{"id":47361,"date":"2021-05-27T16:06:38","date_gmt":"2021-05-27T20:06:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=47361"},"modified":"2021-05-27T16:06:38","modified_gmt":"2021-05-27T20:06:38","slug":"mike-shildt-ejection-inspection-20210527","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2021\/05\/27\/mike-shildt-ejection-inspection-20210527\/","title":{"rendered":"Ejection Inspection, Week Eight: Mike Shildt Tossed after Pitcher Is Asked to Change His Hat"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ejection Inspection, Week Eight: Mike Shildt Dumped after Pitcher Is Asked to Change His Hat<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Welcome to Week Eight 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<\/a> manager Earl Weaver. This week saw St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt get ejected after Joe West asked Giovanny Gallegos to change his hat. (West noticed something resembling a banned substance on the bill, so he asked Gallegos to change it.)<\/p>\n

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

There were six ejections in Week Eight \u2013 four managers, one player, and a pitching coach.<\/p>\n

Ejection Table<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
1<\/a><\/td>\nThu<\/td>\n5\/20<\/td>\nOAK<\/td>\nHOU<\/td>\nE5<\/td>\nBob Melvin<\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nAlan Porter<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nPersistent arguing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2<\/a><\/td>\nThu<\/td>\n5\/20<\/td>\nPHL<\/td>\nMIA<\/td>\nB9<\/td>\nBrad Miller<\/td>\n1B<\/td>\nDan Iassogna<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3<\/a><\/td>\nSun<\/td>\n5\/23<\/td>\nKC<\/td>\nDET<\/td>\nB6<\/td>\nMike Matheny<\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nAdrian Johnson<\/td>\n1B<\/td>\nArguing checked swing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4<\/a><\/td>\nSun<\/td>\n5\/23<\/td>\nCHC<\/td>\n@STL<\/td>\nT4<\/td>\nDavid Ross<\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nErich Bacchus<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5<\/a><\/td>\nMon<\/td>\n5\/24<\/td>\nTOR<\/td>\nTB<\/td>\nT1<\/td>\nPete Walker<\/td>\nPtC<\/td>\nJunior Valentine<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6<\/a><\/td>\nWed<\/td>\n5\/26<\/td>\nSTL<\/td>\n@CWS<\/td>\nB7<\/td>\nMike Shildt<\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nJoe West<\/td>\n3B<\/td>\nArguing direction for pitcher to change his hat<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bob Melvin, Oakland Athletics Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

Thursday, May 20, vs. Houston Astros, between the fifth and sixth innings<\/p>\n

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

Alan Porter (HP)<\/p>\n

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

At the end of the fifth inning, Melvin went onto the field and said something to Porter. Porter said something back in a slightly heated manner, pointing for emphasis. Melvin chewed back, also pointing. The conversation continued like this for about half a minute before Melvin headed to the clubhouse. It was impossible to tell from the camera angles when exactly Melvin was ejected. No one outside of the field knew why Melvin was ejected until he said after the game that he had been arguing over several things over an extended period of time.<\/p>\n

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

Only from the standpoint of the Athletics being down by three in a divisional game. Beyond that, without specifically knowing why Melvin was upset, this is impossible to answer.<\/p>\n

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

Persistent arguing is one of the \u201cThree Ps\u201d of ejections \u2014 personal, profane, or persistent. Therefore, it might have been; again, though, it is impossible to answer without knowing for sure.<\/p>\n

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

Two Weavers. Both Melvin and Porter were hot under the collar, so their discussion got fun for a little bit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Brad Miller, Philadelphia Phillies First Baseman<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

Thursday, May 20, vs. Miami Marlins, bottom of the ninth<\/p>\n

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

Dan Iassogna (HP)<\/p>\n

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

With one out, the bases empty, and the Phillies trailing, 6\u20130, Miller faced reliever Zach Pop. Miller swung at and missed a breaking ball low and in for strike one. On the next pitch, Miller tried to check his swing on a similar pitch in the same location. The next two pitches missed for balls. On 2\u20132, Miller checked his swing on a breaking ball that dropped into the upper part of the zone over the heart of the plate. Iassogna rang Miller up, and Miller loudly argued that the pitch was high. He turned around and barked two sentences straight in Iassogna\u2019s face, spouting at least three f-bombs as he gestured in front of his chest to where he thought the pitches were. At this point, Iassogna dumped him.<\/p>\n

Manager Joe Girardi came and got Miller before his tirade could cross the line and draw a suspension. Girardi did not say a word to Iassogna. On the way back to the dugout, Miller yelled over his shoulder twice.<\/p>\n

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

Yes. The Phillies were getting whipped, and Miller thought the pitch was higher than it was.<\/p>\n

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

Yes, due to both the profanity and the animated gesturing.<\/p>\n

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

One Weaver. It did not last long.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mike Matheny, Kansas City Royals Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

Sunday, May 23, vs. Detroit Tigers, bottom of the sixth<\/p>\n

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

Adrian Johnson (1B)<\/p>\n

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

On 0\u20131, Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield started to swing at an inside fastball. He tried to check it as the ball hit his fingers. On appeal, Johnson ruled that Merrifield went around. Matheny, after checking on the well-being of his player, gave Johnson a piece of his mind while returning to the dugout. During the return, Johnson bounced him.<\/p>\n

Matheny rushed over to Johnson and got right in his face while yelling. The two jawed nose-to-nose for over half a minute before crew chief Brian Gorman got between them. At this point, Matheny took a parting shot and left the field.<\/p>\n

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

Yes. This type of play always<\/em> frustrates the manager of the offensive team. His player is not only in pain, but instead of getting first base he is charged with a strike. If it\u2019s the third strike, the batter is out. At the major league level, it is rare that this call does not<\/em> result in an ejection.<\/p>\n

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

Depends on what Matheny said, but give his history, it most likely was.<\/p>\n

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

Three Weavers for the sustained nose-to-nose argument.<\/p>\n

David Ross, Chicago Cubs Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

Sunday, May 23, at St. Louis Cardinals, top of the fourth<\/p>\n

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

Erich Bacchus (HP)<\/p>\n

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

In the bottom of the third, Bacchus \u2014 a minor-league call-up \u2014 sometimes called a pitch that was a ball width outside a strike and sometimes called it a ball. This frustrated both benches, but especially Ross. He yelled arguments from the dugout after Bacchus called ball four on that pitch.<\/p>\n

In the top of the fourth, Kris Bryant took an 0\u20131 pitch that appeared to be below the zone. Bacchus called it a strike. A furious Ross argued from the dugout, and Bacchus ran him. Ross came onto the field, covered his face, got nose-to-nose with Bacchus, and profanely reamed him for his inconsistency. He gave specific examples throughout. At the end, Ross said, \u201cBe better.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Yes. Bacchus struggled with consistency.<\/p>\n

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

It was persistent arguing of balls and strikes, so yes. However, due to Bacchus\u2019 inconsistency, few could blame Ross for being upset.<\/p>\n

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

Four Weavers. Ross chewed him up one side and down the other, giving him a \u201clesson\u201d in consistency. Had we been able to read Ross\u2019 lips, it could have been five.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pete Walker, Toronto Blue Jays Pitching Coach<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

Monday, May 24, vs. Tampa Bay Rays, top of the first<\/p>\n

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

Junior Valentine (HP)<\/p>\n

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

Blue Jays starter Trent Thornton faced Ji-Man Choi with two out and runners on second and third. The runner on second, Manuel Margot, had reached on a fielding error and subsequently stole second. Choi took a 3\u20132 fastball near the knees. The Blue Jays, thinking it was strike three, started to leave the field, but Valentine called ball four. It appeared to be at the hollow of the knees. (We should also note that \u201cstrike one\u201d was a ball width outside, so had that been called properly, Choi might have walked already.)<\/p>\n

The next batter, Taylor Walls, fought back from 1\u20132 to a full count. He took another pitch outside, one that was closer to the plate (although several inches lower) than strike one from the previous at-bat. Walker laid into Valentine. Valentine told him to stop, but Walker persisted, so BANG! Gone.<\/p>\n

(Epilogue: The next hitter belted a grand slam, rubbing salt in the wound.)<\/p>\n

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

Yes. The Blue Jays were in a tough situation \u2014 one partly caused by a fielding error on a play that should have been the third out \u2014 against a divisional opponent that was on a 10-game winning streak. Tensions were high, and so was frustration. Valentine\u2019s inconsistent zone added fuel to that fire.<\/p>\n

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

Yes, since Walker was loudly arguing balls and strikes from the dugout. It didn\u2019t help that he\u2019s a coach, not the manager, and therefore gets a shorter leash.<\/p>\n

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

One Weaver. This wasn\u2019t much to write home about.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mike Shildt, St. Louis Cardinals Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

Wednesday, May 26, at Chicago White Sox, bottom of the seventh<\/p>\n

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

Joe West (3B)<\/p>\n

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

Cardinals reliever Giovanny Gallegos replaced Genesis Cabrera with one out and runners on first and second. As he finished his warmup pitches, West noticed something on the bill of Gallegos\u2019 cap. It was a dark spot that looked suspiciously like a foreign substance, so West called for the dugout to bring Gallegos a new cap. Shildt came onto the field and profanely argued with West, so West tossed him.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/h4>\n

No, unless Shildt had something to hide. The umpires were trying to keep Gallegos in the game. Since he hadn\u2019t thrown a pitch yet with that hat on, he could not be ejected for having a foreign substance. Once he threw a pitch, White Sox manager Tony La Russa could have asked the umpires to look at the hat. If they had found a foreign substance, by rule they would have been forced to eject Gallegos. By throwing a fit the way he did, Shildt made Gallegos look guilty. Now the league is investigating Gallegos\u2019 hat.<\/p>\n

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

Yes. Yelling profanity at an umpire in an argument is grounds for ejection, although most give some leash there. However, doing it when the umpires are trying to protect your pitcher<\/em> is going to be automatic. This was absolute foolishness by Shildt.<\/p>\n

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

Three Weavers, but only because it got so ridiculous.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Managers: Eight (Craig Counsell [MIL], Torey Lovullo [ARI], Joe Maddon [LAA], Jayce Tingler [SD], Matheny, Melvin, Ross, and Shildt) tied with two each
\nPlayers: 20 tied with one each
\nTeam high: Brewers (five)
\nTeam low: Six have not had anyone ejected yet. They are the Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and Tampa Bay Rays.
\nUmpire: Angel Hernandez and Jim Reynolds (tie, four each)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Look for Week Nine on Thursday, June 3.<\/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>