Controversy erupts over spectator's act of 'sabotage'
Fans have been left fuming after one of their own was involved in a controversial moment of sabotage.
The contentious moment occurred in Game 4 of MLB’s American League Championship Series on Wednesday (local time).
Houston Astros star Jose Altuve blasted a ball to deep right field, where Mookie Betts of the Boston Red Sox tried to make a spectacular catch.
Betts jumped at the wall in an attempt to rob a home run, but dropped the ball when he was bumped by an Astros fan.
The ball landed in the crowd for what would have been a two-run home run, but umpires immediately ruled fan interference because of the sabotage on Betts.
The Astros called for a video review of the play, which upheld the interference ruling and resulted in Altuve being called out, preserving a 2-0 lead for the Red Sox.
So what’s the actual rule?
Two rules are in play here.
Rule 3.16 states that “If spectator interference clearly prevents a fielder from catching a fly ball, the umpire should declare the batter out.”
From MLB Rulebook …
Joe West 3.16 says you're out. pic.twitter.com/LGK1BjKfPY
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 18, 2018
However Rule 6.01 (e) declares that “no interference shall be allowed when a field reaches over a fence railing, rope or into a stand to catch a ball.”
Rule 6.01(e) in the MLB rule book pic.twitter.com/rhQ4EDs6fh
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) October 18, 2018
Many fans and commentators felt that Betts had indeed reached into the stands and was thus fair game.
The fan didn’t reach out over. Betts glove was well over the line, in the stands. That’s gone
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) October 18, 2018
Altuve is called out on fan interference after replay. I think that is a bad call. The ball was beyond the fence and Betts closed his glove before the ball arrived. I don't think he was going to catch that. 2-run HR goes away. #Astros #RedSox
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) October 18, 2018
Fans didn't reach over railing. Ball deflected off Betts' closed glove. We might be talking about that review all offseason if this keeps up.
— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) October 18, 2018
This…. Fans did not reach over the wall. Betts reached over the wall. https://t.co/6FVwKKvfM1
— Charean Williams (@NFLCharean) October 18, 2018
This seems pretty straightforward: "No interference shall be allowed when a fielder reaches over a fence" unless "it is clearly intentional." If you look at the replay, it's awfully hard to see clear intention from the fan in touching Mookie Betts' glove. https://t.co/4fEbBO0RxL
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 18, 2018
How is it interference if Betts goes INTO the stands?
— Coach B. (@MichaelBhurst) October 18, 2018
Looks like Betts’ glove was in the stands. Should have been a homer. pic.twitter.com/AUsbIybTCe
— Keith W. Kiser (@KeithWKiser) October 18, 2018
Astros coach not happy
Houston manager A.J. Hinch talked about the play in an in-game interview with TBS, and he was not pleased.
“He just said there was fan interference on the field,” Hinch said of umpire Joe West’s explanation to him for the call.
“My argument was more about the fact that the ball was leaving the yard. The trajectory was there.
“Jose paid the ultimate price for something out of his control. I’m not sure Mookie makes that catch. He’s a great athlete. But how it’s an assumed out is unbelievable.”
Enough evidence to overturn?
Much like with the NRL bunker, MLB’s video replay system requires there be enough compelling evidence to overturn an on-field call.
Betts’ glove clearly closed when it made contact with a fan. It’s difficult to tell if Betts reached into the stands or the fans reached over the wall or if they met directly at the wall.
It’s reasonable to reach the conclusion that there wasn’t strong enough evidence to overturn the call.