Marlins announcers applaud player who used ‘Seinfeld’ move to avoid being called out
Major League Baseball umpires (usually) can’t judge a player’s intent, so they have to follow the rules of the game when making a decision.
Miami shortstop Jon Berti used that to his advantage Sunday in the Marlins’ 8-6 win over the Tigers.
Berti was on first base in the sixth inning when he attempted a steal of second base. The pitch from Detroit’s Mitch White skipped past the catcher and Berti tried to dash to third base.
However, Tigers catcher Jake Rogers got to the ball quickly and fired to third base. Berti found himself in no-man’s land.
A rundown ensued but then Berti channeled Frank Costanza from “Seinfeld” to get out of trouble. Berti “stopped short,” as the Marlins broadcasters noted, and was awarded third because of obstruction.
“Look at him, he knows exactly what’s about to happen,” Marlins announcer Rod Allen said. “You can’t teach that, Paul.”
Paul Severino added: “As Frank Costanza would say, he stopped short. Literally.”
Here is the play and the Marlins broadcasters loved Berti’s move.
If you are unfamiliar with the “Seinfeld” reference from Severino, here is a clip from the show with Frank Costanza’s signature move.
