The Call Heard ‘Round Philadelphia

Charlie Manuel argues the runner interference call in the eighth inning with second-base umpire Bob Davidson. (Kevin Durso/Philliedelphia)

If you were part of the crowd at Tuesday night's dramatic win, there was a play that stood out long before John Mayberry Jr. played hero.

In the eighth inning, a fielder's choice was turned into a double play after interference was called on Ben Revere. Veteran umpire Bob Davidson made the call. 

Bob Davidson is now an enemy in Philadelphia. Need proof?

I was among the 38,932 fans at Citizens Bank Park. Between every pitch, regardless of the result, a chorus of boos rang out. It happened for the remainder of the eighth. It carried into the ninth, as Jonathan Papelbon worked a scoreless inning. It finally settled in the bottom of the ninth as the Phillies tried to pull out a win.

Honestly, I can't remember a call warranting that kind of reaction in quite a long time. I've seen a ton of close plays on the bases, close calls at the plate, close pitches. Never has a call kept the crowd on an umpire like that. I feel like it's safe to assume Bob Davidson's name will join a list of umpires Phillies' fans can't stand to see – if it didn't annoy them already.

Most of the umpires that have made some pretty crazy calls against the Phillies over the years can be easily identified – Lance Barksdale, Greg Gibson or Scott Barry anyone? But Davidson's call was probably one of the most absurd calls I had seen in a while. The contact made on that play was routine. It happens anytime a player tries to break up a double play.

After thinking about it, the only thing I could conceive was that it was because Revere slid head first – rather uncommon on routine plays – and it was considered too aggressive. But this is the major leagues, not Little League or Legion ball.

Davidson's assessment that he wrapped up the legs of Derek Deitrich with his arms could not be further from the truth. The replay shows it.

Luckily, all's well that ends well – thanks again, John Mayberry Jr.

All Photos: Kevin Durso/Philliedelphia

But it nearly cost the Phillies a chance to win. On a night that was rough for the entire crew, Davidson made himself stand out. And he's lucky, for his sake, that it didn't affect the final result.

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.