NewsReplay upholds McCann's double
Braves argued for home run in Turner Field's first review
By Mark Bowman / MLB.com
06/11/09 12:10 AM ET
ATLANTA -- When Brian McCann saw the fans react at Turner Field on Wednesday night, he was under the impression that he'd just delivered a game-tying two-run homer.Instead, he simply found himself preparing to be the focal point of the first instant-replay review that not only took place at Turner Field, but that has involved the Braves.
After McCann's long sixth-inning drive off Pirates right-hander Jeff Karstens bounced off the top of the outfield wall, Braves manager Bobby Cox staged a civil argument that led crew chief Dana DeMuth and the other umpires to determine they should at least take a look at the replay.
"I couldn't tell," Cox said after his club's 3-2 loss to the Pirates. "That's the first time that we've asked. There's a wall that's four feet back there. From the dugout, it's impossible to tell. But they got it right, from what I've heard."
While reviewing to see if the ball had indeed hit the wall that stands behind the outfield fence, the umpires quickly saw that the ball hit the padded yellow portion and bounced back into play.
When the umpires signaled for McCann to remain at second base with a double, they drew some boos from those fans who were at least present to witness franchise history.
"I guess I didn't see it, but I looked at the fans and everybody was saying home run," McCann said. "I haven't seen it yet. But I think it was close enough to go check it to make sure it didn't hit that back wall."
To solely review disputed calls involving potential home runs, Major League Baseball began using instant replay on Aug. 28, 2008.
Mark Bowman is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
