Top 10 Dumbest Baseball Mistakes Ever
#10: Knoblauch Argues with Ump as Run Scores
For those of you who have played sports before, you’re always taught to continue playing until the ref, or umpire in this case, blows the play dead. Well…Chuck Knoblauch teaches everyone what not to do. Braves infielder, Travis Fryman, laid down a bunt in the 12th inning of the 1998 ALCS and got in the way of the throw to first base. The ball ricocheted off his body, and Knoblauch chose to contest the play instead of chasing after the ball, which allowed Enrique Wilson to score and give the Braves the lead.
#9: The Double Cut-Off…Manny Ramirez style
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Instead of allowing Center Fielder Johnny Damon's throw to get to the cut-off man, Manny Ramirez decided to cut-off the cut-off. A not so effective tactic that allowed David Newhan, of the Baltimore Orioles, to run around the bases and score an inside-the-park homerun. Have you ever had someone tell you “you’re trying to do a bit too much”? Well…Manny Ramirez’s diving catch to try speeding up the relay throw is a textbook example.
#8: The Strikeout That Never Happened (AJ Pierzynski)
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Angels starting pitcher, Kelvim Escobar, gets White Sox catcher, A.J. Pierzynski to swing and miss on a gorgeous changeup, low in the zone, which should have ended the inning, or so everyone thought. The sighs and moans from the fans after Pierzynski missed the ball was enough evidence to know that this call should've been fairly straightforward. But…the home plate umpire did not share that same sentiment. The then manager of the Los Angeles Angels, Mike Scioscia, was livid with the umpire after they ruled White Sox catcher, A.J. Pierzynski, safe at 2st base after a determined ‘dropped-third strike’. The White Sox would go on to win this game 2-1, and the entire series four days later.
#7: Sneaky Todd Helton
Colorado Rockies third-baseman, Jonathan Herrera, made a wonderful diving play to scoop Jerry Hairston Jr.’s groundball. The only problem is Herrera failed to make an accurate throw to first base for the out. BUT, with Todd Helton at first, there is no need to fret! Instead of reaching out, or trying to make a desperate stretching catch, Todd Helton positioned himself in a way that would make it seem like he’s catching a normal throw to first base. His quick-thinking worked marvelously and completely fooled the first-base umpire, who ended up calling Hairston Jr. out. Savvy veterans get away with a lot in pro sports and Todd Helton might be one of the best at fooling people…but…umm…don’t bring this up to Matt Carpenter…
#6: Babe Ruth Failed Steal Attempt
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While there isn’t much live footage of this event, it has been well documented as it involved one of the most historic baseball players of all time, The Great Bambino. During Game 7 of the 1926 World Series, the St. Louis Cardinals led the Yankees 3-2 in the bottom of the 9th and Babe Ruth had just been walked by Cardinals pitcher, Pete Alexander. New York’s cleanup hitter, Bob Meusel, stepped up to the plate with a chance to tie the game. However, Meusel never had a chance to take the bat off his shoulder, as Babe Ruth was thrown out attempting to steal second base. This brought an end to what should have been a very climatic end to the 1926 World Series. Talk about a mistake!
#5: Ruben Rivera's Brutal Baserunning
So many know Ruben Rivera as legendary closer Mariano Rivera’s cousin. But, unfortunately, that’s not what he’s best known for. Back in 2003, after hitting a ball during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Rivera ran and went past second base...only to go back. He’s able to make it at third. After a moment of hesitation, he just decides to go for it and….he’s ruled out. It was a bizarre display to say the least, as both Rivera’s body language and running indicated uncertainty all the way through. Commentator Jim Miller summed it up best: [Soundbite“And that was the worst baserunning in the history of the game.”]
#4: José Canseco Uses His Head
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We’re not sure if we should laugh or shake our heads at this one. Back when the Cleveland Indians took on the Texas Rangers back in 1993, Carlos Martinez hit a ball deep right field. Would outfielder José Canseco catch it? Would the ball fly over him and reach the stands? It would….hit Canseco’s head for a home run! It was the last outcome anyone would expect, and even Canseco himself couldn’t help but smile. Sure, everyone remembers Canseco for his hitting homers, but for some, this might be his most memorable one yet.
#3: The Will Craig-Javy Báez Incident
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They don’t call Javy Báez “El Mago” (aka the magician) for nothing. Just when it looks like former Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Will Craig is about to tag out Báez after a pitch...he doesn’t. Craig just chases him down and even, when mere inches away, STILL doesn’t decide to tag Báez. Instead, he throws the ball to the catcher and then brief chaos ensues. A run is scored and Javy reaches second base. The whole sequence merits multiple replays in order to process. What we know for certain though, is that Craig had absolutely no idea what he was doing.
#2: Bill Buckner
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If you know, you know. This gaffe is so infamous we only put his name in the title. Tied at 5 a piece during the 10th Inning in game 6 of the 1986 World Series, New York Mets’ batter Mookie Wilson grounded a ball to first. Instead of grabbing it, Boston Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner let it bounce off his glove and roll right through his legs. Ray Knight ran to score and the Mets pulled off the victory, forcing game 7. They went on to win the World Series, the Curse of the Bambino continued for the Red Sox and Buckner’s life was never the same. One might label this as a mere mishap, but considering the stakes that were involved and its impact, especially on Buckner, we see it as so much more. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Hank Gowdy Gets Caught Up The Giants Catcher Got His Foot Caught in His Thrown Mask and Misses a Fly Ball A 3rd Baseman's Best Friend Sean Casey Thought It Was Out...But…On A Side Note, Great Play by Pablo Ozuna! The Great Larry Walker Giveth, and The Great Larry Walker Taketh Away Larry Walker shagged a pop fly and gave it to a young fan. Turns out he needed that ball back! Don’t go on Holliday a-Loney James Loney Hit an Innocent Fly Ball Into Left Field and the Dodgers Would Go On to Win 3-2 Alex Gonzalez…Steve Bartman Wants a Word A Bobbled Routine Ground Ball Leads to an 8 Run Rally by the Marlins
#1: Umpire Jim Joyce Misses the Call
In 2010, Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga was one out from having a perfect game against the Cleveland Indians. The ball was thrown, Indians shortstop Jason Donald made contact with his bat, Galarraga reached first and Donald was out. But NOT according to umpire Jim Joyce. He ruled Donald safe. The replay clearly shows that Galarraga reached first base before Donald. Everyone else thought it was out too except Joyce. The call itself, along with the fact that Galarraga was robbed of a perfect game, resulted in enormous backlash towards Joyce. He would later express remorse for his actions, revealing that, upon actually watching the replay, that he did indeed miss the call. So ashamed of what he had done, he even personally met with Galarraga to apologize. We commend him for recognizing the magnitude of his error.