MLB Umpire Makes Unusual Call After Catcher Steps on His Foot

Just when you think you’ve seen everything that can happen in a baseball game, a catcher steps on an ump’s foot which leads to a call that you didn’t know could be made thank to a rule you didn’t know existed. 

That’s exactly what happened in Wednesday night’s Tigers-Blue Jays game in Toronto and it led to two stolen bases being called back. 

Detroit catcher Eric Haas fired a throw down to third base that didn’t get there in time to stop a stolen base. The home plate ump then had the runners return to second and first base with a rarely seen umpire obstruction call. 

That call comes in the second half of this video: 

Two interesting rulings within minutes of one another

Interference on the third baseman and then interference on the umpire because the catcher stepped on his foot pic.twitter.com/jomX7SbreA

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 13, 2023

Here's an explanation: 

Umpires normally are, except in two situations:

1. The catcher makes contact with PU when attempting a steal/pickoff (if throw retires runner, ignore interference)
2. A base umpire is hit by a batted ball before it passes an infielder other than the pitcher (automatic single)

— Proud Referee (@ProudReferee) April 13, 2023

Obstruction, not interference.

Also, not a fan of the safe call by U3 on the umpire interference play. I’ve always been told to keep my hands down, otherwise, “I look like an airplane.” https://t.co/5K9TSPyWiv

— Proud Referee (@ProudReferee) April 13, 2023

Very weird but definitely the right call.