During the first two weeks of the 2023 MLB regular season, the stadium clock has been a resounding success. Game times drop and actions occur more frequently, which is exactly what MLB targeted when it implemented the new policy.
But a major flaw in the system was discovered during Friday’s contest between the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers. The game featured Cody Bellinger returning to Los Angeles. Bellinger spent the first six seasons of his career with the Dodgers before signing with the Cubs in the offseason. He was named Rookie of the Year and MVP with the Dodgers. He also helped them win the 2020 World Championship.
Because of this, the Dodgers and their fans wanted to show their appreciation for Bellinger’s return. Bellinger received a strong fan response before the match began, and He tipped his hat to the crowd to show appreciation.
When Bellinger got to the plate in the second half, the fans again stood up and applauded before Bellinger got inside the box. He briefly admitted to the fans again before preparing to strike. That’s when the referee stopped the match and accused Bellinger of violating the court clock.
Bellinger didn’t seem too upset about the sequence, even though he did start the beating in one fell swoop. Six pitches later, Bellinger grounded on first base. He finished the contest 1-for-4 with a walk and scored a run in the Cubs’ 8-2 victory.
Does the stadium clock need to be modified?
The violation of the ballpark clock by Bellinger raises a question about the rule’s application. Should there be an exception to the pitch hour rule in cases where a player has been recognized by his former club?
If you read the rule exactly as it is written, referee Jim Wolfe made the right call here. The rule was applied correctly, although it is very silly to punish Bellinger at that moment. While fans have generally taken issue with the stadium clock, do they really want the rule enforced in a moment like this?
To make the situation even crazier, the referees seem to have some flexibility with this situation. Pittsburgh Pirates’ Andrew McCutcheon was allowed to receive a standing ovation from the Pirates fans during his home debut of 2023. McCutcheon starred for the Pirates for the first nine seasons of his career. He returned to the team in the offseason after six seasons.
McCutcheon’s applause provided the fans with one of the most poignant moments of the 2023 MLB season.
McCutchen was allowed to pay his respects to the fans, wipe away a few tears and collect himself before stepping into the box. Chief match referee Ryan Wells did not accuse McCutcheon of a pitch violation. Instead, Wills let the moment happen, realizing how much it meant to the fans and McCutchen. MLB appeared to be on board with the move, tweeting a video of the moment and retweeting the Pirates’ video of McCutcheon’s ovation.
Wills wasn’t behind the plate when Bellinger received his standing ovation Friday night. Longtime MLB umpire Jim Wolf was responsible for calling the violation on Bellinger.
What was a kind homage to Bellinger flooded the moment. Wolfe was just doing his job, but here’s hoping the league will tell umpires they’re allowed to use some secrecy in moments when fans want to show their love for players or notable accomplishments. It’s great that games move faster, but there are some moments that are worth breathing about.
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