I wish they had a couple of hours here. We need to see more of this. These umps are human. It's unfortunate when a blown call negates history (Jim Joyce and Galarraga's no hitter, for one) but it wouldn't be baseball without the human element. [Also props to Gibby, I miss players like him]
R. Contreras , MA sometimes I revisit that blown call and wonder if it was somewhat intentional. While Jim Joyce was held in high regard around the league for his skill and demeanor, that call couldn’t have come at a better time. He was already beginning to consider retirement, MLB was starting to really push for replay and it’s debatable if there was a bit of an urge to be remembered forever. Ordinarily this would all seem quite absurd to think, but that call was so routine. So black and white. No foot away from the bag from the 1st baseman, no real hustle by the batter/runner to even make it a close play. The ball beat the runner by over a step. It is almost an insult to Joyce’s skill and tenure to suggest he really truly missed that call. He’s made it thousands of times along with hundreds of close plays at that base.
@@URAWESOME94 I don't think any ump would ever intentionally take a no-hitter away, especially Joyce. He just screwed up, plain and simple; he said this much in his apology. (It was semi bang bang. But I think he was caught up in the moment, if that makes sense; he left his training at that moment). He was well respected. It's too bad it had to tarnish his record. Worse, a no-no was taken from a pitcher. *BUT* If they ever bring robots to the majors, I'm done with baseball, I will say that much.
R. Contreras , MA idk brother... I guess maybe he was caught in the moment, but his skill and reputation absolutely makes it hard to believe he missed it. However, it does speak to his bravery that if he truly thought the runner was safe, he had the iron to make a call that would’ve garnered him almost as much hatred if he was right. I definitely don’t want robot umpires. The game is all about human error on behalf of all three teams on the field. The umpires, the away and home players.
Michael Heathman that was an incredible documentary. I was most impressed by how well Joe Torre transitioned into that role. He used to be the manager who’d blow up at umpires to being the chief baseball officer who will occasionally blow up at managers in defense of umpires! He went from being at the mercy of an umpire to being the one in charge of all umpires. He seemed to during the filming at least, to really take them under his wing and respect/embrace them.
Michael Heathman that’s a good point. The only reason why I guess they didn’t is because Jim is a legend. They figured he knows what he saw and since it was a huge call from someone like him he must’ve seen it. I just don’t know how he missed it. It was a full step and a half off. He’s still one of the greats, a shame his whole career came down to that.
Listen I’ve been coaching for a long time 12 years and I can’t not tell you how much respect I have for Phil cuzzi and Tom , my views as a coach are different cause I coach a different sport ,a sport that saw the refs botch a game cause they were gambling with the mob (2002 WCF gm 6 ) but it also happen in my state where three refs were indicted on federal racketeering charges related to a state championship game , but overall they make mistake there humans and we go from there
In 38 years as a baseball and softball umpire, if a catcher is blocking my view, my call is always the same: "Ball" (unless the batter swings, of course). If the DM complains, I tell him: "Your catcher is blocking my view." Now, coach is telling his catcher: "Move."⚾️
@@riding4beers889 Starting salary is about 120 K a year and senior umpires make about 300 -350 K a year. They are compensated for lodging and receive a per diem as well. I doubt there are many millionaire umpires.
@@getreal1175 I actually play the game. I dont like watching from the field. Umpires are the the kids who didnt know how to throw a ball correctly. Lmao.
@@barrymccaulkiner3194 I am 55 years old and still play the game. I have also umpired for 36 years, 15 at the D1 level. If you really think you are better then those you see on the field, prove it or leave it to those of us that have the courage to do it!
Blocked by the catcher so they are guessing as they have to call something. That would explain a good number of the "bad" non strike calls. Impossible job
wish someone would have asked if they ever disagree with K zone, and where it's set up. Seems like more "higher" pitches are strikes and pitches shin high, but no corners...
Ok, the problem is not that umps are imperfect. The problem is that players get ejected, games are lost, and money is lost because no one can even QUESTION an umpire’s zone! I get that one or two strikes or balls can slip by every now and again, but there is ZERO regulation for an umpire that is calling outside strikes even if both teams take issue with it.
It's in the MLB RULE book. Not a policy or preference. And many are allowed to finish their thought or are giving a warning or stop sign hand motion before getting tossed!
Well moron... those are the playing rules. It is against the rules to argue plays or pitches at all. Umpires give them a long leash especially on plays on the bases. No where in the rule book does a manager have a right to argue a play with the exception of asking for replay. No where in the rule book does a player have the right to say one fucking word in protest of a call or a pitch. The penalty is ejection with no warning. Umpires routinely tell players to stop talking or go back to the dugout or let it go which are all warnings and hell sometimes they even say I am warning you stop what you are doing before ejecting them. MLB grade and record each play and pitch of every game and each umpire is provided a copy and these ratings are partially used in selecting playoff assignments which mean more money for the umpire. Why can't they be fired? I will answer that in part with another question... Do the players have a union that protects them? Yes. The umpires require the same protection and they have it. Don't like it? Squash the players union then squash the umpires union but good luck getting that done.
@@r.a.contrerasma8578 it shouldn't change. the public does not deserve or have a right to know anything about MLB discipline of employees. these are not elected officials and such things are private just as your work evaluations should not be made public.
Look.I know you guys are only human. Here's my issue. The huge difference from umpire to umpire in the strike zone. The top and bottom of the zone is based on the height of the batter, right? But not the corners. 1 ump calls a pitch 6 inches outside the plate a strike. The next a ball. That needs to be addressed.
@Michael Heathman you get it. Well said. (But FIFA laws give soccer refs a lot of discretion, so perhaps this other guy should stop watching sports period).
@Michael Heathman You're Strike Zone isn't the same as everyone's. You're contradicting yourself. You said you don't call low strikes. If I'm a pitcher and my bread and butter is at the bottom of the strike zone and you screw me over, my catcher and I are going to see that you pay.
