Expert Analysis

Expert Analysis

Spectator Interference: Rule 6.01 (e)

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The Yankees and Astros played at Minute Maid on September 3, 2023. In the bottom of the sixth, Yordan Alvarez hit a Tommy Kahnle pitch deep down the left field line in foul territory. Yankees’ left fielder Everson Pereira was in pursuit of the ball but was deprived of the catch when a fan reached…

Expert Analysis

Smart Baserunning 2023

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In the following four plays of this report, you will see where runners played excellent Ruleball by executing sound running strategies and utilizing what the rules allow.   Yankees Smart Base Running The Yankees and Red Sox played a day-night doubleheader at Fenway Park on September 14, 2023. In the nightcap, clever base-running by Oswaldo Cabrera…

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Multiple Ways a Time Play Can Score a Run

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The Phillies hosted the Giants on August 23, 2023. In the top of the tenth inning the Giants had Wade Meckler on third and Paul DeJong on first and one out when Thairo Estrada lined to center field for the second out. The ball went from center field to first base where DeJong was doubled-up…

Expert Analysis

MLB Rules Questions and Answer September 2023

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On-Deck Interference? QUESTION: In the Pirates-Cubs game on September 19, 2023, interference was called on the on-deck batter. Was that the proper call? Can you explain what happened? ANSWER: The Pirates and Cubs played at Wrigley on September 19, 2023 In the bottom of the sixth, Patrick Wisdom was batting with the bases empty and one…

Expert Analysis

Catcher’s Interference Becoming Common Occurrence in MLB

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In the second game of a day-night doubleheader between the Yanks and Red Sox at Fenway on September 12, 2023, Austin Wells was batting in the top of the ninth with the bases loaded and one out facing Nick Robertson when catcher Connor Wong was called for catcher’s interference by plate umpire Brian Knight. Everson…

Expert Analysis

Game Ending Faux Pas

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In this minor league game, the score is tied in the bottom of the ninth. The team at bat has runners on first and third and two outs. The batter hits safely to center field. The runner on third crosses the plate while the runner who was on first base thinks the game is over…

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Running Third to Home

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The Giants and Cubs played at Wrigley on September 5, 2023. In the bottom of the seventh, the Cubs had Jeimer Candelario on third base and Yan Gomes on first with one out when Nick Madrigal hit a ground ball to Casey Schmitt. The Giants’ third baseman threw errantly to the plate. Most likely the…

Expert Analysis

Did the Runner Violate the Home Plate Collision Rule?

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The Giants and Rockies played at Coors Field on Sept. 15, 2023.  In the bottom of the ninth, the Rockies had Elehuris Montero at bat with Charlie Blackmon on second and Nolan Jones on first and one out when Montero singled to left field. Blackmon charged home and arrived safely. Mike Yastrzemski’s throw got by…

Expert Analysis

September 2023 Rules Question and Answer

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Time Call / Base Awards QUESTION: The Marlins hosted the Dodgers on Sept. 7, 2023. In the top of the sixth, the Dodgers had Mookie Betts on first base and one out when Freddie Freeman facing George Soriano hit a fair ball down the right field line. The ball boy stationed along the line fielded…

Expert Analysis

Umpire Interference 2023

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Before you read this report, I suggest you watch Umpire’s Interference-Reviewing It’s Two Types. It is a 4:21 compilation of various umpire interference plays. There are three ways an umpire can be called for interference under rules 5.05 (b) (4), and 5.06 (c) (2).  (1) If the field umpire, who is positioned on the infield…

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