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According to Huss" St. Louis Sports Online lead columnist and host of "Sportstalk" on WGNU AM-920 (8:00-9:00 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays) |
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According to Huss" St. Louis Sports Online lead columnist and host of "Sportstalk" on WGNU AM-920 (8:00-9:00 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays) |
A long, long time ago on a field far, far away, the sport of Baseball was founded.
Throughout these soon to be three decades, Major League Baseball
has survived
many events and controversies. From the Black Sox scandal of 1919,
to the Great Depression, to two World Wars, to a Players' Strike
scandal of 1994, the game has endured the events of society: as
well as those who play the game and those who own the teams. Baseball
has outlived all those who have intentionally and unintentionally
thrown stones at it. In most cases, the game bounced back stronger
than before.
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The latest test occurred on Memorial Day outside of Miami, Florida. In a game between the Cardinals and the Florida Marlins, Cliff Floyd hit a ball into left center field which was ruled a ground rule double by the second base umpire,. Floyd disputed and caught the attention of the Umpire Crew Chief, Frank Pulli. The Veteran Umpire Pulli heard the argument from Floyd and reversed the call from a ground rule double to a home run.
Tony La Russa, part time lawyer, and full time Cardinal Manager immediately came out of the dugout to argue this turn of events. Once again Veteran Umpire Pulli heard the argument and once again, the call was reversed: this time Cliff Floyd had to return to second base.
Fredi Gonzalez, part time manager, and full time Marlin Coach, then immediately came out of his dugout to argue this reversal. Despite the pleas from the Marlins, Veteran Umpire Pulli would not change his mind again. Or would he??
To the amazement of all, Pulli strolled over the ESPN camera stand to review the play on tape (a.k.a.: instant replay). Upon further review, the play stands; Ground Rule Double. Upon conferring with counsel, the Marlins played the game under protest.
Just like that, Major League Baseball welcomes Instant Replay to its sport.
But only for a moment. Less than 24 hours later, National League President Len Coleman and Commissioner in Name, Bud Selig announced in stern language for all to hear, that Umpire Pulli's action was incorrect, inappropriate and must never happen again. Hence, from this day forward: Instant Replay is taboo in Major League Baseball. The eleventh commandment has been issued.
Monday's Memorial Day Umpire Show is another illustration that the industry of Baseball still needs to get its house in order. Let's start with the umpires. How many times have we heard from their mouthpiece Richie Phillips that the Men in Blue are under appreciated and are taken for granted (as well as underpaid)? How many times have we heard the umpires imply it is they who control the game? How many times have the Umpiring Association indicated that the introduction Instant Replay would only confirm that the Men in Blue get it right all the time.
Is it a ball, or is it a strike? Is he safe or is he out? Is it fair or is it foul? Only the Umpire knows for sure, and their vote is the only one that counts.
Yet, Pulli's replay review was more symbolic to the power structure of Baseball. His replay review implied that Umpires could have a doubt and perhaps they are not always correct in all cases. Pulli's replay review has provided more fuel to the critics of the Men in Blue: they can be wrong-and it should be noted, and it should be addressed.
The old adage is correct, no one does pay to see the umpires work. True, the Men in Blue are under appreciated and have a thankless job.
Yet, these guys are well compensated employees in an industry where professionalism and integrity is a must. It is not their job to redefine the strike zone to their liking. It is also not their job to bait these millionaire ball players into arguments and expect respect.
Instant replay has no business in Baseball. Period. End of Discussion. Leave the technologies to that rich and arrogant cartel known as the National Football League.
(I do have to wonder though: Suppose the Real Commissioner of Baseball, and head of the Players' Association, Donald Fehr, thinks Instant Replay is a fine addition to the game. What would then be the theme of the league's position?)
The industry of baseball needs to look at the big picture. The Memorial Day Replay Controversy should provide baseball ample cause for the Lead Representative of the Umpires Association and the Power Brokers of Major League Baseball to review the game and address these issues.
Unfortunately, this will probably be another blown opportunity as the division and friction which separates the Umpires and/or Management and/or the Players will continue
Too bad for the Industry. But history tells us though, the game will survive. That is why baseball still remains God's most perfect game.
In a couple of weeks, the National League will make a ruling on the Marlins protest. If the protest is upheld, I think it would be appropriate that Frank Pulli make a guest appearance as the home plate umpire for the sequel.
Perhaps in today's climate of remakes, we can take a page out of the George Lucas play book. Put Pulli behind the plate. Shoot off some lasers and lights for effects and make this replayed game a made for TV Movie Event.
The game could be a ratings grabber. I have the perfect headline for you Television and Cable Executives:
The Umpire Strikes Back