Great call ump Betts was gonna catch it before the fan interference #RedSox #Astros #ALCS pic.twitter.com/xVvtHFWCVX
— Homer (@HsTx82) October 18, 2018
Here’s the video from the ALCS of a Jose Altuve home run that was called interference by the umpires who say Mookie Betts didn’t get a fair shot at catching the home run ball.
Astros fan Troy Caldwell was identified as the man who cost Altuve the home run. However, if you watch the video closely, you’ll see that Caldwell doesn’t reach over the wall for the ball.
Here’s the rule straight from MLB:
In every case of spectator interference with a batted or thrown ball, the ball shall be declared dead and the baserunners can be placed where the umpire determines they would have been without the interference. When a spectator clearly prevents a fielder from catching a fly ball by reaching onto the field of play, the batter shall be ruled out. But no interference is called if a spectator comes in contact with a batted or thrown ball without reaching onto the field of play — even if a fielder might have caught the ball had the spectator not been there.
Here’s Troy Caldwell. He was the fan who was ruled to have interfered with the Astros potential home run ball. “I’m going to need security to escort me out of here if the Astros don’t come back to win this.” pic.twitter.com/IXE2uEzSoW
— Matt Young (@Chron_MattYoung) October 18, 2018
So I went out and found the fan who interfered with Altuve's flyball. Troy Caldwell is a lifelong Astros fan, born in Houston and now residing in Atlanta. Made the trip back specifically for Game 4. Said he didn't touch Mookie's glove and was behind yellow line.
— Owen Pence (@OwenPence) October 18, 2018
Troy Caldwell (fan who was called for interference) asked for his opinion on Joe West: "I don’t think its appropriate for the papers."
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) October 18, 2018
HOME RUN CONTROVERSY: Was it a home run or fan interference? I just went and asked the #Astros fan himself. Troy said without a doubt it should’ve been a home run. #NeverSettle https://t.co/KguuJO5AFf pic.twitter.com/CvVMOKnKLX
— Nick Natario (@NickABC13) October 18, 2018
Mookie Betts was going to catch that ball…but when you go INTO the stands it’s fair game for the fan. Complete wrong call and of course they won’t overturn Cowboy Joe. The umpires don’t know the rules. Crazy. pic.twitter.com/cztJyUFXOj
— Paul Lo Duca (@paulloduca16) October 18, 2018
Looks like Betts’ glove was in the stands. Should have been a homer. pic.twitter.com/AUsbIybTCe
— Keith W. Kiser (@KeithWKiser) October 18, 2018
