MLB: Ranking the 5 Worst Umpires in Baseball

3. Derryl Cousins

July 27, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (left) argues with home plate umpire Derryl Cousins after striking out during the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox at US Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Derryl Cousins is another ump who’s been in the game for 30+ years, and he’s compiled a reputation as one with a tight strike zone (his nickname is “Shoebox”, as in his strike zone is the size of a shoe box) and the discrepancy between what’s a ball and what’s a strike can be frustrating for pitchers and batters alike.

For example, in the 2010 NLCS, Roy Halladay got burned when he threw an apparent strike three, only for it to be called a ball by Cousins. He paid for it on the next pitch when Pat Burrell smacked an RBI double off of him. The Phillies were diplomatic about the call after the game, but when you don’t get a call and have to move your pitch location to a spot that’s susceptible to a hit accordingly, it’s going to tick you off as a pitcher.

And Roy Halladay has been one of the best pitchers the game for years! Just imagine how Cousins calls it for guys without an established reputation. At least we’ll always have this video of Cousins tripping over Carlos Santana. Instant gratification for anyone (everyone) that wants to laugh at an umpire.