A long night, an awful call, a Braves win led by Scott Proctor
Is that Scott Proctor in the middle of a Braves celebration this morning? Nah. (AP photo)
Jordan Schafer looked at the clock. It was 2:15 a.m. and he still wasn’t showered.
“I would’ve like to have been asleep a couple of hours ago,” the Braves center fielder said. “But it obviously makes it better that we won.”
Is that what just happened?
One of the longest and strangest games in baseball history ended at 1:50 a.m. Wednesday. The Braves defeated Pittsburgh 4-3 in 19 innings.
Time of game: 6 hours, 39 minutes. If seemed like if it had gone much longer, shadows from the sunrise would have started affecting the hitters.
There appeared to be less than 5,000 fans at Turner Field still left from the original crowd of 22,036. Maybe they were thinking the longer the game went, there was a decent chance they would receive a free continental breakfast.
Or maybe they just wanted a story to tell their grandchildren one day.
Or maybe they figured they might get a chance to pitch. I mean, if Scott Proctor got a chance to pitch, could it be that long before team scouts began roaming the aisles for relief help?
This game went so long that catcher Brian McCann left after nine innings with a strained oblique, the Braves announced he would go on the 15-day disabled list and by the end of the game you wondered if he was healed and eligible to be activated again.
Here are some things you missed while sleeping:
♦ The numbers: 41 players combined for 158 plate appearances and faced — ready for this? — 608 pitches from 15 pitchers. The understatement of the day came from manager Fredi Gonzalez (who actually had been ejected with Nate McLouth back in the ninth): “Both teams are going to have to push their starters a little tomorrow.” No. Really?
♦ The spectator: It was just before 1 a.m. when Proctor – possibly the most lampooned Braves player since Greg Norton – became a trending topic on Twitter. Why? Simply because he was the Braves’ last non-starting pitcher left. He sat in the bullpen watching Tommy Hanson, Eric O’Flaherty, Jonny Venters, Craig Kimbel — Hah! The closer entered in only the ninth inning! – Scott Linebrink, George Sherrill and Christian Martinez pitch. Wonder how many games of solitaire he played?
The thought occurred that the Braves were trying to avoid bringing Proctor in, given he started the night with a 7.36 ERA. (The fact Martinez threw an improbable six shutout innings of relief, a relative “quality start,” helped.) Any way, Proctor’s extending viewing became a running online gag. When told later he was trending on Twitter, Proctor said, “I was what?” You were a hot topic. “Oh, I’m sure. I’m not very well liked right now.”
♦ The absurdity: When Proctor finally got into the game, he walked his first batter. But he got the last laugh. He not only pitched two shutout innings and got the win, he had the game-winning RBI. Somehow. We were witness to the worst call by an official in the history of professional sports. (Hey, it’s late. I’m punchy. I’m entitled to make this declaration.) With Schafer on first and Julio Lugo on third, Proctor sent a ground ball to Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez. He stumbled as he took a step toward first. He joked later, “I forgot where first base was. I’m used to running to the dugout.” Alvarez fielded the ball and threw home to Michael McKenry. Lugo clearly was out by 10 feet — except on umpire Jerry Meals’ home planet. Meals called him safe. Then Clint Hurdle’s head exploded.
♦ Proctor was mobbed by teammates. It’s not the first time he has been in the middle of a mob scene. It’s just the first time people weren’t carrying torches and pitchforks.
♦ Some amusing commentary: This is from Braves general manager Frank Wren (following an eye roll and a smile): “I wasn’t close enough to make a call.”
This is from Lugo (between smiles): “He made an appreciation call.” A what? “He appreciated whether I was safe or out. I was safe.”
This is from Eric Hinske, as he walked past Proctor: “That guy can hit!”
This is from Schafer: “I started going back to second base. Then I saw Julio jumping up and down and I was like, ‘Wait, what happened? Oh. I guess we won.’ I thought he was out. But we’ll take it.”
This is from McKenry to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: “I was kind of baffled. I didn’t know what to do or what to say.”
This is from Meals, who possibly was suffering from dehydration, heat prostration or dementia, to pool reporter Mark Bowman of MLB.com: “I saw the tag, but he looked like he oléd him and I called him safe for that. I looked at the replays and it appeared he might have got him on the shin area. I’m guessing he might have got him, but when I was out there when it happened I didn’t see a tag.”
Excuse me, but: “He oléd him”?
♦ One more number: Martin Prado would like to forget this one. He went 0-for-9. The game ended with him in the on-deck circle. Fortunately.
♦ Even one more number: The Braves stranded 23 baserunners.
♦ OK, final numbers: Dan Uggla has a 17-game hitting streak. But after singling in his first two at-bats to reach and pass .200 for the first time since May 16, he went hitless with a walk in his next seven plate appearances. He finished at 2-for-8 and saw his season average drop from .202 in the third inning to .199. Millions of little children had gone to sleep thinking Uggla would finally end a day hitting over .200.
With that, I’m going home now. It’s 4:44 in the morning. Traffic should be clear.
By Jeff Schultz
♦
Earlier: Heyward still determined to make impact on Braves’ system
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354 comments Add your comment
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:21 pm
Dude the ump even said he was probably safe. You have no argument you’re just an angry clown. Buster Olney said it was a bad call, i think ill take my eyes and his word over your no name self. K thanks
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
1:21 pm
Let me know when you realize how retarded you look. Especially with the blurry picture and birds eye view still shot hahahahahahha im still trying to contain my laughter
put me in coach
July 27th, 2011
1:22 pm
Yes the ball beat the runner but why would the catcher make a swipe call in that situation. He had plenty of time to make sure the runner does not even get near the plate. I am not so sure it was as bad a call as the media wants it to appear.
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:22 pm
“He was safe” If you have a job it must require zero creativity, I pity your superiors of which I am sure there are many.
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:24 pm
LOL I still can’t get past the fact that the ump admitted he was probably safe and you still can’t grasp that, that should keep me entertained for at least the rest of the day.
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
1:24 pm
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:21 pm
Dude the ump even said he was probably safe. You have no argument you’re just an angry clown. Buster Olney said it was a bad call, i think ill take my eyes and his word over your no name self. K thanks
Really so the ump said that???? hahahaha he actually said i called him safe because he ole’d the tag and looked like he missed him. Wonder where in there he said i missed it hahahahahahha god your dumb
Old Violin
July 27th, 2011
1:25 pm
Not being at the game, watching it on tv, and wondering what just happened made me think back to all the times I made calls that my friends even told me were bad ! It ain’t easy, and my apologies to all the players I’ve called out/safe thinking I was right…..The real tragedy here is that our beloved/bemoaned Braves have a hitting problem……no disipline, no “We” and too much “Me”…….Brian McCann another story……truly a team player, and a great human being…..
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
1:25 pm
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:24 pm
LOL I still can’t get past the fact that the ump admitted he was probably safe and you still can’t grasp that, that should keep me entertained for at least the rest of the day.
Are you really that dumb??? please show me anything that says he admitted that.
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
1:27 pm
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:22 pm
“He was safe” If you have a job it must require zero creativity, I pity your superiors of which I am sure there are many.
O really then how would i would wasting time at work calling you an idiot??? Its called i have my own office and 1 boss but thanks.
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
1:27 pm
Really AJC can we ban people for being just plain retarded so we dont have to listen to their retarded reasoning on things????
Atlanta87
July 27th, 2011
1:29 pm
Two peanuts walked into a bar, and … one was a-salted…
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:30 pm
HAHAHA Its right in this article you fool. jesus your making this way too easy. ” looked at the replays and it appeared he might have got him on the shin area. I’m guessing he might have got him”
wxwax
July 27th, 2011
1:30 pm
Having watched the replay a good many times, I can see why Meals made the call he did.
The camera angle that best shows his perspective supports his view that the catcher made an ole sweep without actually touching Lugo.
Meals is hurt by the fact that he had an inconsistent and unusual strike zone last night.
But having at first gasped when I saw his call live, I now understand if better. He’s at third base tonight. That’s right in front of the Pirates bench. I wonder what they’ll fill his ear with?
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
1:31 pm
might is not an admission you retard
Zing
July 27th, 2011
1:31 pm
Hey guys– he really was safe! I saw the replay in HD+ slow motion. If you look closely, right when he’s applying the swipe tag, the ball disappears from his glove into another dimension, then reappears after the glove has lost contact with Lugo’s shin. McKenry also clearly opens his mouth and says, “Ooooooooooooolllleeeeeeee!”
Nice job, Meals! Now, go get yourself some Happy.
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:31 pm
How do umps call games on their GUESSES!!!! AHH right so after he made the call he admitted he PROBABLY GUESSED WRONGGGGGG! OWNED
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:33 pm
Now bend over because im going to spank you
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
1:35 pm
They are called judgement calls you fing moron. you have no clue about umpiring, I did it throught out HS and college. All judgement calls are best guesses of WHAT THE UMPIRE saw happen.
The catcher could have tackled lugo or slap tagged him and held it there, but he didnt. Instead he swiped at him and missed. Thats what you get for being a vagggg behind the plate
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
1:37 pm
All you have proved is you know nothing, and do your spanking on anohter website thats just creepy. You must be a tech fan with this guy on guy spanking you are trying to get going.
Atlanta87
July 27th, 2011
1:37 pm
These two strings walk up to a bar. The first string walks in and orders and the bartender throws him out and yells “I don’t serve strings in this bar. The other string ruffs himself up on the street and curls up and orders. The bartender shouts, “Hey, didn’t you hear what I told your buddy?”
The string says “Yeah.”
The bartender says, “aren’t you a string?”
The string says, “No, I’m a frayed knot…”
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:39 pm
Judgement calls are guesses, thanks for pointing that out. Jesus go back to work already your toast. Who cares what the catcher could have or should have done, that is completely irrelevant. He tagged him and he was out period.
Come On (my face) Man
July 27th, 2011
1:40 pm
I’m an idiot!
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:41 pm
STICK A FORK IN EM HE’S DONE.
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:41 pm
haha oh now you’ve lost your argument so im gay? If that makes you feel better then knock yourself out.
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
1:42 pm
Really what do you think judgement call means you idiot of course they are their best guesses.
And what the catcher did was completly relevant. He attempted a sweep tag his glove never stopped and just kept on sweeping at air. Hence why he was called safe. And when you watch the VIDEO not some retarded blurry birds eyeview you can see that he made it under the tag and was safe PERIOD.
Come On (my face) Man
July 27th, 2011
1:43 pm
No I just figured you were a woman.
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
1:45 pm
Really I though I just pointed that out to you dumb@$$.
Really the catchers type of tag is irrelevant????? Your dumber than I thought. Sit down and wrtie this down dumb@$$
He attempted a sweeping tag, a sweeping tag will have a disruption in its motion IF it hits something. Which in this case it didnt touch anything and swept through the air. Hence why he was called safe bc no tag had been applied.
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:45 pm
Judgement calls, Yeah i was making fun of you for actually trying to explain it, theres no arguing with an idiot.
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
1:46 pm
Let me know if you need to LEARN anything else about baseball. Be great to get rid of another dumb@$$ “FAN”
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
1:47 pm
clkearly bc u still think a birdseye view would be accepted as proof in this arguement man your retarded
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:47 pm
So because the guys glove doesnt stop at any points means he missed him completely? You have no logic, sorry to inform you
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
1:47 pm
clearly*
KME
July 27th, 2011
1:47 pm
Sorry, Jeff…but you missed it…it wasn’t a bad call at all…considering I don’t need glasses either! The call, though Meals said he might have missed it…he made the right call. As long as the catcher’s mitt does NOT touch any part of the runner…and the runner has every right to block off the catcher with his hands, his body…NOT touching the ball, he will be declared safe everytime…and many people missed this. The ball never came into contact with the runner. The runner, Julio Logo…blocked the ball from ever touching his body. Thus, the runner was safe. This missed tag was never seen by the Pirates’ dugout…of course they will rant and rage about a missed call! They never saw all the angles…and those angels were shown. You, Jeff, missed it as well…and this so-called “bad call” or “missed call”…you missed/misjudged it as well. I saw it three times. Look carefully the second time…and was reassured the third. Like you and most people…you all did miss it…I didn’t.
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
1:48 pm
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:47 pm
So because the guys glove doesnt stop at any points means he missed him completely? You have no logic, sorry to inform you
This isnt a jersey moron, its a leg. If it would have touched his leg you would have noticed his gloves sweeping motion be changed. which you dont
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:48 pm
Ever wiped anything off your shirt before? Does your hand have to stop at every point it touches your shirt? That’s a No by the way.
Atlanta87
July 27th, 2011
1:49 pm
A man walked into a bar and sat down next to a man with a dog at his feet. “Does your dog bite?” he asked. “No,” was the reply.
A few minutes later, the dog took a huge chunk out of his leg. “I thought you said your dog doesn’t bite!” the man said indignantly.
“That’s not my dog,” was the answer…
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
1:49 pm
Right on point KME. APparently COme on man was watching the game with shultzie
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
1:50 pm
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:48 pm
Ever wiped anything off your shirt before? Does your hand have to stop at every point it touches your shirt? That’s a No by the way.
Its not a shirt we are talking about moron. How dumb can you be. If it would have touched his leg you would have seen the sweep alter its path which it didnt.
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:51 pm
Leg, jersey it doesn’t make a difference there’s no guarantee the motion will change. You assume it should change but it was obviously light contact.
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
1:54 pm
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:51 pm
Leg, jersey it doesn’t make a difference there’s no guarantee the motion will change. You assume it should change but it was obviously light contact.
Are you serious????Jerseys are baggy and flimsy. Last time i check the leg bones were solid and strong…… really come on man get a clue.
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
1:55 pm
When you are sweeping that glove around its going fast, the runner is going fast any kind of contact would be noticed in the gloves sweeping motion which never happened.
Dirty Dawg
July 27th, 2011
1:55 pm
There was obviously contact at the plate…just not an obvious contact of glove/ball and runner. The Posey Thing has got these catchers gun-shy when it comes to close plays at the plate, however, the McHenry kid was fireplug and Lugo ain’t – why did he, McHenry, resort to a third-baseman-like sweep tag instead of puttin’ the tag on the guy?
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:58 pm
What are you stuid? Your comparing apples to oranges, your comparing a tag brushed over a guys jersey to a tag slapped directly into the leg.
oliver
July 27th, 2011
1:59 pm
I just watched the play several times on the Pirates team site and the catcher plainly did not touch the runner. He made a swipe with his glove instead of leaving it for the runner to tag himself out and the runner evaded the tag. That ump missed a lot of calls during the game but he got this one right.
Come On Man
July 27th, 2011
1:59 pm
You can brush a tag over a leg the same way you’d brush a tag over a guys chest/jersey, it makes no difference.
KME
July 27th, 2011
1:59 pm
4th and fifth times in viewing, people….THE PIRATES CATCHER MISSED Julio! You can watch it again and again. The Pirates’ catcher’s glove never tagged Julio, never touched Julio! It was one good call the that umpire made…and he made the right call! There is no question about it. Jeff Schultz…you blew it…with this article. I don’t even wear glasses…REVIEW THE PLAY, AGAIN, JEFF! The catcher missed Julio…never applied the tag. It was the RIGHT call to make! Game over…and the Braves did honestly and technically win.
BTW, Coachtop….Uggla did extend his streak…you missed that as well. He got a hit in the game.
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
2:00 pm
Really i didnt get that picture???
Are you that stupid? It is supposed to compare apples and oranges to show you the difference in tagging a jersey which is flimsy and wouldnt disrupt the sweeping motion and a leg that is solid that would disrupt the motion. Please read before you fire back and just embarrass yourself.
KME
July 27th, 2011
2:00 pm
OLIVER! I just read your remarks…and you do agree with me! Yes, the Pirates’ catcher never applied the tag…he missed him! He knows he didn’t touch the Braves’ runner. It was a pure miss…and I am certainly glad I wasn’t the only one to see this! Thank you!
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
2:02 pm
looks like 3 on 1 now dumb@$$. If you really think tagging a jersey and tagging someone leg is the same i really hope you go play in traffic or make it so you cant reproduce dumb little ofspring like yourself.
He Was SAFE
July 27th, 2011
2:03 pm
Saw it here live and on replay over 10 times. Recorded SPort Center to see their angels of how he was SAFE as well KME.