Jose Ramirez Avoids Tag on Controversial Baseline Play
Third base umpire Dan Iassogna ejected Twins manager Rocco Baldelli involving a running out of the baseline issue in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Twins-Guardians game on May 6, 2023. With no outs and runners on first and third, the Guardians’ Josh Naylor hit a ground ball to Twins third baseman Jose…
What Happened to the Baseline?
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.
Is it Legal for a Baserunner to Block the Throwing Lane?
The Runner’s Right of Way Rule….Did the Umpires Apply it Wrong?
The Guardians hosted the White Sox on April 21. In the bottom of the seventh, the Guardians had Josh Naylor on second with no outs when Ernie Clement hit a chopper to Sox shortstop Tim Anderson. Naylor ran into Anderson as he was attempting to field the ball and the ball came out of Anderson’s…
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…
How a Smart Baserunner Can Exploit the Basepath Rules
In the game of baseball, as in all major sports, coaches instruct their players to take what the defense gives them. Conversely, it would be a good idea for defensive players to take what the offense gives them. Let’s look at the following play. The Cardinals and Pirates played two games on Sept. 18 at…
Baserunning Tactic: Falling to the Ground, Effective and Legal
Although it sounds ridiculous, falling to the ground can be an effective tactic in your running game. Take the following play. The Yankees and Phillies played at Citizens Bank on Aug. 6. In the bottom of the third, the Phils had a 3-2 lead. Andrew McCutchen led off the inning with a base hit before…
The NFHS Runner’s Lane Rule: Umpire’s Guide
This Special Report was written by Rick Roder, author of The Rules of Professional Baseball: A Comprehensive Reorganization and Clarification. Email Rick, rick@nullrulesofbaseball.com Baseball’s running lane rule got its day in the sun in Game 6 of the 2019 World Series. Plate umpire Sam Holbrook ruled that Washington Senators’ batter-runner Trea Turner violated the rule…
