John Schriffen is in his first year as the play-by-play announcer for the Chicago White Sox on NBC Sports Chicago.
Following Thursday night’s controversial game ending against the Baltimore Orioles, Schriffen delivered a fiery rant reminiscent of Hawk Harrelson’s legendary tirades during his tenure as the White Sox commentator.
The target of Schriffen’s frustration? The umpires.
Going into the bottom of the ninth, an eventful finish seemed improbable with the Baltimore Orioles holding an 8-2 lead.
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However, the White Sox mounted an impressive rally, scoring four runs with no outs.
After Baltimore’s Yennier Canó struck out Zach DeLoach for the first out, Orioles’ closer Craig Kimbrel was called in.
With one out and runners on first and second, Kimbrel aimed to secure the win.
Kimbrel managed to get Andrew Benintendi to pop out, seemingly the second out of the inning. Benintendi’s pop-up to shortstop Gunnar Henderson triggered an infield fly call, which Henderson caught.
However, confusion ensued when third base umpire Junior Valentine ruled that Chicago’s Andrew Vaughn, who was on second base, interfered with Henderson.
Despite the infield fly, the interference call ended the game as it was considered an additional out.
“No. They can’t end the game like this. No way,” Schriffen exclaimed.
As White Sox manager Pedro Grifol argued the call, it became clear the umpires were resolute. Schriffen’s frustration grew.
“Adrian Johnson, as the crew chief, you gotta take over here. That cannot be how this game ends… They called infield fly rule and then they called Andrew Vaughn out at second for obstructing Henderson at short.”
Color commentator Steve Stone labeled it a “terrible call,” prompting Schriffen to continue his critique.
“We’ve seen some bad calls this season. That is one of the worst calls I’ve ever seen. That is terrible. Pedro is still talking to the crew chief, Adrian Johnson. This just doesn’t even make sense. Vaughn is walking back to the bag with his back to the fielder. And they ended the game like this? Come on! What is this nonsense?”
“I don’t even have any words right now,” Schriffen added later. “I’m at a loss. And I’m trying to keep my job so I’m not gonna say anything.”
