Blown Call of the Week

Since this is my first entry, I thought it would be appropriate to start with the theme of this blog: The Blown Call. Once in a while, I will return to this theme because it is an aspect in all sports that has not changed. Whether it be a blown call by an umpire, referee, coach, player, aunt, uncle or financial consultant - we are all human, we make mistakes all the time. Because of this fact, amidst the various rule changes throughout sports history, one common theme remains: The Blown Call.

Blown Call Entry #1: October 23, 2008 - Philadelphia Phillies vs Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays, World Series Game 2
Guilty: Kerwin Danley, Home Plate Umpire
Casualty: Brett Myers, Starting Pitcher

Kerwin Danley is one of the great umpires in the majors today. He is a twelve year veteran and does not shy away from sticking his neck in the line of fire. This is best exemplified when he took a 96 mph heater from Brad Penny this year in the mask. He controls the strike zone, the game, and his emotions. However, last night was his first attempt in his career at home plate in the World Series. Broadcasters go on about how the World Series (or the Super Bowl or Stanley Cup, etc.) are the biggest stage in sports and naturally nerves will affect performance. Danley's blown call last night directly correlates to the affect nerves had on his own performance.

It was the bottom of the second inning. One out, one on and a full count to Rocco Baldelli. Myers winds, fires, and Baldelli offers. Danley's right arm goes up to what is supposed to symbolize strike three, but Baldelli jogs to first. Danley then appeals to the first base umpire, who proceeds to justify Baldelli's ball four.

Did this botched call potentially change the outcome of the game? Probably not, but it would have made the game much closer and less controversial. The next batter, Jason Bartlett, had a swinging bunt single to load the bases. Knowing Brett Myers' short temper, it is amazing that he did not blow a gasket and allow the Rays to blow the game open. (Kudos to Phillies' pitching coach, Rich Dubee, went out to the mound and assured Myers that waffles, not hoagies will be the post game meal). Two batters later, BJ Upton singled home Navarro (who was on third) and Baldelli was thrown out at the plate on the same play (so Baldelli was 2 outs in the same inning).

After the game, Danley said the quick right arm vertical movement was to ask to the first base umpire for an appeal. This explanation is very possible, but unconvincing. Judging by the immediateness of the call, Baldelli's offer to the pitch and the location of what could have been a called strike anyway, Kerwin Danley is awarded our very first "Blown Call of the Week" award. Coming in at a close second place for this award was whoever decided to let the Los Lonely Boys (really?) to sing the Star Spangled Banner in the same game.