Did umpire error alter LLWS 2018 outcomes?

Are baseball game outcomes ever the result of bad umpires? That would be the worst outcome of a baseball game. Did this happen during the Little League World Series in 2018 in Michigan vs Idaho and Georgia vs Texas games?
In this video we highlight two umpire mistakes that you can decide if you think they altered who won and who lost those games.
Horrible umpires are bad for the game, but were these horrible calls or just a part of a game?

[@stansifer70]

I use to be a little league umpire and let me tell you it's a lot harder than it looks.

[@Paul-jz1lv]

My first baseball coach told me something I'll never forget. "If you have to rely on the officials to make the correct call in order to win the game, you've already lost."

[@camronreed5988]

So true

[@albertlwj]

@@camronreed5988 actually not true at all. if the umpire constantly makes the wrong calls against your team, your chances of winning goes lower

[@camronreed5988]

@@albertlwj you added my name to the reply

[@Aiden_Jomanski]

Great advice

[@mikemaslowski4070]

@@albertlwj then become an umpire. we need more. there's a shortage, we need more umps

[@jacobyshelby1219]

Video 1 comments: The release of the ball (after a "caught" fly ball) must be intentional. Did F3 intentionally release the ball from his glove? I don't think so. There is no time frame that is required for a fielder to "hold" the ball to qualify as a catch. If it was on the transfer, how come his throwing (right) hand never gripped the ball? His fingers were never on the ball and the ball wouldn't have dropped straight down as it did in the video. Video 2 comments: Poor initial set up for the RF umpire. Never be parallel, or almost parallel to F9, as it appears he was. Should've ran in toward the infield and stay on the line for the fair/foul call, stay down (low) upon F9's throw to home. (Most) LL umpires are not trained in proper mechanics (at least not in a 6-man rotation) and experience is "OTJ" from other lesser qualified umpires. (Some) D1 and (most) minor and (all) MLB umpires go through intense schooling, 6 days a week sometimes to get to their level of officiating.

[@astros4thewin406]

I am on the southwest team and we have discussed that play a lot and you can’t blame the game on one play we made mistakes that might’ve changed the game but you can’t blame it on one play or the umpire

[@MJHBaseball]

Great attitude. I agree with you. But it's still too bad the right fielder didn't have his chance at a Web Gem 😉. You had a great team. Thanks for commenting.

[@astros4thewin406]

Yeah he’s still pissed but that night we threw probably the biggest party in LLWS history in the dorms

[@nickhill8612]

@@astros4thewin406 Cool and remember your team came along way. Your still regional champs and that's something to be proud of. 👊👊

[@billyreynolds4749]

@Michael Heathman - the thing is...why was the ump so far in the outfield??? Holy crap?? He was right on top of the player! He didn't need to be so damn close! As soon as the catch was made, the dumbass ump should have dropped to a knee, and the player could have thrown right over him! Another umpire screw up! I'm tired of over zealous umpires messing with the game!!! I'm also tired of over zealous politicians messing with our country!

[@Jruth68]

@Michael Heathman That is absolutely not true and an insult to Little League and all it does. Little umpires go through years of training and hav to work there way up ranks to get the honor to umpire a series or even a Regional. They put hundreds of volunteer hours in. I've worked with umpires all over and many of the paid ones are not that great nor do they get the training many Little Umpires do. If you think you can do better then get out there and do it but don't bad mouth those who are.

[@simply9877]

I umpire 11u through 14u and I myself have about 3 missed calls every week. And don’t get me started on balls and strike calls

[@krill33]

xNational Anthem okay... one time I watched strike three on a pitch that bounced on the plate. Bases loaded, two outs and a full count. We lost by one

[@davidcombs3617]

No way you call balls and strikes as bad as some LLWS umpires: some of those called strikes on the "outside corner" are three or four baseballs off the black. LOL. Unhittable.

[@rj7411]

Thanks MJH for those replays from 2018 LLWS. Agreed, we need more umpires. It's so much fun too: Fresh air, exercise, friendships, officiating the game we love, talking about the game we love, the great training and instructors you meet. Umpiring is such a fulfilling and humbling experience, especially volunteering in LL. Truer words were never spoken: "...suggest becoming one yourself, see how perfect you can be and, good luck with that." We appreciate the time you put into editing and narrating the actions of the "third team" on the diamond. Look forward to your next breakdown.

[@kaidenbutko3494]

RJ Serpa t

[@memovasquez9907]

The first 1 was a B.S. call. The ball dropped during the transfer. The 2nd play is 50/50. In my opinion it would of been close

[@prsguitars42]

You had secure possession at 5:29s?...……..

[@stephenharvey7960]

Under the rule you must clearly secure the ball. The Transfer is not applicable on that there was no secure catch. The player went to transfer to fast, therefore no ball security Thus Foul ball.

[@TM-oz2bj]

No that's umpire interference no question about it. And the player lost his momentum because the umpire was in the way. Meaning that he would have had him out at the plate.

[@timothyreavis5475]

If your gonna have replay then why in the hell was the first one not reviewable. Being that it was the third out and no one advanced that is a perfect play to review

[@zgaviation6481]

@@timothyreavis5475 first one is not reviewable because it's judgment based on secure possession and voluntary release

[@slo-motionbob5246]

Mistakes are part of the game. Deal with it.

[@billyreynolds4749]

I don't like mistakes! I don't like mistakes that change the outcome of a game!! It's not a matter of "deal with it!" Get shit right the first time!! Pay attention, and get it right! I was an umpire for JV and Varsity baseball in central New York for 15 years...no way did I make the screw ups in this video! I wasn't perfect, but I paid attention, and I made the right calls!! NO BS! They need to be able to review ANY play, to be sure the call is correct, so the losing team doesn't have to "deal with it!"

[@chipbaker2025]

Professionals don't make those kinds of mistakes.

[@firstname7330]

On the 1st play, never give the ump a reason to believe you didn't catch it. Umpires are human. Slow motion makes it look like he definitely had control of the ball and simply lost it in transfer, but in real-time, it looks like he dropped it. I would probably have called it a drop and foul ball also.

[@Bullets632]

Bad calls are just part of sports in general. As a player you just have to accept that and be prepared to pitch a fourth strike, or a fourth out.

[@mptr1783]

As for the 2nd play, I blame Little League Baseball for assigning 6 umpires on a field that small. The RF umpire was in the right spot to rule fair or foul(which is dumb since the 1st base umpire has the same view), but you can't blame the umpire for being in the position he was put out there to do

[@johnharris7845]

Don't think you can blame the loss on one play. You're up by 4 runs and only need 1 out. They had plenty of chances to get the out they needed.

[@gtaxmen]

Your comments are very spot on! Walk a mile in their shoes as it were. I played and umped for years. My view is , if you lose the game you didnt score enough runs to beat the other team. Many things happen in a game, cant blame every pitch or play or person. Thanks for your very helpful and informative series!

[@an30805]

What about the interference on the batter in the first scenario?

[@mptr1783]

you only protect the fielder that you think had the best chance to make the catch. The catcher had the 3rd best chance to make the catch, so no interference

[@simonbesnoy9218]

I saw the bill buckner error R.I.P Bill Buckner 1949-2019

[@MrJking065]

He had bad knees and was barley able to walk much less bend to get a ball. The Coach should of pulled him sooner for better defence player.

[@simonbesnoy9218]

I was just making a tribute

[@2AForever-wi8yj]

Gedman was the real goat in that game. And I'm a Mets fan so it ha nothing to do with being a sore loser.

[@joellajuett1060]

Woulda, coulda, shoulda. Umpires are human. I do believe the replay issue in little league needs tweeking. You always put up great video that will make people talk. Awsome job MJH Baseball !

[@tannerjones8465]

Yo idiot it’s shoulda, coulda, woulda

[@1Outis1]

@@tannerjones8465 no, it's coulda, woulda, shoulda.

[@nathangarciamuro]

On the thought umpires are to blame, well I am an umpire, I love to be an umpire and I love the game and I am used to the bashing. We are always the bad guys and the receivers of the people’s frustrations.

[@lucasmuellersc]

The first play was a transfer issue, not a dropped ball. The second was umpire interference. Both shall be reviewable.

[@Owenbalcarcel25]

Fax that kid on Georgia would’ve been out but the pitcher should’ve gone to first and it wouldn’t have been a provlem

[@charlottelemerond2148]

Sorry I'm from mi so I wanted mi to win (Thanks for the heart)

[@stephenharvey7960]

My question to all you bleacher Umpires show me the transfer rule if you can find it. In the MLB it does not exist

[@adamwolsey8589]

did the 1st base umpire cost gallaraga a perfect game a few years back? i think nuance is important, considering its pretty easy to see times when umpires do indeed have a dramatic impact on the outcome of the game. that said I couldn't agree more about people blaming losses on umpires. love your videos, keep up the great work!

[@markbennett5211]

Unless Little league rules are different about catches then college or high school ball that first play is not a catch. The reason that ball fell straight down is because there was no secure transfer, otherwise ball would of rolled backwards. Good call

[@matthewalman9307]

Mark Bennett I was thinking the same thing. The rule I was taught is that it isn’t a catch until the transfer is completed.

[@timothyreavis5475]

Supermatt10 there doesn’t need to be a transfer at all to have a catch. You can run all the way to the dugout with the third out in your glove if you want to

[@squaaam2263]

isnt controlled release of the ball one of the criteria for a catch?

[@teaganwynne7131]

Umps do need some glasses when it comes to close plays but it happens and you should just shake it off

[@coryCuc]

3:33 that umpire did the correct thing by getting in a position to look into the field of play to see the catch. The kid catching the ball, his momentum was taking him into foul territory where he threw the ball. Going further to say that had the umpire not been there (even though he didn't impede the throw) the player would have been "most likely thrown out" is just laughable. As with any sport, umpires and refs are part of the field of play and need to be taken into account accordingly. Yes, they may get in the way on a particular play..but again, that's something as a player you deal with and frankly expect.

[@watericesalt6499]

Ump calls almost never actually lose the game for a specific team. Normally, there are other mistakes that influence the outcome. I mean, those calls were pretty bad, but there were more mistakes that both teams made that also lost the game. Idaho still had the chance to win. If he made a good throw, they could have won. And if Texas would not have bobbled it, they would not of had a chance at a walk off.

[@terrancehuber4674]

You can never judge a game by one play

[@garygemmell3488]

I umpired over 3,000 games and coached nearly 500 games at the HS level. I can honestly say that only once did I see an umpire have a direct effect on the outcome by way of bad calls. This umpire made two horrific calls in the bottom of the 6th that allowed the home team to score two runs and take the lead. The first was not taking off his mask and moving to judge whether a pop up was out of play when it was caught. It was in play. The batter hit a double on the next pitch. They eventually get runners on second and third and the defense manages an out. 2nd and 3rd, one out. The batter hts a screaming line drive no more than a foot off the ground. The 3rd baseman dives, catches it, and lands on 3B with the runner off the base. Double play, inning over, right? Nope. The umpire never saw the ball and ruled it a ground ball even though all three runners, both base coaches, and the defense were heading for the dugouts. The 3B coach realized what had happened and got all the runners to their bases. Now it's bases loaded, 1 out. The next batter doubles and drives in 2 runs. The side is retired and the visitors can not score in the top of the 7th. Home team wins by one run. In essence, the visitors were forced to get SIX outs.

[@dougthegreat1808]

I once had a conversation with Giancarlo Stanton about this a few years back. He told me this never happens. As we, Marlins at the time had/have a whole game to score enough runs that one questionable call will never be the reason for losing a game!!!

[@mikepoore1705]

First one: transfer? If the ball comes straight down, it could easily be judged a no-catch. If the ball comes out at an angle, the ball was given impetus by the throwing hand; that’s transfer. A consultation among the umpires would have been appropriate. I changed a call that way in a tournament.

[@samzavod7748]

As an umpire I think the first call is not incorrect because the rule states that a fielder must complete the process of the catch which includes the transfer. The transfer is defined as an intentional exchange of the ball from the glove to the hand. Here I think the ball falls out of the glove prior to the attempted transfer and thus would be a no catch foul ball. This play is not reviewable because the transfer is a judgment call. On the second play the umpire was just too deep to watch the catch and inadvertently got in the way. Remember umpires are a part of the field and being in the way is not intentional. My final comment is remember in the LLWS umpires are volunteering their time to officiate the game and shouldn’t be criticized for trying their best.

[@MagSeven7]

On the first video, someone commented it's a "bad call". Probably only one team felt that way. It's a judgement call and in the umpires judgement it's no catch. In the second video, having been on the field with LL players, i'ts always a challenge being in position when the unexpected happens. You never know and always need to be alert. That being said, I believe the umpire did his best to get out of the way and it was not ump interference. Everyone's entitled to their opinion, but, they should try being out there before making a negative comment about the umpires were at fault.

[@jamieburkhart6221]

as an umpire that is just getting started. I really appreciate your thoughts at the end of this video.

[@MrJking065]

Better calls than most MLB Umps. I think any play should be able to be reviewed in LLWS.

[@lllllllllllllllII]

It’s way easier to call a slow ass game of kids mlb is played out faster and harder

[@jeffpadgett1339]

I agree, it's all about getting the call right

[@masongaudreault3112]

for the 2# clip. The umpire is considered the feild of play, it is like one of your own teammates standing there, so no matter what you cannot blame the umpire for the outcome of the game.

[@Richard-xu8zq]

Tbh

[@jacobfarag5475]

3:21 the ump sucks

[@zgaviation6481]

You literally cannot call "umpire interference" on that play. Once the ball passes a fielder, as that one did, the umpire is part of the field

[@tannerevans6544]

I think the first one was okay and Michigan still could have won, but the second one definetly was the umps fault

[@grantg8549]

Tanner Evans I think is completing the other way around

[@andreweggers9308]

3:06 umpire is part of the field and the runner would have been safe anyway

[@2AForever-wi8yj]

@Mia Gonzales that is really a stupid comment.

[@parkerbarr24]

But the throw was different cause of position. He had a clean throw and it would have been a double play. Look at the fielders position at 3:20 after the catch. It’s such a easy throw out had the umpire would’ve moved

[@jackjon7763]

CPB_Games the umpire did move. The best thing probably would have been taking a knee but hindsight is 20/20

[@parkerbarr24]

jack jon But he still got in the way and ruined the throw

[@jackjon7763]

CPB_Games you said it’s an easy throw out had the umpire would’ve moved. He did move. Hindsight is 20/20. I used to umpire and I found myself in the middle of throws several times a season. So I started taking a knee and pivot to the play. It’s a bad situation and he had a spilt second to react and figure out what he was going to do and he chose wrong. It happens

[@bradfordnicola801]

I don’t believe either umpire cost either team their games

[@donnadabbs8699]

Ask Terrell Owens if it was a catch.

[@krill33]

Dez Bryant

[@Kari2025]

I’m from Idaho and was definitely bummed for those boys when the inning went downhill from there. It is what it is.

[@fortnit_god_155]

I agree there's so many bad umpires in my league

[@dripejr124]

Second time I thought he was exaggerating but he wasn't lieing

[@googyyt5201]

Umps are human joe Joyce knows that

[@gargon_1957]

Isn’t it Jim Joyce?

[@juliefarney3755]

There is no reason to blame a umpire cause at the end of the day you still lost the game

[@nictheleader9566]

Julie Farney yeah but in order for some people to sleep at night they need to place the blame on someone else

[@nikolascruz565]

The Georgia game the player in right field wouldn't of made the throw anyway

[@dominicponge6859]

run in to the ump and throw the ball you’ll get sum type of interference call

[@arianna_herrera]

Dominic Ponge that is so true

[@harrisjessop1679]

I know this video is old, but let's face it right now there is nothing else to do. Play #1 should have been ruled an out. Play #2 this happens because most of the umpire's do not work 6 man mechanics and don't know where to be on a play like this. I have never understood why any league put 6 men on any field. Face it, even a few years ago MLB had the famous infield fly rule call that was made by an umpire on the left field foul line. Could that have been a true infield fly, yes because the shortstop was under it until the umpire called it then he stepped away from the ball thinking the outfielder called him off.

[@MJHBaseball]

True on the 6 man crew stuff. Just an excuse to give more guys a chance to be on the field. And that infield fly in the MLB game you are talking about....it was an infield fly and the umpire did rule correctly on it. They can't call it until 1) the ball is at it's apex; AND 2) they can then view the position of the fielder and judge if it's reasonable for him to catch. So the umpire in that game did it correct. The fielder's just screwed it up. We'd all like to call it an infield fly sooner, but a lot of times on those deeper plays you just can't. You have to judge two different things and only then make a ruling. Good comment. Thanks.

[@harrisjessop1679]

@@MJHBaseballI agree wit everything you said, if that IF would have been called by the 3rd base umpire in that game i think you have no issue, but when the infielder heard the voice behind him he gave up the ball to who he thought was the left fielder calling him off. Those extra 2 guys on the field really throw off everyone because they don't see it for 162 plus games then you throw 2 guys out there on the lines it's an entire new look for the players.

[@colingregory1121]

In the Texas Georgia game I would throw the ball at the umpire

[@noahdempsey3329]

Umpires are expected to do there job and do their job well. Players get grief for errors they make and so should umps especially when they are getting paid.

[@lesshelton3]

They're not getting paid. All the LLWS umpires are volunteers.

[@nickhill8612]

Remember that everyone from the very first game to the llws are volunteers. Bad calls happen in all sports and so do comebacks.

[@flyby08]

These kind of plays should be analyzed by the umpires before the next years LLWS.

[@nathangarciamuro]

The first case is a Batter interference, it does not allow the catcher to run for the ball, it should have been called. I don’t know about the catcher from the fielder, it is quite doubtful, I would have called a foul ball. The second case is an umpire obstruction. The umpire should have called it.

[@kellyfeltner9757]

That sucks

[@maxbelford13_71]

Technically they could have had the game alot earlier so the umpires yes did make a bad call but players are the ones who could have won the game

[@busypros3088]

Any body from 2019🙂😂

[@nickhill8612]

Yup 👊👊

[@tbuck181818]

Dump the Volunteer umpires. Go with umpires from NCAA or MILb as this would solve the issues . Plenty of guys available this time of year for at least the World Series Brackets and pay them for at least travel and per diem. Little League World Series is the best of the best Worldwide with hapless volunteer uneducated umpires effecting the game yearly. Unjust and ridiculous / Embarrasing that LL can’t solve their only real problem that they have year after year in this tournament.

[@basketballislifeandfootbal7681]

It was stupid Texas game

[@jacobbrooks1666]

Yes when me and my team were in sectionals for llws 50/70 we had a 7 out inning and the game was just horrible it was a championship game too if we won we would have gone to states

[@jimhessler2708]

As an NFHS umpire, I appreciate the generosity and sense of fair play displayed in your comments. I would want someone with your attitudes coaching my kids.

[@bobbyburford2627]

1st play---no voluntary release--no catch. Just because he reached his hand towards glove, if he didn't drop it voluntarily, it's no catch. 2nd play---is unfortunate, but the umpire is part of the field. I'm still not sure why we have 6 umpires in MLB playoffs, nevertheless LLWS. 4 man system works fine!

[@raymondarata6549]

Too many umpires = higher probability of disaster, especially on a little league field.

[@BWill341]

I understand that these videos are in place to HELP umpires. But I always feel the need to jump in a defend. All calls were just bang-bang mistakes. I probably make 1 per game. I get scrutinized for another 4 by coaches and fans. The problem with the game is not umpires...its fans and coaches.

[@cloudwatcher724]

every year the commentators make the obligatory announcement about how all little league umpires are volunteers, and oh, that's so great that they volunteer their time, they're so dedicated, blah, blah, blah. trust me: umpiring baseball is just like most other things in our capitalist system: YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. every year there are embarrassing situations like this where the volunteer umpires clearly demonstrate their lack of commitment and professionalism, and frankly, their inability to umpire a basic baseball game. [and don't EVEN get me started on their "strike zone"...] one day they will realize that just like high school, college, travel ball, and every other league of going concern, you HAVE TO PAY UMPIRES. until they make this simple decision, $#!+ like this will happen.

[@matthewmorris9830]

If you rely on officials to win, did you really win? Maybe. Maybe not. In the first situation, if the catcher had made the throw to first Street the dropped third strike, the same outcome would have occurred as if the first baseman was credited with the foul ball out on the earlier play. Inning over...no harm, no foul. They had a chance to close it out and didn't convert is the point. On the Texas/Georgia play, did it look like the RF went out of his way to position behind the ump to maybe get an interference call? If he did, that's just heads up baseball from the RF on a close play that didn't go his way. If he didn't, it's a bang-bang play at the plate that could go either way. In the immortal words of the baseball poet, Ron Washington, "Sometimes that's how baseball go." If Ron would have positioned Nelson Cruz properly, or of Nelson were an average outfielder, the Rangers would have won in 2011 against the Cardinals. They didn't, and now, as my favorite Pai Gow dealer at the Bellagio is fond of saying, "Now you have good story to tell!" For the record, I stopped at 3:55 in the video and didn't watch the rest until after I posted this. The channel does a good job explaining it's tricky and not always straightforward attributing Ws and Ls to umpires.

[@kerrytodd3753]

First one is just poor umpiring…..he should have had a perfect view. No excuse, this guy made a bad call and it was a game changer……they won because of him. (Depending on how the rest of the inning went) Second one is just unfortunate….ump was clearly trying to get out of the way, shit happens but to say he lost the game is ridiculous. That is to assume that the throw was perfect and fielded clean and the tag was applied and the ball was secure…..too much to assume. Umpires can and will dictate outcomes of games, if it’s true, then it’s perfectly ok to “blame them” but to the players, the coach has to explain that there were times in which we made errors that ultimately “lost the game” for us and not blame the umpire….they will form their own conclusion as to the validity of the argument. Just because a guy/gal chooses to be an umpire, doesn’t give them free reign to butcher calls at the expense of young men and coaches that work hard every day to improve…..perhaps the umpires should practice just as hard. I can get frustrated with poor umpiring, I expect better and I will tell them, but I won’t show them up……

[@TheHockey12]

1st clip: Catch & Out. Dropped during transfer. 2nd clip: The umpires are "part of the field", so no "umpire interference". However, that umpire was in poor position, which caused him to distract the right fielder.

[@mptr1783]

Funny how you blame the umpire for making a 50/50 call, without video replay, yet the kid ends up striking out, but dont mention the passed ball(error) and then the bad throw to 1st base(error #2). I have no problem with the 1st video umpire calling that a no-catch. What was the reason for the quick transfer if that was the 3rd out?

[@mjb2424]

Video #2... To suggest that it would have been an out if the throw was not impeded is assuming too much. Maybe... maybe... Maybe!!! As for the first play one angle showed the ball rattling around in the glove... I don't think the kid had full control of the ball. Also... There was another error on a strike out in the dirt when the catcher throws it wild by the First basemen...

[@chrisphiladelphia9398]

Ball came out by accident--no catch-must try(by rule-voluntary Release--or on purpose)to take ball out--you and announcers were WRONG

[@maxswenson6605]

Nope, not a clear catch. The catch of a batted ball requires control throughout the play. The fielder must, in the umpires opinion, be able to execute a subsequent play common to the game (ie: take the ball out of the glove with your throwing hand, or hold the glove up in the air with the ball in glove showing you have clear possession and control, etc). A catch of a thrown ball is where “transfer” would come into play.

[@chrisphiladelphia9398]

Mitt may have been more than 14" top to bottom--runner could have been judged to have interfered with catcher who had chance to catch ball--book is different than cover(first play). No catch-ball came out before Attempt to take it out by rule. Trump is bad choice

[@Michael-cf9cj]

The first play was a mistake, but understandable from the point of view of the umpire. The player catches the ball, but he quickly tries to make the transfer. Instead of a transfer, he drops the ball. He doesn't bobble it with his transfer hand. It just drops. The umpire likely thought based on his point of view the player didn't fully control the ball in his glove. The second one wasn't a mistake on the umpire's part. That's where he's supposed to be. It was just an unfortunate place for the ball to go.

[@theburnetts]

Yes of course the quality of officiating can make a difference in a game. Absolutely. Imagine an instance where an umpire missed 10 calls against team A in a game but missed 0 calls against team B - and team B wins by 1 run. So it is definitely possible for poor umpiring to play a role in the outcome of a game. Should we get mad at umpires and expect perfection? Well in the situations that you have mentioned I would say it is reasonable to expect that adult, highly trained umpires in the biggest youth tournament in the country should be much much closer to perfection than two teams of 12 year olds. I have consistently been disappointed in the quality of umpiring that I have seen at the LLWS. I coached youth baseball for 8 years in the Cal Ripken organization and we seemed to have much better umps. Of course the Ripken umps were paid and the LLWS umps are volunteers. That second call was blatant umpire interference. I’m not mad at the umpire for getting in the way. That happens. But umpire interference should have been called and the runner sent back to third. I couldn’t believe they didn’t fix it. I have seen umpire interference in the MLB. It happens. Just so unfortunate. You compared the umpire problems to the pitcher misplaying a come backer. They are not the same thing at all. All we want is for the game to be decided by the players - not the umps. If the players make mistakes that cost the game that is actually part of the athletic contest. What we don’t want is the umpires to get in the way of deciding the game by the players. Unfortunately that’s what happens when an umpire blows a crucial call sometimes.

[@Detroit_Dawg]

What I dont get is why video replay isnt used for ANY questionable call? Isnt the point to get it right at the end of the day? Replay would fix this, why not use it???

[@Frostylyxxx]

First high school game of the 2021 year for me, I had a coach (who is infamous for being an a-hole) kinda take a jab at me for thinking I missed a banger at first. And I laughed out loud and said “you just left the bases loaded two innings in a row” with a smile on my face. Normally, I don’t respond to anything coaches have to say, but I had just gotten off of work from my regular job and it was not a fun day and it was a long drive to that field and he gave our crew crap for being “late” which was starting out plate meeting ten minutes to game time so i really didn’t feel bad about my rebuttal.

[@imnotabotrlyimnot]

If you can't secure the ball on a third out catch, to bad, you didn't catch it. Who teaches to transfer the ball by turning your glove open side down and dropping the ball. That's just stupid technique.

[@garyscandle]

The first call should've been out. The second the umps are part of the game and be aware of your moving if the play comes your way. It's a game like any other, errors and poor judgement go hand in hand ☺️

[@richerwin6397]

Like the LL players, these umps are less than MLB worthy. Can't expect perfection, just effort.

[@BigSkyCurmudgeon]

to be honest--1st case, correct call Foul Ball....however there is a matter of BATTER INTERFERENCE affecting the catchers attempt to make a catch. not only did the batter go abnormally off the line to 1st base, i believe he used his right arm to impede the catcher. i think the catcher concurrently tried to ward off the arm of the batter..rule is the act of altering a defensive player, it does not specify contact must be made, to call interference.......did the ump not see this? probably not as all eyes would have been on the short popup and the fielders going for it... replay the video doesn't even show it that well, but it does.

[@bigj200016]

Can’t really call the second one an umpire error. Sometimes there’s just no good place for an umpire to be. Although I always thought it was absolutely silly to put six umpires on a small diamond.

[@tylerroggenburg8864]

As a young umpire, you always worry that a questionable call could be the difference in a team winning or losing a game. I have had multiple veteran umpires tell me "no one call will ever make the difference in a game", & they are right. Baseball is a game of inches & seconds, where each pitch could make a difference in how you approach the situation, offense or defense. I do a lot of tournaments & I've noticed a common theme, the teams whose coaches complain & argue everything rarely get far. They never want to blame their loss on them or their team, always the umpires.

[@mptr1783]

Make every call reviewable, but they must be a challenge. If I want to challenge a call, lets go to the video. However, if I get the challenge wrong, there has to be a delay of game penalty of some sort. And I think this should be in EVERY sport

[@tigers9879]

Issue is.. luck is part of the game.. talent.. you have human errors.. on the umps.. you can have everything reviewable slow the game down.. when a team is hot and got momentum they want to keep it going,, a review might slow the momentum down.. teams do it in football all the time.. you can go both ways.. the team was up 4... they came back.. you had a chance to put more run up you didn’t.. if one thing changed the outcome issues.. just like one luck play happen.. just move on

[@laserryan1498]

The first one wasn't a catch. By definition a catch is when the player voluntarily releases the ball. A dropped ball during the process of transferring shows it was not released from the glove voluntarily. That is why most MLB players show the ball after catches, or pull it out of their glove right after a catch.

[@JBekus]

Umpires do a difficult job. A lot a mistakes get made by the players during the game. It’s just a game.

[@davidcombs3617]

Watch the RF on the second play. He moves over a couple of steps into the umpire and into foul territory and then throws. Even if he got behind the ball and drove through the ball and threw home, that runner is still probably safe, even with a GREAT throw.

[@forrestcreek1598]

It’s a game, not the end of the world, Let’s just let it go at that. You win some, you lose some and maybe if your very lucky, you will win the LLWS. No ones to blame, in my opinion.

[@itissoldier7837]

For me the second one really is frustrating to me with the umpire and the fielder. Being that he is a line ump in the outfield so it doesn't make any sense why he's even in fair territory before a ball is hit. Understandable in that moment of the game you can get tangled up with a player but that should 100% be umpires interference. With that interference call the ball becomes dead and all runner should be returned to there bases. The only argument I have against this is that the fielder did take two steps towards the umpire before throwing the ball. If you deem that as intentional then the play stands. Overall the umpire should have not been in fair territory before the ball was hit and the field should've just thrown the ball rather than taking two steps towards the umpire. Just a frustrating play to watch unfold.

[@JOYOUSONEX]

Umps make mistakes all the time, that's just part of the game. As for the "catch", in my opinion it was a catch and dropped on transference but the ump saw it differently.

[@10scoach33]

First one was an obvious mistake by umps, kid had the ball in web of glove and lost it in transition to his throwing hand, should of been 3 outs inning over!! Second one ump was just in wrong spot at wrong time, nothing he could have done he is the right field umpire so that’s where they hav to stand, it was just an unfortunate happening but that’s sports, and that’s life, so only the first one actually was legitimate mistake!!

[@williamstandish2926]

I dislike that plays can't be reviewed when other plays can. That being said, since the first one can't be reviewed, the kid looked like he dropped it as he dropped it so soon after the catch. That is why I hate that some plays are not reviewable. The umpire being in the wrong position is a different story. While it wouldn't be a sure out, the player looks like he would have been able to get it there. The umpire was in his way for so long. It is one thing for a player to do something to 'lose' a game. But no one likes it when it is because of the umpire. Especially when it was caused by them (ie, second clip).

[@warrenclaassen5959]

I have officiated sports for many years and no matter how well or how poorly I feel officials worked a game I will always thank them for the effort. My concern is when officials are asked to do something they are not familiar with doing. This puts them in a no-win situation. I work football and in varsity high school games we work with 5 officials while in levels below that we work with only 4 officials. The coverage and responsibilities are very different when you add the extra official. There are some states where they will go from 5 officials to 7 officials in the playoffs and in these cases unless these officials also work at the college level, they have not worked that position all year but are asked in what everyone else will call a "more important game" to work a position for the first time and to get it right. That would be the same as telling your player who was catcher all year to now go and play right field for the championship game and expect that player to play perfectly. Baseball has determined that foul line umpires are needed in some situations but now in the era of video review I think we can ask if they are needed so often. There may have been a day back in the major leagues when this was a valid concern and because of training available to them that it was a benefit. However it was a brand new position for them to work and they needed to know what was their call and what was not. The actual positioning is also critical for these umpires. In an MLB game you see the foul line umpires far in front of the outfielders so that they do not get into the play. On these tiny little league fields if the foul line umpire was to play in front of the outfielder in a somewhat similar way as in MLB then that umpire would be standing, wait for it, exactly where the first and third base umpires are standing thus rendering their presence unneccessary. In this play the right field foul line umpire was positioned where he was told but because that left him so close to the right fielder that when the ball was hit between the two, the umpire didn't realize in time to move to a different postion that would get him out of the way. Not working in that position perhaps ever before meant that he was set up for failure with very little benefit to the game. The group that puts on these games clearly states that all of the umpires are volunteers and they do a great job but I do not see a reason to have 6 of them on the field for a game that is played daily with 2 umpires. 4 umps can do this job. Adding the extra 2 adds very little to the accuracy of the calls in my opinion and when it appears that it could have affected a play negatively then you must ask why they are there in the first place.

[@SaltiDawg2008]

That is NOT Umpire interference in the second instance. Additionally, this experienced umpire agrees with the call... however it is nonsense to suggest he erred because he could not see it.

[@petes474]

did not get the call correct, should have conferred with other umpires. second play is a non issue, umpires are part of the field, and unlike you, i highly doubt he would have thrown him out!

[@hintz4459]

In my opinion for all of the clips the umpires were right nothing against u just my opinion it’s just how u think about it the first 1 I thought he dropped it I think the umpire was right . The second 1 I think the player had a clear passage to throw the ball but chose to go around the umpire. And the 3rd I just think he got his foot under the tag. Please don’t get mad just saying my opinion thank you

[@Pelamaal]

In the first play its not the umps fault the kid dropped the ball while moving it to his hand and the second play even if there was no umpire in the field the odds the RF makes that throw and gets the runner is 10% at most. If you think its higher you must not have watched much LL baseball.

[@paulcoffland8673]

No amount of your bootlicking will make up for the first clip- the ump robbed those kids. I put the second one on the pitcher. He should have taken the out at first.

[@matthewtemkin4726]

On the foul ball I would have agreed with the call. Second one--stuff happens.