Allan H. (Bud) Selig, Commissioner
Commissioner of Major League Baseball
245 Park Avenue, 31st Floor
New York, NY, 10167
Dear Mr. Selig:
On June 1, 2012 Johan Santana pitched a great game for the Mets against the Cardinals. But it was not a no-hitter as you and your top MLB officials know. It was an erroneous umpire no-hitter.
The camera replay went contrary to the umpire’s call on one play. Here is the New York Times’ report:
“He [Santana] got an assist from the third base umpire, Adrian Johnson, in the sixth inning. The former Met Carlos Beltran scorched a liner over third base, and replays showed that the ball kicked up a bit of white chalk on the outer edge of the baseline. But Johnson called it foul, and Beltran grounded out.”
Coming off your refusal to accord Detroit pitcher Armando Galarraga his valid perfect game, ruined by a wrong call at first base by umpire Jim Joyce (who had the grace to admit his error following the camera replay), it was encouraging to read, at long last, that MLB officials are “actively discussing the use of instant replay in games” for reviewing fair/foul and catch/trap calls. The news report noted that “both the umpires’ and players’ unions must approve any expansion of replay.”
We suggest that the fans be polled on this long overdue matter as well. What is your view on including the people who make your salary possible?
Sincerely,
Ralph Nader
Ken Reed
Sports Policy Director, League of Fans
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