Umpire Joe West confiscated an information card used by Phillies pitcher Austin Davis:

Davis and Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said he was using the card merely for information on the Cubs hitters. But West said it was illegal under Rule 6.02(c)(7), which states that the pitcher shall not have on his person, or in his possession, any foreign substance.

“I told him we don’t allow him to carry anything on their glove, person or clothing except in some cases where there’s a rain situation we allow them to put a rosin bag in their pocket,” West, umpiring his 41st season, said. “Other than that they can’t have anything on the pitcher.”

If there was a paper clip on the card that could be used to scratch the ball, West would have had a point. The league office is not sure of the validity of West’s confiscation.

Thanks to Jim Storer for the link.