MLB CHOPS DOWN CHIPPER AND THE BRAVES
I was under the impression that replacement officials were being used in the Nation Football League NOT in Major League Baseball. Yet in still the National League Wildcard game between the Braves and Cardinals may have been decided by one of the worst blown calls in the history of the MLB. The fact that playoff games have extra umpires to ensure the integrity of competition only adds insult to injury. As the Braves trailed 6-3 in the bottom of the eighth inning with two men on and one out Shortstop Andrelton Simmons hit a pop up to shallow left field causing miscommunication between Cardinals shortstop Peter Kozma and left fielder Matt Holiday. The confusion between fielders actually led to the ball falling in for a hit, which should have given the Braves bases loaded with one out and six time All Star Brian McCann coming to the plate. In lieu of the obvious base hit Left field Ump Sam Holbrook ruled the play an “Infield Fly” sending the Atlanta faithful into a frenzy. Why is an “Infield Fly” being called by an umpire in the outfield? Why was the call so delayed? How could anyone with any knowledge of the game think that play was “routine”? In total disgust Braves fans showered the field with debris causing a nineteen minute delay as the incompetent umpires watched helplessly from the dugout. Even after nearly twenty minutes of deliberation the correct call wasn’t made, prompting manager Freddi Gonzales to play the game under protest. The missed call may have cost the Braves the game and ultimately their season as it eliminated from playoff contention.
An umpire, or referee should never under any circumstances be the deciding factor in a game. Whether its preseason, regular season, or post season and especially not in a one game elimination scenario. Officials should be fully committed to ensuring fair play in all contests but playoff games require even closer observation due to the raised stakes. Its ridiculous to think a team of professionals were unable to make such a routine call but I’m more disturbed by the MLB’s unwillingness to admit their mistake. Its a slap in the face to the Braves organization and all its fans. Where’s the integrity? Where’s the appreciation for Chipper Jones a nineteen year former MVP and World Series Champion playing in his last post season? Releasing a statement ruling it a “judgment call” is just disgusting! Despicable! Deplorable! I spit on you Major League Baseball! Some four letter words come to mind but I’ll keep this post somewhat civil. Every team is entitled to twenty seven outs not twenty six, there’s no guarantee the Braves would’ve won had the correct call been made but who to say they wouldn’t have? Its a shame that the season and career of one of the all time greats had to end on such a note. Chipper deserved better. His fans deserved better. The game deserves better.
