The Ump Blew It: 12 Calls That Changed Games (and Sometimes Seasons)

Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Schatz

Baseball history is filled with controversial moments, but none quite as impactful as these game-changing umpire calls. From perfect games denied to World Series moments altered, these decisions have shaped the sport’s legacy and eventually led to significant rule changes and the implementation of replay technology.

1. Don Denkinger’s Blown Call (1985 World Series, Game 6)

In a pivotal moment that changed baseball history, umpire Don Denkinger’s infamous call in Game 6 of the 1985 World Series gave the Royals new life when Jorge Orta was ruled safe at first base despite clearly being out. This error sparked a Kansas City rally that led to their victory in both Game 6 and ultimately the Series over St. Louis. The controversial call became a catalyst for discussions about implementing replay technology in baseball.

2. Jim Joyce Ruins Armando Galarraga’s Perfect Game (2010)

With two outs in the ninth inning, first base umpire Jim Joyce made a call that would haunt baseball history forever. He ruled Cleveland’s Jason Donald safe at first when replays clearly showed he was out, destroying Armando Galarraga’s perfect game bid. The incident became memorable not just for the mistake, but for Joyce’s immediate admission of error and Galarraga’s incredibly gracious response, showing true sportsmanship in the face of disappointment.

3. The Pine Tar Incident (1983)

Umpire Tim McClelland’s decision to nullify George Brett’s go-ahead home run against the Yankees due to excessive pine tar created one of baseball’s most explosive moments. Brett’s furious reaction became an iconic image in baseball history. The Royals successfully protested, and the game was later resumed from the point of Brett’s homer. This incident led MLB to clarify its pine tar rules and remains one of baseball’s most memorable controversies.

4. Jeffrey Maier Interference (1996 ALCS)

In a crucial playoff moment, 12-year-old fan Jeffrey Maier reached over the right field wall and deflected Derek Jeter’s fly ball into the stands for a home run. Umpire Rich Garcia missed the obvious fan interference, changing the course of the ALCS. The Yankees won the game and eventually the series against the Orioles. This controversial moment helped accelerate discussions about the need for video review in baseball.

5. Chuck Knoblauch Phantom Tag (1999 ALCS)

Umpire Tim Tschida’s phantom tag call at second base became a defining moment in the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry. Despite Knoblauch missing Jose Offerman by nearly a foot, Tschida called him out, killing a potential Red Sox rally. This egregious error in a crucial playoff game intensified calls for expanded replay review in postseason games and highlighted the limitations of human umpiring.

6. Eric Gregg’s Wide Strike Zone (1997 NLCS)

Umpire Eric Gregg’s impossibly wide strike zone in Game 5 of the 1997 NLCS between the Braves and Marlins remains one of the most controversial officiating performances in baseball history. Livan Hernandez struck out 15 Braves batters, many on pitches clearly outside the zone. This game led to MLB implementing stricter strike zone monitoring and more rigorous evaluation of umpires.

7. The Infield Fly Rule Game (2012 NL Wild Card)

Left field umpire Sam Holbrook’s controversial infield fly rule call on a ball that landed 225 feet from home plate caused chaos in Atlanta. The delayed call confused players and sparked a 19-minute delay as angry fans littered the field with debris. This bizarre interpretation of the infield fly rule led to extensive discussions about the rule’s application and umpire discretion.

8. Kent Hrbek’s Wrestling Move (1991 World Series)

In a crucial Game 2 moment, Twins first baseman Kent Hrbek literally lifted Braves runner Ron Gant off first base and tagged him out. Umpire Drew Coble’s failure to call interference shifted the World Series momentum. The play highlighted the need for better positioning and multiple camera angles for crucial plays, becoming a defining moment in World Series history.

9. Reggie Jackson’s Hip Check (1978 World Series)

During Game 4 of the 1978 World Series, Reggie Jackson intentionally interfered with a throw by sticking out his hip, allowing a crucial run to score. The umpires’ failure to call interference helped the Yankees win the game and eventually the Series. This controversial non-call remains one of the most debated interference plays in baseball history.

10. Joe Mauer’s Foul Ball (2009 ALDS)

Umpire Phil Cuzzi’s incorrect ruling of Joe Mauer’s drive down the left-field line as foul when replays showed it clearly landed fair changed the course of the 2009 ALDS. The Twins lost the game and series to the Yankees, and this mistake became a crucial factor in MLB’s decision to expand replay review to include fair/foul calls.

11. A.J. Pierzynski’s Dropped Third Strike (2005 ALCS)

Home plate umpire Doug Eddings’ controversial ruling that Angels catcher Josh Paul hadn’t caught strike three cleanly allowed Chicago’s A.J. Pierzynski to reach first base in a crucial playoff moment. The White Sox capitalized on this call to score the winning run, leading to changes in how umpires communicate dropped third strikes and influencing the outcome of the series.

12. Ed Armbrister’s Interference (1975 World Series)

Home plate umpire Larry Barnett’s controversial non-call on Ed Armbrister’s interference with Carlton Fisk during a bunt attempt changed Game 3 of the 1975 World Series. The Reds capitalized on this moment to win both the game and eventually the Series. This play led MLB to clarify interference rules on bunt attempts and remains a significant moment in World Series history.