Major League Baseball (MLB) faced a glaring issue with umpiring during Game 3 of the 2024 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees. Home plate umpire Mark Carlson ranked in the bottom half of league umpires, was assigned to this critical matchup, and his performance drew sharp criticism.
Carlson’s missed calls affected both teams, but the most significant error came during a pivotal at-bat involving Dodgers’ Will Smith. With the bases loaded, a clear ball on a 3-1 count was erroneously called a strike, ultimately squandering a scoring opportunity and momentum for the Dodgers. This high-profile mistake underscored broader concerns about MLB’s umpiring standards and accountability.
The game saw more contentious decisions, including a controversial call on a squeeze bunt play at home plate involving Dodgers runner Gavin Lux. Replays suggested Lux may have been safe, with his hand appearing to touch home before the tag, but the play was upheld by MLB’s replay review system. This decision denied the Dodgers another scoring opportunity, casting further doubt on the efficacy of MLB’s replay protocols. Such errors amplified frustrations among fans and highlighted the stakes of poor umpiring in high-pressure scenarios.
Carlson’s missteps were not one-sided, as Yankees fans felt aggrieved by a disputed strike call against Gleyber Torres later in the game. While the call was later deemed correct according to Baseball Savant’s metrics, it added to the perception of inconsistency. Fans and analysts pointed to the cumulative impact of umpiring errors on both teams, with the Yankees having benefited from questionable calls throughout the postseason. These incidents raised questions about whether systemic issues in umpiring were skewing game outcomes.
Despite the officiating woes, the Dodgers managed to secure a 4-2 victory in Game 3, but the controversies overshadowed the gameplay. MLB’s reputation suffered as viewers worldwide witnessed repeated umpiring errors on its grandest stage. Critics argued that the league must address these shortcomings to preserve the integrity of the game, particularly during high-stakes matchups like the World Series. Carlson’s performance became emblematic of broader umpiring challenges that have plagued the postseason.
The recurring theme of poor officiating, including the Yankees benefiting disproportionately from missed calls, has become a significant concern for MLB. While there is no evidence of intentional bias, the impact of umpiring errors has been undeniable, influencing tight games and shifting run expectancy. As the league moves forward, there is a pressing need for reforms, whether through improved training, accountability measures, or greater reliance on automated systems to minimize human error in critical moments.
