Chisholm's fatal error sparks controversy after claiming ignorance of rules; Yankees manager: "He's not stupid"

New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. made a critical mistake in the bottom of the tenth inning yesterday, leading to the team's loss. After the game, he claimed he "didn't know the rule," sparking widespread discussion. Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated today that Chisholm is not foolish, saying, "I believe he knows the rules."

In the bottom of the tenth inning during yesterday's extended game, with one out, bases loaded, and the score tied, a high bouncing ball came straight toward Chisholm. If he could have caught it cleanly, tagged the runner first, and then thrown to first base, there was a chance to complete a double play and avert the crisis.

However, he mishandled the catch. Although he hurriedly threw to first base afterward, he failed to record any outs, ultimately resulting in the Yankees losing the game due to a "walk-off error."

The controversy stems from Chisholm's post-game remarks. According to Yankees beat writer Brian Hoch from MLB.com, Chisholm said, "I thought about tagging the runner first, then throwing to first. I wasn't sure about the rule. If I throw to first first, then to second to complete a double play, would that still count as a double play? I don't know, would that count as a run?"

His teammate Trent Grisham explained to him that in that situation, the runner from third base would score before the tag could be completed, so the opposing team would still get a run.

Chisholm responded, "Oh, so the plan I was thinking in my head wouldn't have worked out anyway."

Boone said before today's game, "We'll discuss that play again. Grisham isn't ignorant of the rules; it was just a complex situation. Looking back at the replay, if he had caught it cleanly and made the tag, there was indeed a chance for a double play, but the runner's reaction at that moment was also hard to judge."

When asked about Chisholm's claim of "not knowing the rule," Boone stated, "I believe he knows the rules."

Chisholm's comments drew criticism on social media. Boone remarked, "Sometimes it's a matter of how things are expressed. Chisholm is not stupid; how one presents oneself at certain moments affects public perception, and he's currently in a rough patch early in the season."

Chisholm has been struggling with his batting this season. In 15 games, his batting average is only .179, with an OPS of .501. He admitted he has been performing poorly lately, "No matter how I hit, I keep hitting fly balls; I just can't hit the ball on a line."

Despite this, Boone defended him: "Chisholm will definitely bounce back; he'll find his rhythm. Once he starts hitting the ball on a line, his performance will improve."