Close Call Sports
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Close Call Sports is dedicated to objective analysis of rules situations in sports, mainly baseball, developed from the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League. https://closecallsports.com
HP Umpire Nic Lentz ejected Rays SS Taylor Walls for arguing a strike one call by tapping his helmet, alluding to an Automated Ball/Strike System (ABS) challenge, during a non-ABS game. MLB has instructed its umpires to eject for this action. www.closecallsports.com/2025/06/mlb-...
MLB Ejection 058 - Nic Lentz (2; Taylor Walls)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
June 6, 2025 at 7:57 PM
HP Umpire Nic Lentz ejected Rays SS Taylor Walls for arguing a strike one call by tapping his helmet, alluding to an Automated Ball/Strike System (ABS) challenge, during a non-ABS game. MLB has instructed its umpires to eject for this action. www.closecallsports.com/2025/06/mlb-...
Away Message - I'll Be Back Soon!
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youtu.be/TxanEOfgHs8
Away Message - I'll Be Back Soon!
YouTube video by CloseCallSports
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June 3, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Away Message - I'll Be Back Soon!
youtu.be/TxanEOfgHs8
youtu.be/TxanEOfgHs8
HP Umpire Tom Hanahan ejected Athletics 1B Tyler Soderstrom (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 3rd inning of the #Athletics-#BlueJays game. After the strikeout, the batter started counting perceived missed calls www.closecallsports.com/2025/06/mlb-...
MLB Ejection 057 - Tom Hanahan (1; Tyler Soderstrom)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
June 3, 2025 at 11:38 AM
HP Umpire Tom Hanahan ejected Athletics 1B Tyler Soderstrom (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 3rd inning of the #Athletics-#BlueJays game. After the strikeout, the batter started counting perceived missed calls www.closecallsports.com/2025/06/mlb-...
HP Umpire Austin Jones ejected Twins SS Carlos Correa and manager Rocco Baldelli (strike two call to Brooks Lee; QOCY) in the #Twins-#Mariners game. Correa left his position in the on-deck circle to argue balls/strikes and failed to return when warned. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejections 055-6 - Austin Jones (1-2; MIN x2)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
June 1, 2025 at 11:21 PM
HP Umpire Austin Jones ejected Twins SS Carlos Correa and manager Rocco Baldelli (strike two call to Brooks Lee; QOCY) in the #Twins-#Mariners game. Correa left his position in the on-deck circle to argue balls/strikes and failed to return when warned. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
2B Umpire Dan Iassogna ejected Phillies manager Rob Thomson (balk call by 3B Umpire Derek Thomas; QOCY) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Brewers-#Phillies game after Jesús Luzardo lost his balance during a pickoff attempt during PHI's blowout loss. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejection 054 - Dan Iassogna (1; Rob Thomson)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
June 1, 2025 at 4:49 PM
2B Umpire Dan Iassogna ejected Phillies manager Rob Thomson (balk call by 3B Umpire Derek Thomas; QOCY) in the top of the 4th inning of the #Brewers-#Phillies game after Jesús Luzardo lost his balance during a pickoff attempt during PHI's blowout loss. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
HP Umpire Edwin Jimenez ejected Pirates manager Don Kelly (strike three call to Henry Davis; QOCN) in the 8th inning of the #Pirates-#Padres game. A ball four call would have tied the game on a bases-loaded walk. Instead, San Diego escaped the 8th. Report: www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejection 053 - Edwin Jimenez (1; Don Kelly)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 31, 2025 at 7:42 PM
HP Umpire Edwin Jimenez ejected Pirates manager Don Kelly (strike three call to Henry Davis; QOCN) in the 8th inning of the #Pirates-#Padres game. A ball four call would have tied the game on a bases-loaded walk. Instead, San Diego escaped the 8th. Report: www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
HP Umpire Andy Fletcher ejected Mariners SS JP Crawford (strike three call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Nationals-#Mariners game. Crawford took an 0-2 pitch from Nats pitcher MacKenzie Gore off the plate for a strikeout looking. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejection 052 - Andy Fletcher (1; JP Crawford)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 30, 2025 at 10:08 PM
HP Umpire Andy Fletcher ejected Mariners SS JP Crawford (strike three call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Nationals-#Mariners game. Crawford took an 0-2 pitch from Nats pitcher MacKenzie Gore off the plate for a strikeout looking. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
HP Umpire Carlos Torres ejected Reds bench player/pitcher Nick Martinez & manager Terry Francona (strike three call to Matt McLain; QOCY) in the top of the 9th inning of the #Reds-#Royals game. And then Reds TV made an untrue claim about Torres' zone. Report: www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejections 050-1 - Carlos Torres (2-3; CIN x2)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 29, 2025 at 8:02 PM
HP Umpire Carlos Torres ejected Reds bench player/pitcher Nick Martinez & manager Terry Francona (strike three call to Matt McLain; QOCY) in the top of the 9th inning of the #Reds-#Royals game. And then Reds TV made an untrue claim about Torres' zone. Report: www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
HP Umpire Tony Randazzo ejected Giants manager Bob Melvin (ball three call to Gleyber Torres; QOCY) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #Giants-#Tigers game. SF's Patrick Bailey had wrapped up a cordial conversation before Melvin yelled from the dugout. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejection 049 - Tony Randazzo (1; Bob Melvin)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 28, 2025 at 10:42 PM
HP Umpire Tony Randazzo ejected Giants manager Bob Melvin (ball three call to Gleyber Torres; QOCY) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #Giants-#Tigers game. SF's Patrick Bailey had wrapped up a cordial conversation before Melvin yelled from the dugout. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
HP Umpire Will Little ejected Rangers hitting coach Justin Viele (strike three call to Josh Jung; QOCY) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #BlueJays-#Rangers game. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejection 048 - Will Little (1; Justin Viele)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 28, 2025 at 6:11 PM
HP Umpire Will Little ejected Rangers hitting coach Justin Viele (strike three call to Josh Jung; QOCY) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #BlueJays-#Rangers game. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
HHP Umpire Phil Cuzzi ejected Tigers CF Javier Báez (strike three call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #Giants-#Tigers game. Giants pitcher Hayden Birdsong's curveball dropped sharply and below the strike zone (Javy chased earlier). Report: www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejection 047 - Phil Cuzzi (1; Javier Báez)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 27, 2025 at 8:31 PM
HHP Umpire Phil Cuzzi ejected Tigers CF Javier Báez (strike three call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 5th inning of the #Giants-#Tigers game. Giants pitcher Hayden Birdsong's curveball dropped sharply and below the strike zone (Javy chased earlier). Report: www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
HP Umpire Roberto Ortiz ejected Athletics manager Mark Kotsay and 3B Miguel Andujar for arguing strike calls in Oakland-Sacramento. Both pitches were off the plate and Kotsay took issue with HOW Ortiz warned him, yelling "you don't need to * finger me." www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejections 045-6 - Roberto Ortiz (1-2; OAK x2)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 27, 2025 at 3:25 AM
HP Umpire Roberto Ortiz ejected Athletics manager Mark Kotsay and 3B Miguel Andujar for arguing strike calls in Oakland-Sacramento. Both pitches were off the plate and Kotsay took issue with HOW Ortiz warned him, yelling "you don't need to * finger me." www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
HP Umpire Laz Diaz ejected Mariners manager Dan Wilson for arguing a strike three call to Randy Arozarena, protection the player didn't need as Houston rallied to defeat Seattle on a walk-off HR after Dan's first career MLB ejection. Report: www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejection 044 - Laz Diaz (3; Dan Wilson
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 26, 2025 at 7:57 PM
HP Umpire Laz Diaz ejected Mariners manager Dan Wilson for arguing a strike three call to Randy Arozarena, protection the player didn't need as Houston rallied to defeat Seattle on a walk-off HR after Dan's first career MLB ejection. Report: www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
Arizona added insult to injury for Cardinals 3B Nolan Arenado on Ketel Marte's foul fly ball near the stands, as Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo challenged that Arenado fell & carried the ball out of play after his catch, resulting in a base award. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/d-ba...
D-Backs Add Insult to Injury on Challenge of Arenado Catch
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 25, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Arizona added insult to injury for Cardinals 3B Nolan Arenado on Ketel Marte's foul fly ball near the stands, as Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo challenged that Arenado fell & carried the ball out of play after his catch, resulting in a base award. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/d-ba...
Dodgers 3B Max Muncy's visual obstruction of Mets runner Starling Marte and Shohei Ohtani/Michael Conforto's timely tag-up on a bobbled catch in New York & Pirates runner Alexander Canario's out of the base path call analysis article. How did the umpires do? www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/dodg...
Dodgers-Mets Obstruction, Tag-Up & Pirates Out of Base Path
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 24, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Dodgers 3B Max Muncy's visual obstruction of Mets runner Starling Marte and Shohei Ohtani/Michael Conforto's timely tag-up on a bobbled catch in New York & Pirates runner Alexander Canario's out of the base path call analysis article. How did the umpires do? www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/dodg...
HP Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (strike three call to Iván Herrera; QOCN) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the #Diamondbacks-#Cardinals game, repeatedly yelling "get out of here" at the St Louis skipper. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejection 043 - Ron Kulpa (2; Oliver Marmol)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 24, 2025 at 7:03 PM
HP Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (strike three call to Iván Herrera; QOCN) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the #Diamondbacks-#Cardinals game, repeatedly yelling "get out of here" at the St Louis skipper. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
Despite umpires calling base coach assist interference, MiLB's Reno Aces walked off the Albuquerque Isotopes when CF Sam Hilliard threw a live ball over the outfield fence, allowing the winning run to score in one of the weirdest come-from-behind wins. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/a-we...
A Weird Walk-off Win on Base Coach Interference???
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 23, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Despite umpires calling base coach assist interference, MiLB's Reno Aces walked off the Albuquerque Isotopes when CF Sam Hilliard threw a live ball over the outfield fence, allowing the winning run to score in one of the weirdest come-from-behind wins. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/a-we...
3B Umpire Alan Porter ejected Rays manager Kevin Cash (HBP Replay Review affirmed Astros batter Yainer Diaz was hit by a pitch while swinging; QOCY) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Astros-#Rays game. The DUMBEST argument of 2025 by Cash. Report: www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejection 042 - Alan Porter (2; Kevin Cash)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 22, 2025 at 10:21 PM
3B Umpire Alan Porter ejected Rays manager Kevin Cash (HBP Replay Review affirmed Astros batter Yainer Diaz was hit by a pitch while swinging; QOCY) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Astros-#Rays game. The DUMBEST argument of 2025 by Cash. Report: www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
HP Umpire Carlos Torres ejected Rangers manager Bruce Bochy (ball call to Aaron Judge; QOCN) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Rangers-#Yankees game. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejection 041 - Carlos Torres (1; Bruce Bochy)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 22, 2025 at 4:46 AM
HP Umpire Carlos Torres ejected Rangers manager Bruce Bochy (ball call to Aaron Judge; QOCN) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the #Rangers-#Yankees game. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
HP Umpire Mike Estabrook ejected Red Sox pitcher Walker Buehler and manager Alex Cora (ball two call to Juan Soto; QOCN) in the top of the 3rd inning of the #Mets-#RedSox game. Ump got blocked out by catcher on SB attempt & situation handling...kinda failed. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejections 039-40 - Mike Estabrook (1-2; BOS x2)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 21, 2025 at 5:49 PM
HP Umpire Mike Estabrook ejected Red Sox pitcher Walker Buehler and manager Alex Cora (ball two call to Juan Soto; QOCN) in the top of the 3rd inning of the #Mets-#RedSox game. Ump got blocked out by catcher on SB attempt & situation handling...kinda failed. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
2B Umpire Jordan Baker ejected Royals manager Matt Quatraro (out/non-obstruction call; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Royals-#Giants game. Willy Adames LEGALLY blocked 2B (act of fielding) to tag out KC baserunner Dairon Blanco. Report: www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejection 038 - Jordan Baker (2; Matt Quatraro)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 20, 2025 at 8:03 PM
2B Umpire Jordan Baker ejected Royals manager Matt Quatraro (out/non-obstruction call; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Royals-#Giants game. Willy Adames LEGALLY blocked 2B (act of fielding) to tag out KC baserunner Dairon Blanco. Report: www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
HP Umpire Nick Mahrley ejected Astros manager Joe Espada (strike one call from Jack Leiter to Isaac Paredes; QOCN) in the top of the 3rd inning of the #Astros-#Rangers game, one of the lowest strike calls in one of the earliest start-time games you'll see. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejection 037 - Nick Mahrley (1; Joe Espada)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 19, 2025 at 8:08 PM
HP Umpire Nick Mahrley ejected Astros manager Joe Espada (strike one call from Jack Leiter to Isaac Paredes; QOCN) in the top of the 3rd inning of the #Astros-#Rangers game, one of the lowest strike calls in one of the earliest start-time games you'll see. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
HP Umpire Jordan Baker ejected Diamondbacks bench coach Jeff Banister (pitch timer: disengagement count; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Rockies-#Diamondbacks game (after ARI blew a 5-run lead). This is the exciting baseball everyone wants to see. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejection 036 - Jordan Baker (1; Jeff Banister)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 19, 2025 at 2:45 AM
HP Umpire Jordan Baker ejected Diamondbacks bench coach Jeff Banister (pitch timer: disengagement count; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Rockies-#Diamondbacks game (after ARI blew a 5-run lead). This is the exciting baseball everyone wants to see. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
3B Umpire John Libka ejected Pirates manager Don Kelly (check swing ball four call to Bryce Harper) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Pirates-#Phillies game. Kelly has been Pittsburgh’s manager for a week and this is his 2nd ejection. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejection 035 - John Libka (1; Don Kelly)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 18, 2025 at 12:16 AM
3B Umpire John Libka ejected Pirates manager Don Kelly (check swing ball four call to Bryce Harper) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Pirates-#Phillies game. Kelly has been Pittsburgh’s manager for a week and this is his 2nd ejection. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
1B Umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo (obstruction call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Diamondbacks-#Giants game. It was an OBVIOUS textbook example of OBS by Arizona's Jordan Lawlar against SF's Christian Koss. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...
MLB Ejection 034 - Mark Ripperger (1; Torey Lovullo)
All about MLB umpires, ejections, Replay Review decisions, close and controversial calls. Detailed rules and sports officiating analysis.
www.closecallsports.com
May 15, 2025 at 8:31 PM
1B Umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo (obstruction call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the #Diamondbacks-#Giants game. It was an OBVIOUS textbook example of OBS by Arizona's Jordan Lawlar against SF's Christian Koss. www.closecallsports.com/2025/05/mlb-...