MLB to 'Monitor' Baseballs at Coors Field

by Jeff Fletcher

Filed under: Giants, Rockies, MLB Biz, MLB Umpires

DENVER -- Major League Baseball has changed the procedures for the baseballs at Coors Field in response to a conversation with the Giants, who had been suspicious that the Rockies were mixing non-humidor balls into play when they were batting.

John Hirschbeck, chief of the umpire crew working this weekend in Denver, said before Saturday's game that he was given a new procedure before Friday's game, meaning the change had nothing to do with Tim Lincecum's complaint caught on video.

Hirschbeck said the balls used to come from the humidor without supervision. Now the balls will be escorted by an umpire from the humidor and into the umpires' room before they go out to the field with the umpires.

Hirschbeck said he would keep an eye on the bag during the game, but he didn't suspect any manipulation, and he had not heard the complaint before.

"There's nothing going on, really," Hirschbeck said, adding: "I'll (watch the balls) so MLB has their mind at ease, so the people at 245 Park Avenue sleep better."

 

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