NL WILD CARD GAME - October 05, 2012

[@trevrichuga4417]

Watching this game after the 2021 Atlanta Braves win a World Championship! How far we have come…couldn’t be happier for Freddie Freeman

[@hpencefan18]

Funny I’m watching it as a reminder that their fans are complete trash 🗑

[@aaronaguilar9172]

as a dodgers fan i agree , glad he got another ring with the dodgers to

[@Richie46071]

2:51:00. Ball drops. 2:53:00. Fans throw trash. That's all you need to know.

[@DrunkenSlob]

Richie Soga watching your team tank in the playoffs for over 20 years straight with the exception of one year (1995) with that much talent over the years can drive a human insane I commend the fans for only throwing trash and not going on a rampage in the streets

[@DrunkenSlob]

Richie Soga not to mention it was the most ridiculous call I’ve ever seen, not only a late call but the infielder was basically in left field

[@aaronaguilar9172]

and not only was the shortstop in left field, there was also NO WAY they could’ve turned a double play. the infield fly rule is to prevent fielders letting a ball drop and turning double plays

[@yup3675]

@@DrunkenSlob I watched it live and I was amazed they made that call. I couldn't even be happy as a Cards fan. It was ridiculous and a cheap win. Atlanta wins that game if the right call is made. Bases loaded one out, down three at home. They wouldn't have just won that game but possibly the World Championship IMO. The Braves were real in 2k11.

[@glst1974]

@@yup3675 This isn't a video game. Giants all the way for the win.

[@stevegarcia3731]

Note that the ump waited until he saw Kozma "camping under" the ball. It's exactly what the ump is supposed to do - NOT call it too early. Unfortunately for the Braves, at that same moment that Kozma began to camp under it, he also seems to react as if he thought he heard Holliday call him off. So, as the umps' arm is going up, K is running away from the ball. So K threw the ump a curve - camping under it and then running away from it - giving the impression that K wasn't near it. But he was

[@variable7833]

So what youre basically saying is kozma deked the ump. Which is pretty crazy

[@jerryalexander8803]

Unfortunately that's not the rule, they explained the rule in depth during the game so I'm not sure how you missed it but they clearly said that the infield fly rule is supposed to be called immediately, the umpire isn't supposed to wait that long.. Peace ✌🏿

[@18dvine]

You're supposed to call an infield fly when the ball is at the apex, not when it's 3/4 of the way coming down.

[@alanhess9306]

@@jerryalexander8803 They were wrong to say it must be called immediately. The rule says the call should be immediately when it becomes apparent it is an infield fly, not immediately when it is hit. It only becomes apparent when the fielder demonstrates that he could make the catch.

[@jerryalexander8803]

@@alanhess9306 actually making the immediately is a part of the rule, it is a timing call, you can't wait forever to make that call, and actually if the braves manager would've protested that portion of the rule he might have won his protest.. Okay bye 👋🏾

[@DBEENE123]

Chipper was out btw, because he wasn't hustling down the line Craig had enough time to tap the bag with his foot. The announcers acted like it wasn't even close. I think they gave that to Chipper.

[@liltougie8815]

Yeah your right

[@RCPlanes59]

You're all here for 2:50:54

[@Richie46071]

Not just the Braves but the whole city. Of all the teams they have/had, Thrashers, Falcons, Braves, Hawks they all have a combined championship record of 1. The 1995 Braves.

[@VintageBaseballCommunity]

two

[@DetTigers1094]

with the new Instant replay implemented in 2014, this will be one of the plays that they will look at again. The call is an Infield Fly Rule, but the ball landed on the field for a single to load the bases. Many plays like the Near-Perfect Game by Armando Gallaraga with Detroit, and now Simmons' Infield Fly Rule in the 2012 postseason. Thank God they decided to go through with the Instant replay system.

[@horustubes]

This would never happen at Busch with Cardinal fans.

[@christopherjohnson1689]

Justice for the Cards from the '85 Denkinger debacle...

[@jelanimadman]

I will NEVER get over this game.

[@deiradinn]

I know it looked bad but I've seen it called so many times over the years. This one was just polarized because it's a one and done game.

[@blainelove4078]

No one will ever see this as Chipper Jones last home game now because of the call..really kinda sad! And that's what I think and I'm a die hard cards fan

[@kylewilliam3372]

We went through a rut in August, but we're already pulling out of it. Look at the Matty's: both of them are in the top five MLB players for average, if I'm not mistaken. Either average or hits, can't remember which. Yadi has been pretty solid all year. Craig was on pace for 100 RBI's in early September before his injury. We have excellent backup players for days. Our bullpen is one of the strongest in the league, in my opinion. We're going to be gravy in the playoffs.

[@hihihi0963]

FYI, an infield fly is called in this exact instance 100+ times every season. You just don't see it drop like this because crowds are only loud like this in the postseason. It was the correct call.

[@aaronaguilar9172]

was not the correct call, that ball was deep and halfway into the outfield, and the infield fly rule is to prevent double plays. there’s no way they could’ve turned a double play on that

[@alanhess9306]

@@aaronaguilar9172 It was absolutely the correct call. If you knew the rule you would know the ball coming down in the outfield is irrelevant.

[@kylewilliam3372]

I actually don't think winning the division is as big of a deal as anyone thinks. Most people forget that the last two times we won the World Series we were WildCard winners.

[@TheCman273]

Key Plays: 2nd inning: David Ross home run 4th inning: Chipper's error, Simmons' interference 6th inning: Holliday's home run 7th inning: Back to back errors by the Braves, Constanza scores, Chipper grounds out to end the inning 8th inning: The "infield fly" is called killing the Braves biggest chance 9th inning: Chipper's last at bat

[@A.B.421]

I would not call Chipper’s last at-bat a “key play” lol.

[@VisualTedium]

infield fly or no the Cards are a better team. Braves woulda folded to the Nats in 3

[@VisualTedium]

@Kellan Carney sports ah

[@jboriginals1893]

@Storytimekellan3 ?

[@jdavis7181]

For one, Atlanta is losing 6-3 in the 8th, whose fault is that. For two, the infield fly rule has nothing to do with where a ball lands. It's a rule that is intended to keep an infielder from intentionally drop a ball and get a double play out of it. It has nothing to do with whether he was camped under it or not. If he takes two steps back he makes that catch easily.

[@dantesuguitanjr2629]

My first question is where do the cans come from? I thought canned beverages or canned goods were not allowed in the stadium. I should know because when I was 10 years old they wouldnt let me bring a canned soda into the stadium

[@NathanWhite22]

Dante Scott Suguitan Brilliant thing called concessions.

[@dantesuguitanjr2629]

Gee Mr Nathan I never thought of that because most concession stands at other parks I been to they use eitiher cups or plastic bottles. Crazy isnt it

[@NathanWhite22]

I'd prefer Mr.White. :) When I went, I was able to get a can from te stands.

[@dantesuguitanjr2629]

Gee Mr White thats a surprise to me. Most stadiums prefer to use plastic bottles than cans. Honestly that is a first Ive heard of. In fact now stadiums and arenas are encouraging people to bring their own sport cups to tne venue just like the cups people use when they go buy coffee at Starbucks. I'm sure at the Turner Field they would allow sport cups especially ones with the Atlanta Braves logo wouldnt you think so?

[@gop4usa12]

I don't know about Turner Field, but Chase Field in Arizona served me 24oz cans of Coors light just last month. I guess they figure with the price of beer, fans won't throw an unopened can.

[@brandonjones9998]

I was at this game and the umpiring calls were absolutely RIDICULOUS this night.. I am still pissed at that so called "infield fly" call when the ball wasn't even in the infield. Umpires did everything they could to screw the Braves from beating the Cardinals

[@alanhess9306]

The ball does not need to be infield, read the rule. I hope by now you have stopped your crying.

[@brandonjones9998]

@@alanhess9306 yes it does, tf? It’s called “infield fly rule” for a reason.. tell me you don’t know baseball without telling me you don’t know baseball

[@alanhess9306]

@@brandonjones9998 No it doesn't. Why don't you read the rule instead of showing your ignorance. I know baseball far better than you ever will. Here is the rule and the comment that proves you wrong. "An INFIELD FLY is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive nor an attempted bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied, before two are out." "(Infield Fly) Comment: On the infield fly rule the umpire is to rule whether the ball could ordinarily have been handled by an infielder-not by some arbitrary limitation such as the grass, or the base lines. The umpire must rule also that a ball is an infield fly, even if handled by an outfielder, if, in the umpire’s judgment, the ball could have been as easily handled by an infielder." You Braves fans are not very smart.

[@christopherjohnson1689]

Once the ball has been dropped, calling it an infield fly (whether it actually was in the infield or not), defeats the purpose of the rule. The rule is to prevent the runners from being picked off on a double play.

[@cox5180]

… somebody who GETS IT. THANK YOU!

[@alanhess9306]

@@cox5180 The problem with his explanation is the umpires do not wait to see the outcome of the play before making the call.

[@dankusoonyt7473]

The broadcast commentator audio fail

[@FlyingEagleTV]

This is just another reason why everyone hates Jeff Kellogg

[@jonathanfrimerman8855]

Yes he cheats to get points

[@pshyeah1128]

I'm a Cardinal fan & this game was key to get to Game 5 of Nationals vs Cardinals. We won in Cardinal fashion w/ 2 outs 9th inning & down to our last strike twice. Love the Cardinals or hate them, there going to be seen in this type of atmosphere for years to come.

[@daboys00]

Hopefully not.

[@pshyeah1128]

daboys00 What team do you like?

[@daboys00]

The Atlanta Braves. I honestly wish you guys would go back to the 90s and not do too well. LOL! But your GM has done a terrific job of stabilizing this franchise and having the #1 farm system. Hell of a team, just can't stand any bit of this team.

[@natedog28ify]

daboys00 the 90s were our best years..

[@robertdunlap8350]

+Nathan Woodruff who was quoted "the team of the 90's?"

[@cameronmcclure8617]

Take away any and all bad calls, and the Cards come out on top. As bad as the infield fly call was, the David Ross situation was just as bad from a Cardinal point of view. Both plays were very important in the game, and its too bad this game happened this way, but ultimately glad the cards won.

[@hipstereagle6050]

lol we can't hear you guys for the first minutes

[@viewernewest]

For those who say where is the argument for expanded instant replay, 2:50:50 exhibit A.

[@natedog28ify]

braves fans have been putting up with postseason horseshit for a long time... they should be throwing stuff on the field

[@KinkESizemore]

I was there and hated every minute of it. Thank God we are now past that era of Braves playoff runs.

[@kifinov1239]

Now they’re on the verge of winning the World Series. Hopefully, they get it done.

[@alanhess9306]

BS, this was the correct call.

[@deiradinn]

You wouldn't see Cardinals fans throw shit on the field like that though.

[@tbewin1z143]

yeah you would have, trash fanbase if you ask me

[@deiradinn]

@@tbewin1z143 Cards fanbase is one, if not, the best.

[@tbewin1z143]

@@deiradinn nah, I am a Rangers fan with Cardinal friends, they are the worst trust me, they haven't even been congratulatory about 2023 yet, but still bring up Game 6 in 2011

[@cangri1788]

i agree and im a Braves fan

[@Ryan_Wentland]

This is baseballs version of the fail mary

[@sominboy2757]

No more like bottlegate

[@VisualTedium]

Craigs ankle hurts but yea Adams has been huge. Matt Carpenter is the MVP as far as I'm concerned. Win the division, like it seems we will, and then I say we're gravy

[@lionATL]

Actually the Cardinals won their Division in 2006.

[@scottharris5948]

Don't the the calls from the world series in 85 and 87

[@JohnMatienzo]

Terrible way for Chipper to end his legendary career though.

[@TheCman273]

I miss this Braves team

[@Top10Peoplz1]

the infielder called it so its a infield fly rule

[@VisualTedium]

hey im a huge Cards fan but they are so streaky and now Mujica is falling apart at the worst time. If they dont win the division the one game playoff this year wont go down so easy

[@marandareber7607]

i wonder how much that costed the card

[@TheCman273]

250:50 the infamous "infield fly rule"

[@scottdaniels6495]

thank you

[@shadyparadox]

There is NO way anyone's turning a double play off that.

[@Yeubryx]

On a different note: It seems to me like all of the Atlanta teams either have bad luck or throw the game away by playing bad.

[@mlbbaseball5]

There was 1 debatable call and that was the infield fly.

[@Monisrocks1995]

Stay classy Atlanta

[@FallenAngel-mq4yp]

To be fair they had every right to be mad.

[@hpencefan18]

@@FallenAngel-mq4yp so that’s an excuse to throw trash on the field lmao

[@alanhess9306]

@@FallenAngel-mq4yp Why, because the correct call was made?

[@TheMrsegan]

Matheny was destined to be a thumbnail... so handsome

[@Thehudsonhornet41]

I still don’t understand how Medlen washed up... He was so good. The Braves really need a pitching coach... I think that’s all there is to blame for this. Medlen came back and couldn’t do anything, now Tehran and Foltynewicz aren’t consistent, but obviously have potential. There’s no excuse for the Braves pitching to be so bad.

[@PaarthSharma40]

how is he out?...

[@don2792]

LETS GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Yeubryx]

The Braves would have lost the game even if the call hadn't been wrong. However, the Braves have gotten unlucky the past 2 seasons. 2011: Would have made the Wild Card game vs. Cards if the 2 Wild Card team was around. 2012: Would have made it to the NLDS if the 2 Wild Card teams WERE NOT around. Such bad luck.

[@Showtime-gc8pk]

Is this game worse than today's choke job?

[@scottedwards2962]

Wow that was ugly how after the final out stuff started being thrown on the field.

[@nintendogamer2419]

But they had a good reason too.

[@ADEAL918]

Nintendo Gamer you know, I'd almost agree. That call was so ridiculous as to delegitimize this entire game. I don't endorse anything that risks anyone getting hurt, but the teams just left the field quickly--like they were telling the Cardinals "you didn't earn this one, so you don't get to celebrate on our turf."

[@alanhess9306]

@@nintendogamer2419 because they don't understand the rule is not a good reason. It was the correct call.

[@222333aaaaaa]

2:50:50 is the Infield Fly Rule call, btw

[@jakehawthorne5188]

2020 anyone

[@picark3218]

The Braves fans are not the ones to be embarrassed the umpire made a horrible call.

[@tacotree2697]

But they still threw trash on the field. Ump's faullt or not, they still did it and should be embarrassed for it.

[@nintendogamer2419]

But they had the right too. You got to take it in that the ump made the bad call that costed them the season and Chipper's last season. The Braves were rallying at that time and it died with that call.

[@euginate1344]

you can't assume they would have comeback, plus thats never an excuse to throw crap on the field

[@nintendogamer2419]

euginate13 They had momentum and the call turned around. Also were not the only one's that have done that in the past. Toronto anyone? Cleveland? New York? These announcers condemning braves fans like it was the most horrible thing ever forget that stadiums have done it before. I'm not condoning what they did but the announcers were bull shit and were trying to dramatize the situation like they always do.

[@euginate1344]

Barry Allen i wasn't excusing what toronto fans did, but you can't throw trash on the field over a stupid game

[@Fish06]

Sometimes its fate, when you make three errors in the game, the baseball gods just don't think you deserve to win.

[@nintendogamer2419]

But it was a bad call.

[@michaelterrell2108]

@@nintendogamer2419 but you have to adapt. Bad calls happen all the time in sports but good teams get over it and push forward. This game came down to mental toughness and the Cardinals had the Braves beat in that category.

[@alanhess9306]

@@nintendogamer2419 It was the correct call.

[@Sardine4189]

Everybody thumbs up Yeubryx's comment so it shows up top.

[@NeRo84]

Appreciated

[@nateboy1489]

2:50:45 "The play" begins. Doesn't seem like "ordinary effort" to me in the context of ordinary baseball play. Also, the immediate commentary says it wasn't an infield fly.

[@alanhess9306]

it absolutely was an infield fly.

[@aaronaguilar9172]

@@alanhess9306no it wasn’t

[@alanhess9306]

@@aaronaguilar9172 Every authority in MLB agrees it was the correct call. Only ignorant casual fans like you think it was the wrong call.

[@PADRESCHARGERS4EVER]

And that last part is all that matters..

[@andrewballard2978]

To quote Armando Galarraga: "nobody's perfect." Despite that, Sam Holbrook could learn a little something about class from Jim Joyce.

[@kurumauzamaki2731]

Andrew Ballard it’s not like he did anything bad just made the wrong call

[@A.B.421]

@@kurumauzamaki2731 it wasn’t just a bad call. He had to know the rules, and it’s common sense to realize that Kozma was way too far out for him to call it an infield fly rule.

[@alanhess9306]

@@A.B.421 So you don't know an infield fly can be caught in the outfield? You should learn the rule.

[@DendaeTheGreen]

3 runs isnt that big a deficit, i mean look at the stats. This season the Braves had 42 come from behind wins. That call was a rally killer

[@TheCman273]

2 years ago today

[@pmbfb1220]

8 years ago today

[@aaronaguilar9172]

12 years ago today

[@kylewilliam3372]

Haha. True. I made myself look a bit silly there, didn't I? :P

[@kj8972]

Imagine same shit done against philly at their home. What would happen?

[@smartluck100]

That city would have burned…

[@Yeubryx]

2:50:50 - The Infield Fly call. You're welcome.

[@omarazam123]

This game is a blight on MLB, MLB executive management, and Joe Torre.

[@NYFan1692]

Nah I would've started a "BULLSHIT" chant.

[@leakyjeep5.9]

The 'FIX' is in.

[@daboys00]

but he didn't did he? That was no easy catch for Kozma at all.

[@VisualTedium]

Cards were the better team, I mean. This year not so much, Braves look like a pennant winner

[@cangri1788]

bs call but the Braves didn't deserve to win withh all the errors they commited, only 2 of the 6 cards runs were earned, coming from a Braves fan.

[@alanhess9306]

The call was correct.

[@TPTGopher]

This game gave me a new appreciation for the Cards' '11 run-to see the class act of Cardinal Nation celebrating at the expense of the Eagles fan/inbred hybrid sub-species that are Braves fans suddenly became nothing short of Good triumphing over Evil.

[@100stackfsas]

this year not so much WTH r u talkin about?..1st place as we speak.

[@romita8677]

Love baseball

[@TheCman273]

Simmons' interference 120:46

[@Scoleshow]

Chipper and Simmons had TERRIBLE games. I still blame them for this loss.

[@brandonford7148]

Single worst call in baseball history.

[@alanhess9306]

It was absolutely the correct call.

[@brandonford7148]

@@alanhess9306 The ball wasn’t caught and it wasn’t on the infield. No way the call was correct.

[@alanhess9306]

​@@brandonford7148 The rule does not say the ball must be caught, only that an infielder could make the catch. Nowhere does the rule say it must be on the infield. You should learn the rule before commenting, so you don't appear so clueless.

[@brandonford7148]

@@alanhess9306 If the call had gone the other way, I assure you you wouldn’t be ok with it.

[@brandonford7148]

@@alanhess9306 Well, I guess I’m no less clueless than the two former professional baseball players who both disagreed with the call. I understand the reason for the rule but I don’t think it should have been applied in this case. If an infielder can make the catch but doesn’t, and not on purpose, there is no reason the batter should be punished for the infielder’s mistake.

[@cangri1788]

of the 6 runs from the Cards, only 2 were earned, braves could've won 3-2, bad luck

[@jameslisle7775]

That might be the worst call in baseball history.

[@alanhess9306]

Except it was the correct call.

[@starwarsstarwars-cq9eg]

i hate the braves but that was a BS call because thats out of the infield its a hit or error not a fucking infield fly man and that year was i think the last time chipper jones play

[@alanhess9306]

Your comment shows you don't know the rule. It was the correct call.

[@mayerlingalvarez2076]

2:50:55 infield fly rule is called

[@FrekyD]

Awful call. Dunno if it really would have mattered, but that was definitely NOT an infield fly.

[@alanhess9306]

It was the correct call.

[@TheCman273]

Constanza's triple 222:22

[@arwurth]

I think Atlanta has become the newest "cursed" city when it comes to sports teams

[@TheCman273]

Chipper's groundout 232:00

[@wafflesak47]

deal with it, the cards didn't win the world series. if they did then you should be pissed.

[@RyansColoradoRailProductions]

2:50:53 is what you came for

[@Chester_Copperpot]

I'm a Nats fan which means I'm definitely not a fan of the Braves or Cards. But this has to be one of the most retarded calls I have ever seen. I don't blame fans for trashing the field. I would have done it, too.

[@gop4usa12]

You would have trashed the field too, huh? Does the ground crewmen that has to pick up the trash have anything to do with an umpire's call? And why did you just admit to being a douchbag?

[@Chester_Copperpot]

Clarence Aaron Jones The ground crewman who have to pick up the trash? Are you being for fucking real? Boo-fucking-hoo. A bunch of people who get paid to take care of the ground at a MLB stadium suddenly have to pick up cans and plastic bottles for a whole 15 minutes. Sounds pretty rough, you fucking crybaby.

[@gop4usa12]

I'm a crybaby? What about those jerks in the stands that we're throwing garbage on the field because they didn't get their way? A crybaby is someone that has a tantrum and acts out with irrational behavior, such as those Braves fans. And you saying that you'd do the same makes you a douchbag. Those fans were caught up in the emotion of the moment. But you on the other hand admitted that you would act out irrationally even after having thought it through. You admitted that if you're angry at an umpire, you would throw trash onto the field knowing that somebody other than the umpire would have to pick it up. Those fans didn't think about that, but you did. And that's why those fans were crybabies and you're a douchbag.

[@gop4usa12]

Your threat of physical violence has just been reported.

[@Chester_Copperpot]

Clarence Aaron Jones LOL

[@cangri1788]

That's an hipothetical statement there pal...

[@LMacNeill]

The WORST call EVER! Just before the ball hits the ground IN LEFT FIELD and he calls an Infield Fly Rule?!! SERIOUSLY?! And by the LEFT FIELD UMPIRE?! No!! That ump had money on the Cardinals, no doubt. And I still feel that the fans were justified in their protest. Yeah, it was messy, and a bit embarrassing if I'm honest -- but how else can you protest in the moment like that? Stupid call that probably cost the Braves the game.

[@thebastard84]

I love mindless hyperbole. "Worst call ever". It was a questionable call, but a call that is made several times during the year in that exact situation. When you say it is the worst call ever. All you are really saying is that you have never watched baseball before. I can think of a dozen calls which were not questionable but 100 percent wrong. Calls in much bigger games too. I do like how you think that call cost them the game. It wasnt the numerous errors the Braves made. It was the call that nobody scored on. Because clearly they would have put a 4 spot up if it wasnt for that 1 call.

[@LMacNeill]

antigov84 Ok -- I'm wrong. The absolute worst call in the history of Baseball was when Jim Joyce ruined the perfect game for Armando Galaraga by making a clearly incorrect call with two outs in the 9th inning. But at least Joyce did the right thing and admitted afterwards that he was wrong -- and he personally apologized to Galaraga later. So this call was the 2nd worst call in the history of baseball. The Infield Fly Rule must be called EARLY, and the infielder must be able to catch the ball EASILY. Neither of those applied here -- the infielder had to run backwards at least 40 feet, and the call was made only AFTER he'd stumbled. The ball had been in the air for 10 seconds before the call was made -- that's not early! The call was absolutely, positively 100% wrong, and I can't believe it wasn't reversed on appeal. The infield-fly rule was designed so that an infielder couldn't deliberately drop the ball and then turn a double- or triple-play. That was NOT the situation here at all! They had NO chance of turning a double-play whatsoever. It was absolutely the wrong call -- violates the spirit of the rule completely. Whether the Braves would've won the game or not is unknown (I did say "probably" cost them the game). Bases-loaded with one out is a FAR DIFFERENT situation than 2 on with 2 out. Momentum counts for a LOT in Baseball.

[@thebastard84]

Be honest, you havent been a baseball fan for long. The 2nd worst call? What about Eric Gregg in 1997? What about Richie Garcia in 1996? How about Don Denkinger in 85? Hell, one of baseball iconic moments, Jackie Robinson stealing home in 55, was a blown call. The ball was catch-able, and should have been caught. The reason for the delay in the call is because he had to judge that Kozma would catch it. Once Kozma plants his feet, the call is made..... However, how can you say he couldnt let the ball drop in front of him, throw to third and then to second? A double play is not out of the question. It isnt likely, but that is the exact spirit of the call. About 2 months before this game, that exact same call was used in Toronto. In fact, if you pay attention, you will see this call happen a couple of times a year, under the exact same circumstances.

[@LMacNeill]

antigov84 I've been a baseball fan since the early '70s. I was at the game the day after Hank Aaron hit his 715th home-run -- had I been born on April 8th instead of April 9th, I would've been there on the day he hit his 715th, as I was there because my Uncle bought tickets for the whole family in celebration of my birthday. (Still have the ticket-stub and a Hank Aaron autographed ball I got from him during batting practice before the game.) I'll grant you that Garcia's call in '96 was truly awful -- the kid leaning over the wall and catching the ball, and Garcia calling it a home-run. Horrible mistake, true -- but he admitted the mistake after the game. Gregg in '97 was not great, but his extremely generous strike-zone was consistent for both teams throughout the whole game, though -- that's just a judgment call. Bad judgment, sure, but still -- as long as the strike-zone is consistent for both sides throughout the whole game, then there's no problem in my mind. Livan Hernandez was just better at painting the generous corners of that strike-zone that day, so he struck out a huge number of Atlanta batters. Don't remember Denkinger's call in '85 -- had to look that one up. Clearly a terrible call, that. But *none* of those above calls occurred in the *final* games of those series! This was a one-and-only game in a one-game series -- every single call was vitally important! Further, Kozima never planted his feet! He never stopped moving! He was running backwards until he heard the outfielder behind him, then ran forwards away from the ball. It was a mistake you see made by dozens of teams, dozens of times per season. The umpire didn't just make a bad judgment-call there -- he *broke the rules*! The infield-fly rule is for fly-balls hit in the infield, not the outfield. The infielder has to be able to *easily* catch the ball -- running backwards for 40 feet is *not* an easy catch. As soon as the infielder left the infield, the infield-fly rule simply did not apply at all. This wasn't bad judgment by an umpire, this was a *deliberate* breaking of the rules of the game that should've been reversed by the other umpires after it happened. Very different than a missed call of a bang-bang play or a generous strike-zone behind the plate.

[@thebastard84]

Denkingers call in 85 was in the 9th inning of game 6, which should have been the final game. It directly resulted in a loss of the game, and the loss of the world series. Greggs strike zone got bigger and bigger as the game went on. The final strike called on McGriff was easily 2 feet off the plate. This isnt even the worst call against the Braves. 91 series, Hrbeck pulls Gant off of first and Drew Coble ruled he was out. A far worse call. I played baseball all the way through college, and I umped baseball from 13-19... The infield fly rule is not only called on the infield. This is the definition of the infield fly rule. "Rule 2.00 (Infield Fly) On the infield fly rule the umpire is to rule whether the ball could ordinarily have been handled by an infielder-not by some arbitrary limitation such as the grass, or the base lines. The umpire must rule also that a ball is an infield fly, even if handled by an outfielder, if, in the umpire’s judgment, the ball could have been as easily handled by an infielder. The infield fly is in no sense to be considered an appeal play. The umpire’s judgment must govern, and the decision should be made immediately." That play fit the criteria for the call.So again, a judgement call and not a violation of the rules as you put it.

[@zucotti69manicotti]

If I were there I would've trashed that place, human element eh?

[@alanhess9306]

Why? For getting the call right?

[@nateboy1489]

Ron Darling clearly doesn't like the Braves. He was a biased commentator in this game, shouldn't have been assigned to it.

[@TheNewbly]

I see why you say that.

[@TheCman273]

41:00 David Ross homer

[@garymanzanares3905]

if I was a umpie I would let the manger protest for 40 mintues I going to be one day a ump

[@michaelterrell2108]

Completely classless by Braves fans. They didn't deserve to win after trashing the field like that.

[@Thehudsonhornet41]

Michael Terrell if I was there I wouldn't have done it but this is an all time great Brave and player in general and his career was being shortened because of a faulty call. Also you can't accuse braves fans as a whole anyways especially since I'm a braves fan and wouldn't give in to the act.

[@CosbyTheCaterpillar]

Gotta agree. That call was nothing short of a travesty but throwing trash ain't gonna do it.

[@brandonjones9998]

You can't blame the entire situation on ALL Braves fans especially when a majority included drunken rage heads. I was at this game and didn't even throw a piece of trash onto the field. I've been a Braves fan since I was 5 years old and never resort to this kind of behavior but at the same time the umpires were making bad horrible calls all game and I guess after that bullshit infield fly everyone just had enough

[@bernardfleagle6810]

Yeah fuck you

[@michaelterrell2108]

@@bernardfleagle6810 kiss my ass and fuck the Braves. Y'all won't ever win a world series again. Classless fucks.

[@dcarm04]

Die hard cards fan here. That is a retarded call. I would have trashed the field if that happened to us

[@gman9035]

Die hard cards fan here too. I agree with you 100%.

[@alanhess9306]

@@gman9035You both are wrong. It was the correct call.

[@TheCman273]

Simmons' error 208:15

[@coopnews7691]

infield fly 2:50:57