Author: nkirby

Expert Analysis

Runner Creates a Time Play by Eliminating the Inning-Ending Force Out

Topics: Time Play

The Cards hosted the Pirates on June 14th when what might be the Ruleball play of the season  occurred in the first game of a double header.  In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Redbirds had the bases loaded and two outs. Yadier Molina was on third, Edmundo Sosa on second, and Nolan Gorman…

Expert Analysis

Buck Showalter and the Mets Win a Double Challenge

Topics: Expert Analysis

In the June 24th Mets – Marlins game, the Mets won an unusual double challenge in their 5-3 win. In the top of the sixth inning with the score tied 2-2, Brandon Nimmo was on first and Tomas Nido on second with no outs when Starling Marte ripped a ground ball to Willians Astudillo. The…

Expert Analysis

2022 MLB Examples of Obstruction

Topics: Obstruction

Beginning 2024, pro rules (OBR, MLB) will no longer allow a fielder who is not in possession of the ball to block a base (1B, 2B, 3B) or impede a runner. It will be enforced similar to the Home Plate Collision Rule.  New Rule Explained Here: https://baseballrulesacademy.com/obstruction-enforcement-at-all-bases-in-2024/   The Nats hosted the Phils on June…

Expert Analysis

Three Rule Situations from the 2022 MLB Season

Topics: Expert Analysis

No. 1 In the June 4th Mets-Dodgers game there was a pitching substitution issue involving a position player. With the Dodgers trailing 9-4 entering the top of the ninth inning, Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts sent outfielder Zach McKinstry to the mound at Dodger Stadium, but Mets manager Buck Showalter said not so fast claiming a…

Expert Analysis

Touch ‘Em All

Topics: Expert Analysis, Placing Runners, Replay Review

Play No. 1 A base runner is required to touch every base in order and to retouch any missed base. There are various layers involved in the rules when either of those conditions arise. The Pirates and Cubs played at Wrigley on May 17th. In the bottom of the eighth, Cubs’ prospect Christopher Morel homered…

Expert Analysis

Time Plays

Topics: Time Play

Play No. 1 The Blue Jays and Angels played in Anaheim on May 26th. In the bottom of the sixth, the Angels had Matt Duffy on third and Max Stassi on first with one out when Jared Walsh hit a ground ball to Cavan Biggio. The Blue Jays’ first baseman stepped on first to retire…

Expert Analysis

Batter-Runner Interference

Topics: Expert Analysis, Interference

Play No. 1 The Rangers and A’s played in Oakland on May 26th.  In the bottom of the seventh, Christian Bethancourt was batting with the bases empty and no outs facing Martin Perez. Bethancourt bunted the ball between the mound and the first baseline. Perez fielded the ball and tossed to first baseman Nathaniel Lowe….

Expert Analysis

Rapid Fire Rules Questions with MLB Umpire Greg Gibson

Topics: Expert Analysis

MLB umpire Greg Gibson joins Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh for a series of rapid fire rules questions to help you better understand the rules of baseball in a fun way.

Expert Analysis

If a Pitcher Crosses the Foul Line, He Must Pitch to the First Batter

Topics: Expert Analysis, Pitcher, Rules Changes, Rules Controversy

Rule 5.10 (i) reads, “If a pitcher who is already in the game crosses the foul line on his way to take his place on the pitcher’s plate to start an inning, he shall pitch to the first batter until such batter is put out or reaches first base, unless the batter is substituted for,…

Expert Analysis

What Happened to the Baseline?

Topics: Baseline, Expert Analysis

Major League Baseball rules have changed and there is no such thing as a “baseline” anymore. Major League Umpire, Greg Gibson and Cincinnati Reds broadcaster, Chris Welsh explain how the rule is now about the runners “basepath” in a simple and easy to follow video.

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