Jacob deGrom catches umpire asleep, issues walk on six balls (Video) ~ Holdout Sports

New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom seems to have caught home plate umpire Tom Hallion napping behind the plate during the first inning of Tuesday night's game against Philadelphia. We can say that with a high level of confidence because deGrom issued a walk to Phillies leadoff batter Cesar Hernandez on six balls.

Not four. Not five. SIX BALLS.

Don't believe us? Watch the video evidence:

Let's recap the at-bat, shall we?

First pitch by deGrom was a fastball for strike one.
Second pitch was high for ball one, 1-1.
Foul chopper by Hernandez, 1-2.
Next pitch was low, 2-2.
Foul by Hernandez in front of the catcher, so count stayed 2-2.
Next pitch was low, 3-2.
Next pitch was high. By our count, that was ball four. Should have been a walk, but not this time.
Another pitch high. This was ball five, yet somehow the at-bat continued.
Inside pitch. BALL SIX. Finally, Hernandez gets to take first base.

Seriously, was Hallion even paying attention here? Isn't keeping track of the count the most important job of the home plate umpire? We've seen umpires lose count on occasion, but they've only been off by one pitch. This is the first time we've seen a home plate umpire lose count by two pitches. That's just horrible.

Video via MLB.

About Michael James

Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.