Game-winning run scores after umpires decide the catcher was blocking the plate, a breakdown

#jmbaseball #mlb #baseball #whitesox #rangers #umpires
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[@marimbaguy715]

Just a brutal call from the replay umpires. The throw took the catcher to his left, that's exactly how he should be playing that ball. There's literally nothing different he could have done.

[@gordons-alive4940]

One of the worst I've seen in a while. It looked like he was beside the plate, not in the runner's lane AND he was legitimately fielding the ball.

[@bormz7191]

It's scary to think what kind of phone calls Vegas might be making to those replay officials during a moment like this.

[@Benisuber1]

The enforcement of this rule has been complete bullshit for a long time now. "Legitimate move to field the throw" is such an incredibly bad wording if they intend to enforce the rule such if you can possibly contort your body to catch the ball outside of the entire basepath and the runner gets a free lane to wherever he wants to slide - not just any open part of the plate. Completely lacks any common sense or knowledge of the game of baseball to call these plays in this manner.

[@davidroman1654]

@@bormz7191 This was not on Vegas it was the simple fact that the Rangers have refused to bow to the lgbtqeQUEER crowd and WOKE MLB will make them pay.

[@darkarima]

1) As far as I know, Angel F. Hernandez still has a job. ~ 2) We haven't gotten any terrible on-the-field calls from him. ~ 3) He's still Angel F. Hernandez. ~ 4) QED, he's working replays. If the owners really want to get people watching games, think about this: You could get together and buy out Angel Hernandez's retirement for a lot less money than you spend on "star power".

[@DavidSchwegler]

In all seriousness, this is an excellent example of how to be unbiased in a breakdown.

[@WhiteOwlOnFire_XXX]

He’s a Yank fan not a Sox fan. I think you’re mixing up the jerseys since they’re so similar

[@bmposton98]

I love the ump talking to the catcher who just says “Yea idk man, I thought you had it.” 😂

[@warlordofbritannia]

Seriously! The catcher did the textbook move: he moved to get the ball->got the ball->he blocks the plate

[@Capzielath64]

@@warlordofbritannia Stuff like this has to be equally frustrating to the Ump who made the original call.

[@PapaVanTwee5]

This is what the MLB said: ... Heim’s “initial positioning was illegal, and his subsequent actions while not in possession of the ball hindered and impeded the runner’s path to home plate.” It also doesn't help that while catching the ball he goes on one knee. The textbook move is to stay on your feet and sweep the runner.

[@BlackReaperMetal]

We need more empathy from umps, that have been extra touchy in these past few years.

[@abramzoschg4983]

​@PapaVanTwee5 how was his initial positioning illegal though? He was standing on the plate (with access from literally all sides) and then shifted when the throw pulls him to the outside of the plate. What else do they want him to do?

[@sfmc98]

And the worst part is the very next night the same NY replay crew did the same thing! The Padres situation was even clearer that there was no plate blocking but it seemed like they felt the need to make the same call because of the night before. And it totally affected the outcome of the game. It went from the end of an inning to 2 outs and the Giants scored 3 runs.

[@chrismears7265]

Except in that play the catcher was fully blocking the plate, as he was straddling the line

[@BSRWeddingFilms]

Where’s a video of the play?

[@etamommy]

Wish that one also would get the Jomboy breakdown treatment too!

[@kurtissjacobs5618]

@@etamommy Can we all just agree that we need Jomboy breakdowns on every pitch of every game? I know it sounds like a lot to ask, but Project Scoresheet started out much the same way.

[@mattchtx]

Even clearer? The Padres catcher was straddling the foul line in between the runner and the plate and literally blocked his path. He backed up further into the runner’s path unnecessarily as he caught it and then stuck his foot way out behind him to block even more of the path. Here the catcher is mostly behind the plate and to one side. He has to move to the other side to catch the ball and that forces the runner to adjust, but he isn’t really blocking anything. The runner can see the plate in front of the catcher the whole way. I wish the rule still allowed the Giants runner to plow through the Padres catcher in the situation for blocking the path, but it doesn’t. So they have to make that call.

[@zacharynetzer819]

Good on the home plate ump on how he handled that. Saying that'd he review the call tomorrow with Heim and figure out why that decision was made is way better than the standard "Hey don't argue or you're ejected."

[@vw8886]

All they came up with was an excuse. BS call and everyone knows it.

[@warlordofbritannia]

The catcher and home plate ump did perfectly here-catcher followed the rules on the play and the ump acknowledged how bad the call is but he can’t do anything about it

[@AlexanderShreve]

I appreciated that as well. Still a one run game. You got the 9th left to play. As an Ump, you should always be de-escalating and trying to keep guys in the game. The NFL and MLS refs do a great job as well, but NBA refs have a problem with antagonizing players who are clearly upset. You just can't take stuff personally as a ref. It isn't about you.

[@WalterFlanagin]

@@AlexanderShrevei agree NBA reffs can be so heartless about a bad call in the 4th quarter. Everyone is there to see both teams give it all in the 4th so understand when you’re stealing momentum and don’t be so pissy about a player arguing. De-escalate should be in the job desc

[@jamesw71]

@@warlordofbritannia actually it was a good call by the replay official, the catcher is required to be in fair territory when he is setting up for the ball, he wasn't and was back behind and on the plate...he is according to the rules required to be in front of the plate leaving a path to the plate BEFORE the ball gets there and he wasn't. Good call on the replay officials....time to educate the masses like yourself not to mention the catchers and umps.

[@victortachiquin4965]

this is why it's always a good thing that Jomboy doesn't rush his breakdowns out because something interesting may happen next game. Well done as always!

[@EduardoGarcia-cd7vf]

He is a out . Period too much stuff... old school. Out!!!

[@MisterGH2]

If the call hinged on Andrus changing direction, one could argue he was also trying to avoid the bat that was mentioned earlier.

[@jrpipik]

Or just trying to avoid the tag (which he nearly does).

[@TheHeadincharge]

Not really though, he clearly dove to the left because of the catcher’s position. The bat was easily avoidable on his original path.

[@Badministrator]

A smart base runner who has seen this video or others like it should probably just change directions every time since it apparently makes you safe automatically.

[@chrismarston4266]

@@TheHeadinchargestill doesn’t make the call right. The catcher is allowed to take any position if it’s in an attempt to field the ball, which is exactly what happened here

[@fifiwoof1969]

@@TheHeadincharge unless he's going for a swipe tagging dive with outstretched left hand face first - then he's headbutting the bat in my opinion. Had to change course at the end so not sure there.

[@Viralbutnotyet]

absolutely textbook throw and catch, you can see how he perfectly caught the ball and tagged out the base runner. umpires are killing the game

[@troybaxter]

Which is honestly the worst part because they could overturn roboumps.

[@strategic1710]

Sometimes I think umps do stuff like this as a way of justifying their jobs and pretending they’re important.

[@ChronoMatsumari]

at least plate ump got the call right, made the judgement that the plate and progress were not impeded... it was overturned, which I always remember that you cannot argue JUDGEMENT, which I agree with plate ump and not Booth ump.

[@zepherscotty]

That request for a review after the homerun may be the funniest thing I've ever seen on a baseball field.

[@chaosman419]

"After reviewing the play the call on the field stands. The ball did in fact travel 458 feet into the stands for a 3-run homer, Texas remains their challenge."

[@TheRprecupjr]

Troll Level - Expert

[@sanchez3229able]

As a father of a baseplayer, Ive seen many funny digs at the umps.

[@danieldominguez7698]

They’re gonna do a bobble head promo with Heim calling for a review😂

[@kurtissjacobs5618]

@@danieldominguez7698 Limited edition. First 20,000 fans.

[@ChemicalArts]

MLB messed this one up. They needed to admit they got it wrong. Instead, they doubled down and said that Heim's “initial positioning was illegal, and his subsequent actions while not in possession of the ball hindered and impeded the runner's path to home plate.”

[@json_bourne3812]

Seriously?? Anyone with a functioning brain can see that double-down is ridiculous

[@jlambe19]

150 yrs of this sport and they still argue over the rules.

[@michaelmortensen8057]

The person who made the call in the booth need to have his mental IQ checked , because he is definitely to dumb to work. Sub 60 IQ for sure.

[@chazcov08]

@@jlambe19 They're new rules. Not 150 year old rules.

[@brendancurtin679]

Honestly, this at least makes more sense than anything Jomboy speculated. I still disagree with the call. But if we're starting from where the catcher starts to move to catch the ball, which is really where Jomboy's analysis starts, I really don't see how he broke the rule, either. But I can at least understand an argument that the catcher was positioned improperly to begin with such that he forced the runner outside in the first place. As the argument would go, the catcher was standing in a way that didn't give the runner an option to slide inside and forced him to run for the outside of the plate (ie, he was blocking the inside path while standing there without possession or attempting to catch it in violation of the rule). Then, the catcher moved to catch the throw, switching from the inside to the outside, forcing the runner to change for the inside side of the plate that previously wasn't available due to the catcher's positioning. I still disagree with the call. That's getting really nuanced and pretty far beyond what the rule was trying to do, IMO. Given that the rule explicitly gives extra deference to the "judgment of the ump," it's even more egregious that they overturned the call on the field in order to say he violated the rule.

[@mayhemstudios82]

Well, the runner had to redirect his path regardless of where the catcher was. If you look at his run down the outside lane he was so far off the line he would of missed the plate completely if he stayed his course. Real bad call from upstairs. Home umpire had the right call

[@CoutureThug]

It's sad they rewarded shitty base running, all runners shift their path to try to avoid a tag that's common sense

[@samc4531]

I think he was on track to slide from the outside and touch the base with his left hand.

[@CoutureThug]

@@samc4531 he would have slid straight into the bat that was on the ground if he did that.

[@TheHeadincharge]

@@CoutureThugNo they don’t… what kinda baseball do y’all watch

[@TheHeadincharge]

@@CoutureThugNo, there was room on his original path to slide, not hit the path, and get the bat with his left hand. I get y’all don’t like the call, but this argument that his original path was somehow untenable is ridiculous.

[@azhidahaki3082]

My understanding by the wording of the rule is that BOTH of those requirements have to be met simultaneously. I feel like we can all agree that his movement to field the ball was legitimate and necessary, so the rest of the rule doesn't even matter anymore.

[@kswindl]

Yeah, I was disappointed Jomboy didn't emphasize that, I feel like that's an aspect a lot of people were missing. The rule is horribly worded, but the logic is pretty straightforward -- IF the catcher does not have the ball, AND is not legitimately attempting to field the throw, AND has hindered or impeded the progress of the runner, THEN they've blocked the plate.

[@asd35918]

I don’t think he blocked the plate at any point. There was always an opening.

[@JuniorFanCirca1989]

and not just AN opening either, the whole 3rd base-facing side of the plate was available

[@dontmindme4197]

But he made him change his route by putting his foot on the plate

[@Taylexwow]

If the runner has to change his line due to a move of the catcher its arguably a violation and that did happen because had the runner not shifted there would have been a collission. Personally I agree with the home plate umpire because even if he hadn't shifted to catch that throw I don't think it would have mattered and he still would have been out.

[@jonrossillon8515]

I agree, the runner didn't have to change his path, he just chose to, to a) avoid the bat maybe and/or b) to get into a better position to avoid the tag. Ridiculous call.

[@gravityUTube]

the runner literally touched the plate... how could he have been blocked?

[@krbay1019]

This call hurt so much but I knew it was gonna make it to a Jomboy video. And when the HR celebration the next day happened I knew "he's putting this at the end."

[@WesleyB-Rook]

This is so freaking stupid. At this rate, the Catcher will have to be in the stands when he catches the ball in order to not be called “blocking”

[@warlordofbritannia]

The catcher did almost textbook perfect, it’s especially bullshit when you do everything right and get punished for it

[@WesleyB-Rook]

@@warlordofbritannia no kidding. I honestly feel like the rule should be that as long as the catcher is positioning to make the catch, he can be anywhere he wants, including in front of the bag, but if he is in front of home plate then he at least has to be making contact with it. And if he is in front of the bag, the runner should be able to make intentional contact with him. But that would set us back over a decade rule wise 😅 but that’s how I grew up was watching contact at home

[@georgepatton6195]

exactly, it like some liberal DA came up with this rule

[@gordoeinstein]

In reality: Runner would have been safe if he were a faster runner.

[@jimwerther]

​@@WesleyB-Rook Blame Buster Posey. It is not that complicated to block a plate without leaving one's leg vulnerable, but somehow he couldn't figure it out.

[@countrycorner9337]

The review call while rounding first on the homer is hilarious! Well done sir

[@jimbeam275]

MLB should have the umpires do a breakdown video like this and explain what the hell they are looking at

[@ingiford175]

I wish they did it like XFL does their reviews.

[@Adam-kr8wy]

they dont look at anything. Bookies look at it in NY and make the call for them based on "rules" aka profit

[@The104th_Wolf_Pack]

@@Adam-kr8wy Lmfao this is exactly why I don't bet on sports haha!

[@navymusician822]

MLB should FIRE the dumbpires that overturned the call! They don't even deserve to be IN a baseball park/let alone be making game changing decisions! They're an INSULT to the game!

[@nothingreallyrhymeswithora9377]

Umpires need huge ass glasses because they're blind AF at the worst times.

[@TEEDUBS]

I was screaming so loud at my computer monitor that night, my wife came left her PUBG match, and came downstairs to see what the hell was happening; she thought we were being robbed. 😂

[@willmurnan]

Texas got absolutely robbed on that call. What was Heim supposed to do? Not catch the ball?

[@willmurnan]

@@Swolejohll And he did! The catcher moved maybe a foot to the left. The rule is in place so catchers won’t get trucked like Buster Posey when blocking the plate. Heim was never in danger here

[@custombimmer]

@@Swolejohll He threw a catchable ball...How do I know? The catcher caught it.

[@FighteroftheNightman]

​@@Swolejohllthe rule was put in place bc home plate was the only base people drop their shoulder and charge the fielder catching the throw. The point of the way they implemented the change is to also take advantage the catcher has with equipment to be able to block the plate and not get spiked. That's how the rule should be enforced. If a fielder moves to field a throw the batter isn't out anywhere else

[@kat-rau.]

@@Swolejohll Tell me you know nothing about ball without telling me you know nothing about ball. Tf outta here man. The throw was a one hop strike.

[@sfmc98]

@@Swolejohll Collisions at the plate are still allowed.

[@zztread]

Jonah calling for a review on his home run is what gets me lmao

[@executivesuites4444]

Ice-cold from Jonah. 🤣

[@riveraaa.5]

@@executivesuites4444to bad he’s terrible

[@sadbroncosfan7041]

​@@riveraaa.5 what??

[@brocksolomon8953]

​@@riveraaa.5best catcher in the AL. TF you talking about?

[@riveraaa.5]

@@brocksolomon8953 batting 232 career speaks for itself

[@robertt9342]

The thing is, if he didn’t take that last change of direction, he’s missing the plate by several feet, the catcher had little to do with it and he still had good access to the plate. They do these kind of reviews in racing incidents where they need to determine if the driver was ever intending on making the corner.

[@rosaparksuber6257]

Jomboy breaking out the rule book like he’s the ‘Audit the Audit’ of baseball and I’m all in for it, love this breakdown

[@logalogalog]

I'm an avid consumer of both channels.

[@richardduggar4665]

I give the booth umpire a F for making a great play so controversial

[@richardduggar4665]

I give the catcher and home plate umpire an A for using great mechanics to get in the best position to make the play

[@78TBGAMER]

Close call sports does an even better job since they are actually umpires

[@Travisrogers87]

Heyyy fellow ATA peeps

[@Retired_Detective51]

That swing adjustment on the inside pitch for a home run was a thing of beauty

[@miked51]

I am a Sox fan who was watching and I couldn't believe they reversed that. It was a sweet throw and catch, tag. Text book, beautiful. Our Sox suck so bad we need BS like this to win.

[@zachansen8293]

The rule is confusing, but basically you have to do BOTH to have broken the rule. So if he didn't break the first rule, the second part doesn't matter. The second part really only exists so that you're not "safe" because of a technicality only.

[@ronm3245]

Confusing only to people that don't know how to read.

[@markmarkmarkddd]

Yeah, this is the part that is getting overlooked. If you "block" the plate in a legitimate attempt to catch the ball, according to how the rule is read, it is NOT a violation no matter what the runner does. MLB reviewers just don't have the reading comprehension skills to understand their own rule which is a shame. But it is what it is

[@andressilva5693]

Was looking for this. Agree. I think Jomboy misinterpreted the rule. It's not the first sentence OR the last. It's and AND. Therefore the catcher wasn't actually blocking the plate.

[@fuzzybanana0123]

First thing I thought of when the rule popped up on screen. I saw AND in there, so gotta get both to be true.

[@huangnator]

Exactly! Both have to happen to be considered as illegal blocking. We need lawyers to properly understand and apply these rules.

[@eazy563]

I'm so glad you did a breakdown on this. As a Rangers fan I was livid at this call, and I'm still pissed today. Why even have replay if that's the shit they're going to come up with.

[@DustinMartin-s9c]

The explanation given by MLB was that in his initial position, Heim was just barely standing on the plate, which isn't really expressed in the rule in the book. They said it was a point of influence in the off-season and meetings with organizations that they would be cracking down on catchers standing on the plate before the ball is thrown, so the outside edge of Heim's pinky toe being on the black of the plate was the "problem"

[@vw8886]

That was their excuse to protect the replay ump who botched the call.

[@admthrawnuru]

​@@vw8886ya that seems more plausible.

[@donjones4719]

Thanks for including this. Hmm... they should make that part of the plate umpires judgement, it's be consistent with the last sentence of the rule - did it make a difference to the play? Was the catcher standing on the plate enough to affect the play? When the toe was on the plate I extremely doubt it affected the the player's mind as he was calculating his course towards home, he would have taken the same course if the catcher's foot was half an inch to the right.

[@sfmc98]

@@vw8886 Same ump the next night made the same horrible call against the Padres! I'm sure Jomboy is going to do it next. And the Padres call, he would have been out anyway. Runner was at least 10 feet from home plate when the catcher had the ball.

[@bobbygetsbanned6049]

So now the catcher has to wait in the stands for the throw? Next season they will have to wait in the parking lot.

[@BrianVerbaken]

This also happened in the Padres Giants game on June 21. Went from a 1-1 tie to 4-1 Giants lead and eventual 4-2 win

[@cameronmiles123]

That call was worse then this one. The padres catcher had him out well before the plate. MLB HQ review is botching calls left and right these days. They wonder was drives fans away.

[@joeheid2776]

I see part of the plate in FRONT of the catcher. To me he has access. Blocking the plate to me means no access. Am I missing something?

[@JuniorFanCirca1989]

That's pretty much it; we're all equally lost.

[@LeglessWonder]

But even then, when in session of or catching the ball the catcher can block the plate. But yea, he wasn’t even blocking it, even tho he’s allowed to

[@JuniorFanCirca1989]

@@LeglessWonder 🤷‍♂bizarre call

[@viewer7101]

4:38 he walkes out, waddles out 😂

[@ku-fc5nj]

“That devilish guy…our catcher” great quote

[@stirfryjedi]

I came here to procrastinate from LSAT prep, and my man delivers a freakin' rule breakdown lawyer style! Legend

[@strategic1710]

What a coincidence I’m here for the same reason. Tired of doing reading comp.

[@ThePlumAbides]

I was waiting for your breakdown since the moment this happened. So happy to see a few Rangers games appear on the channel even if they're in bad circumstances.

[@skotabig]

100 percent the same! Go Rangers

[@magicoA]

The ump who said "we'll look at and talk about it tomorrow" is the most gracious ump I've ever seen.

[@inphlox]

Thanks for leaving us on the sweet note of the catcher getting some retribution! I love the breakdowns about bad umping, but the situations can be so frustrating...

[@RockstarFlipper]

There needs to be an immediate emergency meeting and change the rule. NOW. There’s been 3-4 completely BLOWN overturns in 2 weeks. It’s getting stupid at this point. Teams should protest and refuse to show up for games until it’s fixed.

[@underprotest4946]

That's why I love hockey so much I really miss the days seeing a guy running down the third base line and running right into a catcher oh how I miss those days.

[@Colton4444]

If it’s a judgment call, how can they over turn it?

[@BobbySacamano]

Every call is a judgment call

[@randominternet5586]

Exactly. Normally if the rule has in the judgement of its not reviewable. Or if so it needs to be a super clear error (ie, you get part of rule that was not judgement - ie, did tag happen before base). In this case tag clearly happened before base. Crazy.

[@Gabe-zm9vh]

@@BobbySacamanonah safe/out calls are different

[@sfmc98]

That's what I want to know? Why should the judgement of an umpire in NYC be any better than one on the field. This isn't a "who got there first" which cameras can help with. This is "what's the intent of the player?"

[@sfmc98]

@@BobbySacamano The difference between a regular call and judgement call is that the umpires are being asked to judge the intent of the player. In this case, "was the catcher trying to make a play on the ball or was he trying to prevent the runner from using his lane?"

[@garylorang1245]

The catcher was stepping on the backside of the plate. The front side was not blocked. The runner change directions to avoid the tag, not because the plate was blocked... Jomboy always provides good clips and insight....

[@jihyotwice3159]

I thought the bat was what hindered the runner more than the catcher. The catcher was to the right (in order to field the throw) and behind the plate. You are taught to center your body to the ball. Idk what more the catcher could have done in order to not block the plate and field the throw.

[@landomt8138]

Jimmy, an important part you missed in the rule is that there’s two parts, but the second part is contingent on the first part. It says the first part, “A catcher, shall not be deemed to have violated Rule 6.01(i)(2) unless he has both blocked the plate without possession of the ball (or when not in a legitimate attempt to field the throw),” which you said was not true. Then there’s the phrase “and ALSO” before the second half of the rule, which means both parts of the rule need to be true in order for the rule to take effect. So the hindering or impeding the runner is irrelevant if the catcher didn’t block the plate without possession or make a legitimate attempt to field a throw.

[@TheTexas1994]

“Blocking the plate is when the catcher does stuff”

[@thebigballer5625]

You know this has been the only video that at least gives somewhat of an explanation as to why that was called so thank you for masterclass as always Jimmy

[@Bob-fj7lr]

Shout-out to the bat just chillin there

[@JuniorFanCirca1989]

I'd love to hear from them exactly what a catcher should do instead. Looked a textbook example to me, according to a plain text reading of the rule.

[@matt-lang]

Legitimately looks like a video that they would use as an example of how catchers should handle the situation. He was perfectly positioned at the start, only moved to catch the ball and stayed off the line, then tagged him out. Wildly terrible call.

[@sfmc98]

Same ump the next night made the same horrible call against the Padres! I'm sure Jomboy is going to do it next. And the Padres call, he would have been out anyway. Runner was at least 10 feet from home plate when the catcher had the ball. But somehow he was blocking.

[@imallfordabulls]

1:20 I appreciate Heim just standing there.

[@roblindburg4986]

he never once stopped making progress toward home plate!

[@sethheasley9538]

Close Call Sports did a great breakdown of this. The fact that the runner had to go back to his left at the last second is probably what they looked at.

[@kqatsi]

But that's irrelevant if the catcher was making a legitimate attempt to field the throw, which he clearly was. That's why Close Call Sports said it shouldn't have been overturned.

[@PatrickPaul1203]

4:02 looks like the runner was trying to throw the catcher off by changing where he was diving. If they are going to interpret the rule this way runners will start doing this with every close play because why not.

[@timlett99]

Love that celebration from Heim but on a real theres gotta be something we can do about this. There has to be more additions or even a complete overhaul to get rid of the grey area. Like if the issue here is that his foot was on the plate, make it known that catchers can't have anything on the plate or something like I don't understand why they don't use instances like this not being used as examples or references to help a rule.

[@ikigai47]

Hands down there's more "injustice calls" from baseball than any sport.

[@madmick1013]

Yes, totally true. A number of umps have swollen egos that get in the way of them doing their job both professionally and adequately.

[@andyloomis9384]

Watch a Chiefs game(especially if Joey Bosa is facing them)😂

[@ikigai47]

@@madmick1013 - yeah they get away with murder and make decisions based on _"MUH FEELINGS"_ It's part of the reason I stopped watching 99% of games. They need to let AI call balls and strikes and at the very least any calls that prevent / allow runs scored (like this play) need to be, at a minimum video reviewed with umps being forced to speak to the media after at press conferences

[@votiskygabor]

Calling for a review is one of the best home run celebrations out there

[@adamlogan384]

Not only did he need to move to his left, but even when he made the tag, there was white between his foot and the runner. Not to mention the runner HAD to change his path to get to the plate at all. He was way off the base path. If he didn't turn, he ends up at the backstop

[@BobbySacamano]

I LOVE Anderson's delivery. It's this crazy mix of old school, modern, little league, majors, wonky, smooth, and bizarre. To put it simply: it's really fun, as Nestor is, just different.

[@jimwerther]

Those looked like very fat pitches. Hangers, all.

[@CashMeerkat]

Regardless of the “impeded the progress” analysis, it was clearly a legitimate attempt to catch the ball.

[@Biotoze]

Stuff like this is why there should be mandated breakdowns and have these officials explain what they are seeing. In all sports.

[@EBattousai]

You absolutely do everyone a disservice by not including Bochy's comments after the game where he said, "that's the worst call I've ever seen!"

[@brendanmahoney5515]

This rule is terrible. They made the wrong call

[@rwitt985]

the umps made the right call, the booth made the wrong call, which is whats so frustrating

[@ronm3245]

The rule is fine. It's just that everyone involved is too stupid to understand it.

[@uberneanderthal]

the rule is fine, the call was awful

[@navymusician822]

@@uberneanderthal the overturning dumbpires need to be FIRED, they're an INSULT to baseball

[@grogblue]

Just to make sure this post has every possible response, I'm going with: The rule is fine, the call was fine, the replay booth was awful. Seems like replay rules are written so that if they umps get it wrong, there's no review, but if they get it right there's someone in the booth that still gets a chance to get it wrong.

[@asdfaeou]

My issue with this rule is, as it is written it basically means "We can call anyone out just because we want to".

[@poulanthrope]

The most glorious thing about baseball for a real enthusiast is the unwritten rules, especially when they're enforced by a shadowy booth review.

[@zym6687]

It's not for us enthusiasts, these things really bring in the casual fans.

[@DarrenPaul]

These rules are written down

[@zym6687]

@@DarrenPaul The before season/game directions given to umps are not written down in the rulebook, that's the point. MLB directed umps to call blocking for touching the plate (which is not written in the rule) before the ball gets there. But then they also say that if the ball is clearly there before the runner then the runner is out regardless of blocking (which is not written in the rule) so they really can just call it whichever way they want in cases like this where the catcher touched the plate but also the ball is clearly there before the runner.

[@joewlaschin6970]

This channel does sport's right they get it.This really is the best way to consume sports talk.Jimmy you should be a play by play guy (but you already know that). Bannaball?Great channel thanks for makeing it fun again.

[@poocrafter2]

Will we get a breakdown for the play in the Mariners Yankees game where Donaldson fumbles the ball and then throws it into the dugout? There's some good lip reading in there

[@DeeJayRoyalT2]

But it;s not an either or question, The rule reads if he BOTH blocked the plate without possession AND ALSO impeded the runner. For some reason the review booth in NY doesn't seem to interpret it like it reads

[@jodosh]

The rule says the catcher has to both block the plate AND the blocking has to make the runner change direction. Plate was never blocked, AND the runner didn't have to change his path ( the 3rd base side fron was still open)

[@cmdrfunk]

You can't expect a barely above 100 IQ umpire to actually understand a simple concept like "and."

[@troybaxter]

I mean, he did change his path, but it definitely wasn't because of the catcher. Maybe, just maybe, it has something to do with the freaking bat being in the way...

[@jodosh]

@@troybaxter he did change his path, but he didn't HAVE to change his path because of some obstruction. He CHOSE to change his path either because the bat or in hopes of making the cather have to work harder to apply the tag. The whole front of the plate was open the whole time.

[@dooberss385]

I cant stand this blocking rule if I'm being honest. I know its for safety but cmon.. Maybe to combat this, they have more chalk lines that show where a catcher is not allowed to stand while the ball is in play because this shit is way to ambiguous while the play is live at the speed the game is played On the other hand, maybe Andrus moved because the on deck batter didnt do his job to get the bat out of the way. If andrus doesnt move he slides right into the bat.

[@aa-ze5cz]

Baseball has become unbearable to watch. I understand screwing up calls in the NFL because you've got 22 guys in motion at all times running 4.4s down a 100 yard field.... but in baseball it's inexcusable. How balls/strikes are not computerized is ridiculous to me, how they can't replay OBVIOUS wrong calls because 'reasons' is ridiculous to me, and the blocking paths, etc. as shown here is ridiculous to me.

[@GameCapsuleTV]

Just once I want to see the beneficiary of one of these atrocious calls not celebrate when the call is overturned. (In this case, Andrus reacted like he earned that run.)

[@SnipeGhost]

i literally started watching baseball this year because of u

[@bradsmith6614]

A few games after this, Rangers broadcasters explained what was supposedly explained to the Rangers by the MLB. It was about how Heim set up before moving to catch it. He was barely touching the plate with his foot, which is apparently how they are choosing to enforce going forward

[@kevinscottbailey8335]

This is SO fucking stupid. So because his pinky toe was on the back of the goddamn plate, they rule to overturn a correct call. Good lord

[@troybaxter]

That is fucking dumb. That has zero impact on the runner's lane.

[@powwowken2760]

Baseball man... The more you understand the rules the less sense the sport makes. It's kind of glorious, in a way.

[@CRneu]

nah it's dumb and a big part of why the MLB is losing fans. There's constant drama over how a rule is written vs how it's interpreted, then the interpretations change repeatedly throughout the year. For a sport that's been around for over a century they really struggle with basic rule enforcement.

[@bmxupcomer2]

Even though it’s been things against the rangers I’m glad to see them on another breakdown

[@waffleking6871]

The application of this rule has been frustratingly inconsistent across the leauge, and has influenced too many well-played tags at the plate. I know it's to protect players, but there was nothing dangerous about that tag, and in my opinion, that's a beautifully executed defensive play.

[@ingiford175]

Yes, 2 days before, there was a clear 'blocking the plate' and NY said 'Nah, its fine'

[@solandri69]

If they're that concerned about protecting players, they can just make all outs at home plate force outs. Catcher has possession of the ball while touching the plate and runner is between third and home, runner is out. Period. Yeah it would destroy a lot of the drama about throwing out a runner headed for home. But you have to accept that the price for that drama is some risk of player injury. No risk of injury, no reward of dramatic plays.

[@control_the_pet_population]

@@solandri69 Wouldn't have to be that bad... they could steal an old beer league softball rule. You have a chalk line extending out from the front edge of home plate and another chalk line 20ft up the line towards 3B. If the runner crosses that that line it's a force out at home once the runner touches the chalk line at home, no sliding or contact with the catcher or the plate. If the runner stops before that 20ft line, he can retreat. Don't get me wrong, I'd still think this was a terrible idea, but it's a better than anywhere between third and home and you're out... there could still be * some * excitement / close plays.

[@CorynthianLeather]

Bruce bochy knows that play better than anyone. This was such a stretch, I can't possibly see how he could be interfering with the runner

[@hardyworld]

CloseCallSports identified the catcher's move as a legit move to catch the ball and should not have been reversed the call. This play was made perfectly by the catcher as he still provided a path to the runner to home even after his move to catch the throw. If this call by the umpires is correct under the current MLB rules, then the MLB rules need to be revised again.

[@chrisg334]

I agree this is a bad call, but close call sports is just a wild haired lady in her living room. I wouldn’t use that as a reference.

[@lucasperez404]

Unreal this got overturned. The catcher has to field the ball wherever it goes why should it matter that the runner has to change his path based on where the ball was thrown? The catcher should be able to block the plate once the ball is caught

[@dsimon64]

New left-handed strat with runners on: after swinging toss the bat to the 3B side of the batter's box so your teammates can score by changing their baserunning path at the last second and overturn whatever beautiful defensive play that normally would've nailed their ass.

[@haroldgeernian9816]

Even if you're right handed just throw the bat right there lol

[@ChannelPineappleSon]

As a white Sox fan, we got blessed

[@SeaOrcRonnie]

It’s shit like this that slowly destroys the game. This is what happens when you introduce technology into a game like baseball, eventually you’ll just realize it’s not fun anymore because everything is micromanaged to death. That was a beautiful throw and beautifully executed fielding and tag by the catcher. Great attempt and slide by the runner. Everything about that play is what baseball is supposed to be all about and they completely ruined it because of red tape and bureaucracy.

[@mazzith]

The runner was out of the baseline to begin with. It’s a BS call. He was out dead to rights.

[@Liam-cq8bg]

Isn't that usually forgiven in these cases? You can't expect runners to go at strict 90 degree angles

[@mazzith]

@@Liam-cq8bg yeah but if they’re going to use that logic to claim it’s blocking, that’s only the case because he’s WAY out of the baseline and never attempted to get back into the lane.

[@johnhipman3926]

So if outside lane was open, there was a bat laying there. Prefer to run through the bat on outside? Or slight shift inside more open?

[@SLagonia]

You know, last night, Anthony Volpe literally slid into the knee of the second baseman, who was completely blocking second base without full possession of the ball, and was therefore tagged out. So you can literally just sit on second and no one can move you, but if you are within several feet of home, you're blocking it and the runner is safe.

[@WavesofJava]

replay umps need to be held accountable! that HR should’ve been reviewed!!

[@MachineGunPepe]

Do one on the Padres call the next day. Its even worse. Even the rulebook says the umps messed up and it cost them the game and Tatis another outfield assist.

[@positively_broad_st3780]

With the bat being in the way, the runner would have to alter his course anyway, unless he was dead set on getting injured...

[@CoCoJulius1996]

It’s such a wild call to overturn. @Jomboy I do disagree with part of your interpretation of the rule, though I appreciate you talking through it, as someone who requested this video. As with many rules, they seem to have phrased it in such a complicated way. The way I understand it, the catcher has to BOTH block the plate illegally AND get in the way of the runner. So, even if they deemed that Andrus had to change his slide at the last second because Heim moved to block the plate, as long as Heim’s movement was legal (in this case necessary to field the ball) then the play should still stand as a valid out. Both conditions would have to be satisfied to overturn the call. Once again, not that it matters since we don’t know any of the details going on behind the scenes. Ultimately I just really appreciate you creating a space for these discussions and putting the spotlight on some of these issues!

[@espn-8423]

ESPN - approves of this video

[@Dukenoger]

25yr umpire here - he was totally out! 🌈 of America at work here. Bring back simpler times when catchers got plowed over. The Sox base runner should be embarrassed by the call and let the replay umpire know.

[@keithralston1133]

It's an "AND" condition. Since the first part of the sentence allows that the catcher was in fact shifting to catch the ball then the second part no longer applies. Even if the catcher shifted his foot off the plate the runner would have been out upholding the final portion.

[@rogacz25]

3:15 i mean from this angle it looks close enough that he might have actually just been straight up safe. His hand is a little blurry but it might be touching the plate at the moment the tag is applied. You could just say tie goes to the runner and avoid the whole question of blocking the plate.

[@michaelb4921]

So what came out was where he was standing while waiting for the call. Supposedly, he was "blocking the plate" when his foot was on the back of the plate. Runner hadn't arrived yet.

[@jobrodgers-foster3403]

He never was blocking the plate, EVER... nor did he impede or interrupt the baserunner's path/progress to home. These umps are terrible... Thanks for another good 1...

[@HollywoodScoob]

That rule not only prohibits catchers from blocking the plate without possession of the ball or in the act of fielding the ball, but says runners can't deviate from their DIRECT pathway to the plate to initiate contact with the catcher or engage in an avoidable collision. I guess this is what they mean! There would have been a collision had he not deviated?? That's the best interpertation of the rule that I could find!

[@wizkaleeb662]

They could really simplify this rule if they just modify how a runner gets out at home plate. For non force-outs, have the home plate act as an extension of the runner for tagging out purposes, but only when the runner touches it. So in close situations like this, the runner would automatically be out if the runner touches home plate while the catcher has control of the ball and is tagging home plate with the ball. That way, Rule 6.01(i)(2) can more effectively focus on how the catcher and runner should safely avoid colliding with each other as they "race to the finish" to tag home plate.

[@peachykeen3194]

This whole rule is so backwards. It was created in order to protect catchers like Buster Posey after his famous injury, but instead it ends up punishing the catchers and not giving them an inch of wiggle room to try to play the game the way they always have. From the outset, the rule should have been not about catchers blocking the plate, but about preventing runners from barreling over the catcher when they're clearly going to be out; a variation of the "bona fide slide" 2nd base rule is all that was needed. Instead, we get a run scoring on a perfect throw and tag because the catcher was just doing his job.

[@joshfly210]

I could see it. It’s more technical than than a practical ruling in this play. But I could see why they put said he blocked the plate. Just to be safe don’t put your foot on the plate and it seems you won’t have to worry about it.

[@cloverforge8761]

Helping me understand baseball more n more. Thank you

[@TheKingsJarl]

GREAT breakdown of the rules and the play together.. wow,very good

[@vignol91]

It's nice to see a classic, unbiased JOMBOY breakdown. Where Jimmy just doesn't scream and cry about the umps the whole time.

[@AK-oj7gv]

I'm flabbergasted, vexed and perplexed. This call is absolutely mind boggling to me. It's a relatively simple thing to follow. Condition 1.A|B & C) Unless he has BOTH blocked the plate (without possession of the ball OR when not in a legitimate attempt to field the throw) AND ALSO hindered or impeded the progress of the runner attempting to score. Condition 2.A) A catcher shall not be deemed to have (...) blocked the plate. The language of the rule itself clearly states that either condition can absolve the catcher of having violated Rule 6.01(i)(2). Condition 1 clearly states that TWO criteria (A OR B & C) must be met or else it wasn't blocking. Once he made a legitimate attempt to field the throw the condition 1.C, as well as condition 2 were no longer relevant to the conversation. Condition 2 is only relevant if he both blocks without possession (1.A) AND ALSO hindered or impeded the progress of the runner attempting to score (1.C). The catcher made a legitimate attempt to field a throw. By satisfying condition 1.B it is impossible to block the plate. MLB Umpires need to take some English classes asap.

[@kevinmoehring8259]

As a baserunner, if I see the catcher shift to one side of the bag, I'm instinctively going to slightly alter my course to the other side of the bag. Not only to not run into him but also to try and avoid a tag. His path wasn't being obstructed. He was trying to not get tagged on the slide. What a terrible call.

[@Tony-ew1jt]

People seem to forget that players don’t need to let the ball travel in order to field the ball. In this situation, the catcher made a side step to catch the ball on a hop, which took him over the plate. The catcher is fully capable of running up to the ball to catch it on or before the short hop, which would have taken him upfield and not blocking the lane or plate. Is this ideal when trying to tag someone out? No. Is this a stupid rule? In certain situations, yes. But as it stands, it is the rule. And while it is good practice to let the ball travel to make a tag out, it is not required.