In the 9th inning of the Rays-Yankees game this evening, Andy Pettite and Derek Jeter went on to the field to take Mariano Rivera out of his final game at Replica Yankee Stadium. It was an emotional moment sure, but it violated MLB rules and the umpires allowed it.
According to the Major League Baseball Rule Book:
3.17
Players and substitutes of both teams shall confine themselves to their teams benches unless actually participating in the play or preparing to enter the game, or coaching at first or third base. No one except players, substitutes, managers, coaches, trainers and bat boys shall occupy a bench during a game.
PENALTY: For violation the umpire may, after warning, remove the offender from the field.
Rule 3.17 Comment: Players on the disabled list are permitted to participate in pre-game activity and sit on the bench during a game but may not take part in any activity during the game such as warming up a pitcher, bench-jockeying, etc. Disabled players are not allowed to enter the playing surface at any time or for any purpose during the game.
As everyone knows, Derek Jeter is currently on the disabled list. Accordingly he should not have been allowed on the field. In addition, there is no exception or waiver of this rule that is evident for any circumstance.
So say on Sunday, in the last game of the season, can Terry Collins send out Johan Santana to change pitchers so that Mets fans can give him one last proper send-off? If sentimental farewells to franchise icons are ok to bend the rules, why not? I want to say good bye to the man who gave us our first no-hitter!
Johann Santana has not pitched in over a year and he did not spend his whole career as a Met… You that jealous of the Yankees that’s the best you can come up with …. I’m a Mets fan and I loved it….
It was a great moment in Baseball…Mariano Rivera deserves every accolade they give him… He’s the best at his craft and I actually thought it was genius on Joe Girardi’s part………
Cal Ripken taking a lap was in violation of the rules too I don’t see you complaining about that, I know we hate the Yankees and all but give it a rest it’s the greatest closer of all time and it was a beautiful moment, get off the high horse v and appreciate greatness. You just sound bitter.
There’s only one way to find out if the Yankees are getting special treatment from MLB. Let Terry Collins send out Johan Santana to change pitchers so that Mets fans can give Santana one last proper send-off, as Dan Twohig suggests, and let’s see if MLB says anything about it.
P.S. Dan: it’s “Fake Yankee Stadium,” not “replica.”
I think I’m just very tired of this all by now. The multiple farewell celebrations at Fankee Stadium, the All Star Game, the gift giving tour in every city, the patches on their sleeves and hats. I think at this point it may just slightly be overkill.
Whoever wrote this article needs to get a life. 45 seconds of my life I’m not going to get back.
This goes back to the MLB not letting the Mets wear first responders hats during the game on 9/11. But you could buy those same hats in an auction on Mets.com. It really has nothing to do with the Yankees but about how MLB chooses to enforce rules on ceremonial things.
This is BEYOND silly although correct by the rules. The Santana argument is also BEYOND silly
You really need to grow a pair. Thie game that has been hurt so much by scandals needs moments like this one.