounce and then try to make a completely awkward, off-balance tag just so Andrus can have an easier route?

[@RobInNJ03]

Thats one of the worst overturns I've seen in a long time. Everyone did their job correctly on the field, and NY overturns it from hundreds of miles away.

[@JordanSTX254]

Vegas.

[@killa2488]

It was kinda of mentioned, but if the runners path is impeded it counts too. Looking at how close the play was on the field, the judgment of the rule in this instance is that if the runner didn’t have to swing back to get the open plate he would have been safe, which is true (again, considering how close the play was with the runner having to change trajectory proves this). Hence the conclusion is: he’s safe if the ball is thrown on target, which means the catcher wouldn’t have to switch sides, which impeded the runner, which allowed the tag to happen before the runner got home. If you understand the basic rules and the judgement calls it makes 100% sense. I still don’t agree though lol, these rules are crazy

[@reybat4969]

@@killa2488 there is also the rule that the catcher can move to field the ball and since he was in possession of the ball impeding doesn’t count.

[@TigerWoodsLibido]

MLB hates the Texas Rangers. Their history bears it out. Always the whipping boy.

[@killa2488]

@@reybat4969 I already mentioned he caused the runner to change paths, hence it being too late for him to establish. Please read my comment next time

[@TPinesGold]

What the catcher did on this play -- he made it look easy, but he executed magnificent awareness and precision in a combination of athleticism and fairness to the runner in the spirit of NOT blocking the plate. That was an amazing play by all on the field. If that is a violation in today's version of the game, then don't stop with robo-umpires ... we might as well have robo-players and robo-everything.

[@ingiford175]

Yep, his initial position.. correct. Ball hops and causes person to move... correct... add to it, the catcher stayed at the BACK of the plate and ceded the entire front of the plate to the runner. More then correct, it should be textbook.

[@randominternet5586]

@@ingiford175 I'm agreeing with both of you. ADD to that that the point of replay is to overturn clear errors! Clear and convincing errors. This was FAR from that. It was an amazing play. And the rule itself allows for judgement by the umpire on the field, which they correctly used!

[@priceright8963]

Stellar defense negated by thumb-twiddling in New York. The more this rule is applied, the more it's intended to punish the catcher instead of protect him.

[@JordanSTX254]

Vegas. Look at the bets

[@TigerWoodsLibido]

It’s intended to fuck over the Rangers. The MLB never wanted the Senators 2.0 to happen and now they have that vestigial team in the Rangers left over…

[@dylancampbell8064]

​@@TigerWoodsLibidolmao what

[@TigerWoodsLibido]

@@dylancampbell8064 They were the sad replacement team in DC starting in 1961 and failed there as the fans tore up RFK stadium in their final game there. They moved to DFW and continue to be a sad and downtrodden franchise that has one of the longest WS title droughts ever and the longest for any expansion team.

[@camr0408]

Great call by DJ. Great analysis as always Lindsay. Horrible job by New York on this one.

[@davidrivera9743]

I think New York saw the other hand get in first.

[@someguyik]

I found this channel by accident. It's now my favorite YT channel. So much quality content!

[@getreal1175]

Coming from a current umpire and an ex-catcher - that was a ridiculous overturn!

[@GregMcNeish]

Ironic that a rule implemented to protect catchers is primarily used to penalize catchers for making perfect defensive plays. Essentially what they're saying he did wrong was accurately reading the throw and adjusting his position with the maximum time possible to allow the runner a safe sliding path. You know, the very thing that the rule is intended to promote. For the entire lifespan of this rule (which I wholeheartedly support in concept, in the interests of safety), it has been a perfect example of a poorly-written rule that hurts every party involved, including officials. If ever there's a rule of any kind where you can't give a clear answer to "what was he supposed to do instead?" then it needs to be rewritten.

[@rayray4192]

Excellent post. I was in row 11 section 115 when Buster was injured and lost for the season. It was a merciless football move into a catcher who was not blocking home plate, and did not have possession of the ball. Baseball was changed in that moment. The pendulum will most likely swing back to a more reasonable rule interpretation. You are correct, and have the best post I have read so far. A rule meant to protect catchers has protected baserunners.

[@cushmfg]

@@rayray4192not only protected baserunners but has made it almost literally impossible for a catcher to do their job as a fielder in that spot.

[@rayray4192]

@@cushmfg yes sir. Catchers need to get smart and play the rules makers game. Stand in front of home plate and sweep tag. It’s exactly what Posey was doing when his season was ended by a vicious tackle. MLB acted swiftly and with too much restriction for catchers. The rule was suppose to restrict runners, not catchers. The pendulum will swing back. Bochy was Posey’s manager when he was injured. He himself was a catcher. He has some influence. His public statement is powerful. Big owners own the rules committee. The pendulum will most likely swing back to a more reasonable interpretation of the rule.

[@Baldeagle-tw2nv]

At this point, the MLB might as well have the rule say, the catcher has to have the ball before the runner rounds third base, or else the runner has to score, since catchers can't seem to do anything right since this stupid rule was announced and is constantly being misinterpreted. The runner should be the ONLY one that rule applies to since they're the ones who can cause the impact and injure either themselves or the catcher. If a catcher has the ball and is in your running lane, you're going to be out, and the lowering of a shoulder to slam into the catcher in an attempt to force the ball out is a bad show of sportsmanship. You got beat, accept it with grace.

[@GregMcNeish]

@@Baldeagle-tw2nv I feel like the simple, straightforward way to address this is to just say that the runner is awarded home if the catcher - without possession of the ball - blocks the "front" of home plate. I would consider that to be the half of the plate closest to third base, not the flat edge facing the mound. Then couple that with a sliding rule that's similar to what there is on double play balls, and you're good. The dangerous play is a catcher putting their body out in front and the runner coming through full steam. Eliminate both of those and even if there's a collision, it'll be considerably less risk of injury to either party. As well, it puts the onus on BOTH parties to play safe, instead of "the catcher must be perfect" being the only consideration.

[@phaedruscj3330]

No mention that the runner seeing the bat in his slide path may have influenced his decision to go for the other edge

[@terrybolton8214]

I also saw the bat and thought the same thing. Maybe the catcher should have taken time to move the bat out of the way also? 🙄

[@cartermaymon8387]

Love the squidward in the bottom left when he says “he’s hot”. 😂

[@pamsuepmnos2371]

I hate the way that rule has been applied. It just rewards bad baserunning and kills great defensive plays. Great throw, he gave him a lane, the tag beats him and still called safe on review. I mean he touches home plate milliseconds within being tagged so HOW DID HE NOT HAVE A LANE?

[@tw1nn319]

i mean the argument is that if he had his original lane that was taken away from him on the outside of the plate, the milliseconds he was out would've mattered and he would've been safe having to not waste milliseconds on slightly changing his direction. not saying I agree

[@helviojr]

How is that bad running? The catcher said you come from the foul side, that's the side that's clear to you and then, no, I changed my mind, that's a bad base running, you should have come by the fair side.

[@Fizban321]

He gave him a lane then took that lane away. Not difficult to understand.

[@ericblair5731]

"Great throw". Arguably a better throw would have been to inside of home plate where the catcher originally set up, and then the outside of home plate would have been clear for the runner sliding in. One of the issues with rules like this is that players are trained to play in a way that causes conflict. Baserunners are trained to run between the fielder and the catcher so as to make it harder for the catcher to catch. Catchers are trained to set themselves up on the most direct line and force the player to go around. For a "non-contact" sport there is a great deal of "playing chicken" with the other team and going right up to the edge of what you can do without causing actual contact. With a rule change like this it is no surprising there are additional instances where it isn't clear what the desired behavior is.

[@Baldeagle-tw2nv]

​@ericblair5731 the ball hit the ground and bounced, you can't control which direction the ball bounces. I garuntee that the outfielder's intent was to bounce the ball towards homeplate on the fair side, where the catcher was, the ball bounced foul and the catcher responded to catch the ball. If it had gone further left and the catcher moved left even more the base runner STILL would've changed lanes to be AWAY from the catcher. Based on your interpretation it would be an overturn even though the catcher left both lanes, because the base runner decided to change lanes at the last second. Runners will ALWAYS change lanes last second to try and fake out a baseman or catcher, it's stupid to call interference when there's enough time for a runner to see how something developed and adjust accordingly.

[@binder38us]

So the Catcher can't be anywhere near the plate? WTF?

[@jtoms3]

Remember all those years we were told if only umpire calls could be subjected to review through instant replay then everything would be just hunky dory?

[@tevinsherrill5653]

Immediately thought about you the moment this happened. I'm a White Sox fan, and 100%, this was a mind boggling call.

[@LarrySkylines]

One of the most exciting plays in baseball is the play at the plate and replay is killing it off.

[@frig5956]

So people complained that there should be instant replay to get the calls right. Now there’s instant replay and they get calls right. Still - people whine and complain.

[@vw8886]

@@frig5956 They didn't get it correct.

[@sneakyjohn]

The irony is that it was Bruce Bochy's SF Giants, specifically poor positioning by Buster Posey and subsequent broken leg, that led to this rule's creation.

[@kqatsi]

@@frig5956 Reply incorrectly overturned a correct call. That's a problem. What are you whining about?

[@LarrySkylines]

@@frig5956 I have no personal interest in this game so the outcome doesn’t matter to me. Maybe the rule is killing it off. Seems the on field ump had it correct and replay interpreted the rule differently

[@bkembley]

I'm a lifelong baseball fan and have umpired for almost 20 years. I think players should be insta-banned for malicious contact at the plate. I think batter runners should be called out for running in fair territory to first whether it interferes with a play or not. But this play is too much. The game was never supposed to have lawyers officiating plays. The gamesmanship of something like a middle infielder "getting in the head" of a runner at second has always been a part of the game. First, I disagree that the catcher didn't need to move. Anyone with a brain could see that the throw was going to bounce and the best way to field a bounced throw/batted ball is to center your body on it so that if it bounces to either side you have the range to get it. Second, even if he didn't need to move, to take the athletic performance away over what was clearly not intended to block a lane is just a travesty.

[@randominternet5586]

On so many levels a bad call. He obviously had to move, and was right to move, the ball bounced right at him, he wasn't positioning to block and then reaching out to catch, he was positioning to catch! Next, the point of replay is for clear and convincing errors, not lawyer nitpicks. Because the rule repeatedly allows for umpire judgement, how in the HELL does NY overturn this as a clear error. The ump used judgement! And made a good call.

[@direcorbie]

you are certainly entitled to your own opinion, but calling a batter-runner out for running to first in fair territory even if he doesnt interfere with the play? I could NOT disagree with you more!

[@ryanhayes8748]

Appreciate the breakdown as always, so refreshing to hear someone unbiased talk about umpires and their happenings.

[@hfsjfc8111]

You definitely explained that better than the big sports channels. I am a Rangers fan and I, of course, am very biased by the outcome, but you opened my eyes to the explanation of the rule as it pertains to the play. Excellent work and keep it up.

[@cizzymac]

The catcher had to move to foul territory to field the ball. This overturn is INSANE!

[@brainpause]

This is absurd. The play at the plate rules have only clouded the game. I hate those rules

[@jorgerivera8933]

Great breakdown. I also agree with the out call. All these technicalities are just making it impossible for the players to play baseball. 😂

[@mrthingy9072]

So from now on, should we just wave all runners by the bases to ensure no one possibly gets in their way? No more double play attempts because the guy turning the play at 2nd might possibly interfere with the runner? This was a ridiculous overturn, Elvis (he used to play for the Rangers a few years ago) had PLENTY of room to get in there and he was beaten. And "wide turn at 3rd" shouldn't give him free reign to run into the dugouts and then come in behind the plate, that's nonsense. He was beaten on the throw from left field, plain and simple. The ump on the field got the call right, I don't know what wild hair New York had up their collective asses on this call. Opening a very bad box there, Pandora. A very very bad box with that overturn.

[@M747022]

I always look forward to these breakdowns. Excellent job

[@kevinkiss3340]

Great call Home Plate umpire!

[@BamaMTA04]

I just don't see how, even with the cather's change of positioning, they could say he didn't have a lane. He had the entire front of the plate so slide towards.

[@arley2246]

He denied his initial lane by obstruction

[@kqatsi]

@@arley2246 So? The catcher is permitted to make a legitimate attempt to field the throw, and that's exactly what the catcher did. By rule, that's not a violation.

[@aarond23]

Well that is embarassing....some kind of visual judgement should be allowed to be involved when you see that there is no contact on the play. The entire point of the rule is to prevent collisions.

[@babababad]

If you use the presence or absence of contact as an indicator when applying this rule, it incentivizes runners to initiate contact, which defeats the purpose of the rule. I get that NY is trying to judge whether there *would have* been contact had the runner maintained his path, but I think we all agree this approach is hurting the game. There's got to be a better way.

[@sneakyjohn]

Phenomenal breakdown explaining the rule and the circumstances and applicability in this play at the plate. The irony of this call and the substantiating rule is that it was Bruce Bochy's SF Giants, specifically Buster Posey in poor position leading to a broken leg, that led to MLB creating this rule. I personally do not like the rule, but I'm certain owners also don't like paying their All-Star catchers to sit on the IL because they were plowed over at the plate leading to injury.

[@mbrittb00]

No one wants to see a catcher get plowed over at the plate, well maybe Pete Rose, and any player that does should be immediately banned from the game. The interesting thing is that this rule came about in a result of the Buster Posey collission and would have done NOTHING to prevent that. Posey was in the correct position in front of the plate, then turned to make the tag once he thought he had caught the ball. It's also worth nothing that even when attempting to make the tag he was STILL in fair territory and NOT blocking any access to the plate. It is 100% obviously that Cousins was NOT going for home plate, but rather targeting Posey directly.

[@chucklebutt4470]

I feel like Bochy wanted to get ejected just to send a message since teams can't play under protest anymore.

[@vw8886]

Why can't they protest?

[@vincentwendt720]

@@vw8886 They changed the rule a few years ago but still very recently. I don't know what prompted the rules committee to make that decision. I think protests can still occur in NCAA baseball, but not at the professional level. I could be wrong though.

[@austin.draude]

​@vincentwendt720 supposedly, they can't protest anymore because the umpires can call to New York when they need a clarification on something and there shouldn't be a need for interpretation protests. At some point, a manager is just going to pull his team off the field and protest that way. And I'll be 100% behind him for doing it.

[@bunpeishiratori5849]

Did the runner have to alter his course because of the catchers position or because his teammate left his damn bat in his pathway?

[@fifiwoof1969]

I can understand Lindsay's explanation of "replay's" reasoning here. Lindsay does a FANTASTIC job here trying to and definitely helps the public to understand and part of the explanation was drowned out by the crowd here so I didn't here what this umpires says here and that's all the public have to go on. MLB should be making these videos but then Lindsay wouldn't have 30,000 subscribers. Congrats 🎉 Lindsay, hope you don't ignore my question :-).

[@sethheasley9538]

Great breakdown, clearly explaining how the umps got this wrong. :)

[@ATejkl]

I’m sorry, but this is the most ridiculous call EVER. I understand the reasoning, but it just should not be a thing. If the runner has any sort of clear path towards the plate, and he attempts to take it, and is called out, he should be called out regardless of any of the “impedance” or “blocking” rules. This is coming from someone who’s not a fan of either team, I just want baseball to be baseball, and not a game of gimmicking the rules for what feels like a cheated run.

[@ATejkl]

Regardless of the rules and call, great explanation.

[@bstdenis]

I was veeeeerrry eager to have your take on this. Thanks !

[@rseg2707]

Great call on the field. Terrible job by New York. What a shame.

[@hulenbryant5637]

This has to be the worst review decision EVER! New York reviewers should have to answer for these kinds of calls.

[@stephenj9470]

What's frustrating is that Heim (a young player) is clearly concentrating to make sure he starts in a good position, and that he fields the ball only when necessary and gives the runner part of the plate. Doing all that, he still tags him out, but is called for a violation. Might as well not make it so clean next time...

[@JoeyD_AU98]

Can we just say if a runner is halfway down the line before the catcher receives the ball then the runner is safe? This would be as legit as this ruling.

[@Baldeagle-tw2nv]

Make it as soon as they round third base, that way the MLB has their super high scoring games and makes pitcher ERAs into a complete joke.

[@criticiz3]

Someone in New York bet the over and needed one more point 🤣🤣

[@kcc1108]

DJ had great footwork there. Took some quiet steps to get in a great position to see that tag!

[@Baseballcardkingz]

Even as an umpire, this is ridiculous. Nothing should have been overturned here and it goes against the intentions of the rules.

[@Baldeagle-tw2nv]

MLB wants more runs scored so that's the way these reviews are going to lean. Might as well say the runner is automatically safe when they round third and start running home.

[@ingiford175]

To me, the catcher did everything correct. He set up on the inside in prep for the ball, and he shifted when the ball was clearly going to come on the foul side, and you want him to move after the bounce? its to late especially if it is a bad bounce. I like how the Catcher defends the BACK of the plate, and not the front of it, if he was standing on the front corner, I could see this call being made.

[@ingiford175]

Add fuel to it, look up Tatis Jr. throws out Margot, Rays @ Padres June 18, 2023 and that I would have called him out but NY said he was not blocking/guarding a ball from right field.

[@thienvu8120]

I disagree with NY's decision.

[@endergt]

As a catcher, I have to wonder, where the hell am I allowed to stand?

[@transcendkira]

Thats a seriously terrible call to overturn that... It absolutely makes no sense to nitpick every single millimetre of the plate like that for the runner's benefit over the catcher. Like, the term is literally 'blocking' and that straight up didnt happen here. The whole edge of plate is still accessible to the runner... That catcher really tried to do everything right by the rule and still got punished over an interpretation noones really seen before. Thats just rough...

[@randominternet5586]

And the rule I thought was for catcher protection, don't run over catcher!

[@Stormsfury777]

Replay was wrong. Call should have stood on the field, Heim did eveything correctly to receive the throw while maintaining a lane for Andrus to attempt to score on.

[@mikestout9588]

This call was turrrrrible! I was watching Sox broadcast and Steve Stone went on and on about what a bad call this was.

[@MikelineTV]

Did the bat on the ground change the direction of the runners decision to head slide from the right to left of home plate or would that no matter there was gonna be a collision anyways?

[@Seanster_94]

New York had a bad night with replays yesterday, they overturned the call in the Angels game that in no way was clear or convincing of a tag being placed on Drury this one is way worse though, how can an official sit at the replay station and say he blocked the plate, who ever made that decision needs to be evaluated by mlb

[@vw8886]

"Home Plate Collision"???? This was just a terrible call by the replay person. This was never the intent of the Posey rule.

[@dereksimmons5877]

If the violation was called real time I would have been okay with it standing, but clearly the player should have been out and any other result just goes to show the negative consequences of fucking around with rules.

[@rayray4192]

The rule is in place because a franchise lost their best player for the season in May after a brutal collision.

[@119Agent]

So what is the catcher supposed to do to catch the ball and make the tag in this situation?

[@philshelton1828]

The catcher blocking the plate rule is the stupidest rule in baseball. This call from New York just confirms the stupidity.

[@jamesosteen09]

Ump got it correct. Gotta give them credit where credit is due. Sucks that replay was wrong and overturned it.

[@davidstevenson5429]

I don’t how you can keep all these rules straight Lindsey. I love listening to you explain them. 😊

[@willblake72]

What a throw

[@helviojr]

Exactly. Because if the throw was correctly in the direction of the catcher, runner would be safe.

[@bethhentges]

The runner would have been safe if he learned to run the bases without such a wide turn.

[@helviojr]

@@bethhentges He was there because half of the base was blocked. The foul side was all that he was given. Then, taken.

[@metzilla]

I agree Lindsay, ... great call, but TOTALLY disagree w/ NY on this .... that's just bad.

[@carolineanderson4046]

Elvis Andrus is an integral part of my baseball watching and my childhood. I love the guy. However, Jonah Heim is an elite catcher and played by the rules. I love him too. He was not blocking the plate or the path to it. When Elvis is out, he’s out. Should never have been overturned.

[@mattclark6482]

If blocking the plate is so specific that it depends on which corner of the plate is left open, then it should say that in the rules. The rules do not mention how much of the plate or what corner of the plate must be left open and thus the vagueness opens up to the exact circumstance we see here. Furthermore, if the MLB intended there to be refinement in the rule they should have released such refinement immediately, which didn't happen.

[@mbrittb00]

After moving from the fair side of the plate to the foul side of the plate the catcher STILL received the ball over his left shoulder. Had he NOT moved, its questionable if he would have been able to reach the ball. The catcher HAD to move to receive the ball, he still gave the runner a clear path to the plate (who BTW took a VERY wide turn around 3rd making his approach very wide). This is a horrible call.

[@austin.draude]

Gave him the entire plate until the ball was already in the infield. Is CB Bucknor working replay this week?

[@xapie128]

Whereas I agree with your comments in the video, I disagree with the title -- what "Collision"? The catcher did not block the full plate, and the runner slid with his arm out. There was no "collision."

[@r.searcy5627]

Thank you for your explanation. Not saying i agree with the call but atleast i now understand their reasoning. Been around this game for 30 years and it seems like a new rule pops up every week lol.

[@granthampubunderground]

This was absolutely the right call on the field. I would have went nuts too, if I were Bochy. Had the catcher not moved to the other side of the plate, he would have had to reach for the ball, and since we were young, we were taught to get in front of the ball. This is exactly what he did. The fact that he moved before it bounced is a non-issue to me. Its obvious that the catcher can see the path of the throw before it bounces. The runner was given the entire front of the plat to touch. Completely a bad overturn by NY. But the real issue here is that if it had been some scrub 2nd string catcher that got blown up instead of superstar Buster Posey, this rule would not even exist.

[@richarddanko6360]

Are used to love baseball. It was interesting to watch. The rules were fairly simple. Now with all these new rules I don’t even watch it anymore. Thanks to KZbin, I get to watch all these ridiculous calls that don’t make any sense. Maybe I’m just getting too old.

[@jamesoliver6625]

What you can say is that replay in NEW YORK has a vested interest in the outcome of the game, which is not the first time I've thought that. If there ever was a time a manager should have pulled his team into the locker and forfeited the game in protest, this was it.

[@charger1593]

You would think that this would be an example of how MLB would want a catcher to handle this play. He gives the running a clear unobstructed path to the plate, so much so, that it was initially questionable if the hand got under the tag. MLB needs to tell Heim where exactly he is supposed to stand to field this ball because his only option here was to just get out of the way and let the ball go to the backstop.

[@kphardiman]

Coaches have no choice but to argue these, even though they’re out of the umpires’ hands. If they don’t argue, these calls will never get New York’s attention and be perceived as “controversial”.

[@penguin44ca]

Eliminate the block rule. If you want to stand in the path of a freight train, go for it. Just accept the consequences.

[@cblanton]

So..is the catcher supposed to stand at the back of the dirt circle until he has the ball and then try to go tag the runner. They got this wrong. 100%. He left almost the entire plate available for Andrus to score. In my mind, that’s a text book way to do it. Heim even said after the game, that’s how they are teaching them to set up based on the MLB explanation of the rule.

[@ingiford175]

He repositioned to the back of the plate when the throw was clearly going to be off, He kept the foot on the back of the plate, which shows how he was 'leaning' due to the throw and not in front of the plate due to the throw. Not sure what else he could have done.

[@hilojackgame]

I mean the rule already has the language right in it. "It shall not be considered a violation if the catcher blocks the pathway in a legitimate attempt to field the throw". No changes or clarifications need be made here. It is already crystal clear as-is. What is needed is accountability from whoever is adjudicating replays back in New York. Perhaps an adult literacy assessment would be in order also. There's no way a reasonable person watches that play and perceives anything but a legitimate attempt to field the throw, there.

[@richpaul6806]

even if we say that the catcher impeded the runner by moving, where is the block of the plate? with his foot on top of the plate the runner can still reach every edge.

[@randominternet5586]

This is a crazy overturn. You have a great call on the field. The evidence should be CLEAR that something was wrong. Obviously the catcher has to move over to catch this ball and the rule is clear that it's not a violation to move to field the ball. The catcher left space on one side, then left space on the other and move to field, and wasn't even in the way. Replay should be for CLEAR screwups. Why the hell do something like this, the rule literally says "in the judgement" of the ump. Let the ump exercise their (good) judgement. Replay officials just looking to be relevant.

[@dmgreenberg]

To paraphrase former Michigan State football coach (special teams, I think) John L. Smith: “The umpires are out there working their tails off, and the situation room is screwing it up!!!” 🤬

[@davidstout6922]

No where near a Texas fan but what a horrible call. MLB has to get this right

[@geoffselby6260]

I am a Texas fan but I believe they got it right. He moved over too early. If he had waited until the ball bounced it would be different. I don’t like it but it’s how the rule is worded so it’s the right call.

[@jacoblancelot4337]

@@geoffselby6260the fact is, he HAD to move to field that ball. The ball was going to the right, so he jumped to the right to field it. Absolutely doesn’t make sense. The rule says the catcher is not violating the rules if they are blocking the plate in a genuine attempt to field the ball. He moved in a genuine attempt to field the ball (evidence, he caught the ball perfectly after he moved). There is nothing in the rule about waiting until the hall hops. Nothing. You made that up.

[@geoffselby6260]

@@jacoblancelot4337 not necessarily the bounce. It’s more of a timing thing. I used the bounce to reference what the timing would have been. Basically because he was reset prior to the ball getting there it’s considered early. I don’t agree with the rule itself because you’re right, he had to move to field the throw.

[@pfdtx4633]

Runner's hand was just blocked by foot in FRONT of homeplate and embarrassingly inconsistent NEW YORK says player was out. Just happened in Cincinnati on 6/30/2023. Compare the two plays and ask yourself how the same NEW YORK crew could make such inconsistent calls. They are HORRIBLE!!!

[@rc24caldwell19]

MLB has a big issue here, and they need to figure out a different approach. If you show that replay to 100 baseball fans and ask if there was anything wrong with it, I truly think 100 would say an emphatic "NO". They are taking one of the more exciting plays in baseball, and turning it into an absolute joke....and you KNOW the umps think that call is a disgrace too! If that play is not an out in a baseball game, I don't know what to say.....

[@rickypoindexter9505]

i feel the fucking same dude - except as the comments here have shown there is about 1 in 100 that somehow think that was on the catcher - for the life of me I cannot understand their viewpoint though.

[@jameschamberlin5739]

Baseball needs a complete overhaul, the rules tossed out and re-done from scratch, the umpires are not the "final say" and instant replay is revamped where bone-headed calls never happen. But that's in a dream world, so I can dream at least. 😭

[@Jaxdrill]

Yeah I definitely do not agree here on this overturn. With that wide of a turn by the runner and the throw angle I don't think in anyway this is impediment, I see this as a legitimate attempt at catching.

[@rayray4192]

Couple questions: Why such a wide turn and still 5 feet in foul territory close to home plate? Why not slide feet first? Slide feet first and you may dislodge the ball. Risk of injury is higher sliding head first. Off topic, but I’m interested in your thoughts. Is this poor base running?

[@bethhentges]

@@rayray4192 To me it’s terrible base running. The turn should never be that wide.

[@rayray4192]

@@bethhentges yes, thank you. Shortest distance is a straight line. Willie Mays would have slid feet first and scored easily.

[@patgoulden]

Hate to see Bruce walking slowly. Hope his health is ok he has been in the game a long time. Always been a fan of his.

[@adipsous]

I live in San Francisco and have been a Giants fan for a long time. I didn't know Bruce Bochy wasn't retired.

[@timothystamm3200]

​@adipsous he was France's manager in the World Baseball Classic qualifiers, and that got him fired up enough about baseball that he signed up to be the Texas Ranger manager starting this season.

[@TigerWoodsLibido]

He knows the Rangers are a sad, cursed franchise since 1961 and he wants to help turn around the culture of what has largely been a moribund team for long stretches.

[@joe2lank]

So is the catcher supposed to wait for the ball to bounce before moving? What if the ball isn’t going to bounce, do they need to wait for it to bounce behind them before moving? Absolutely shameful overturn here. And unfortunately the Union will look at this and see no problem and protect the umpire(s) who made this call from any type of accountability.

[@waynefairchild887]

Similar to on field umps occasionally presenting views post game for close calls and tough decisions, we should expect the same from those umpires hiding behind 'replay official title' in New York. Of course that will never happen.

[@gravityUTube]

Wtf, there doesn't have to be proof that he had to move to catch the ball.. that's only a condition if he didn't give the runner a lane to the plate. The runner clearly had a lane to the plate. HE FREAKING GOT TO THE PLATE

[@tomfinn6579]

What we have here is a question about what does the word “block” mean.

[@EJayMD-11]

I really hate that rule.

[@texassooner342]

calls like this prove that the mlb officials in new york have favorite teams and least favorite teams and if they have a chance to cost a team they don't like the game then they are going to do whatever they can to make it happen because they don't have to explain anything to anybody and that is exactly what happened here.

[@Baldeagle-tw2nv]

Someone should check to see if they're playing bets on the games they're reviewing also. The rise of legal sports betting gives officials even more incentive to fuck up calls and lean a specific way.

[@FactsMatter]

This is one of the most garbage replay rulings in its history. Remember how we used to say that replay was to catch the egregious miss? This IS the egregious miss. Reyburn had it right from the first moment and replay screwed this. One can only ask why?

[@disneydanny2]

I'm surprised Bochy didn't take a page outof Robin Ventura/sbook and kick dirt at home plate.

[@KPapadakis09]

Reminds me of the SAN Diego-Colorado and Baltimore-Toronto game

[@jumping438]

Horrible overturn! On field call was correct!

[@kburk30]

The more I think about it I think Elvis ran directly at the catcher delibery trying to get an interference call. He is running right at the catcher even he has a clear lane to the plate and then at the last minute turns and slides. I think this was a deliberate act on the part of the runner to try to get an interference call. Ellis runs directly at the catcher and then at the last second turns towards the plate. He was not running at the plate he was running at the catcher. The catcher was lined up over the back part of the plate. Not in front of the plate towards the third base side. The only way the catcher was illegally position was if Andrew was coming to the Homeplate from the first base side. Anders had to turn at the last second not simply to avoid the catcher but to touch home plate he wasn't running directly at home but he was running at the catcher. The replay Fishel took him running directly the catcher to Maine that the catcher was obstructing him when she was not. This was a veteran move on Ellis's part to try to get an interference call and he got it.

[@douglassepic9030]

New rule - no more plays at the plate

[@timrachow-ey9mt]

Also, why do these “people in New York” go unidentified & hidden in an office somewhere? How do we know this isn’t controlled by bookmakers? We get to know the names of the umpires on the field. They should have a replay official attending each game and making the on-camera announcement themselves. Having said this, I hate replay to begin with and wish they would do away with it altogether.

[@herestoyoudoc]

New York's reasoning on this isn't terrible but I do think you should need more to overturn a call. There's too many ifs and maybes here.

[@dleatherman4539]

Possibly the dumbest overturn ever. And I mean that sincerely. The only thing that impeded the runner was his ridiculously wide route, 10-12 feet into foul territory, to home.. Is Angel doing the replays? That’s the only explanation I can think of.

[@tw1nn319]

you cant change directions at 90 degrees and maintain momentum. his route was proper, that's how you "round" the bases

[@bethhentges]

There’s never a need for that turn to be so wide. If done properly, the widest part is as the runner approaches third, not after.

[@tw1nn319]

@@bethhentges respectfully i dont think youve ever played baseball

[@dleatherman4539]

@@tw1nn319Some of us played at a fairly high level. It only takes about half the 90 feet to readjust. Ideally a path about 4 feet inside the line is plenty for adjustments at the plate. and no, being 10 feet past the foul line 15 feet from the plate is neither proper nor intelligent. In fact, if you want to possibly disrupt the throw legally, the closer you are to the foul line, the better.

[@bethhentges]

@@tw1nn319 You’re wrong about that.

[@Kirkshelton]

You gonna look at the Giants v Padres from last night? similar reviewed homeplate call and another ejection.

[@TheAASAllAroundSports]

That’s a crazy call!

[@boataxe4605]

He can’t see the reason? Well, here it is. Sports gambling is now legal and the people who own sports books and casinos leave nothing to chance. They make sure that the odds are in their favor,so professional sports are now fixed. That is why they are officially and legally considered to be “Sports entertainment” not “Sports”.