Ejection 038 - John Tumpane Ejects Rocco Baldelli After 10th Inning Obstruction Call Against Twins

3B Umpire John Tumpane ejected Twins manager Rocco Baldelli for arguing 1B Umpire Erich Bacchus' extra inning obstruction call. Report: www.closecallsports.com/2022/...
Official Baseball Rule 6.01(h)(2) specifies the case of Type 2 Obstruction, which occurs when a fielder impedes the runner. Recall that a fielder (one fielder so designated by the umpire) has the right of way during an attempt to field a batted ball but the baserunner has the right of way at any other time.
In this situation, Twins first baseman Jose Miranda stood in Guardians batter-runner Andres Gimenez's path as he ran toward second base, resulting in a collision and U1 Bacchus' obstruction (type 2) call. At the conclusion of play, the umpires awarded BR Gimenez second base, ruling that had obstruction not occurred, Gimenez would have made it to second base ("nullify the act").

[@justinmartin9000]

John Tumpane, once again, one of the best umpires to watch and learn from. He is always spot on accurate with rules, mechanics and calls.

[@rayray4192]

Mr. Tumpane is fast too. Check out the video of Mr. Tumpane set at first base on a back pick throw from right field. He was the plate umpire. Phenomenal

[@KWally]

Not sure what Baldelli was thinking here, that throw was brutal and he was clearly at full speed to second.

[@TheCpadron19]

There's literally no argument here. The first baseman needs to figure it out, that should never happen with a baserunner.

[@ronpeacock9939]

Well, sadly this happens often.. play happens and player is not part of the play goes into spectator mode and then OMG, SHIT and they are part of the play in this manner.. and since his back is to the runner, they often don't realize they are going to be part of the play until like this one.. they are.. and you'd be amazed at how easy even for pros it is to fall into this trap.

[@PhantomofDB]

@@ronpeacock9939 I watch baseball pretty much every day, and no this doesn’t happen very often. He weirdly backed up right into him. Very much looked like what it was - a case of a rookie not being familiar enough with the field he’s playing on to realize where he was on the infield

[@nickpoole583]

@@PhantomofDB I think this happens a little more frequently than you would think. But at the end of the day its not a call that should be argued. It’s pretty black and white. It’s technically a judgement call but I think this is as clear as a routine ground out to first. It just doesn’t happen every game, but a professional manager should be very familiar with the play/call.

[@MaydayAggro]

As usual Tumpane is exactly right. There is absolutely no rational basis for an argument.

[@Oceangirl_505]

Thanks for teaching us so much!

[@caras2004]

It's a simple obstruction call

[@royphair9676]

The first baseman was clearly looking at the runner Pryor to the Base runner rounding first

[@jaybingham3711]

Such horseshit arguing this. This is blatant. There should be double secret ejection for nonsense arguments like this.

[@SchillerDuval]

Interference or obstruction will ALWAYS be argued...for no good reason. It's ridiculous.

[@Oceangirl_505]

At times, I put one of my employees on double secret probation 😉

[@jaime1818]

Great point, thanks 😊

[@truthillinois6397]

The call was 100% correct.

[@lscales6131]

Not sure he thought he had an argument here. This was literally textbook obstruction. With Tumpane as a trainer at umpire school this is literally one of the exact scenarios we go over.

[@yoegster]

Text Book Obstruction (Type B) and proper award. He looks like he doesn't know the rules by arguing.

[@thatcriticvideo]

Wild that there was an argument at all. Just dumb.

[@rayray4192]

Broadcaster actually spoke intelligently, or at least knowledgeably. Once a coach begins to repeat himself the conversation/ argument is over.

[@jfchonors8873]

As a manager why would you bother arguing this call? Made him look foolish

[@mbdg6810]

Probably because its extra innings but at the same time the call is correct.

[@rayray4192]

Most give baseball players and managers who were players way too much credit in regard to intelligence. There’s a reason they aren’t scientists.

[@DCLover19]

Probably to fire up his team

[@robertsbanks]

He doubled down during his post game interview also

[@roreyfaiola8607]

I do not believe the runner would have made it to second. Why not look at replay????

[@jaime1818]

Stupid argument, he deserves the second base.

[@Fire5485]

Umpires are entirely and exactly correct. Good call, proper ejection.

[@raf42]

Deeply appreciate the analysis as always Lin, but the ccs/owo logos in the bottom left are obstructing some of the score bug. If they were a smidge higher or on the bottom right it would not be an issue.

[@JGTheGamer]

Have Lindsay award you a base for the obstruction.

[@105C09]

Excellent call by the ump.

[@annettemalaski1967]

No argument about this call!

[@charlestraber9812]

LOL another great example of broadcasters not knowing the rules.

[@Oceangirl_505]

John Tumpane is the Umpire who saved the life of a woman who was trying to kill herself by jumping off the Clemente Bridge in Pittsburgh. Great Man!

[@rayray4192]

Thanks, never knew the situation. The M.L. B. umpires I have met are super human. Those bashing umpires aren’t half the man M.L.B. umpires are.

[@rayray4192]

Clemente bridge is 79’ tall.

[@Oceangirl_505]

@@rayray4192 I remember that in the broadcast that evening, they said that several people a year jump to their death off that bridge.

[@rayray4192]

@@Oceangirl_505 Sad, I guess 79 feet I’d high enough. Wanna view a video that is very depressing watch the Golden Gate Bridge documentary about the young U.S. Coast Guard heroes picking the bodies up out of San Francisco bay. The bridge is 764 feet above the water. I cycle across the Golden Gate. There are special officers dispatched to counsel potential jumpers. I’ve seen the interactions several times. It’s extremely sobering. America needs to take mental health way more seriously

[@Oceangirl_505]

@@rayray4192 - Agree! It frustrates me when people so easily blame umpires and vilify them. I could go on a rant here about blaming others rather than taking responsibility for yourself, but I will spare you of that. When being interviewed about the event, John struck me as a compassionate man who cares deeply about people. He didn't want attention on himself, he wanted attention on mental health and people seeking help. Search KZbin Umpire saves woman's life, results show 7 solid videos.

[@Briansgate]

Ok, just how many times has a manager come out to argue something, and the umps say 'yeah, you're right'?

[@Daveraide]

Probably .5% of the time. It's never 0 though

[@kgrkid]

@@Daveraide maybe 2% at beat

[@rayray4192]

Broadcaster talks about umpire rotation and wonders if the call was made more difficult by having only three umpires. In four man the second base umpire still makes the call because the first base umpire would have gone out reducing the crew to three umpires. Crew conferred to decide what base to award. Good job.

[@truthillinois6397]

Absolutely correct!

[@triplea9870]

Been really liking watching Bacchus grow. He was a little shaky early but he’s had some great plate games recently and this was a good obstruction call. Love seeing the young guys doing well

[@JPfreedom]

Eric is an even better person. Very giving to the growth of umpires at ALL levels.

[@rayray4192]

@@JPfreedom hood of you to acknowledge a good man. Bravo.

[@TreeKharma]

Was Tumpane acting as crew chief?

[@SamJones-cz3ds]

Rocco obviously needs a little refresher on this rule

[@RAC3504]

I am not sure what Baldelli was trying to accomplish by going on and on. (Aside from getting tossed) This is as blatant and textbook as an obstruction call comes.

[@mbdg6810]

Interesting how casual the ejection is here

[@michaelmack9376]

If baseball seriously wanted to speed up games and reduce the 'down time' in the game they'd do more to do away with these ridiculous manager arguments. Its one thing to argue something where maybe you have a point, but this isn't one of those. This is literally an argument with no real purpose.

[@ryansteele2677]

Why were there only 3 umpires?

[@mbdg6810]

Usually that means an injury to one of them.

[@StrivingTowardsWhatIsAhead]

The 4th umpire was sick so they went the whole game with 3.

[@josephcalrow2586]

@@StrivingTowardsWhatIsAhead with COVID 19

[@StrivingTowardsWhatIsAhead]

@@josephcalrow2586 they didn’t say that. They just said he was under the weather. At least that’s what the Cleveland broadcasters said.

[@ryansteele2677]

@@StrivingTowardsWhatIsAhead thx

[@Stevo2557]

I don't understand what Baldelli is upset with here... If MLB wanted to release a training video on obstruction, this would be it.

[@Jonsandman99]

My assumption here… he’s mad because the runner never made an attempt to continue to second base after the obstruction, BUT in this case, the runner does not have continue in that situation as he was just body blocked and shaken up due to negligence of the 1B and clearly would have been safe at 2nd… in fact (this is a me thing here) that throw was in no man’s land, Gimenez is fast, without the obstruction he would have been on second when the ball would have reached the infield, and it was a ball thrown into no man’s land, the Guardians WOULD have more of argument to get Gimenez to 3rd that the Twins would to get it overturned (but that’s just my take there) overall good call by Blue, Rocco looks stupid

[@FactsMatter]

The problem is that if he tries to continue to second after the illegal body block and fails, he does so in jeopardy of being called out. This is obstruction type 2/B - the ball remains live and there are no automatic protections/awards to the next base or bases. Those are decided solely based on the umpire's opinion of what would "nullify the obstruction" (As clearly evidenced here... it's an opinion) and only awarded after the play is ended. The runner did the right thing and the umps got this exactly right.

[@rayray4192]

@@Jonsandman99 you don’t need to downplay your opinion. You are correct and insightful.

[@rayray4192]

@@FactsMatter if the batter/ runner continues to second base and is thrown out he would of been awarded second base. Nullify the one and favor the team who did nothing wrong.

[@mptr1783]

@@FactsMatter not true. The runner was protected between 1st and 2nd base. If he wouldve been tagged out, time would be called, and the runner awarded the base they thought he wouldve gotten to.........2nd base

[@Bswaggy]

Just an unfortunate situation for Miranda. Definitely wasn’t intentional. But rule is a rule

[@Bswaggy]

The only problem I have with these obstruction calls. Is I’ve seen it not called quite a bit

[@ryanwiuff2374]

Definitely a rookie mistake by Miranda. Gotta side with the umps on this one which is unusual, usually everyone is ready to call for their heads. Not sure what argument Rocco was using

[@JPfreedom]

Curious. Why were there only 3 umpires on this game?

[@adamwatkins1150]

Why only 3 umpires?

[@brianlaclair4503]

Rocco there are times to fight.... this ain't one of them!

[@Ray3645]

Why was Rocco arguing with the 3rd base ump, when it was the 2nd base up who made the call?

[@thatsoslender]

Genuinely curious what Baldelli feels they got wrong. Is he trying to say that the throw from the outfield actually had a chance of catching him at second? Was there a press-conference after this?

[@hanke2588]

Right call.

[@kristopherwagner4173]

100% correct call. Dumb to be thrown out over it

[@10-3leader]

The takeaway here is that someone woke up Rocco long enough for him to get tossed in the first place.

[@benjaminwirth1208]

Missed an ejection in the brewers marlins game of the marlins hitting coach

[@TheBenmccormick]

Marlins Hitting Coach Marcus Thames was also ejected last night by HP Umpire Bill Welke.

[@pavanatanaya]

Rocco is making a fool's argument

[@outnumberedbbq]

General question here: Are there any repercussions when a manager gets tossed, is there an automatic fine or does he have to do something egregious?

[@CloseCallSports]

There would be a fine for an ejection.

[@CrossingTalkAdmin]

Tumpane has a muzzle on

[@critter2]

Twins manager should teach players not get in way

[@TheDjcarter1966]

As stated this is 100% textbook what are you arguing. Also hate umpires always engaging in these let the coach say his peace. After maybe thirty seconds to a minute just say OK we are done coach, walk away set up for next batter. If coach is still not in the dugout toss him then.

[@rayray4192]

It’s an educational moment.

[@charliepiland3285]

Microphones on the Umps would really help fans at home know what’s going on! It might also cut down on lots of the performative histrionics which slow the game down…and often appear infantile!

[@mptr1783]

Doesnt baseball rule say that an obstruction is an automatic next base award? A runner on 1st base diving back to 1st on a pickoff and obstructed is awarded 2nd base, right? Or is this a HS rule?

[@rayray4192]

High school rule ( N.F.H.S.) has a different obstruction rule than the official rule. The ball is kept live on all obstruction scenarios in high school. Official rules make the ball immediately dead when obstruction occurs when a play is being made on a runner. The quintessential example is obstruction during a rundown, but your example of a runner diving back to first base while a play is being made on him is another good example of an immediate dead ball and an award of the advance base; no matter which direction the runner is going; advance, or, retreat. Official rules call this type A, or type 1 obstruction. High school just calls it obstruction. When a play is not being made on a runner the ball is live and in play in official rules and high school rules when obstruction occurs. This is type B, or type 1 obstruction in official rules. In high school, it’s just obstruction. After continuous action is over obstruction is enforced. This could mean awarding a base(s), or calling a runner out. The goal is to nullify the obstruction. High school does not have type A and Type B obstruction; just obstruction. However, there is an automatic award when obstruction occurs when a play is being made on a runner, so it’s like Type A obstruction, but the ball is kept live. Why, I don’t know. Possibly to make the rule easier to memorize for amateur umpires.

[@davidrast4702]

Why were they in three man?

[@jacobrichardson1952]

😂🤣 this ejection is hilarious.

[@practicalparenting]

Here is an example of when coaches and or players need to read my book, “Whining with Dignity.”

[@dean_604]

So nobody is going to comment on the umpire's obstruction mechanics?

[@dean_604]

@@davej3781 correct me if I'm wrong but I thought a delayed dead ball was done with the left arm.

[@girnucci]

Rocco just had to get out there for one. He hasn't had many opportunities yet this season

[@jdb2002]

Where do coaches go when tossed out of the game, and who makes the calls that coaches need to make?

[@CloseCallSports]

A manager goes to his Clubhouse.

[@thomasanderson215]

I think Rocco was late for a dinner.

[@mark-shane]

stupid contest by baldelli

[@Troydizl]

Ahh nails on a chalkboard

[@andrewpatterson2844]

After the game, Baldelli said there is context in the obstruction rule that the runner needs to try to advance to the next base after the obstruction. I didn’t see anything in OBR on this. Is Baldelli right?

[@rayray4192]

Rocco is a little Fred Flintstone ( rock head) on this one. 7.06 (b) If no play is being made on the obstructed runner, the play shall proceed until no further action is possible. [ This is known as continuous action coming to an end ]. The umpires shall then call “ Time” and impose such penalties, if any, as in that umpire’s judgement will nullify the act of obstruction. There is no comment or note about an obstructed runner continuing to advance as criteria for him being awarded his advance base. It’s not in the umpire’s manual either. You are better off turning the sound off to negate the broadcasters in most cases.

[@alanhess9306]

No, Rocco is not right. The runner attempting to advance is not considered in the award. The umpire judges what would likely happen if there was no obstruction.

[@michaelfalkner1186]

At full speed and a runner coming home, you sure he doesn't get third?

[@NYCFenrir]

No chance of getting to third. Fielder is a second away from getting the ball when the collision happened.

[@FactsMatter]

If this were the call, Rocco would have an actual argument. It’s a non-starter that requires an umpire to assume multiple sequential events correctly into the future.

[@rayray4192]

Rocco’s argument was his right fielder played the ball well and there may have meant a play at second base. It’s a weak argument. Nullify the obstruction with the fair award.

[@alanhess9306]

@@rayray4192 As stated in the video, any benefit of doubt goes to the offense since the defense screwed up the play.

[@ronpeacock9939]

Should make managers work some minor league games as an umpire prior to being hired...will give some perspective on the job... Easy call for the umpires on this one...

[@TeemoQuinton]

In that case actually send bad performing umpires down so they... cant fuck up games that truly matter. Not saying this is a fuckup, but if you wan a implement something dumb like that then... do something smart

[@bradt7451]

@@TeemoQuinton or you can just GTFO this page because you don’t know how to determine good or bad umpiring anyway.

[@StrivingTowardsWhatIsAhead]

Everyone calm the F down

[@rayray4192]

@@TeemoQuinton did the big bad mean umpire call you out when you were 12 and now you have a psychosis? Minor league games do matter. The Memphis Redbirds play at a very high level and the ballpark looks like a major league park. Entrance is on Union avenue one block from Beale street- the best music in America. Three man crew working hard trying to get called up. You truly are ignorant.

[@rayray4192]

@@bradt7451 my thoughts exactly. Z man is an ignorant umpire bashing fool.

[@brandonmaugeri7828]

easy call ever. these coaches are out of control

[@markp7262]

While ultimately I believe that the umps made the correct call, there is an argument to be made that a play could have been made at second. As for the errant throw, there exists the possibility that his timing was thrown off by seeing the runner on the ground as he turned. Rocco appeared to be mostly calm and collected, and quite respectful compared to many of the hotheads we usually see in these videos. I see nothing wrong with making his case, especially if it gives the umps something to think about next time this happens. Where he went wrong was pushing it to the point of ejection.

[@MaydayAggro]

As explained, benefit of the doubt is given to the offense on obstruction calls.

[@markp7262]

@@MaydayAggro Exactly, which is why I believe the call was correct. But "benefit of the doubt" does not equal "always called in favor of," and that is why I don't have a problem with him speaking with the umps about it. In his eyes, there may have been enough doubt to trump the benefit.

[@alanhess9306]

@@markp7262 Sure, Rocco can get an explanation of the call but an ejection is appropriate after he prolongs the discussion after the umpire explains it.

[@CoachOlsson]

yawn

[@danielziegner3930]

The runner can not assume second base, obstruction, but the batter-runner stays at first.

[@Stryyder1]

These damn announcers for the Twins are such homers....

[@DeepFreeze7]

Bad call. He was gonna be thrown out

[@alanhess9306]

Correct call. He was obstructed. Benefit of doubt goes to the offense. Punish the defense for the lack of common sense.

[@chrisimming9454]

I understand Close Call doesn't want to give the managers view of the point being argued but this is what he said after the game. An unbiased review would include this whether he is right or wrong. He said "The runner has to continue on and try to make an effort. Even if he's leveled on the ground, he has to continue to make an effort to get to second base, and he did not," Baldelli said. "… There's also no guarantee he's going to be safe on a rocket off the wall at second base.

[@Joe_Okey]

The throw was off line; the Batter/ runner would have went into second base standing up. The errant throw is part of the scenario. The quality of the throw is considered.

[@rayray4192]

C.C.S. gives the manager point of view often. This is an umpire training site. We know the manager’s point of view- no need to talk much about it. Managers want to win. The ball is live and in play. The poor throw is a factor determining the base awarded.

[@stephenbeck7222]

The runner did make an effort, which was thwarted by the defender in his way. Now he’s on the ground, hurt, and the ump has already pointed out the obstruction during the live call. Why would he run to 2nd?

[@rayray4192]

C.C.S. doesn’t need to explain the manager’s point of view because the broadcaster does it perfectly.

[@rayray4192]

@@davej3781 always the voice of reason. I’m awarding batter/ runner second base if he’s thrown out by ten feet.

[@HiddenHandMedia]

Can I get one second of men's sports without a woman involved? WTF

[@saints093]

I don't understand why umpire John Tumpane continues to wear a mask, it's not mandatory, he should shed the mask, all the other MLB umpires aren't wearing masks, John Tumpane should not wear a mask anymore, it's TOTALLY SENSELESS!!!!!!