'Jerry Meals called him safe!': Looking back at one of the most infamous and impactful calls in Pirates history
On July 27, 2011, a humid night in Atlanta turned into one of the most infamous moments in Pittsburgh Pirates history. What began as a standard matchup between the Pirates and the Braves evolved into a 19-inning marathon lasting nearly seven hours. Pirates catcher Michael McKenry and pitcher Daniel McCutchen played heroic roles, with McCutchen delivering a legendary 5 1/3 inning performance that remains a point of pride for the team despite the final score.
The game reached its breaking point in the bottom of the 19th. With a runner heading home, McKenry fielded a throw and applied a clear tag to Julio Lugo. The broadcast booth, led by announcer Greg Brown, erupted as home plate umpire Jerry Meals ruled the runner safe. The call secured a 4-3 victory for the Braves, effectively deflating the Pirates during their playoff push and triggering a slide that ended their 2011 season momentum.
In the years since, this incident has become a focal point in discussions regarding the necessity of modern replay technology in professional baseball. While the organization filed a protest at the time, the loss stood, leaving a lasting mark on the players involved. McCutchen, now a business owner and coach, remains a recognizable figure largely due to the viral nature of this specific call.
Today, the legacy of the game centers on its impact on the sport and the human element of officiating. Greg Brown has since expressed regret for singling out the umpire in the heat of the moment, noting that the intensity of the broadcast resulted in a gut reaction. Regardless of the outcome, the 15-year anniversary serves as a reminder of how one decision can change the trajectory of a season and influence the rules of the game for generations to come.