In 1925 McCormick took part in one of the most unusual innings in World Series history. In the top of the eighth of Game Three, the Pirates Earl Smith hit a long drive which Senators outfielder Sam Rice seemed to catch while falling into the bleachers. McCormick huddled with fellow umps Brick Owens, George Moriarty, and Cy Rigler to review the play before it was ruled a catch. Then in the bottom of the inning, the Senators inadvertently batted out of order, but the Pirates didn’t notice. In the absence of an appeal and in accordance with the rules, McCormick and the other umpires remained mute.
