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It isn't just the new automated ball-strike challenge system that is overturning the work of long-tenured umpire C.B. Bucknor.
Overseeing first base on March 31 at American Family Field, Bucknor originally ruled that Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers had missed first base on a play in the sixth inning, initially ruled as the third and final out of the frame despite a throw from second baseman Ben Williamson that sailed wide of the bag. Williamson had made a diving play to knock the ball down, and Bauers appeared to have a single.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy instituted a replay review and … well, Bauers pretty clearly touched first base. As in, dead center of the bag. And Bucknor did not appear to be focused on Bauers' foot.
After the overturn, Bauers stole second and scored on a Brandon Lockridge double to give the Brewers a 5-2 lead.
Bucknor became an unwitting early face of the new home-plate challenge system March 28 in a game between the Red Sox and the Reds, when the challenge system overturned six of his ball-strike calls.
There were eight total challenges made during that game. Red Sox manager Alex Cora was ejected in the game by Bucknor after arguing a check-swing call.
Bucknor, 63, has served as an umpire in the major leagues since 1996. He is one of the two longest-tenured active umpires, along with Phil Cuzzi, who has been active since 1991.
Replay had already played a role in the game for the Brewers in the fifth, when Brice Turang was initially ruled out trying to take an extra base following a two-run, game-tying single with two outs. Replay confirmed that Rays center fielder Cedric Mullins, who had raced to the infield to help make the tag, had lost control of the ball, allowing Turang to reach second base safely and a third run to score on the play.
(This story was updated to add more information.)
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brewers replay review saves brutal miss at first base by C.B. Bucknor
Continue reading...
Overseeing first base on March 31 at American Family Field, Bucknor originally ruled that Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers had missed first base on a play in the sixth inning, initially ruled as the third and final out of the frame despite a throw from second baseman Ben Williamson that sailed wide of the bag. Williamson had made a diving play to knock the ball down, and Bauers appeared to have a single.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy instituted a replay review and … well, Bauers pretty clearly touched first base. As in, dead center of the bag. And Bucknor did not appear to be focused on Bauers' foot.
After the overturn, Bauers stole second and scored on a Brandon Lockridge double to give the Brewers a 5-2 lead.
Bucknor became an unwitting early face of the new home-plate challenge system March 28 in a game between the Red Sox and the Reds, when the challenge system overturned six of his ball-strike calls.
There were eight total challenges made during that game. Red Sox manager Alex Cora was ejected in the game by Bucknor after arguing a check-swing call.
Bucknor, 63, has served as an umpire in the major leagues since 1996. He is one of the two longest-tenured active umpires, along with Phil Cuzzi, who has been active since 1991.
Replay had already played a role in the game for the Brewers in the fifth, when Brice Turang was initially ruled out trying to take an extra base following a two-run, game-tying single with two outs. Replay confirmed that Rays center fielder Cedric Mullins, who had raced to the infield to help make the tag, had lost control of the ball, allowing Turang to reach second base safely and a third run to score on the play.
(This story was updated to add more information.)
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brewers replay review saves brutal miss at first base by C.B. Bucknor
Continue reading...
