The top 10 worst Umpire Calls in MLB Histroy

By Oliver Wiener March 08, 2024 06:23

Photo by John T. Greilick, Detroit News

In the world of Major League Baseball (MLB), the role of umpires is crucial in ensuring fair play and making accurate calls during games. However, there have been instances in the history of MLB where the umpires' decisions have sparked controversy and debate. In this comprehensive article, we'll delve into the top 10 worst umpire calls in MLB history, analyzing each incident in detail and exploring the impact it had on the game, the players, and the fans.

As fans of the game, we often witness the intense pressure on umpires to make split-second decisions that can significantly influence the outcome of a game. While umpires strive for accuracy, there have been occasions where their calls have been the subject of intense scrutiny. In this article, we will examine some of the most controversial and impactful umpire calls in MLB history, shedding light on the moments that have left a lasting mark on the sport.

1. The Perfect Game Denied

In 2010, pitcher Armando Galarraga was on the brink of a perfect game for the Detroit Tigers when umpire Jim Joyce made a critical call at first base that cost Galarraga his place in history. We'll analyze the impact of this call on Galarraga, Joyce, and the broader implications for the game of baseball.

2. The Jeffrey Maier Incident

During the 1996 American League Championship Series, a young fan named Jeffrey Maier interfered with a crucial play, altering the course of the game between the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles. We'll explore the controversy surrounding this incident and its enduring legacy.

3. The Infield Fly Rule Controversy

The 2012 Wild Card Game between the Atlanta Braves and the St. Louis Cardinals saw a highly disputed application of the infield fly rule by umpire Sam Holbrook. We'll dissect the implications of this call and its aftermath on the game and the teams involved.

4. The Phantom Tag

In Game 2 of the 1999 National League Championship Series, an umpire infamously called a phantom tag, altering the outcome of the game between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves. We'll provide an in-depth analysis of this pivotal moment and its repercussions.

5. The Pine Tar Incident

One of the most iconic moments in MLB history involves George Brett's infamous home run that was nullified due to an umpire's ruling on excessive pine tar on his bat. We'll examine the fallout of this contentious call and its enduring significance.

6. The 1985 World Series Controversy

Game 6 of the 1985 World Series witnessed a critical call by umpire Don Denkinger that had a profound impact on the series between the Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals. We'll delve into the repercussions of this call and its resonance within the baseball community.

7. The Balk That Wasn't

A controversial non-call on a potential balk in a game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Texas Rangers had far-reaching consequences. We'll analyze the intricacies of this call and its implications for the teams and the game itself.

8. The Missed Double Play

During a crucial game between the San Francisco Giants and the Philadelphia Phillies, a missed double play call by the umpire became a focal point of contention. We'll explore the fallout of this call and its significance in the context of the game.

9. The Sid Bream Slide

The 1992 National League Championship Series witnessed a dramatic call involving Sid Bream's game-winning slide, which continues to be a subject of debate. We'll dissect the implications of this call and its enduring impact on the teams involved.

10. The Strike Zone Controversies

Throughout the history of MLB, numerous instances of controversial strike zone calls by umpires have influenced the outcomes of games. We'll provide an extensive analysis of select strike zone controversies and their broader implications for the sport.

The role of umpires in MLB cannot be overstated, and their decisions have shaped the course of numerous games and seasons. The top 10 worst umpire calls in MLB history have left an indelible mark on the sport, prompting discussions and debates that continue to resonate with fans and players alike. By examining these historic incidents, we gain valuable insights into the complexities and nuances of baseball and the enduring impact of umpire calls on the game we love.