Arguments With Umpires

ARGUMENTS WITH UMPIRES have occurred in baseball almost since the game began in the 1800s. But in 1998, New York Yankees second baseman Chuck Knoblauch allowed a quarrel to distract his play.

Leading 1–0 in the American League Championship Series, the Yankees hosted the Cleveland Indians for the second game. The contest turned into a pitchers’ duel with the score tied 1–1 heading into the 12th inning.

Cleveland first baseman Jim Thome opened the 12th with a single, and manager Mike Hargrove inserted Enrique Wilson as a pinch runner. Playing for the lead, Travis Fryman dropped a perfect bunt down the first-base line. New York first baseman Tino Martinez charged the ball, wheeled around, and threw to Knoblauch, who had covered first.

But Martinez’s throw hit Fryman in the back and rolled about 20 feet behind the bag. Knoblauch, believing the runner should have been called out for interference, fumed and launched into a tirade with home plate umpire Ted Hendry.

Meanwhile, play continued. Wilson raced to third and was waved home. Ignoring his teammates’ screams, Knoblauch remained locked in the argument before finally retrieving the ball. But his hurried throw arrived too late as Wilson dove into the plate for a 2–1 advantage. The Indians added two more runs in the 12th, and Mike Jackson clinched the save as Cleveland took a 4–1 victory.

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POINT Chuck Knoblauch’s dispute cost the Yankees the ball game and could have made the difference in the series. Fortunately for Knoblauch, the Yankees came through to win the pennant four games to two after dropping the second and third playoff contests. The apologetic second baseman credited his teammates with giving him support when his emotions got the better of him.

Sometimes arguing gets the better of us, too. During those times, it’s hard for others to see Christ in us. The writer of Proverbs said that disputes should be stopped before they cause too much damage.

GOAL! Are there arguments in your family or among your friends that have led people to stop talking to each other? If so, do what you can to mend the relationships. Ask God to keep you from arguing.