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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

Defector

Lauren Theisen

Rocco Baldelli Got Really Mad About This Play At The Plate

Ray Ratto

It’s Important To Appreciate The Human Element In Baseball, Like An Ump Forgetting How To Count

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

Hunter Renfroe kicks a ball over the wall at Fenway.

Baseball’s Got A Rule For That

Patrick Redford

during a game at Marlins Park on July 27, 2017 in Miami, Florida.

Joe West, Protagonist Of Baseball, Celebrates Looming Retirement By Ruining Game

Samer Kalaf

Christian Yelich #22 of the Milwaukee Brewers is held back by Quintin Berry #23 of the Milwaukee Brewers after being ejected from the game by umpire John Libka #84 during the sixth inning at American Family Field on July 10, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Christian Yelich Was Furious, But John Libka’s Call Was Justified

It’s Fun To Boo The Gunk Inspections

Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.

Dan McQuade

Here’s Yet Another Baffling, Unreviewable Call From An Umpire

Watch What You Say About Joe West

Barry Petchesky

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 08: Michael Conforto #30 of the New York Mets celebrates after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on April 08, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

I Can’t Believe This Didn’t Happen TO The Mets

Josh Donaldson crosses home plate and gets ejected for kicking dirt over it

Josh Donaldson Gets The Boot For Kicking Dirt On The Plate After Home Run Trot

umpires