World Series Near Miss: Inches from Championship Glory

In the critical moments of Game 7 of the World Series, a runner for the Toronto Blue Jays was narrowly called out at home plate, falling just an inch short of a championship-winning run. Manager John Schneider has publicly defended the player, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, stating that the video review of the play was ambiguous and that catcher Will Smith's foot might have been off the plate. This pivotal moment occurred in the bottom of the ninth inning following a game-tying home run by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The play involved a pinch runner, Kiner-Falefa, entering the game in a bases-loaded situation. His lead off third base was noted as unusually short, a decision influenced by the third base coach. When the ball was hit, Kiner-Falefa attempted to score, but the throw to catcher Will Smith resulted in a close call. Home plate umpire Jordan Baker initially signaled out, and the subsequent video review upheld the decision, leaving many to debate the outcome.

Schneider expressed sympathy for Kiner-Falefa, emphasizing that the runner was following instructions and that other factors, such as the possibility of a pick-off, influenced his actions. He admitted that he hasn't rewatched the play extensively since the game, even weeks later. The manager also light-heartedly mentioned his runner-up finish for AL Manager of the Year, joking about the award's history.