We regret to inform you that Joe West is at it again.
The veteran, somehow-still-employed MLB umpire had a brutal call on Friday night that may have changed the outcome of the Blue Jays-Yankees game.
With the Blue Jays leading 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth, Gardner had a 3-1 count, and took a pitch that was clearly ball four. Except to West.
It doesn't get worse than this.
Umpire Joe West blew 16 calls on the night, but none were worse or more significant than this one to Brett Gardner. It missed the zone by 5.23 inches. #Yankees v #BlueJays pic.twitter.com/lJfMyKh4is
— Umpire Auditor (@UmpireAuditor) September 21, 2019
Hey @MLB ,
You're going to have a missed call in the playoffs be the story instead of the game. No responsibility for the @MLBUA. At least Joe West took off his mask hoping Gardy would start a fight with him.
I'd say fix it but we'll wait till someone gets screwed in October. pic.twitter.com/SOtH8R7qqf
— Talkin’ Jake (@TalkinJake) September 21, 2019
How in God's name can Joe West call that orange dot in the RHH batter's box a strike to Brett Gardner? Instead of a walk for Gardner, the #Yankees lose 4-3 to the Blue Jays pic.twitter.com/Q6lNSyqEjQ
— ByMattMartell (@ByMattMartell) September 21, 2019
Rather than being rewarded with a walk as the game-tying run, Gardner was given a full count and proceeded to line out. The Yankees lost the game 4-3.
At least the fans in attendance at Yankee Stadium got what they paid to see- The Joe West Show.
