phan*tom tag
What Is The Definition Of Phantom Tag In Baseball?
1. A phantom tag occurs if an umpire calls an out when a fielder tries to tag a runner, but doesn’t actually make contact. This occurs because the tag looks legitimate from the umpire’s point of view, or they were not able to clearly see the tag happen because of an obstruction in their view (like another player on the field).
The most famous example of a phantom tag occurred during a game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox during the 1999 American League Championship Series. In Game 4, Jose Offerman was tagged out by the Yankees’ second baseman, Chuck Knoblauch, who then threw the ball to first base to end the inning in a double play. Replay footage backed up Offerman’s claim that he hadn’t actually been tagged, but the call stood and the Yankees went on to win the game and, eventually, the 1999 World Series.
Examples Of How Phantom Tag Is Used In Commentary
1. Knoblauch’s phantom tag on Offerman has become known as one of the worst calls in MLB playoff history.
Sport The Term Is Used:
1. Baseball