{"id":47166,"date":"2021-05-20T12:48:51","date_gmt":"2021-05-20T16:48:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=47166"},"modified":"2021-05-26T16:59:18","modified_gmt":"2021-05-26T20:59:18","slug":"dave-martinez-ejection-inspection-202107","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2021\/05\/20\/dave-martinez-ejection-inspection-202107\/","title":{"rendered":"Ejection Inspection, Week Seven: Dave Martinez Throws Base over Another Runner\u2019s Lane Interference"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dave Martinez<\/strong> Throws Base over Another Runner\u2019s Lane Interference Call<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Welcome to Week Seven of Ejection Inspection! The premise and ground rules are detailed here<\/a>. The condensed version: each ejection from the previous week (Thursday through Wednesday) is listed in a table. The author \u2013 a former player\/coach\/umpire \u2013 analyzes each ejection and assigns it an entertainment rating of one to five Weavers in honor of late Baltimore Orioles manager Earl Weaver. This week saw Dave Martinez ejected and heaving first base over another runner\u2019s lane interference call involving Trea Turner. (Flashback alert: 2019 World Series)<\/p>\n

(Author\u2019s Note: Due to personal illness, the Week Six edition did not run on time last week. Read it here<\/a>.)<\/em><\/p>\n

(For a list of every article in this series, click here<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

There were 11 ejections in Week Seven \u2013 six managers, four players, and a hitting coach. And, of course, Dave Martinez threw first base.<\/p>\n

Ejection Table<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
1<\/a><\/td>\nThu<\/td>\n5\/13<\/td>\nMIL<\/td>\nSTL<\/td>\nT3<\/td>\nCraig Counsell<\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nJim Reynolds<\/td>\n1B<\/td>\nArguing fair\/foul call<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2<\/a><\/td>\nSat<\/td>\n5\/15<\/td>\nPIT<\/td>\nSF<\/td>\nT8<\/td>\nDerek Shelton<\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nMark Ripperger<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3<\/a><\/td>\nSat<\/td>\n5\/15<\/td>\nMIL<\/td>\nATL<\/td>\nB4<\/td>\nTravis Shaw<\/td>\n3B<\/td>\nChris Segal<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4<\/a><\/td>\nSat<\/td>\n5\/15<\/td>\nMIA<\/td>\n@LAD<\/td>\nT2<\/td>\nEric Duncan<\/td>\nHtC<\/td>\nChad Fairchild<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5<\/a><\/td>\nSat<\/td>\n5\/15<\/td>\nLAD<\/td>\nMIA<\/td>\nB4<\/td>\nMatt Beaty<\/td>\nLF<\/td>\nChad Fairchild<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6<\/a><\/td>\nTue<\/td>\n5\/18<\/td>\nMIN<\/td>\nCWS<\/td>\nT7<\/td>\nTyler Duffey<\/td>\nP<\/td>\nJim Reynolds<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nIntentionally throwing at a batter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7<\/a><\/td>\nTue<\/td>\n5\/18<\/td>\nMIN<\/td>\nCWS<\/td>\nT7<\/td>\nRocco Baldelli<\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nJim Reynolds<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing pitcher ejection<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8<\/a><\/td>\nTue<\/td>\n5\/18<\/td>\nMIL<\/td>\n@KC<\/td>\nT9<\/td>\nAvisail Garcia<\/td>\nRF<\/td>\nBrian Gorman<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing checked swing strike<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9<\/a><\/td>\nTue<\/td>\n5\/18<\/td>\nMIL<\/td>\n@KC<\/td>\nT9<\/td>\nCraig Counsell<\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nBrian Gorman<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing checked swing strike<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10<\/a><\/td>\nWed<\/td>\n5\/19<\/td>\nWSN<\/td>\n@CHC<\/td>\nT7<\/td>\nDave Martinez<\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nChris Conroy<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing RLI call<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
11<\/a><\/td>\nWed<\/td>\n5\/19<\/td>\nARI<\/td>\n@LAD<\/td>\nT5<\/td>\nTorey Lovullo<\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nWill Little<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing RLI call<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Craig Counsell, Milwaukee Brewers Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Thursday, May 13, vs. St. Louis Cardinals, top of the third<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Jim Reynolds (1B)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n

With one out and nobody on, Cardinals right fielder Dylan Carlson fouled a 3\u20132 cutter off his foot. It appeared initially to be a groundout to first, but Carlson didn\u2019t run, claiming the ball hit his foot. The umpiring crew huddled, and after a discussion correctly ruled the ball foul.<\/p>\n

Counsell came onto the field to argue the play. After about a minute of non-stop arguing, Reynolds launched him.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

A little. The Brewers have not been playing well, and this play saw what the Brewers thought was an out into a foul ball. However, the goal is for the umpires to get the play right, which they did. If the roles were reversed, Counsell would have been glad the umpires converged.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes. Counsell simply would not stop, so the only way to continue the game was to eject him.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h4>\n

One Weaver. This was both eye-rolling and annoying.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Derek Shelton, Pittsburgh Pirates Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Saturday, May 15, vs. San Francisco Giants, top of the eighth<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Mark Ripperger (HP)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This one built up over multiple at-bats, like many ball\/strike ejections do. In the top of the eighth, with two outs, a runner on first, and the game tied at six, Pirates reliever Chris Stratton threw a 1\u20131 fastball to center fielder Austin Slater. Despite the ball being just above the knees and over the outer half of the plate, Ripperger called a ball. This drew loud protest from the Pirates dugout. Slater ultimately walked, drawing a mound visit.<\/p>\n

The first pitch to the next hitter, right fielder Darin Ruf, was a borderline pitch at the knees. Ripperger called it a ball. Shelton laid into him from the dugout. Ripperger said, \u201cYes it is there.\u201d Shelton said something inaudible leading up to \u201call (expletive) game. Wake the (expletive) up.\u201d Ripperger said, \u201cGet (expletive) out of here\u201d and ran Shelton. Shelton shot out of the dugout, covering his mouth with his mask before tearing into Ripperger with several finger points. After two or three sentences, Shelton left the field.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Late in a tie game, allowing any <\/em>baserunner will be frustrating. It is worse when a team feels that the calls leading to it were incorrect, so obviously, the answer is yes.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Definitely. Arguing balls and strikes is grounds for ejection; doing it in a prolonged and profane manner is automatic.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Two Weavers. It might have been more had the mask not covered Shelton\u2019s mouth for the face-to-face argument.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Travis Shaw, Milwaukee Brewers Third Baseman<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Saturday, May 15, vs. Atlanta Braves, bottom of the fourth<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Chris Segal (HP)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Shaw took a 3\u20132 pitch from Ian Anderson near the knees and over the middle of the plate. Segal rang him up. Shaw turned around and jawed at Segal. Segal turned to walk away, and Shaw ended what he said with \u201call (expletive) day.\u201d See ya.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The Brewers are not playing very well right now. They are last in the National League in hitting, and at the time, Anderson had yet to allow a hit. The whole team <\/em>is frustrated.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes. Not only was Shaw arguing balls and strikes, but it was both profane and persistent.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h4>\n

One Weaver. It was ho-hum.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Eric Duncan, Miami Marlins Hitting Coach<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Saturday, May 15, at Los Angeles Dodgers, top of the second<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Chad Fairchild (HP)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Marlins second baseman Isan Diaz took a 2\u20132 running fastball from Trevor Bauer for a called third strike. It was initially headed inside but tailed back over the plate in time to be a strike. It was Bauer\u2019s fifth strikeout, and it came on the fifth batter of the game. Duncan argued vehemently from the dugout, pointing at Bauer while saying, \u201cMake him throw the ball over the (bleeping) plate!\u201d He had also said variations of \u201cHe doesn\u2019t need any help!\u201d This is an argument a lot of coaches use in multiple sports. They do this to argue while making it appear that they\u2019re complimenting the opponent. At any rate, after the profane statement, Fairchild gave Duncan the thumb.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes, even though the pitch was called correctly.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Definitely. Not only was Duncan profanely arguing balls and strikes, but he\u2019s a coach, not the manager. Managers get some leeway to bark at umpires. Coaches do not \u2014 they are there to coach the players, not talk with the umpires.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h4>\n

One Weaver. It was over quickly and had no entertainment value.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Matt Beaty, Los Angeles Dodgers Left Fielder<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Saturday, May 15, at Los Angeles Dodgers, bottom of the fourth<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Chad Fairchild (HP)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This was the rare double whammy, where each team loses at least one member in the same game. With the bases loaded, no outs, and a 2\u20132 count, Beaty took a fastball high and tight. Although it was inside, Fairchild called strike three. Beaty turned to him and said, \u201cYou\u2019re bad.\u201d Fairchild dumped him, prompting Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to sprint onto the field for an explanation.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes. The call was incorrect.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Despite the calls to the contrary that it was \u201csoft\u201d and that umpires are \u201cthin-skinned,\u201d this was 100% justified. It was a personal insult, even if it seemed tame. The league does not tolerate any personal insults of their umpires, no matter how trifling they seem. Had Beaty said \u201cThat\u2019s bad\u201d or something along those lines, that would not have been a personal insult, and he would have stayed in the game. The moment it becomes personal, it has crossed the line.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Zero Weavers for Beaty for this almost-invisible ejection. If Roberts were to get a score, he\u2019d get Two Weavers because his protest sprints are entertaining.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tyler Duffey, Minnesota Twins Pitcher
\nRocco Baldelli, Minnesota Twins Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Tuesday, May 18, vs. Chicago White Sox, top of the seventh<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Jim Reynolds (HP)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Tyler Duffey faced White Sox designated hitter Yermin Mercedes with one out and nobody on in the top of the seventh. Mercedes hit a home run the previous night off position player Willians Astudillo on a 3\u20130 count while the White Sox held a 15\u20134 lead. This stirred the anger of many baseball traditionalists, including Mercedes\u2019 own manager, sparking impassioned debate. The first pitch from Duffey went behind Mercedes\u2019 legs. The umpiring crew huddled up and, after discussion, Reynolds bounced Duffey.<\/p>\n

An angry Baldelli marched onto the field demanding answers. His position was that Duffey should have been warned first. He paced and pointed while ranting, prompting Reynolds to toss him.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Any time a pitcher gets thrown out, especially on only the second batter he\u2019s faced, the manager will be frustrated.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The crew \u2014 along with thousands to millions of baseball fans and pundits \u2014 felt that Duffey intentionally threw at Mercedes, so yes. It does not require a warning first. However, this author feels that the pitcher could have been given an informal warning \u2014 Reynolds could have walked the new ball to Duffey and said, \u201cOkay, you had your shot and proved your point. No more. Drop it, and let\u2019s play ball.\u201d That could have done the trick. Then when the White Sox took the field, he could have said the same thing to their pitcher.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Zero Weavers for Duffey, Two Weavers for Baldelli. When Rocco gets charged up, he\u2019s fun to watch, but this didn\u2019t last very long.<\/p>\n

Avisail Garcia, Milwaukee Brewers Right Fielder
\nCraig Counsell, Milwaukee Brewers Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Tuesday, May 18, at Kansas City Royals, top of the ninth<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Brian Gorman (HP)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n

In the top of the ninth, with two outs, a runner on first, and Garcia representing the tying run in a 2\u20130 game, he took a 1\u20130 fastball at the hollow of the knees for a called strike. (The on-screen graphic was inaccurate.) Garcia threw his left hand in the air in protest. He then took a few steps toward his dugout before getting back in the box, an annoyed look on his face the whole time. On 2\u20131, he attempted to check his swing on a fastball. As the umpire appealed to first, Garcia walked back toward his dugout again. When first base umpire Adrian Johnson ruled that he went around, Garcia one hand in the air in protest. He then threw both hands up and yelled several things, with at least two f-bombs.<\/p>\n

That was it for Gorman. Gone. Counsell charged out of the dugout and laid into Gorman for the ejection. After several statements, Gorman gave Counsell the heave-ho. In response, Counsell fumed even more, angrily pointing several times for emphasis as he paced before leaving the field.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes, for more than one reason. The checked swing was close, and it could have gone either way. Secondly, the Brewers, who were 17\u201310 and leading the NL Central by two games on May 1, have gone 4\u201312 since. They badly needed this game, and they were within striking distance of the Royals. A 3\u20131 count and a 2\u20132 count are two completely different situations.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Oh, yes. Garcia was demonstrably disputing the call with histrionic gestures and profanity. Every umpire in the league would have thrown him out for that.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Two Weavers for Garcia and Three Weavers for Counsell. Counsell’s might have been the best of the week had Dave Martinez not thrown first base.<\/p>\n

Dave Martinez, Washington Nationals Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Wednesday, May 19, at Chicago Cubs, top of the seventh<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Chris Conroy (HP)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n

With nobody out, no one on, a 1\u20132 count, and the Nationals leading, 4\u20132, Trea Turner swung at a fastball and missed. It went to the backstop. Turner bolted for first as catcher Willson Contreras retrieved the ball. Contreras threw to first. Turner, who apparently didn\u2019t learn from his 2019 World Series incident<\/a>, never entered the runner\u2019s lane with both feet. His left foot was inside it the whole way to first. By being where he was, he interfered with first baseman PJ Higgins\u2019 attempt to take the throw at first. This was in violation of rule 5.09(a)(11), so the umpires called time and ruled Turner out.<\/p>\n

Dave Martinez didn\u2019t learn from the World Series incident either. He went berserk. Within seconds of entering the field from the first-base dugout, he pointed at first base and marched over to it. Conroy ejected him. Martinez pulled first base out of its post and angrily heaved it to the ground in foul territory before disappearing into the dugout.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This is the most misunderstood rule in baseball, probably because so few have read the actual rule. Yet the rule is simple. The runner must be in that lane for the final 45 feet between home and first in order to be safe if a throw brings him and the first baseman into close proximity. Since the base is in fair territory, he is allowed to exit that lane on his last \u201cstep, stride, reach, or slide\u201d for the sole purposes of touching first base.<\/p>\n

Remember, though, it is impossible for a runner to exit something that he never entered in the first place. Turner never entered the runner\u2019s lane. By being where he was, he interfered with the first baseman\u2019s ability to field the throw. Therefore, Turner was out. Period.<\/p>\n

Side note: for a right-handed batter to adjust his route to first in order to be legal is not hard. It\u2019s only a slight change that will hardly cost him any time. The argument against this rule is tired. The rule has been in place since 1887 and is not going anywhere.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

There should be no doubt in anyone\u2019s mind on this one. No matter how anyone feels about this rule, Dave Martinez had to go.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Five Weavers, hands down. This is the ejection of the year so far.<\/p>\n

Torey Lovullo, Arizona Diamondbacks Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Wednesday, May 19, at Los Angeles Dodgers, top of the fifth<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Will Little (HP)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n

About an hour after the Martinez ejection, Diamondbacks pitcher Matt Peacock batted against Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers. There was one out, Nick Ahmed was on third, and the Diamondbacks led, 2\u20131. On 1\u20131, Peacock bunted in an attempted squeeze. Instead of going up the first-base line, it went straight to Kershaw, so Ahmed had to hold at third. Kershaw\u2019s throw to first hit Peacock in the back of the leg. Peacock was well inside the foul line, probably a good two feet from the runner\u2019s lane. Since Peacock interfered with first baseman Max Muncy\u2019s ability to take the throw, the ball was dead, Peacock was out, and Ahmed had to stay at third.<\/p>\n

Lovullo said after the game that he did not see from his vantage point in the dugout that the ball hit Peacock. He thought instead that the throw was simply wide of first, so he thought that Peacock did not interfere with Muncy\u2019s ability to catch the ball. Lovullo argued that point with Little and got nowhere. After about 30 seconds of arguing, Little sent him to the showers.<\/p>\n

As a side note, Lovullo also said after the game that Little never told him that the ball hit Peacock, and had Little done so, he \u201cwould have turned around and walked right back into the dugout.\u201d When Lovullo saw the replay on the clubhouse television, he knew immediately that Little had made the right call.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Knowing what Lovullo thought at the time, yes.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes. The dispute crossed the line into \u201cpersistent,\u201d so he had to go.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h4>\n

One Weaver. It didn\u2019t get all that heated, unlike Dave Martinez, who threw first base. (Author’s Note: Did I mention that Dave Martinez threw first base? Because Dave Martinez threw first base.<\/em>)<\/p>\n

Leaderboard<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After seven weeks, here are the leaders.<\/p>\n

Managers: Joe Maddon (LAA), Jayce Tingler (SD), Counsell, and Lovullo tied with two each
\nPlayers: 17 tied with one each
\nTeam high: Brewers (five)
\nTeam low: Seven have not had anyone ejected yet. They are the Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays.
\nUmpire: Angel Hernandez and Jim Reynolds (tie, four each)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Look for Week Eight on Thursday, May 27.<\/p>\n

Evan Thompson played baseball as a youth and teenager. He also umpired between 1995 and 2004 and has coached at the high school level.<\/em><\/p>\n

Main Photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>