Game 3 of the 2013 World Series ended in controversy Saturday night, as the Cardinals' Allen Craig scored a walk-off run on an obstruction call at third base. In case you missed it or just need a reminder, here's video of the play:
We can see just what the Cardinals and Red Sox thought of the call. Thanks to the power of Twitter, we know what a whole bunch of other MLB players thought as well! Most thought that although it was the right call by umpire Jim Joyce, it's unfortunate that such a call was key to the final play in a World Series game.
Athletics pitcher Brett Anderson:
Ok so hearing the rule read out loud, Joyce made the right call...just a bad way to end a World Series game.
— Brett Anderson (@BrettAnderson49) October 27, 2013
This is a terrible rule btw.
— Brett Anderson (@BrettAnderson49) October 27, 2013
Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis:
Hate to see any game end that way, especially with how insane of a double play it would've been if no call was made! #rightcalltho
— Jason Kipnis (@TheJK_Kid) October 27, 2013
Diamondbacks pitcher Daniel Hudson:
Before I get killed, I was just saying it sucks for such a good game to end on a play like that. I thought it was the right call. Fire away
— Daniel Hudson (@DHuddy41) October 27, 2013
Mets reliever David Aardsma:
That absolutely sucks if you are a sox fan, but it's the right call. #RedSox #Cardinals #WorldSeries
— David Aardsma (@TheDA53) October 27, 2013
Astros catcher Max Stassi:
You cannot end a World Series game on an obstruction call that is very borderline!! Wow!!
— Max Stassi (@MaxStassi10) October 27, 2013
Free agent outfielder Shelley Duncan:
I haven't seen an obstruction call in years! One to end a World Series game is unbelievable. Ballsy call, but right. Love it! #WorldSeries
— Shelley Duncan (@shelldunc) October 27, 2013
Long Island Ducks utility man Bill Hall originally thought that the umps blew the call, but later begrudgingly accepted that it was by-the-book:
Need instant replay ASAP. Allen Craig had a clear path and chose to run into him. Bad call
— Bill Hall (@BillHall_III) October 27, 2013
I just read rule book reading. Right call but not sure the book reading explains how what just happened there.
— Bill Hall (@BillHall_III) October 27, 2013
Hall and Marlins pitcher Chris Hatcher complimented players involved in the play:
Credit to Craig. He done exactly what ur taught as a baseball. He did what Prince kinda don't last series but unsuccessfully. lol
— Bill Hall (@BillHall_III) October 27, 2013
Most overlooked part of that ending was nava being in position to even make a play. Thats fundamental baseball folks. Very often overlooked.
— Chris Hatcher (@handlebars39) October 27, 2013
Giants outfielder Hunter Pence says Craig scoring should have been expected:
Don't think the controversy should be on the umpires here. When you throw the ball away they typically score. That's baseball
— Hunter Pence (@hunterpence) October 27, 2013
Pirates pitcher Ryan Reid used the play to profess his love for the MLB:
This is why MLB is held in such a high regard, this stuff right here doesn't happen in any other sports. #NF(ixed)L
— Ryan Reid (@RyNReid) October 27, 2013
Retired pitcher CJ Nitkowski thinks the Red Sox spring training schedule has changed:
Red Sox spring training 2014: lots of practicing throws from home to 3B for all players.
— CJ Nitkowski (@CJNitkowski) October 27, 2013
Athletics pitcher Sean Doolittle took the time to ask the important questions:
Ok in this situation who gets the celebratory pie in the face for the walk off win?
— Sean Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) October 27, 2013
Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon McCarthy missed it:
Finally getting home to catch up on all the game highlights. Hope I didn't miss anything that would've been fun to discuss in realtime.
— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) October 27, 2013
More from SB Nation MLB:
• World Series: Cards win Game 3 | Obstruction rule explained
• Brisbee: The evolving definition of The Cardinal Way
• Gold Glove finalists announced | Brisbee: And they actually make sense!
• How to fix the: Twins | Marlins | Astros
• Death of a Ballplayer: Wrongly convicted prospect spends 27 years in prison