We wouldn’t waste our time complaining about an umpiring crew if minor infractions took place, but almost all baseball fans would have to agree what has happened during the New York Yankees-Oakland Athletics series (through just two games!) is downright unacceptable.
We’re not talking about quick-trigger ejections or boderline strike calls, either. That’s part of the baseball life. What we’ve seen is legitimate malpractice, which is why the folks at home continue to call for robot umps.
On Monday afternoon, Yankees manager Aaron Boone was ejected from the game in the first inning because home plate ump Hunter Wendelstedt mistook a fan’s criticism, thinking it was Boone, who was previously arguing a check-swing call but had relented.
Boone tried to plead his case, as did the rest of the dugout, when Wendelstedt made the ridicuous call, but the ump claimed he “didn’t care” who said it. He later said that Boone is responsible for the Yankees’ behavior, so that’s what prompted the ejection. Except, again, nobody did anything.
Then came Tuesday night. This time, it was John Tumpane behind the plate, and he was equally bad for both sides. But his most egregious offense was this at-bat featuring Juan Soto, who has the best eye in the game.
Aaron Boone ejection, ridiculous Juan Soto at-bat must force action from MLB
Is this the return of Eric Gregg? My goodness. Soto had a seven-pitch at-bat and didn’t see a single strike. And it’s hard to make the case for any of the “borderline” calls Tumpane made. Maybe that last one. Maybe.
Either way, to have these types of showings on the job two nights in a row? It’s beyond unacceptable. Most fans understand how difficult it is to be perfect calling a game behind the plate, but give us a break. Between this and Wendelstedt’s power trip, Major League Baseball needs to step in and discipline somebody.
It creates an unwatchable product and fosters unnecessary drama when we should be focusing on the players and the game, not the ump show.
The clock is ticking for technology to take over these jobs, so it’s not like it’ll be an interminable wait for fans to see better days devoid of futile controversy.
The content world will certainly take a hit, though, so we’ll have to capitalize on the coverage as best we can until Optimus Prime is ringing up batters with strike three calls.
