controling the game part 2

[Jim Porter]

In another thread I talked about an interference call during a Red Sox game. It was an unusual ruling. You hardly see that kind of call in Major League Baseball.

As a result, the ensuing discussion with manager Terry Francona took place in foul territory off the first base line close to home plate. Why did it take place there? Because the umpires made their way to Terry Francona when he came out to question the call. They went to him because it was indeed a rare ruling.

If it had simply been a judgment call that Francona was coming out to argue, the umpires would've stayed put and let Francona come to them. But because of the nature of the ruling it was appropriate for the umpires to approach the manager in that situation.