MLB replay confirms Isiah Kiner‑Falefa was out before home‑plate foot dispute
Updated Published Cached
Replay official rules catcher’s foot on plate, ending the play The MLB replay official determined that Los Angeles catcher Will Smith’s foot was touching home plate when he caught the ball, so Isiah Kiner‑Falefa was already forced out before any foot‑touch controversy could affect the call [1].
Statcast data shows Kiner‑Falefa was about five feet from the plate MLB Statcast placed Kiner‑Falefa’s center of mass roughly five feet from home plate, with his left leg extended farther, confirming he was out well before the catcher’s foot movement [1].
Blue Jays manager John Schneider lamented the disputed play Schneider told reporters he would “think about it until the day I leave this earth,” expressing frustration over the near‑miss that sparked debate [1].
Catcher Will Smith said he never felt his foot leave the plate Smith told a World Baseball Classic practice session that he didn’t notice his foot coming off and hadn’t reviewed the MLB replay report, focusing only on the out [1].
Third‑base coach Carlos Febles limited Kiner‑Falefa’s lead with a dirt line Febles drew a line in the basepath to show a shorter lead than usual, a decision fans later blamed for Toronto’s loss [1].
Dodgers held on for a 5‑4, 11‑inning Game 7 win Los Angeles secured its second straight championship after Smith hit a home run in the 11th inning; the disputed foot play did not change the final outcome [1].
- John Schneider, Toronto Blue Jays manager: “I’ll think about it until the day I leave this earth.” – expressing ongoing frustration with the play.
- Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers catcher: “I never felt my foot come off… I didn’t really realize it (was close) until I saw the replay… I just cared that he was out.” – describing his perception of the foot contact and focus on the out.