Pirates and Orioles Play without Umpires After Umps Walk Off the Field - Why Did They Leave?

[@alexabeyta3393]

To sum it up: You’ve just worked your entire 8hr shift. Your boss then asks you to work an extra half hour without paying you. However, any injuries sustained won’t be covered as you aren’t officially on the clock.

[@alanhess9306]

Good analogy.

[@LucianDevine]

But you might be liable for any damage you cause in the process.

[@adamdelivers0214]

Great analysis as always Lindsey! I, too, have dealt with this on HS JV games and sometimes a varsity game, especially when a run-rule or forfeit comes into play. The teams want to scrimmage or play more, and I told them simply that we couldn’t stay for that from a liability standpoint. If something were to happen, or an ejection happened after the game reached a natural conclusion, and I had to file a report to the state.. the first thing they’d ask me would be.. “what were you still doing there”

[@annettemalaski1967]

I agree about the liability! These events are covered by MLB AND INSURANCE! They are not obligated to cover extra activities.

[@SuperShifty22]

Thank you for this and ALL your videos. I truly appreciate how clearly you state the rules and why something was done a certain way. It helps a dummy like me so much

[@kristopherwagner4173]

Why would anyone ask another person to work longer without compensation or protections? OR what would happen if one of the players got hurt playing in a game that was already over?

[@stephenj9470]

Honestly, I was confused at why so many people thought they should have stayed.

[@dennisb-trains23]

Those people don't know baseball rules accept those they like.

[@YSFmemories]

this is real baseball, where people play for fun, enjoyment and improvement, not just for $$$$$.

[@troystewart7730]

Name one time one other sort had officials walk off- even I. Pre season??? ANY SPORT

[@stephenj9470]

@@troystewart7730 Officials walk off the field/court in almost every sport after the game ends. Just like they did here. If, after a soccer game that did NOT end in a draw, some players from both teams wanted to practice shootouts, the refs wouldn't stick around. Just like they don't come early and adjudicate batting practice.

[@YSFmemories]

@@troystewart7730 well, to be fair, name one other sport where the teams continued to play after the game was over?

[@tedhaulley9885]

I’ve had this happen to me more than once in JV and lower levels. I always said I wasn’t allowed because of liability issues.

[@johnnelson1446]

I just found this site! Thanks for explaining the nuances of the game. I am a 30 year veteran official in Arizona, and missing my first season due to a back injury (hard to get behind the plate when your 6'2" and can not get into "The Box" or even "modified box"). This kees my Baseball Fix going! :-)

[@JPINFV]

I feel like there should be an option in OBR/MLB policy for spring training that allows for the half inning... because the entire purpose of spring training isn't to win... but to train and practice. With that mission in mind, it makes sense to sanction games for an additional half inning. However if the rules and league policy is that the game ends at the half inning, then it's time to leave.

[@alanhess9306]

Because, as you say, "the entire purpose of spring training isn't to win... but to train and practice", the teams don't need umpires when the purpose is to train and practice.

[@garygemmell3488]

When I umpired HS softball scrimmages it was understood contractually that if the teams wanted to play a full seven innings, even if the home team had "won" the scrimmage, we would stay for the last half inning. It was contracted that way, so we were covered under our liability insurance. The same thing happened during the HS football season when we officiated freshman and JV scrimmages. Some of the schools were huge and had Frosh\JV rosters in excess of 75 players. We would stay and play a "5th quarter" to give the kids some playing time. However, we would never work past the official end of a game if it had not been cleared with our association. When I first started officiating we were required to carry a $1,000,000 liability policy. When my knees finally gave out 20+ years ago the ante had been upped to $3,000,000. I don't know where it's at now.

[@matrixphijr]

Title’s a bit misleading. They walked off because the game was technically over. But both teams had agreed to play out the bottom of the 9th regardless.

[@tedball8677]

Thank you! Not only does that make sense (a _lot_ of sense), it's correct within the rules. I appreciate your breakdown of the events.

[@detroitrockcity8]

This is common even through HS and summer travel. They’re only protected from liability when following the rule book and protocols. Regardless if it’s pre season, regular season or playoffs…once it’s over, that’s it. It’s not that we wouldn’t want to, it’s that there’s no extension of coverage for us regards to a lawsuit. Scrimmages afterward are not state approved (insert proper organization here) for insurance and liability coverage (legal), it’s not worth something like a fight happening to be sued for 5-6-7 figures.

[@alanhess9306]

Exactly correct. I was working a sub varsity high school game and I kept the batter at the plate when he was hit by a pitch that he made no attempt to avoid. He even moved slightly into the pitch. So from the bleachers I hear a parent yelling about which umpire he should sue. I just thought to myself that I have the rule book to back me up, he has nothing. Bring it on. NASO would represent me.

[@detroitrockcity8]

@@alanhess9306 lol that’s hilarious. I think for MHSAA (Michigan) we’re covered up to some REALLY high number (as it should). Getting hit is part of the game lol. Intentional or not, they’re minors.

[@cloudyskies41]

Best thing about the MLB season starting up again are more videos from Close Call Sports!

[@billymuellerTikTok]

happened all the time in my slow pitch softball leagues... usually when we played younger teams of guys in their early 20's who still liked to hang out late and didn't bother to get up Sunday morning to play. the other team wouldn't have enough players to play and would have to forfeit the game. 99 times out of 100 the umpire would get his money and leave (if a team forfeited they had to pay BOTH team's umpire fee and every team had a "forfeit bond" they paid to the league before the season to cover the cost in case they didn't have enough at the game), and then we'd play a scrimmage game against the other team (and would lend them a few players)... a few times the ump would stick around and just hang out (we had the same team for about 20 years and were pretty friendly with most of the umpires and some of our own players even worked as umpires for other games / leagues) and sometimes just call balls and strikes from behind the backstop instead of behind the catcher - but ONE time the ump actually went to his car, changed into his softball gear and played too.

[@linollieum3742]

Had that happen once as a player where a game got called with 1 inning left with a tie game- no ties so had to reconvene the next week to play the last inning with the umpire. Played it, dramatic ending, umpire left as we started scrimmage. After about an inning of the scrimmage, the coaches got together and realized both their pitchers who pitched that game had been ineligible due to pitch count rules. If only one pitcher had been illegal, it would have been a forfeit, but since both were illegal, the inning had to be replayed again. Umpire had to be called back so that the inning could be played again, the umpire drove back over, and made a huge makeup call so that the game would end the same (to the point that the winning team didn't even celebrate this time because it was so clearly wrong)

[@HopeForestLose]

This feels like a conflict between what is legally required vs. common sense and best interests of the sport. It isn't unheard of to play beyond the end of regulation time in a training game. The Padres once played a pre-arranged 11 innings to help adjust to new rules. It seems like the teams' only mistake was not arranging it with the bureaucrats beforehand.

[@finscreenname]

To say "liability" was the issue is a joke and a very lawyer thing to say. When was the last umpire that got more than a light bruise in the line of duty? The management of both teams agreed so no issue there. Time shouldn't have been an issue being who knows how long a game will go even if it is only 9 innings.

[@rickdoner5181]

Same as when players ask me to ref a challenge match or a ring game that is not a scheduled event in pool. As an official I want NOTHING to do with it.

[@kerrizor]

I missed this happening.. sounds like a uniquely "baseball" sort of thing to happen!

[@robkirk6623]

Great explanation!

[@patribble]

“Liability” is a crutch. What are you concerned about being liable for in a scrimmage that you aren’t liable for in a regulation contest? Does your NASO or officiating liability insurance protect you when officiating a pre-season scrimmage or officiating training clinic but not if you work an extra half inning after the official conclusion of a regular game? How is this different than umpiring a preseason contest or scrimmage as part umpire training? Why would an umpire be you willing to officiate those non-regulation games but not willing to officiate an extra inning because kids and coaches want to stay and play/scrimmage more? I understand why these MLB umpires won’t work after the official contest is over. But doe officials and umpires who claim that they are officiating sports for the kids and for the love of the game, hiding behind “liability” is just the same as saying that you worked what you were contracted to work, and you don’t want to work any more than necessary. Signed, A Youth Baseball Coach and High School Football Official

[@scienceman2024]

That was really interesting, thanks!

[@pugmalley]

Rules don't seem to apply in spring training.

[@snuffyballparks6501]

No umpires is better than a game with CB and/or Angel.

[@peachjwp]

Love your explanation!

[@angc214]

As a fan and a LL umpire, I would love to jump on the field and be a volunteer umpire for a half inning. Just for a taste of the big time.

[@unnamed_channel]

I'd just add that it doesn't matter whether or not you'd actually be found liable for whatever happens after the game is over if you stick around. If you're there and something happens, you will be named in the lawsuit and you will have to get a lawyer to defend you, and that means you've already lost no matter the eventual outcome.

[@wingracer1614]

Not only that, imagine of someone did get hurt in someway that may not have happened if the umps were there. I can't think of how that might happen but it is a possibility.

[@detroitrockcity8]

@@wingracer1614 that can happen in any setting without officials: practice , game, showcase, alumni HR derby etc.

[@tedgey4286]

I can't even imagine the scenario in which an umpire gets named in a liability lawsuit

[@alanhess9306]

@@tedgey4286 Umpires must follow the rule book. If they don't and a player is injured, the umpire can be held liable. The HS rule book requires calling a runner out and ejecting him for committing malicious contact, say by trucking the catcher. If an umpire does not apply the penalty, and a similar malicious collision occurs and this time the catcher ends up with a broken collar bone, you can bet the umpire will be named in a lawsuit.

[@tedgey4286]

@@alanhess9306 as it just so happens I'm a high school umpire and yes it's true malicious contact from either side results in a delayed dead ball and automatic ejection. We also umpired lots of scrimmages where every inning started with runners on base, bunts that don't count as outs, nine batter innings regardless of how many outs, and all manner of ridiculous scenarios well outside of any rulebook. There's literally zero chance one of the umpires would've been legally liable for any injury to s player. The reason we did scrimmages is the same reason the players do, to get into shape for the season. Nine innings is a long game and the umpires shouldn't be expected to do extra time just because the teams want to get extra work in. I don't blame them for leaving but I just don't buy that liability was the reason why they left. They also have a union that probably wouldn't take kindly to a crew working overtime for free

[@paulalstrom4144]

Yeah I've learned not to stick around for "scrimmages". I don't stick around for games that have been forfeited either. Once a game is complete for whatever reason, just leave the field. If a player gets hit by a pitch or some other injury occurs, YOU are liable. It's not worth the risk. You should never participate in a game that is not sanctioned.

[@CanadaMMA]

These headlines I'm seeing make it sound like the umpires just forgot about the bottom half of the inning. The game was over, and the teams decided to give some of their players a few more reps, and *GASP* actually have a little fun. The game was already over. The umpires weren't obligated to stay, and didn't. The teams did their thing, everyone had a good laugh, and they all went home. The league could actually use more of this kind of silly fun.

[@Glock2201]

Some of the leagues I umpire in have a mercy rule for different innings. On occasion a team has won by that rule and it is still fairly early and I say no because of this reason. I do the same for time limits

[@itsAlwaysWoo]

80 degrees in Pittsburgh in February?

[@almostfm]

Meanwhile here in California, we've had snow in places where it hasn't snowed since the 1990s, and our high temp in my city today will be in the mid-40s-a mere 20 degrees below normal.

[@nathanjplatt]

Pirates do Spring Training in Florida

[@donaldthomas7070]

All teams have spring training either in Florida (Grapefruit League) or Arizona (Cactus League).

[@donaldthomas7070]

@@almostfm, global warming . . .

[@RhinoXpress]

This would have been a perfect time to test out those AI umps i keep hearing about.

[@geno5360]

That's not at all where I thought you were going when you said you and your partner were out in right field. I thought it would be like a line drive to the outfield that ended up causing something goodness forbid or an outfielder running into one of the umpires or something as the ball is in the air trying to make the catch.

[@Godric_71]

I think it's cool that the players stayed and played. Getting everyone a bit more full speed practice is good for the players who haven't played past the farm league.

[@us-Bahn]

It was said here that the teams got permission from MLB to continue. That doesn’t sound convincing. If a player got hit by a pitch that broke his wrist and took him out of the lineup, what are the contractual implications of that? Is that any different from a player ruining his knee in a pick-up basketball game during the season?

[@jstnrgrs]

So in high school wrestling, it's very common to have extra JV matches that don't count for anything. They do them just so that the wrestlers who don't have a varsity spot can get some experience, and they don't really count for anything. Still, the referee sticks around and officiates those matches. I guess it's just a different arrangement.

[@clemsondriver9214]

1:41 "he's out i think" coincidentally, this is the same exact thing that the umpire would be thinking if they had been there.

[@jacekatalakis8316]

Related question, actually. I know it's happened in hockey, but what is the rule for if the umpires can't all get to a scheduled game?NHL has, or hadd, players step in as officials and they did a decentish job the one or two times it happened. due to no oficials getting there and the game being delayed then finally going ahead for a period with one player from each team donning the stripes Does MLB/miLB have anything like this?? Say the Yankees and Dodgers are playing in LA and only one umpire makes it to the ballpark first pitch, and the rest of the crew/replacements are stuck on a plane above, let's say, LAX and waiting to land. Would MLB/MiLB simply delay the game or would they bring in other crews? Let's say there's a Giants/Rockies game scheduled at the same time but that game gets rained out, and the crew on the plane get diverted to San Diego after a 2=-2.5hr delay (let's say there's an incident at LAX or this example that shuts the airport down), now would the crew from the Giants game be asked to go fill in at the Yankees/Dodgers game in LA so that game can get going, until/if the crew who were on the plane and now in San Diego, get there? Or would the Yanks/Dodgers game simply get postponed due to the officials not being able to get to the ballpark to work the game, or is there somewhere in the rules, a minimum number of officials needed to work a game? That's the thing I thought of while watching the video and it reminded me of the above question

[@Lava1964]

Decades ago MLB had a rule where each team would designate someone as an umpire if the real umps didn't show up.

[@joesavary6081]

As a player, I just assumed the game was officially over after top 9. Never thought of added liability for the umps

[@jimtownsend7899]

As a retired 30 year ice hockey official, there were times when we faced the very same situations. I can’t tell you how many times I had to explain to people why we were compelled to leave. We would usually get the old, “We won’t hold you accountable if something happens.” Gee, that sounds legally binding, right? I also had to explain that if something happened, the sanctioning body would not defend us or pay for even our own supplemental medical or legal bills, because we should not have been there after the expiration of the game.

[@alanhess9306]

Those people who say “We won’t hold you accountable if something happens." will be the same people to sue if their kid gets injured.

[@GD-rd6ig]

Why is this complicated? The game ended. Practice began.

[@jq9474]

Would there be a liability on the team?

[@md65000]

Since when are umpires "held liable" for an on-field fight?

[@NoHandle689x]

I am curious too

[@alanhess9306]

Not necessarily a fight, but their insurance won't cover them for anything in a "pickup game" after the game is officially over.

[@alexe1707]

Didn't they do this last year?

[@DurkMcGerk]

Nothing needs to change. Both the players and umpires did the right thing.

[@itsenergybob8917]

They simply weren't needed.

[@ricocastro6321]

That was pretty kool that they did that...

[@vw8886]

MLB umps liability policy should cover any and all activities for MLB. The teams contacted the league office before the game and they were told it was ok as long as the umps agreed. So it's on the umps, they just didn't want to do it.

[@revanchist5596]

It's sweet that you think umpires in the MLB call to the rule book.

[@Lava1964]

I umpired softball for 30 years. There was one low-level girls league our association worked for the first time. It played the bottom of the final inning even if the home team was ahead. I discovered it the hard way. The home team scored a bunch of runs and I figured they had to have won the game by this point. Finally I asked the home team's scorekeeper what the score was. She said, "We're ahead 15-11." I walked over and calmly said, "No, the game ended when you scored the 12th run." When she said, "But we always play out the bottom of the last inning!" I said, "Not on my watch you don't." I signed the game report with the score as 12-11 and reported the matter to our association. That nonsense stopped immediately.

[@cephasjames2551]

The game was over. There is no reason for the umps to stick around.

[@dennisb-trains23]

Before you jump on the thrash the umps bandwagon.......they did what the rules say. I was a little league ump and it's the same. The game is over when the home team is ahead in the bottom of the 9th or any inning after the 8th. The umps umpire by rules and left under these same rules. No one is liable for anything.

[@897firefly]

Can you imagine the players walking off the field saying we will not play because of liability? It’s a flimsy excuse to quit. The players, management and organizations appreciate the opportunity for bettering themselves through a little more time on the field and the umps prove every game they could use the practice too! And who enjoyed the last three outs more without the umps injecting themselves into the game? Now that’s how to improve the game!

[@stevenmcalister826]

I can imagine players would walk off if they found out they weren’t getting paid for that half inning, nor would any of their injuries be covered by the team financially. And while it’s great that players want to better themselves, that’s got nothing to do with the umpires who have to sit through it for no reason. In fact, if you’re so sick of umpires not doing their job, I suggest you get behind the plate and show the professionals (who have been doing it before you were born and can name more rules about the game than you’ve had hot dinners) how to do it properly!

[@897firefly]

@@stevenmcalister826 You raise a fair point about the healthcare for the umps playing those last three outs, but it may be a moot point based on their contracts. As for pay, the players, managers and coaches didn’t get paid any extra for the extra half inning. The stadium lost money for electricity and paying employees the extra time, and they experienced a longer period of exposure to liability for workers comp claims. You didn’t see them shut off the scoreboard and PA system. As for standing behind the plate and making calls - no point at all. I am constantly in awe of them being able to call bang bang plays as accurately as they do. But one does not have to be an expert in a given profession to be able to recognize either proficiency or failure.

[@route2070]

But hasn't something like this happen before in Spring Training, umpires and all?

[@mrmoose6619]

I remember a few years back seeing a similar scenario where the umps stayed after a game was decided in Grapefruit action. Wish I remembered details... I believe home team wanted to see two particular batters bat... then it was over.

[@_Bruzzi]

Okay that makes sense. I figured it had something to do with a Union and amount of time they are allowed to work.

[@closethockeyfan5284]

No, that wouldn't make sense. Nothing to do with the union

[@ivermectin1974]

Balls and strikes in the bottom of the 9th were better than the whole game. Lol

[@iron1215]

are they unionized ?

[@larrystuder8543]

It mighta been just " playing for fun." A nice thing for the players and fans...

[@areguapiri]

The umpires did not walk off due to anger. They walked off due to legal issues.

[@dcallins]

And Umpires don't work for free. It's not in their contract.

[@dehydratedtree4402]

Yes this man has the complete mental capacity to understand reality therefore should be taken seriously and trusted for accurate real world information.

[@kamX-rz4uy]

The more surprising part of this is that the Pirates won.

[@robertsherman871]

Video should have ended at 2:45. All that extra talk was unnecessary. TD

[@michaelamanek8908]

So what. We never had umps when we played in the sandlots

[@tuningin4982]

Honestly, a lot of the umpires are so bad at calls anymore, I am in favor of just letting the teams running the games themselves full time.

[@cindymachado7532]

Will WBC umpires announce Instant Replay reviews please answer quickly

[@BASEBALLFURIES.]

i think the giants and guardians did this last spring training

[@nitetrane98]

I'm betting it had more to do with the umpires union and not getting paid overtime.

[@MGower4465]

Nonsense. They left because they weren't being paid fir an "extra" half inning. The players could literally lose their careers on any play, one bad step on a bag, blow out a knee, they are done. And they weren't paid either. But they wanted a bit more practice..and the umps need it too.

[@alexanderbaumann2498]

Why umpire should not be leaving the game they still letting other team play their game 😮😢

[@danielhowell6605]

For all the reasons the umpires left, I wonder why they kept playing. Seems weird.

[@johnathanconrad5363]

Hahaha! Not on the clover leaf fields at minor league camp. Worst words ever…. Doing 14 innings today…. Best words “roll it over”

[@sikwilly45]

If the official game is over, I have no problem with what the blues did.

[@mikeables]

It's just friendly practice. nobody wants them around. the players know what's up

[@no_problem8023]

Why would you walk out BECAUSE there's no umps? You'd figure that'd make things more interesting lol

[@chazztreat8317]

Wait what? No umps?

[@teebob21]

Game was over. Teams decided to play more.

[@ashontahuddleston6663]

How about no umpires at all? Less drama.

[@williammeyer82]

This is the most long winded excuse i’ve ever heard for MLB umpires being the worst people on earth.

[@alanhess9306]

Very ignorant comment. You apparently aren't aware of the liabilities umpires incur.

[@Godric_71]

"He's out I think"

[@littlebittycustoms923]

2:05

[@darinlegore284]

Game is over, #Pirates won. Visitors behind after top 9th. No "game" to play or call! No reason for umpires to officiate at a non-sanctioned event. Fans trashing us but they were right, and all the announcer snarky sarcasm is obnoxious! Make sit harder to do right thing at NCAA & NHFS because some parent read a column or heard an announcer say something then trash us

[@jerrymclellan4711]

Why didn't the umpires stay? Their union.

[@joshbeasley9089]

According to the manager of the orioles, the team had received permission from the league to play the extra half inning. I dont buy the liability reason, this isn't little league. If the teams get into a brawl, these are major league players and the umpires wouldn't be liable. The injury thing is a maybe for me as well. I think it was more game is over, my job is done, and I'm not working any longer than I have to.

[@NoHandle689x]

I agree. The fans seem to have stayed, they pay the umpires salary. The probability that these hypothetical events happen is low.

[@johnsheldon7716]

Real game didn't start til they left

[@theamateurbackyardgardener543]

The game is over. Why stay?

[@FastDuDeJiunn]

sadly lawyers have ruined our country.

[@felixvazquez360]

It's better practice without them

[@davidsecord6412]

If we could have more MLB games without the disgraceful errors of the Angel Hernandez's and the Joe West's of this World, we'd be better off. They are calling for their own extinction, and I doubt that anyone would miss them.

[@Ghost1126]

why wouldn't you comb your hair?

[@rj7411]

Good call by the umps. Atta babe!

[@markswan2582]

Nothing burger!

[@theoldboy70]

A bunch of sticks in the mud.

[@mz610]

........is this a man in a dress? im genuinely confused.....

[@IAMTHEBIGCHUCQUITA]

The real truth is..... It's called a union!

[@almostfm]

It has absolutely zero to do with the union. I'm not in a union, but I've been told that I should not help people when I'm off the clock, and that's not to protect the company-it's to protect _me._ If I'm working and I give someone bad advice and it bricks their computer, I may be sued, but the company will be too, and they have insurance. If I'm not technically working, the company (through their insurance company) can deny liability and leave me on the hook. Once the last official out has been recorded and any discussion/argument has ended, their on-field work is done for the day.

[@closethockeyfan5284]

Not sure whether this is praise for unions garnering so many of the rights and privileges many folks take for granted--including avoidance of liability and an end of watch coinciding with end of game--or ignorant union-bashing, but I sure hope it's the former.

[@davidd5712]

Gee MLB umps got a call right for once

[@georgenewman4464]

The subtle trans pride flag on the graphic at 3:38-

[@kerrytodd3753]

The game was probably better without them…..never seen umpires held liable for anything that happens on the field, not even their own terrible call, never. (With the exception of the cat that apologized for blowing an out call with two outs bottom of the ninth for a PERFECT GAME……kudos to him)

[@bigz0725]

What if the HP umpire takes a foul ball off the mask in the unsanctioned bottom of the 9th? If that happens in, say, the 5th inning, the league will foot the medical costs: worker's comp or whatever deal the umpire's union and the league have in place. If the injury requires an absence, the league will continue to pay the umpire's salary. If the game is officially over and the umpire takes one off the mask, the league will say "the game was over, you were not working and should not have been there", and now the umpire will be on their own coverage, with all the copays, deductibles, and coinsurances coming out of their pocketbook. The league may also choose not to compensate that umpire for missed time, or force them to take their own PTO for the time they miss.

[@tedgey4286]

Love the channel but disagree with this one. People use the liability excuse all the time to not do things that are a little weird or that they just don't feel like doing. If the coaches aren't liable for whatever happens in the bottom of the ninth why would the umpires be? Now if the reasoning was that the umpires, like the players, are there to get some time in and get fit and ready for the regular season which means we don't want to get involved in an open ended game when it's our first day in warm weather in four months... If the reasoning was that our union contract says we umpire a baseball game according to the rulebook and not according to the whims of the coaches... now that would make more sense. I don't see how the umpires would be accepting any legal liability though

[@stephenbeck7222]

Right, it would seem on the liability side for MLB, anything that happens inside the gates of any MLB park would be covered under the same insurance. A player getting hurt during practice isn’t any different than a player getting hurt in a live game. If anything, this situation is better than practice because the dugouts are at their normal full capacity of trainers, unlike practice when you have guys in the locker room/cages/pens. I wonder if it’s more to do with the umps not wanting to be liable performance wise, as in they don’t want to be docked in their ratings (ball/strike accuracy, etc.) during a period when the players are being less serious. It’s like a football ref showing up for a real game and the players just want to play 7 on 7 flag. That’s not what the ref is getting paid to do.

[@kenbott5612]

Why do we even need umps? No bad calls. No ejections. Use computers or catchers to call balls and strikes. And use multiple cameras on every base and managers to determine the call. We can see a ticks asshole from outer space so there’s no reason for umps or their biases for one team or the other.

[@stevenmcalister826]

What do we need pitchers for? There’s machines that can pitch faster than humans with the same amount of accuracy. That rules out the need for a catcher too since theres no need for framing and there is little to no chance of errors when the ball is pitched. And instead of fielders we can use algorithms to determine the result whenever a ball is hit. Let’s get rid of the human element all-together.

[@leek619]

Spoken like a true Non Baseball fan! FOH

[@finessecurve2651]

I love your analysis. On point and always detailed. It's perfect for those looking for explanations on certain rulings that seem obscure 🏳️‍⚧️