The Big Lead

Knicks star: MLB should suspend ‘trash’ ump, Yankees infielder seems to agree

You didn't have to be in the batter's box Wednesday to dislike Brian Walsh's strike zone — but it didn't hurt.

By J.P. Hoornstra

New York Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge (99) and second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) celebrate after defeating the Washington Nationals 10-5 at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 25.
New York Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge (99) and second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) celebrate after defeating the Washington Nationals 10-5 at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 25. / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
facebooktwitter

You didn't have to be in the batter's box Wednesday to dislike Brian Walsh's strike zone for the New York Yankees' game against the Houston Astros — but it didn't hurt.

The Astros' 8-7 win at Yankee Stadium ended on a called third strike to Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr., who clearly believed he had taken ball four just a bit outside.

Among those watching who did not like the call: New York Knicks guard Josh Hart.

"That Ump needs to be suspended," Hart wrote on Twitter/X. "He's trash."

By now it might go without saying that retweets (or reposts) do not constitute endorsements. Chisholm's bio, however, does not include this little caveat. Instead, Chisholm's bio says he is "Unapologetically Myself."

Maybe don't expect Chisholm to apologize for re-posting Hart's complaint last night.

Jazz Chisholm Jr reposted @joshhart on Twitter/X: "That Ump needs to be suspended. He's trash."
Screengrab

According to Ump Scorecards (whose creator, MIT Ph.D. candidate Ethan Singer, consulted with professional umpires in the creation of his algorithm), Walsh's strike zone related below-average by every metric:

It's rare for a home plate umpire's strike zone to favor one team over another so heavily as to influence the final score of the game. Usually the zone is so accurate, and the margin of victory is so wide, that it's not possible.

Wednesday's game was an exception. Walsh's zone favored the Astros enough to make the difference bewteen a win and a loss. Chisholm saw it happen up close. Hart didn't, but both men agreed the ump had an unusually bad night.

GET MORE TOP STORIES from The Big Lead by subscribing to TBL YouTube channel

ROUNDUP: Latest CFB rankings, Johnny Football still bitter, and more

CFB: College football top 25 rankings 2025: AP Top 25 Poll released for Week 2

MLB: 'There's punches being thrown': Wild brawl erupts after Rafael Devers homer

NFL: Major overtime rule change to remember before start of 2025 NFL season

SPORTS MEDIA: ESPN reveals 2025 'ManningCast' slate with 12 NFL games for Eli, Peyton Manning

VIRAL: Kay Adams stunned by Green Bay Packers fan's tattoo in honor of Micah Parsons trade

Home/MLB