A critical FAILURE point in the game. The fact that each ump has their own version of the strike zone, to the point where MLB pitchers study tape of THEM is a pathetic shame. There’s no entertainment value in only one person in the stadium knowing if that’s a ball or strike.
” There’s no entertainment value in only one person in the stadium knowing if that’s a ball or strike.”
Part of it is consistency. If the ump is calling a large strike zone for both teams, then I don’t see a problem. However, if he is calling it for one team, or maybe a few batters that in the past complained about a call, it does take away from the integrity of the game.
Worst call in the game in my opinion is the first leg of the double play. Half the time second base isn’t even touched before relaying the ball to first. Ump says, ball beat the runner. Ballcrap! Touch the bag. That is part of the game.