Author: nkirby

Expert Analysis

When a Batter Attempts to Induce a Balk

Topics: Balk, Batter's Box, Expert Analysis

It doesn’t happen often in baseball, but there have been occurrences where a batter is trying to create a balk by stepping out of the batters box while the pitcher is throwing a pitch. Major League Umpire, Ted Barrett, and Chris Welsh discuss the correct ruling on this play in a simple and easy to…

Expert Analysis

The Contentious Life of the Ghost Runner: Controversial Extra-Innings Rule Back for 2022

Topics: Latest News, Official Baseball Rules, Rules Changes

Sixty-five years ago this week, the defending World Champion New York Yankees beat the Washington Senators 2-1 on an Opening Day walk-off hit. The hero that day was third baseman Andy Carey, who came up with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth and fouled off six pitches before hitting a single to…

Expert Analysis

All About Obstruction…it Happened in the Major Leagues Again!

Topics: Base Awards, Batter Runner, Definitions, Obstruction, Placing Runners, Runners, Runners Lane

Obstruction Definition Obstruction is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball or a throw, impedes the progress of any runner. Contact does not have to be made for the umpire to rule obstruction. There are two types of obstruction Type…

Expert Analysis

When does a fly ball stop being a fly ball?

Topics: Appeal, Batted Ball, Fielding, Replay Review, Rules Controversy

When is a Batted Ball No Longer “In Flight” The White Sox and Tigers played at Comerica this past Friday, April 8, 2022. In the bottom of the ninth the Tigers had Austin Meadows on third base and two outs when Javier Báez hit a shot to deep right-field that took right fielder AJ Pollock…