Marty Foster
Encyclopedia
Martin Robert Foster is an umpire
in Major League Baseball
. After first working in the American League
in 1996, he joined the league staff in 1999 and has worked throughout both major leagues since 2000. He was the left field umpire in the 2002 All-Star Game
at Miller Park. His first post-season assignment was the 2006 National League Division Series
. He was the home plate umpire for 300th career win of Tom Glavine
, on August 5, 2007 at Wrigley Field
.
On July 6, 2009 controversy erupted after Foster called out New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter
on an attempted steal of third base. Though Jeter's account of the incident suggested that Foster had knowingly called Jeter out without the presence of the required tag, this assertion was contradicted by Foster and Major League Baseball. According to Jeter, Foster allegedly stated: "You don't have to be tagged out, if the ball beats you, you're out" which would be an incorrect statement of the rules of baseball. The controversy later dissipated without resolution.
On September 14, 2009, Foster was again embroiled in controversy after calling out Yankee Alex Rodriguez
. Rodriguez and Yankees manager Joe Girardi
were later ejected, though the reasons for the ejection given by Foster are disputed by Rodriguez.
Umpire (baseball)
In baseball, the umpire is the person charged with officiating the game, including beginning and ending the game, enforcing the rules of the game and the grounds, making judgment calls on plays, and handling the disciplinary actions. The term is often shortened to the colloquial form ump...
in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
. After first working in the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
in 1996, he joined the league staff in 1999 and has worked throughout both major leagues since 2000. He was the left field umpire in the 2002 All-Star Game
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
at Miller Park. His first post-season assignment was the 2006 National League Division Series
2006 National League Division Series
-San Diego Padres vs. St. Louis Cardinals:-New York vs. Los Angeles:The series seemed over for the Mets before it even started, first by losing ace Pedro Martínez for the postseason and then losing probable Game 1 starter Orlando Hernández. Despite having a potent offense, many people didn't seem...
. He was the home plate umpire for 300th career win of Tom Glavine
Tom Glavine
Thomas Michael Glavine is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher.With 164 victories during the 1990s, Glavine was the second winningest pitcher in the National League, second only to teammate Greg Maddux's 176...
, on August 5, 2007 at Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is a baseball stadium in Chicago, Illinois, United States that has served as the home ballpark of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It was built in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the Chicago Whales...
.
On July 6, 2009 controversy erupted after Foster called out New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter
Derek Jeter
Derek Sanderson Jeter is an American baseball shortstop who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. A twelve-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, Jeter's clubhouse presence, on-field leadership, hitting ability, and baserunning have made him a central...
on an attempted steal of third base. Though Jeter's account of the incident suggested that Foster had knowingly called Jeter out without the presence of the required tag, this assertion was contradicted by Foster and Major League Baseball. According to Jeter, Foster allegedly stated: "You don't have to be tagged out, if the ball beats you, you're out" which would be an incorrect statement of the rules of baseball. The controversy later dissipated without resolution.
On September 14, 2009, Foster was again embroiled in controversy after calling out Yankee Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
. Rodriguez and Yankees manager Joe Girardi
Joe Girardi
Joseph Elliott Girardi is a former Major League Baseball catcher and current manager of the New York Yankees. During a 15-year playing career, he played from 1989–2003 for the Chicago Cubs, the Colorado Rockies, the New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals...
were later ejected, though the reasons for the ejection given by Foster are disputed by Rodriguez.