For a longtime Major League Baseball umpire, Rob Drake has a proven track record of poor judgement (which doesn’t always take place on the field). But on Thursday, we saw once again just how bad Drake can be when it comes to over-officiating the most basic aspects of baseball.
During the fourth inning of the Orioles’ game against the Oakland Athletics, designated hitter Trey Mancini reached first safely on a throwing error from Nick Allen. As the ball skipped away, Mancini turned to see where the ball went, saw that it hardly rolled away and began making a leisurely jog to first base.
Just to be sure, internet icon Sean Murphy tagged Mancini. But to the dismay of everyone, Drake called Mancini out.