Thursday Photos

by Al on May 2, 2008 8:23 AM CDT in Game Photographs

Prince Fielder, Yovani Gallardo and Reed Johnson have a close personal encounter after Johnson's ground out

Yovani Gallardo grimacing in pain after the collision; 1B coach Matt Sinatro looks him over

Reed Johnson and Kosuke Fukudome in yet another close personal encounter chasing Prince Fielder's fly ball in the 6th inning

Johnson drops the ball!

Derrek Lee slides into 2nd after a throw beats Ryan Theriot to 3rd (top of photo)

Prince Fielder chasing the errant throw after Lee's slide

Kosuke Fukudome slides into the plate in the 6th inning. This photo clearly shows him sliding in safely before Jason Kendall tagged him.

Fukudome is called out, As you can see, plate umpire Brian O'Nora was out of position to make this call.

Lou Piniella makes his point after the bad call on Fukudome by O'Nora

Ask and you shall receive -- David did get the Soto/Fielder collision, though with someone's waving cap in the way:

Click on photos to open a larger version in a new browser window. All photos by David Sameshima

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Great Pictures!

And thank you for confirming that so far this season, this was the worst officiated series we have had.

You can only blame human error to an extent.

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on May 2, 2008 8:31 AM CDT reply reply 0 recs

I think both teams

would agree with this sentiment. This was a bad crew all around. Not quite Phil Cuzzi or Angel Hernandez bad, but pretty bad nevertheless.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on May 2, 2008 9:00 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

Great Shots

Yhanks. I had to listen to the game yesterday. It sounded like a war zone and these pics confirm it was indeed a war zone.

"He's been known to cure narcolepsy just by walking into a room. His organ donation card also lists his beard. He's a lover, not a fighter. But he's also a fighter so don't get any ideas. He is....The Most Interesting Man in the World.

by Keystone80435 on May 2, 2008 8:31 AM CDT reply reply 0 recs

soto/prince

any of the collision at home?

by cozmotaylor123 on May 2, 2008 8:40 AM CDT reply reply 0 recs

Unfortunately, no.

If David had sent any, I’d have posted them.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on May 2, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

Here's one:

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on May 2, 2008 9:06 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

David did send one, after all.

It’s posted now.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on May 2, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

Nice.

Mine was a joke, anyway. It was a sumo wrestling pic. Probably for the best.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on May 2, 2008 10:53 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

I was ten rows back on the 1st base side

And I could see Dome was safe from there. What a terrible call.

I’m wondering how much longer until they install some of these at Wrigley.

my owner buys me the expensive cat food, but i'll just eat this dvd shrinkwrap and that bug over there

by dr stabbingworth on May 2, 2008 9:04 AM CDT reply reply 0 recs

I was near there too

he was clearly safe…umpire had a terrible view of the play. In guess in the umpire’s view, all you have to do is throw the ball to the plate ahead of the runner. It doesn’t matter if you tag the runner… Irritating, especially since that 1 run was the difference….

by lance dickson on May 2, 2008 11:04 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

Send that photo

to the MLB umpire evaluation office and nail that guy for his lousy call.

by JFCubFan on May 2, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

Al, check your email...

I did have a shot of the Soto/Fielder collision at home plate. I sent it late, last night. The collision is visible, but part of the frame was blurred by an exited fan who started waving his cap, over his head, in front of me. I will resend the photo. I thought that you may not have wanted to use it, with part of the frame being blurred.

by holy mackerel on May 2, 2008 9:22 AM CDT reply reply 0 recs

Posted!

Thanks.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on May 2, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

love Z in that picture

thanks

by cozmotaylor123 on May 2, 2008 9:42 AM CDT reply reply 0 recs

Am I missing something?

I don’t see him in any pic.

"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry

by Jayo525 on May 2, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

I think he meant Soto.

Right?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on May 2, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

Actually if you look under the blurred area of the soto/fielder collision photo

You can see Zambrano jumping about 12 feet in the air, all excitable and stuff. Pretty neat!

by cubsonWGN4ever on May 2, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

I see that too now.

Cool!

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on May 2, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

Z looks like

he just started hovering in place. Z is magical

"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome

by gwood on May 2, 2008 11:23 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

in the fuzzy part

look at Big Z jumping up and down

by cozmotaylor123 on May 2, 2008 9:53 AM CDT reply reply 0 recs

Wow.

I see him now, Awesome.

"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry

by Jayo525 on May 2, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

Al was looking for a way to private message you

but sorry for the fanpost last night. Was a lil drunk you could say and was as angry as Lou.. It wont happen again. I apologize.

"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"

by fischisgod on May 2, 2008 10:14 AM CDT reply reply 0 recs

Apology accepted.

You can always email me—my email link is on the left sidebar.

We were all upset after yesterday’s game. Your post was OK—it just should have gone in the recap thread as a comment. (I deleted his post because essentially, it was just a comment about the game that should have gone in the recap thread.)

Thanks.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on May 2, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

Thanks for the acceptance

Felt really bad when I woke up more for posting where i should not have and not the bourbon…

"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"

by fischisgod on May 2, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

I'm not a fanatic, and not neurotic, but yesterday's game was one of those losses

that take a while to go away. Yes, I have a life, but I’ve grown to really dislike the Brewers and their fans, and yesterday’s game hurt so much I woke up at 3:30 AM and it took me 10 mins to get back to sleep.

BTW, when I write “it hurt so much” that I woke up, it means “the game”, and not that I was frisky :-)

by zevkalman on May 2, 2008 10:32 AM CDT reply reply 0 recs

get original photo

I’m assuming that the photos that are posted are resized, is there any way to get a copy of the original photo from Soto’s first homerun wednesday night? link

The group I was with are right in the middle of the photo and would love to be able to send it to them.

-Thanks

by frisch on May 2, 2008 10:34 AM CDT reply reply 0 recs

Email me and I'll see what I can do.

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on May 2, 2008 1:22 PM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

That play pissed me off

The umpire is not only out of position he is running around as well. Gimme a break. In Section 137 down the RF line I KNEW he was safe. No doubt in my mind. From my angle I could see Lou running out of the dugout before the ump was finished making the out call.

As an ump myself I always credited myself if I made a wrong call but was at least in good position to make a call.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on May 2, 2008 11:30 AM CDT reply reply 0 recs

sorry to intervene

But I’m curious… since it seems to me the ump called him out because it was one of those “ball beat him, so he’s out” calls. If he WERE in position, he would have seen that Fukudome got his foot in.

As an umpire, have you ever been in a situation where you knew you may have made the wrong call because of poor positioning and then had a coach argue? If so, do you admit you were out of position and called him out simply because the ball beat him to the base? Or do you hold your ground and swear to the coach that you saw the play perfectly?

I’ve always wondered what was being discussed in arguments like that and I’m hope you’re willing to share your insider side of the story.

Thanks

Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)

by stltrav09 on May 2, 2008 11:37 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

Normally

Ill stand my ground on the call…..I do 14 year traveling leagues and although the kids are the tops for their ages the coaches are still usually much less knowledgable than me. When you are a 1 man umpiring crew your best asset in terms of positioning is hustle. Its near impossible to see a play at second base from behind home plate after just calling a ball/strike. I have to bust out from behind home plate and rip my mask off.

In cases where I made the wrong call and know it, Ill normally discuss it with the coach AFTER the game and explain to him what I did see. Like I said, a one man umpire crew is hard to just cannot makes calls at second perfectly all the time…..a lot of times I am depending on exxactly that--where is ball-where is glove—-where is runner.

The coaches are right on top of you and know its a far far call to make. But like I said, there rarely has been a coach that knew more about anything baseball than myself and thats not a comment to my baseball knowledge but more their lack. I dont know how many times I have explained to a coach (excuse me a father of a player) that “That is not a rule sir” honestly it amazes me.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on May 2, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

hope that didnt

sound like I was the best umpire ever…its just these are volunteer coaches who dont always know that much except how to hit a ground ball during infield practice.

To answer the question, I would never admit I was wrong during a game, after is another. I feel if I am approachable and honest outside the field I gain more respect that me.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on May 2, 2008 11:45 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

I agree, man.

I know the rule book is boring and not as clear as it could be, but you would think the volunteer coaches would at least take some time to learn the rules. I guess too many of them think they know everything they need to know but then a play happens and they don’t know the applicable rule. And then, it’s always the umpire’s fault. I’ve seen that too many times, man. I get your drift.

by Fraggin Judge on May 2, 2008 11:50 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

Yeah

Although I have been doing this since I was 13 years olds and I will be 28 in June. So, realistically being a sound and fine gentleman and knowing the rules and such; I catch flack but rarely.

An example would be a sweep tag at second and the first coach can clearly see it was not an out and I call him out. That is the type of play I would talk to the coach about IN GAME. If I ignore that and claim I made the right call Id lose respect IMO

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on May 2, 2008 11:55 AM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

The umps this year have been missing calls all over the place

This one was so obvious because Kendall was straddling over the plate like a wicket on the lawn where Fukudome slide on the plate as Kendall didn’t even block the plate but tagged him high almost on the head.

This ump was running late and not anticipating the play…..being a former ump and ref, if I had been sitting in my old dugout seats I would have been relentless in making sure he knew he was out of position on every play. Even ball and strikes he would be out of position. A scoring play demands the best possible call, not some 2B in the area or ball beats runner call.

That game Theriot was called out at 3B and got his hand in before the tag as well, when he tried to advance on the throwing error by the SS.

That is just one friggin game. Now whether there is the silent treatment against Lou and the Cubs for last year when he did his June explosion or just bad umping I am not sure. But we need to track this.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on May 2, 2008 12:15 PM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

Coaching..

It’s not easy being a coach. I tried it one year and it was pure hell. I had no problems with umpires at all. I respect and told my players to respect the umps too. The parents were the biggest problem I saw. They would always berate the ump and the coaches too. I would get calls at 11 at night from little Johnny’s dad telling me what an ass I was for taking Johnny out of the game the last inning so somone else could get a chance to play, and then giving me his critique of the entire game. Of course, when I suggested that since he was so knowledgeable about baseball, that he should be a coach too, he himmed and hawwed that he was too busy, yada yada…Not sure I had a point here…was just venting….

"The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball"

by Bump Bailey on May 2, 2008 12:18 PM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

That's why I don't offer to coach.

There’s always one of those parents you describe so well.

Congratulations to Hammer, northsider and to you for volunteering to help our kids play baseball.

in a humorous vein, this reminds me of a South Park episode where Cartman’s team advanced to the state finals at Coors Field without playing a game because a parent was in charge of provoking a fist fight during every game, resulting in a confiscation in favor of Cartman’s team. It was a very funny satire of how parents behave at their son’s games. They forget it is their son’s show, not theirs.

by Fraggin Judge on May 2, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

I have a million stories

two dads almost fought it was ridiculously hilarious.

Over the years I havent ejected many kids/coaches but that doesnt mean I havent had to. I like to let them chill sometimes.

The best was last year (when I was umping McFails kid, I umped his other kid as well) a coach beraded me because I was giving favorites to McFails kid. I had no idea it was his kid and asked the coach How the heck I was supposed to know that and I dont play favorites (Ive been behind the plate when my brother was catching) I dont play favortes. My good line to the coach to calm him down was that I was a diehard Cub fan and if I would have know who is was I would have played favorites to him, well not really—he laughed though.

Years back I did McFails older son who was a decent shortstop it was a 18-21 year old which was full of scrubs, big time scrubs. This little wise ass argued a balk with me over and and over. I eventually had to tell him this “if I called every balk in this league wed be here all day” Honestly they sucked.

Same league, I called 2 straight balks on two straight pitches to a kid who had no idea what was going on——its was 100 degrees that day and I called a balk on the 3rd pitch and he turned and yelled “what the fu*k is wrong with you” I tossed him instantly he handed me the ball and said thanks is hot as hell out here. Love it.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on May 2, 2008 3:27 PM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

No not at all

thanks. I figured umps would never admit to being out of position or making the wrong call during the game and rightfully so.

And kudos to you for being an ump. I umped little league 1 year while I was in high school. It was a horrible experience dealing with uninformed coaches and players who think they know everything. This wasn’t even a competitive league but it was still awful. I have a lot of respect for officials because I tried it and I know it’s a tough job… I would never do it again.

Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)

by stltrav09 on May 2, 2008 12:05 PM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

Kudos to you for your umpiring!

You’re probably way ahead of me, but I’m entering my 7th year of Pony/Colt (15-18) baseball. I’ve also done some Little League, 10-14. I’ve only had a few problems with players, all of them older. Coaches are definitely the biggest headache, and ESPECIALLY when they don’t understand the first thing about balks as they yell at you for calling one on their sons. That said, it’s a lot of fun. My grandpa and dad used to umpire AAA games together so I guess it runs in our family.

Way to go, Hammer. Sounds like you handle it exactly as I was taught. You’ve gotta keep control of the game, but admit you’re human at the same time.

May the coaches and fans never know your name! : )

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on May 2, 2008 2:12 PM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

Exactly thanks.

I could do other games—-high school etc. But I like my league, plus I get 65 bucks cash for each game. I do Pony and Colt too later in the summer

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on May 2, 2008 2:22 PM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

Dome said...

“We should have win that game – doesn’t matter how many basehits I got…. “ as he bite his lips in frustration after the game.
Re: chasing Fielder’s fly ball in the 6th inning and ended up with Johnson’s error, Dome said “Our calls were overlapped”.
Anyhow the article says he shifted gears emotionally and moved on to St.Louis.

I'm bleeding Dragons Blue.

by dragonsfanatic on May 2, 2008 12:12 PM CDT reply reply 0 recs

Thank you for the information!

[Dome has] shifted gears emotionally and moved on to St.Louis.

So should we all, my friends. So should we all.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.

by dat cubfan daver on May 2, 2008 12:43 PM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

BWAHAAHAHAH`

The last shot is my favorite! Look at the cloud of dust Fielder kicked up running to home plate! HAHAAHA

by Keystone80435 on May 2, 2008 2:58 PM CDT reply reply 0 recs

He looks like a player from a beer softball league.

n/t

by Fraggin Judge on May 2, 2008 3:12 PM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

I'm still damn impressed at how Soto handled himself on that play.

It takes some cajones to stand your ground when the human equivalent of a 50-car freight train is heading your way.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.

by dat cubfan daver on May 2, 2008 3:15 PM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

Dont know

I doubt think Prince is really that much bigges than Soto. Cool play, from my angle I was upset at first because I thought his flying helmet was the ball for some reason…either way….

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on May 2, 2008 3:17 PM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

My wife is now telling me...

the person taking the picture has something in front ot the lens making that funky blur ove rthe right side of the pic. I dont believe her. I still think it’s Prince Fielder flatulant or a cloud of dust from him rumbling in from 3rd base.

by Keystone80435 on May 2, 2008 3:52 PM CDT up reply reply 0 recs

Rest easy everyone, Chad Fox is coming to save the bullpen!

Not Sean Gallagher, though. The Cubs have logically decided to go with the old, easily breakable guy instead. I fail to see how this move helps at all, but maybe Chad will surprise me. Or maybe his arm will fall off with his first pitch. Either way, it should be exciting.

by ohboy on May 2, 2008 3:50 PM CDT reply reply 0 recs