15 Controversial MLB Postseason Plays/Moments
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Trey Turner called out
- Obstruction
- Fan interference against Altuve
- The Utley slide
- The Renfro assist
- The 2012 infield fly rule
- Pinski reaches first
- The hip check
- A-Rod's glove SWAT
- Herbeck takes down Gant
- The mayor play
- Deckinger blows the call
- The Bartman incident
- Conclusion
The Most Controversial MLB Playoff Moments
Introduction:
Every October, as the MLB playoffs heat up, the intensity on the baseball diamond reaches new heights. Players are laser-focused, and the stakes are at their highest. This heightened atmosphere often leads to some of the craziest and most controversial moments in MLB playoff history. From questionable calls to fan interference and on-field altercations, this article will delve into 15 of the most controversial postseason moments that have left fans scratching their heads and ignited passionate debates. Let's strap in and take a trip down memory lane to explore these unforgettable events.
1. Trey Turner Called Out
In the 2019 World Series, the Washington Nationals were facing elimination when controversy struck in Game Six. With a slim one-run lead, Trey Turner stepped up to the plate with a runner on first. Turner hit a slow dribbler back to the mound and hustled down the line to beat the throw. However, as he inadvertently knocked the catcher's glove away, he was called out for runner interference. This judgment call by the umpire left Nationals manager Dave Martinez fuming, resulting in his ejection from the game. The Nationals ultimately won the game and the World Series, but this controversial moment lingers in the minds of many.
2. Obstruction
The 2013 World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox saw a historic ending on an obstruction call. In Game Three, with the series tied at one game each, the Cardinals were threatening to score the winning run in the bottom of the ninth. As Jon Jay hit a ground ball to third, chaos ensued. Third baseman Will Middlebrooks inadvertently impeded runner Allen Craig, causing him to trip over Middlebrooks' body. This obstruction resulted in the winning run being awarded to the Cardinals, much to the dismay of the Red Sox and their fans. Despite the controversy, the Red Sox went on to win the World Series, erasing the bitterness of this moment.
3. Fan interference against Altuve
During Game Four of the 2018 ALCS between the Houston Astros and the Boston Red Sox, controversy erupted in the top of the first inning. With the Red Sox leading 2-0, the Astros' Jose Altuve hit what seemed like a home run. However, a fan's attempt to catch the ball may have interfered with right fielder Mookie Betts' ability to make a play. Umpire Joe West ruled Altuve out, nullifying the home run. The Astros failed to score in that inning and ultimately lost the game by two runs. This controversial call loomed large in the series, as the Red Sox went on to eliminate the Astros and win the championship.
4. The Utley Slide
In Game Two of the 2015 NLDS, the Los Angeles Dodgers' Chase Utley slid into second base with force, taking out the New York Mets' Ruben Tejada. The slide resulted in Tejada suffering a broken leg, enraging Mets fans who decried it as a dirty play. Despite passionate arguments for interference, the umpires deemed the play legal, tying the game and allowing the Dodgers to score three more runs for the win. This controversial play became a pivotal moment in the series and led to changes in the rules surrounding slides to protect infielders from dangerous plays.
5. The Renfro Assist
During Game Three of the 2021 ALDS, a bizarre sequence of events unfolded. In a tied 13th inning between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox, Yandy Diaz was on first base when Kevin Kiermaier hit what should have been an easy RBI hit off the outfield wall. However, the ball deflected off outfielder Hunter Renfroe and over the fence, making it a dead ball. Despite the confusion, the umpires correctly ruled that Diaz had to return to third base and awarded Kiermaier an automatic double. This controversial ruling left Rays fans irate, and the Red Sox capitalized on their frustration by winning the game in the bottom of the 13th inning.
6. The 2012 Infield Fly Rule
In the 2012 Wild Card game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Atlanta Braves, the infamous "Infield Fly Rule" came into play. With the Cardinals leading 6-3, the Braves had a chance to mount a comeback in the eighth inning. However, a pop-up to shallow left field ignited controversy. Despite the ball falling in for a hit, the umpire invoked the Infield Fly Rule, declaring the batter out. The Braves and their fans were furious, leading to a 19-minute delay due to arguments and trash being thrown onto the field. The Cardinals held on to win the game, while the Braves and their supporters still cite this moment as one of the most controversial in MLB playoff history.
7. Pinski Reaches First
Game Two of the 2005 ALCS witnessed a shocking umpire blunder that changed the outcome of the game. With the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Angels tied in the ninth inning, AJ Pierzynski swung and missed at strike three, or so it seemed. However, home plate umpire Doug Eddings declared that the ball hit the ground, allowing Pierzynski to reach first base. The White Sox took advantage of the extended inning, scoring the winning run and eventually winning the series. This controversial call left the Angels and their fans frustrated and questioning the integrity of the game.
8. The Hip Check
Back in the 1978 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees, controversy emerged in game four. With the Dodgers leading 3-1, Lou Piniella hit a potentially inning-ending double play ball to shortstop Bill Russell. However, Reggie Jackson's hip collision with Russell caused him to drop the ball. The umpire ruled it unintentional interference, allowing the Yankees' rally to continue. This pivotal call ultimately led to the Yankees tying the game and winning it in extra innings, propelling them to victory in the World Series.
9. A-Rod's Glove SWAT
During a crucial moment in Game Six of the 2004 ALCS, the New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez intentionally swatted the ball out of the hands of Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo. This blatant violation of the rules resulted in confusion and protests from both teams. The umpires conferred and reversed the original call of safe, ultimately ruling Rodriguez out. This controversial play added fuel to the Red Sox's historic comeback, as they won Game Six, Game Seven, and eventually the World Series, breaking the infamous 'Curse of the Bambino.'
10. Herbeck Takes Down Gant
In Game Two of the 1991 World Series between the Minnesota Twins and the Atlanta Braves, a peculiar play unfolded. With the Twins leading 2-1 and a runner on first, the Braves' Ron Gant hit a ground ball towards first baseman Kent Hrbek. As Gant rounded first base, Hrbek appeared to remove him from the base by force, pulling him off with his momentum. Despite Gant's protests, the umpire ruled him out, prematurely ending the Braves' rally. This controversial call significantly affected the outcome of the game, as the Twins won and eventually went on to win the World Series.
Conclusion:
Controversy often accompanies the MLB playoffs, with critical moments in history leaving us questioning the accuracy of calls and the impact they have on the game's outcome. From disputed calls to fan interference and questionable slides, these 15 controversial moments have left an indelible mark on postseason history. While opinions may vary on the fairness of these incidents, they serve as a reminder that even at the highest level of professional baseball, controversy can still cloud the path to ultimate victory. As the playoffs continue to deliver thrilling moments, one can only wonder what future controversies await us on the diamond.
