Pierzynski Play Not Unique
I'm getting a kick out of the sensationalism of the last inning of the ALCS Game 2. For those of you who didn't see the play, don't watch SportsCenter and don't own a radio, here's what happened. A.J. Pierzynski swung and missed at strike three. But it wasn't your average third strike.
In this case, it would have been the final out of the inning, sending it to extra frames. But, after taking two steps toward the dugout, Pierzynski sprinted to first and was called safe while the Angels players were all jogging off the field. The umpire made what appeared to be an "out" signal, but was apparently just a "strike three" signal. He reportedly didn't say anything.
The call was that the ball bounced, meaning the catcher had to either tag Pierzynski or throw to first to retire him. He did neither, so Pierzynski was safe. The Sox went on to win the game and the Angels were furious.
Since the play occurred, it seems to be the only thing reporters and talk show hosts want to talk about. I've heard the play described as "odd," "unique," and even "an obscure baseball rule." In fact, it's none of those.
This is a play that happens all the time. Probably in nearly every game played in the Major Leagues this year. The pitcher will throw a ball in the dirt, the batter chases it for strike three, and the catcher tags the batter out. The reason no one notices is that the tag takes place and the play is over. That didn't happen in the Angels vs. White Sox game.
My theory on why this happened during this game and is almost never an issue in any other game is this: the playoffs made it happen.
There are almost no ways in which Major League Baseball and the NBA are similar, but there may be one exception. Players in both leagues tend to step up the intensity and effort a notch in the post-season. Although MLB players put much more effort into the regular season than their NBA counterparts, there are little things that go to the wayside during the first 162 contests. Things like running out a strikeout when the ball bounces into the catcher's mitt. But in the playoffs, you can bet they'll try anything to get on base...even run out a strikeout.
Is the play unique or odd? Not even close. The only thing unique about it is the way it was played.
In this case, it would have been the final out of the inning, sending it to extra frames. But, after taking two steps toward the dugout, Pierzynski sprinted to first and was called safe while the Angels players were all jogging off the field. The umpire made what appeared to be an "out" signal, but was apparently just a "strike three" signal. He reportedly didn't say anything.
The call was that the ball bounced, meaning the catcher had to either tag Pierzynski or throw to first to retire him. He did neither, so Pierzynski was safe. The Sox went on to win the game and the Angels were furious.
Since the play occurred, it seems to be the only thing reporters and talk show hosts want to talk about. I've heard the play described as "odd," "unique," and even "an obscure baseball rule." In fact, it's none of those.
This is a play that happens all the time. Probably in nearly every game played in the Major Leagues this year. The pitcher will throw a ball in the dirt, the batter chases it for strike three, and the catcher tags the batter out. The reason no one notices is that the tag takes place and the play is over. That didn't happen in the Angels vs. White Sox game.
My theory on why this happened during this game and is almost never an issue in any other game is this: the playoffs made it happen.
There are almost no ways in which Major League Baseball and the NBA are similar, but there may be one exception. Players in both leagues tend to step up the intensity and effort a notch in the post-season. Although MLB players put much more effort into the regular season than their NBA counterparts, there are little things that go to the wayside during the first 162 contests. Things like running out a strikeout when the ball bounces into the catcher's mitt. But in the playoffs, you can bet they'll try anything to get on base...even run out a strikeout.
Is the play unique or odd? Not even close. The only thing unique about it is the way it was played.
posted by Joe Siple | 12:29 AM
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