Called game

What is the Definition of a Called Game in Baseball?

A called game in baseball occurs when an umpire decides to abandon or end the game due to a variety of factors. This can be a result of weather conditions, field conditions, or other circumstances that make it impossible to continue play. The umpire has the authority to call the game for several reasons, ensuring the safety of the players and maintaining the integrity of the sport.

The concept of a called game has been an essential part of baseball since its inception, with rules and regulations in place to guide umpires in making these decisions. In some cases, called games can be resumed or replayed, while in others, they may be declared a “no game,” with no impact on the teams’ records. Many notable called games in baseball history have had significant effects on the outcome of a season or even a championship.

Key Takeaways

• Called games occur when an umpire ends play due to various factors, such as weather or field conditions.
• Rules and regulations guide umpires in their decisions to call or resume games, ensuring the safety and integrity of the sport.
• Notable called games have historically impacted the outcome of seasons and championships in baseball.

Called Game Definition

A called game in baseball refers to a game that has been terminated or abandoned due to various reasons, as determined by the umpire-in-chief. It is part of the official baseball rules followed by Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National League (NL).

Some common grounds for calling a game include adverse weather conditions, such as rain, fog, wind, sleet, or snow, which make the field unplayable. In some cases, darkness may also lead to a called game, particularly when a ballpark lacks lights or is not permitted to use them. Additionally, a game may be called for reasons such as a legal curfew, league-allowed time limit, or failure of essential field equipment, such as lighting systems or a tarpaulin roller.

According to the baseball rulebook, if a game is called before the trailing team has batted in five innings, the game is considered “no game” and its results are nullified, unless specific conditions are met. If a regulation called game has no determined winner due to these circumstances, some state associations may count it as half-game won and half-game lost for each team.

Called games are an essential aspect of baseball, ensuring the safety of players, umpires, and spectators. They are a necessary part of maintaining the integrity of the sport and adapting to unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the course of a game.

Reasons for a Called Game

Weather Conditions

A called game in baseball can occur when the weather makes it impossible to continue playing safely. The umpire, typically the umpire-in-chief, will call the game. Weather conditions that can lead to a called game include heavy rain, snow, sleet, fog, or strong winds. The primary concern in these cases is player safety and maintaining the integrity of the game.

Poor Field Conditions

Aside from weather-related issues, the conditions of the field can lead to a called game. Damaged flooring or essential equipment, such as the backstop, can be grounds for the umpire to call the game. Additionally, if the field becomes excessively muddy, slippery, or otherwise unplayable, the game may need to be terminated.

Curfew and Darkness

A called game can result from a legal curfew or league-allowed time limit. If the game reaches a designated cut-off time, the umpire may call the game. Similarly, darkness may also be a reason for a called game. If the ballpark lacks proper lighting or is not legally allowed to use its lights, the game may be terminated due to poor visibility. Mechanical failure of the lights can also lead to a called game for the same reason.

Other Circumstances

Some other circumstances that may result in a called game include a team forfeiting or issues with a mechanical field device, such as a tarpaulin roller. The umpire will determine whether these situations warrant a called game to protect the safety of the players and maintain the sporting spirit.

It’s important to remember that called games can have various outcomes depending on league rules and the specific circumstances. In some cases, a called game may be declared a “no game” and not count towards standings, while in others, it could be counted as a half-game won and half-game lost for both teams.

Rules and Regulations

Minimum Innings for a Called Game

In baseball, a game can be called if the conditions for a complete game aren’t met, such as the required minimum number of innings. A regulation game consists of nine innings, with the winning team having scored more runs at the end. However, if a game must be stopped early due to outside factors like weather or darkness, there are minimum innings required for it to be an official game. If the home team is leading after 4½ innings or the game is tied or the visiting team is leading after five innings, the game is official.

Suspended Game vs. Called Game

While a called game is one where the umpire terminates play and the game does not count in the standings, a suspended game is different. Suspended games are halted but resumed at a later date from where they left off, with the same game situation. This can occur if the game cannot be completed due to weather, darkness, or mechanical failures, such as an unplayable field or insufficient lighting. In the case of a called game, if the required minimum innings were not played, the game is declared “no game” and does not count in the standings. On the other hand, a suspended game, once completed, will be counted as a full regulation game.

• Called game: Terminated by the umpire, no winner is determined, and the game does not count in the standings.
• Suspended game: Halted initially but resumed later from the point of suspension and counts as a regulation game once completed.

In conclusion, a called game in baseball is one where the game cannot continue due to external conditions and does not meet the minimum required innings. This results in the game being declared “no game” and not counting in the standings. A suspended game, however, is resumed later and counts as a regulation game once completed.

Resuming and Replaying Called Games

Rescheduling and Doubleheaders

When a called game occurs, it may be either resumed or replayed at a later date depending on the circumstances and MLB rules. The decision to resume or replay is typically made by considering factors such as the number of innings played, the presence of darkness, or weather conditions. In some cases, a doubleheader may be scheduled, where the visiting team and home team play two games in a single day. It is essential to follow the MLB’s rescheduling guidelines to ensure a fair outcome for both teams.

Statistics and Results

For a called game, all statistics and results up until the point the game was called are still considered official and recorded. In the case of a replay, these stats are applied to the new game, ensuring a fair reflection of the players’ performances. However, in some situations, if a game is called before the required minimum number of innings have been completed, the game may be deemed a “no game,” and the stats would not be counted. It’s crucial to be mindful of MLB rules and guidelines when recording statistics and results for called games to ensure the most accurate representation of the teams’ performances.

Historical Context and Notable Called Games

Early History

The concept of a called game in baseball has its roots in the early development of the sport. Baseball, as we know it today, has evolved from various folk games played in different regions across the globe. The term “base-ball” can be traced back to 1744, appearing in John Newbery’s children’s book A Little Pretty Pocket-Book. The book includes a brief poem and an illustration that showcases a game similar to baseball.

Over the years, the game of baseball underwent significant changes. One such element that emerged was the called game, which refers to a baseball game that has been abandoned or ended for specified reasons. The most common reasons for a game to be called are unplayable weather conditions, unfavorable field conditions, or darkness.

Notable Called Games throughout History

Here are a few notable called games in baseball history:

1. 1911 World Series Game 3: This game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Athletics was called after twelve innings due to darkness. The score was tied 6-6, with the Athletics eventually winning the series in six games.
2. 1982 Pine Tar Game: The famous game between the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals was called in the ninth inning when the umpires ruled that George Brett’s home run was disallowed. The game was later resumed, with the Royals ultimately winning 5-4.
3. 2002 All-Star Game: This exhibition game held in Milwaukee ended in a 7-7 tie after eleven innings due to both teams exhausting their rosters. Commissioner Bud Selig deemed the game a tie, much to the dissatisfaction of fans and players alike.
4. 2008 World Series Game 5: This game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Tampa Bay Rays was called in the sixth inning due to persistent rain. The score was tied at 2-2, and the game resumed two days later, eventually leading to a 4-3 Phillies victory and a World Series win.

Called games have been a part of baseball’s history and will continue to be so in the future. Understanding their role in the game helps provide context and enrich our appreciation for the sport.