A's minor leaguer strikes out on one pitch

The Corpus Christi Hooks (Houston Astros) took on the Midland Rock Hounds (Oakland A's) in Double-A baseball action on Friday night. Rock Hounds third baseman Vinnie Carticala struck out on one pitch. Wait, that's not possible. How can you strike out on one pitch? Did the pitcher have that good of a fastball? No, what happened in this incident is what often happens in sports. People step out of their roles and nonsense ensues. Watch the video of the at-bat below (email subscribers click here).Yes, you saw what you saw. The at-bat was over in less than 30 seconds. Is what the umpire did even allowed in baseball? Unfortunately, it is. The umpire invoked Rule 6.02 (c) which reads:If the batter refuses to take his position in the batter's box during his time at bat, the umpire shall call a strike on the batter. The ball is dead and no runners may advance. After the penalty, the batter may take his proper position and the regular ball and strike count shall continue. If the batter does not take his proper position before three strikes have been called, the batter shall be declared out.Comment: The umpire shall give the batter a reasonable opportunity to take his proper position in the batter's box after the umpire has called a strike pursuant to Rule 6.02 (c) and before the umpire calls a successive strike pursuant to Rule 6.02 (c).Catricala struck out and was thrown out of the game in less than 30 seconds. Usually, I'm a staunch defender of officials, but baseball often has issues with its umpires wanting to be the stars of the games. The theatrics with strike counts and out calls are mildly entertaining. However, no one wants to see an umpire throw his weight around because he doesn't like a player taking exception to a bloated interpretation of the strike zone.It wasn't as if Catricala started a full-blown argument with the umpire. He said something, then stepped out of the batter's box, readjusted his gloves and prepared to step back in. Catricala didn't even realize that the umpire had called a second strike on him. Before another five seconds had passed, a third strike was called and the umpire ejected Catricala as soon as he turned around.Calling a professional baseball game was not enough for this umpire. He was determined to become a part of the show. Every national highlight show had this guy featured as the umpire who used one of baseball's little-known rules. Awesome! It would also be good for him to take a second look at the rule regarding the Strike Zone. It's the area over the plate from a batter's letters to his knees. Just making a friendly suggestion.
Source:http://stlsportsmanship.blogspot.com/2013/08/as-minor-leaguer-strikes-out-on-one.html

A's minor leaguer strikes out on one pitch Images

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