THE STORY
In the 2012 National League Wild Card Game between the Atlanta Braves and the St. Louis Cardinals, with the Braves trailing 6-3 in the 8th inning and runners on first and second, shortstop Andrelton Simmons hit a high pop-up to left field. Umpire Sam Holbrook invoked the infield fly rule, calling Simmons out, which led to confusion and protests from Braves players and fans. The Cardinals advanced to the National League Division Series, eventually winning the World Series.
WHY IT MATTERS
The controversial application of the infield fly rule in a high-stakes postseason game sparked widespread debate about umpire discretion and the rule's clarity, leading to discussions about potential rule changes in Major League Baseball.