I can’t think of an endeavor on this earth more influenced by perception, than that of a major league baseball umpire.
A strike in baseball is a very clearly defined thing. The ball has to pass over the plate at a height between the knees and uniform letters. When a ball passes through that very precise set of parameters, a strike is a fact. The decision that goes up on the scoreboard, however, is based on the umpire’s opinion.
Posted by Skip Maloney | No comments yet
Well, they might not have been perfect, but the pitching staff was good enough for yet another win against what used to be "America's Team." And on George's birthday no less!
What might have been even more perfect was spending this day in Boston, watching the game at the newly opened Bleacher Bar at Fenway Park, right underneath the bleachers. (You can see the outline for the centerfield bleachers above you.) There is a garage door which is left open looking out on the field at Fenway. We were told the bar is open during games and it's "first come, first serve" to sit at a table looking out onto the field (arrive by 9 a.m.?).
Posted by Greg Cunningham | No comments yet
Much like the Designated Hitter, the announced introduction of instant replay to Major League Baseball will likely have calcified supporters and detractors forevermore, and it seems just as inevitable that it will remain. MLB may begin reviewing home run calls this season, possibly as soon as August 1, according to a report in USA Today.
Posted by Street Reporter | No comments yet
Two interesting things happened at the end of the Reds-Mets game today. Well, really it was only one thing, but it told me two interesting things. In the top of the ninth inning, trailing 8-3, the eighth spot of the Reds order was due up, and Dave Ross, who had entered the game as part of a double-switch in the bottom of the sixth inning, came to bat. He flied out to right, and Corey Patterson, who had entered in a double-switch in the bottom of the eighth inning, stepped up to the plate.
Posted by Street Reporter | 1 comment
