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…
Reggie Jackson 1978 World Series Runner’s Interference
Runner’s Interference when Runner Takes Throw Off his Head
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…
Can a Batter Carry Bat Around the Bases?
Interference? Obstruction? Infield Fly? You Be the Umpire
The Dodgers hosted the Marlins on Aug. 26, 2012. In the bottom of the seventh, the Dodgers had Adrian Gonzalez on second base and Andre Ethier on first with one out when Luis Cruz hit a soft fly between home and first. Marlins’ catcher Rob Brantly made an attempt to catch the ball but missed….
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…