Minor Leaguer Vinnie Catricala Strikes Out On One Pitch

Minor Leaguer Vinnie Catricala Strikes Out On One Pitch

Vinnie Catricala is a third baseman for the Midland Rock Hounds, which is the Double-A team of the Oakland Athletics. Recently, the Rock Hounds were playing the Corpus Christi Hooks (Houston Astros) when Catricala decided to make history by striking out on one pitch against pitcher Nick Tropeano.

Yes, you read that right.

Catricala was called out when he decided to argue with home plate umpire Ron Teague about the first strike call. Instead of arguing after the at-bat he stepped out of the batter's box immediately to speak his mind. That's when Teague decided he was breaking Rule 6.02 (c):

If the batter refuses to take his position in the batter’s box during his time at bat, the umpire shall call a strike on the batter. The ball is dead, and no runners may advance. After the penalty, the batter may take his proper position and the regular ball and strike count shall continue. If the batter does not take his proper position before three strikes have been called, the batter shall be declared out

Comment: The umpire shall give the batter a reasonable opportunity to take his proper position in the batter’s box after the umpire has called a strike pursuant to Rule 6.02(c) and before the umpire calls a successive strike pursuant to Rule 6.02(c).

Since Catricala didn't step back into the batter's box after the second called strike, the ump called another one using the same rule and Catricala was out. History made!

In Catricala's defense, the first pitch was clearly a ball, so technically he was the first person to ever be called out with 0 strikes as well. Well played, Catricala.

Check out the video below.

About The Author
Ray
Instagram - https://instagram.com/rayabel
Ray
Ray is the founder of Stray Monkey, and as a shameless plug he wants to remind you to check out the Research the News podcast.

Pin It