Batter Does Not Touch First Base on Intentional Walk
The Cubs and Marlins played at loanDepot Park on August 25, 2024. In the bottom of the eighth, Jesús Sánchez was intentionally walked by Cubs pitcher Julian Merriweather. Marlins manager Skip Schumaker decided to pinch-run for Sánchez with Cristian Pache. Sanchez trotted toward first base but never touched the base when he became aware that…
Failing to Return to First Base
The Orioles and A’s played in Oakland on April 21. In the top of the fourth inning Trey Mancini reached first base on an error. Once he got beyond first base, he collected himself, and turning his body toward second base he made a hop step. Walking back to the bag along the first-base line,…
What Happens When a Batter/Runner Overruns First Base on Walk?
A base on balls entitles the batter to go to first base. But is the batter, now a batter/runner permitted to overrun 1B like he can if he has a base hit? This is one of the most misunderstood rules in baseball. It is time you learned it once and for all. Chris Welsh and…
What is Runner Abandonment?
Before getting to the plays in this report, it’s important to outline the two rules that the umpires had to reference in making their decision. Runner Abandonment: Rule 5.09 (b) (1) and (2) Comment The rule reads, “If a runner leaves his base path and heads for his dugout or his position believing…
MLB Hitter Smacks HR But Misses 1B…Umps Didn’t See It But…
Missing a base on a home run is a rarity on any level of baseball, especially in the major and minor leagues. According to data at retrosheet.com, it appears the last home run in the major leagues to be lost due to a player failing to touch a base happened on June 17, 1983, when…
AAA Bases are Larger and Closer in 2021
In an effort to reduce injuries and add offense to the game, MLB has changed the bases in the minor leagues at AAA level. The new bases are flatter (by 1 1/2 inches) and larger (by 3 inches) than the existing bases. The baseline from home to 1B is measured from the back tip…
Catcher’s Interference: A Potential Game-Changing Decision for a Manager
Perhaps the most impactful catcher’s interference call of the 2020 season occurred in the deciding game of the White Sox vs. A’s series in Oakland. With the score tied 4-4 in the bottom of the fifth, Tommy La Stella was batting for the A’s with Sean Murphy on first base and two outs when La…
“That’s a Force!” Is Yadier Molina the Smartest Player on the Field?
That Time Jean Segura Stole 1B, Really!
Segura Almost Steals Second Base Twice in the Same Inning Before you read the report below, I would suggest you watch it first. After viewing the play, read the report and watch the video again. There’s much to digest here. The full MLB Youtube Video here: https://youtu.be/HZM1JcJwo9E The Play Can a runner steal the same…
Can a Fielder Block a Base?
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/ In the July 24 Blue Jays-Mariners game…
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