Major League Baseball changed forever when the replay system was initially introduced in 2008. While not all of the calls made by umpires can be changed, the number of correct calls has most certainly increased. The replay system enables umpires in all 30 MLB Stadiums to speak in real-time with those stationed at the Major League Baseball Replay Operations Center, back in New York City. At the Replay Operations Center is an umpire and a trained technician, who are capable of viewing an infinite number of angles of the play in question. Just within the past five days, there have been two game-altering plays that not only changed the course of the inning but also the game’s final score. When the Miami Marlins came to town to play the New York Mets at Citi Field on Thursday, May 9, both teams fought hard up until what became the final out, when Michael Conforto, an outfielder for the Mets, was at-bat. The count was 1-2, and with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, Conforto was hit by a pitch. That was, at least, the call on the field. Quite visibly, Conforto’s elbow was graced by what would have been a called strike three. Conforto’s elbow was stuck out, granting him the first base, and enabling the Mets to win the game. Even Ron Kulpa thought that the pitch was a strike three at the time of the at-bat, as he began to call the pitch as such, but then gestured to first base tapping on his arm, indicating that Conforto was hit by pitch. Don Mattingly, the manager of the Marlins, proceeded to emerge from the visitors’ dugout at Citi Field. Amidst a tirade from Mattingly, the umpires went to replay, but the original hit by pitch call stood and the Mets won on a fluke play that was galvanized by an error in the replay. Source: AP Photo - John Bazemore Merely three days later, the Atlanta Braves were hosting the Philadelphia Phillies on national television, the Sunday Night Baseball game on ESPN. Despite a barrage of home runs from Ozzie Albies, Rhys Hoskins, Didi Gregorious, Freddie Freeman, Bryce Harper, and Ronald Acuña Jr., the game was tied going into the top of the 9th inning. Didi Gregorious, formerly a Red, Diamondback, and Yankee, hit a sac fly to Braves left fielder Marcell Ozuna. Ozuna promptly fielded the ball and, like a cannon, threw it to catcher Travis d’Arnaud. d’Arnaud was able to put the tag on Alec Bohm (as seen above), although despite Bohm never touching home plate, he was called safe by both the home plate umpire and the replay center back in New York. What happened is still unsure. Obviously, umpires are human and make mistakes, but once viewing all three replay angles, the call should have been overturned. Furthermore, after two mistakes in the same weekend, is it time for Major League Baseball to revamp their replay system?
Reported by Seth Schlank If you think the college application process is daunting, do not fret. You’re not alone! In addition to being the most difficult years, the 11th and 12th grade have you engaged in a race to seek high-impact extracurriculars, brainstorm possible college essay ideas, and obtain recommendation letters, all while maintaining a satisfactory grade point average. Nonetheless, following a monthly timeline can help you win the “time to catch-up game” and avoid unnecessary stress.
Start of Freshman Year - End of Sophomore Year
Reported by Tarunika Sasikumar Most of us agree the coronavirus pandemic has been very stressful for the last year. What better way to relieve stress than to sit back, relax, and enjoy a good podcast? Seniors Matthew Yoon, Joseph Kim, and Justin Kim have recently teamed up to create the No Cap Podcast. Here, the boys discuss a variety of enriching topics ranging from their life stories to relationships and food, with the help of special guests.
Not only are these episodes entertaining to listen to, but they incorporate insight into how specific topics related to culture in modern-day life. Host Matthew Yoon says that “We started this podcast to learn the lessons people have accumulated throughout their lives. Especially due to COVID restrictions, we want to promote having meaningful conversations with people.” According to co-host Joseph Kim, “We wanted to start this podcast to make positive use of our free time and branch out of our comfort zones.” Co-host Justin Kim adds that “We figured it would be an interesting project to try out, considering the amount of extra time we had at home from the pandemic. We wanted to share our perspectives on certain topics, especially from the minority standpoint of Asian Americans.” The boys work very hard on this podcast, and Matthew says that it is a project which he hopes to continue during college. Be sure to listen to the No Cap Podcast every Saturday on Spotify! Follow their Instagram! You can contact the hosts here to suggest new podcast ideas or ask to be a guest on a future episode: @ncp_podcast Reported by Amanda Kang |