Cardinals Win, But Braves Protest Game Because of Crazy Infield Fly Rule Call [Video]
Infield fly rule. Get ready to learn all about it! The St. Louis Cardinals beat the Atlanta Braves, 6-3 to advance to the National League Wild-er Card round. The game was finished under protest following an insane infield fly rule call in the 8th that ruined what could have been a crucial Braves rally. Andrelton Simmons popped the ball up the shallow left field and shortstop Pete Kozma tracked the ball before letting it drop. The call was questionable at best and was followed by a protest and Atlanta fans showering the field with beer cups and cans. And that is how Chipper Jones career ended.
And here is the longer, much higher quality MLB.com version.
[US PRESSWIRE]
Previously: Jason Heyward Robbed Yadier Molina at the Wall
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October 5th, 2012 at 8:55 PM
I still think Kozma pulled off when he heard the ump call it, thinking it was Holliday. Calling Chipper safe in 9th was a worse call.
October 5th, 2012 at 8:58 PM
All baseball calls are “judgement” but at first it is more black and white.
/racist?
October 5th, 2012 at 9:00 PM
who needs replay?
October 5th, 2012 at 9:10 PM
JMac – I don’t know if replay would have been definitive, like it is in football. As golfercraig said – you could make the point that the ump called infield fly, but cameras wouldn’t pick it up.
Granted – if they had the field mic’d up, with camera angles everywhere, like the NFL, we would know for sure.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:20 PM
No question it was one of the worst call in the history of post-season baseball, and it very well may have changed the outcome of the game (we’ll never know, and that’s what sucks), but the Braves had plenty of other chances to score runs and absolutely sucked defensively.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:25 PM
Replay wouldn’t have helped there. It was a judgment call. Keep beating that drum though. Braves cost themselves the game with 3 errors.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:27 PM
No question it was one of the worst call in the history of post-season baseball,
Eh… If the ump would have called it right away there wouldn’t have been much of an issue. Dinkinger was far far far worse. And jefferey maier.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:28 PM
And yeah, that call at 1st base on Chipper was horrendous… Although we’ll never know because TBS only showed 1 replay from a crappy angle.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:30 PM
Replay absolutely wouldn’t have helped here. Unless there is some line or marking on the field denoting it, its a pure judgement call. Although 9pm on a Friday night is a good time to stir the “replay” turd. Big ups on that one, Jayce.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:32 PM
Also, I’ll take this call over the SEA/GB game that had tons of cameras and replays that the NFL refs still fucked it up.
/judgement means judgement
October 5th, 2012 at 9:36 PM
guess the better question is: Where does the infield extend to? They couldn’t look at replay, say, “wow, that’s wrong,” and just leave the bases loaded?
of course. replacement refs botched that. were these replacement umps?
October 5th, 2012 at 9:37 PM
guess the better question is: Where does the infield extend to? They couldn’t look at replay, say, “wow, that’s wrong,” and just leave the bases loaded?
infield fly rule can be called in the outfield though… it’s a judgment call… if the umpire thinks the player can drop it on purpose to try to get a double play he can make it. The only issue was that it was a VERY late call… which was horrible, but the braves threw the game away long before the 8th inning.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:38 PM
and Heel – not sure why you think I’m the one beating the replay subject. I’m one of millions.
here’s what a search for “instant replay” turns up on twitter.
https://twitter.com/i/#!/search/?q=instant+replay&src=typd
They’re coming in fast and furious.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:40 PM
but again… instant replay would have helped here as much as it would help on a Pass interference call. It’s not a cut and dry out or safe HR/Foul ball call.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:40 PM
nobody disputes that.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:41 PM
A proactive league would firm up this rule in the offseason. Either remove the “infield” from the title of the rule, or clearly state that once you leave the infield dirt, you are on your own (both defense and runners). If you get caught in a double play from (not) shallow left field, shame on you.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:41 PM
twitter sure was blowing up with talk about a dying sport. haven’t seen it go that nuts since GB/SEA.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:42 PM
Correct.
There’s a reason the ump didn’t call it right away.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:42 PM
Even if replay wouldn’t have helped here since it’s a judgment call (much like NFL pass interference calls), the umpire’s judgment was terrible.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:42 PM
so this would be like clamoring for replay after one of those bad defensive PI calls that happens EVERY sunday.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:44 PM
the umpire’s judgment was terrible.
by calling it late… yes… he could have avoided all of this if he would have thrown his hand up as soon as the ball went up. the player was camped out under the ball for a second and peeled off… I don’t think it was as horrendous as the outrage…. and I HATE the cardinals. It was bad and it was handled poorly… but there will be worse calls.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:45 PM
and the first tweet on the list? “Instant replay couldn’t have helped with that call.”
It’s just how baseball is played. They like their grey, versus black and white.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:45 PM
and the first tweet on the list? “Instant replay couldn’t have helped with that call.”
ha.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:46 PM
I have to say I’m surprised by the Cardinals hate on Twitter. You would think they are the MLB equivalent to Raider fans. Or the NL equivalent of Red Sox nation. I don’t get it.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:46 PM
I don’t have a problem with the rule itself. It was just a horrible call. No one can look at that and say that it was a routine play for the SS.
I think there may be something to the idea (stated by one of the broadcasters) that with extra umps in the post-season, they might begin to pay attention to things that they wouldn’t ordinarily pay attention to.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:47 PM
but there will be worse calls.
It was a bad call undoubtedly made worse by how late the call was made. But if the Braves hit a three-run homer after Chipper was inexplicably called safe what would we be saying? No way the umpire was going to make a close call against Chipper in that situation.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:47 PM
Where the hell is Taguchi, by the way? Is this too early in the day for him to comment?
October 5th, 2012 at 9:47 PM
I have to say I’m surprised by the Cardinals hate on Twitter. You would think they are the MLB equivalent to Raider fans. Or the NL equivalent of Red Sox nation. I don’t get it.
Tony LaRussa will do that. Turdfucker.
No one can look at that and say that it was a routine play for the SS.
If there isn’t a communication mix up he catches that ball 100 times out of 100. He clearly peeled off because he thought the LF had it.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:48 PM
I still can’t believe that TBS didn’t have a better replay angle on that play. I’m no fan of ESPN or Fox, but at least they flood the zone with camera angles.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:49 PM
Chipper could’ve crawled backwards while smoking a cig on the way to first and he would’ve been called safe.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:49 PM
Yeah, I can see that. I should have thought of that, before trying to apply the hate towards the players or fans.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:51 PM
Yeah… no player on the Cardinals bothers me all that much. Tony LaRussa’s no fun police shtick and beaming Ryan Braun every game and denying he did it on purpose were horrible. So Fuck the cards.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:51 PM
The ball was hit so that the ump could not possibly have known at the crack of the bat where it would land and/or if an infielder could make a play on it. That’s what determines if it should be ruled an IF or not.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:52 PM
The crack of the bat determines IF rule? No.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:53 PM
I got no beef with the Cards. Even after they beat the Braves out for the WC at the end of last season, that was due to their excellent play and the Braves collapse. No need to be mad at them.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:54 PM
Maybe not instantaneous, but the call must be made early enough so the base runners know how to react.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:57 PM
By all accounts, Duke had that flyball locked up.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:58 PM
He would’ve made the catch, but it wasn’t routine and it wasn’t immediately evident.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:13 PM
yup. Buster Olney. Check the other media members who chimed in (if you’re up for scrolling)
October 5th, 2012 at 10:14 PM
The only reason we have six umpires is that the clown Bud Selig gave that away to the Umpire’s union. It was a horrible call. let us hope that Holbrook’s call earns the postseason infamy of a Buckner, etc.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:21 PM
Jason – I think its a well established fact that you think Selig is an old, crotchety, out of touch commissioner who doesn’t realize certain changes are good for the game. On more than one occasion you have mentioned how the restrictions on instant replay usage are bad for the game. Not trying to start anything with you, and I could give two shits about the tweets because as I stated earlier this is one of those judgement calls that replay wouldn’t fix.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:22 PM
hope that Holbrook’s call earns the postseason infamy
I don’t think it will since it didn’t really decide the game but more leads to questions of what could have/might have happened seeing as the Cards were up 3 at the time in the 8th and the Braves still needed a rally. But the call took away a better chance at the rally.
Still a terrible call nonetheless, but don’t think it makes a list of blown postseason calls.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:24 PM
Got that off the internet, so it’s probably true.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:25 PM
we have six umpires
Have to agree with this. Do other leagues add officials for their postseasons? Would seem to make more sense to keep it at the same levels you have all season. There can be such a thing as too many people making calls, which I think this situation shows.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:26 PM
Do other leagues add officials for their postseasons?
I’d ask the NHL, but….you know.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:28 PM
It completely changed the complexion of that inning. You go from having 1 out and the bases loaded with the tying run on first, two having only two men on base and two outs. That’s huge.
/sorry that I can’t let this go
October 5th, 2012 at 10:31 PM
It completely changed the complexion of that inning. You go from having 1 out and the bases loaded with the tying run on first, two having only two men on base and two outs. That’s huge.
I completely agree the complexion of the game changed, I just meant in terms of ranking this in terms of all time blown calls since the Braves would have needed to do something still. But this call decreased the opportunity of any rally significantly. We tend to rank the all-time blown moments as game deciding calls, but who knows this might be different.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:33 PM
We tend to rank the all-time blown moments as game deciding calls, but who knows this might be different.
This one sounds like a potential game decider/changer. One of those never know what would’ve happened kind of deals.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:35 PM
The Rangers down 2-1 to the Orioles and now are up against the best pen in the majors. Btw anyone that thought this would be an easy win for Texas hasnt seen either team play for the past 3 months.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:35 PM
its a good thing they have this whole 1 game playoff series to really evaluate the best team and make sure the best team wins.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:37 PM
One of those never know what would’ve happened kind of deals.
True. While it didn’t directly decide the game like a bad third out call in the 9th, it completely changed the chances of a Braves rally at that point (and possibly the pitcher/batter matchups that were altered by the long delay from the field being pelted in trash).
October 5th, 2012 at 10:37 PM
The Dekinger call occurred in Game 6 with the Cards still up 1-0 and the Maier interference occurred in Game 1 of the series and allowed the Yankees to tie the game at 4.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:37 PM
I feel like i’m in the minority but I like the rule. Win your division.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:39 PM
Yeah but Denkinger also forced Jack Clark to miss a pop-up and caused a passed ball from Darrell Porter.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:42 PM
I feel like i’m in the minority but I like the rule. Win your division.
I like the idea of it too. I do think there should be a reward for winning your division and also wildcard teams should be at a disadvantage by not having their pitching set.
/Minority now in more way than one
October 5th, 2012 at 10:42 PM
i like the idea of a 2nd WC team, but make it best of 3, all 3 games at 1st WC team stadium.
you know its bad when mlb.com mentions it only in passing.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:43 PM
I do however think it is all kinds of stupid the #1 seed opens their series on the road, regardless if they still have the most home games in a potential five game series.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:45 PM
I do however think it is all kinds of stupid the #1 seed opens their series on the road, regardless if they still have the most home games in a potential five game series.
Yea that almost seems to reward not winning the division.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:51 PM
They did the 2-3 format in ’95 ALDS too, Yankees won first two at the Stadium, Mariners took last 3 in Kingdome.
The Rangers are melting down. As a Yankees fan Balt. scares me, they seem to have some sort of voodoo magic going on. Still would rather face them than Texas though, esp. since they have to travel even farther for tomorrow’s game than the Yankees.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:51 PM
and play a double header the second day, if necessary
October 5th, 2012 at 10:53 PM
i think mlb just got caught up in the ending of last season and didn’t plan this well.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:58 PM
Leagues tend to always add more/expand in terms of games and never cut games (owners don’t want to lose the revenue by cutting games, players won’t reduce their contracts for a reduced schedule) so I do expect we will eventually see a three-game series between the two wildcard teams. But I agree, three game series would be better in terms of eliminating a flukey one win situation.
October 5th, 2012 at 11:00 PM
It was even worse in ’95, the first year of playoff expansion. Not only were the ALDS in the 2-3 format, but 86-58 Boston had home field over the 100-44 Indians in the first round due to a “predetermined arrangement” in playoff seeding.
October 5th, 2012 at 11:02 PM
Can anyone explain to me why the outfield umpire made that call on the infield fly rule? I thought the outfield umpire was really only there to make any line calls/home run calls.
October 5th, 2012 at 11:02 PM
October 5th, 2012 at 11:04 PM
Would you do the same for the Game 163 divisional tiebreakers at the end of the year? Lots of seasons have been determined in a fluky one-win situation.
I see your point, but if they’re going to call this the postseason and not a playin game or tiebreaker then I think it should be treated as such with a series.
October 5th, 2012 at 11:06 PM
Texas had the best record in the American League on SUNDAY. Could be out of the playoffs on Friday night.
October 5th, 2012 at 11:09 PM
And yes, I know I’m treating them differently largely off semantics and that seems kind of ridiculous but what can I say, I just got done with law school so I’ve been drilled to treat semantics as everything.
October 5th, 2012 at 11:13 PM
That is a great idea
October 5th, 2012 at 11:14 PM
I just got done with law school so I’ve been drilled
to treat semantics as everything.sue the shit out of umpires that make horrible calls.October 5th, 2012 at 11:16 PM
sue the shit out of umpires that make horrible calls.
Has a gambler that placed a legal bet tried to sue for a blown call? It has to have happened at some point I feel like.
October 5th, 2012 at 11:18 PM
It has to have happened at some point I feel like.
With all the other shit that I’ve seen people sue for, definitely a fucking possibility. If they lose a legal bet because of a blown call, there should be a 50/50 rule or something.
/Loves fat stacks
//Does not have fat stacks
October 5th, 2012 at 11:19 PM
Except the Cardinals have their pitching set for the next series. Wainwright starting game 1 at home in St Louis.
October 5th, 2012 at 11:30 PM
http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2012/10/05/mlb-source-sam-holbrook-made-the-right-call-by-rule/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Not to be the guy who wants to point out the obvious, but the amount of people who hate baseball bitching about this is rather large. As for ANYONE who has ever called a game–it was the correct call. As soon as Kozma turned around, my buddy, who I umpired with, screamed INFIELD FLY. It’s on every written test, and every field test.
October 5th, 2012 at 11:38 PM
I guess it makes it worse that I feel the Braves had a team that could legitimately make a deep run into the playoffs. Good pitching, (normally) good defense, and decent bats. As it is now, the whole season seems pointless. Deep down I suspected this would happen ever since I heard about the new WC game format.
October 5th, 2012 at 11:47 PM
Texas Rangers, your Gaggers of 2012
October 6th, 2012 at 12:09 AM
Cannot believe the orioles did this.
October 6th, 2012 at 12:10 AM
I hear Bobby Valentine is looking for work….
October 6th, 2012 at 12:12 AM
Would not be shocked if they went all the way. There are no dominant teams in baseball anymore. All you need to do is get hot at the right time. If they can get any kind of starting pitching…no team wants to face that pen.
Josh Hamilton didnt exactly end his Rangers career with a bang…
October 6th, 2012 at 12:13 AM
Bobby wont get another managing gig in the majors.
October 6th, 2012 at 12:14 AM
Orioles having the first two games vs NY at home is huge.
October 6th, 2012 at 12:20 AM
Congrats Queefer. I’m fully behind the O’s now that my Braves went out in their customary fashion.
October 6th, 2012 at 12:30 AM
In what world do the orioles get the first two games at home? That’s a huge disadvantage for the Yankees, much more than the previous wc setup.
October 6th, 2012 at 12:31 AM
No team was hurt less by the WC format than the Orioles. They dont have a #1 starter so it’s impossible to screw up their rotation. That said i’m glad the Yankees have a quick 1 hr flight to B’more to face a team that also has to travel tonight, than fly to DFW and play a Rangers team that slept in their own beds the night before. But still the O’s look like a team of destiny, it’s creepy how they just seem to get every clutch hit. I can already picture A-Rod and Tex combining to get 0 hits with RISP this series.
October 6th, 2012 at 12:41 AM
Queefer, its only for this year that Wc team gets first games at home. I smell an oakland- baltimore ALCS and some JMac ratings posts
October 6th, 2012 at 12:45 AM
nice for the O’s. them or the a’s, or the nats winning the WS would be good
October 6th, 2012 at 12:49 AM
Why this year? What’s the difference?
October 6th, 2012 at 12:52 AM
i chalk it up to poor planning with thus. complete populist move by the mlb.
October 6th, 2012 at 1:01 AM
I just don’t understand why this year is the exception.
Feel terrible for Texas. Unreal that their season ended in one game. Whatever happens from here on out is legit. The Orioles have a fair shot now. It’s up to them.
October 6th, 2012 at 1:09 AM
makes me wonder whether it’s worth it or not to have this 1 game playoff.
October 6th, 2012 at 9:09 AM
MLB didn’t put the new playoff structure in place in time. The player’s union refused to give up travel days to make it happen with the normal structure of 2-2-1.
October 6th, 2012 at 10:11 AM
TBL. I love your zest to try and correct a sport you openly proclaim to be boring and dying. I think replay would be good for certain situations, but unfortunately this kind of call has too much of a gray area to be definitive by using instant replay.
October 6th, 2012 at 10:13 AM
here’s what a search for “instant replay” turns up on twitter.
Ah the Twitter argument. The same medium that pines for another season of Honey boo boo.
October 6th, 2012 at 1:04 PM
I think replay would be good for certain situations, but unfortunately this kind of call has too much of a gray area to be definitive by using instant replay.
Let’s rethink putting extra umpires on the field that are out of position at the start of the play.
October 6th, 2012 at 3:36 PM
of course TBS had no other angles of Chipper in the 9th…TBS Sports exists because of Atlanta Braves baseball, and they can’t sell out their favorite son like that the last time they’ll ever see him on the field