When Basepaths Collide: Understanding Runner Interference and Baseball’s “Right of Way”
I once read that car accidents are often caused by a driver who didn’t see the other driver. I’m sure in some situations, neither driver saw the other. This is true in the game of baseball when a runner impedes a defensive player from making a play or a defensive player hinders a runner who…
Runners Failing to Retouch Bases in Critical Plays: Rule 5.09 (c) (2)
Play No. 1: Runner Makes No Effort to Retouch Base The Cubs and Cardinals played at Busch on June 26, 2025. In the top of the first inning, the Cubs had Ian Happ on first base and one out when Seiya Suzuki, facing Andre Pallante, hit a drive deep to right. Alec Burleson made a…
Passing The Runner: Juan Soto Passes Brandon Nimmo
The White Sox and Mets played at Citi Field on May 27, 2025. In the bottom of the first inning, the Mets had Brandon Nimmo on first base and no outs when Juan Soto, facing Jonathan Cannon, drove a ball deep to Michael A. Taylor in right center. Nimmo was off and running. It wasn’t…
Aaron Judge Hit by Batted Ball
Is a runner always out when struck by a batted ball? The answer is “no.” The Yankees and White Sox played at Guaranteed Rate Field on Aug. 13, 2024. In the top of the seventh, Aaron Judge was on first base and one out when a sizzling grounder off the bat of Austin Wells made…
August 2024 Rules Question and Answer
Question #1 What constitutes passing a runner per rule 5.09 (b) (9)? Is the trail runner considered passing the lead runner if any part of his body passes the lead runner, or does the body of the trail runner have to go completely by the lead runner? In this Eastern League game between the Altoona…
Batter Runner Intent Steps to Second Base
This video covers the rules for when a runner makes an intended step towards second base, which typically occurs after an overthrow to the first baseman. Rich Marazzi Rules consultant/analyst: Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, Bally Sports, YES, and NBC Sports Chicago.
Batters Runner Does Not Step on Base
The video shows an example of the batter runner not stepping on the base as his foot steps on the fielders foot. This particular call was called incorrectly by the umpire. Rich Marazzi Rules consultant/analyst: Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, Bally Sports, YES,…
Aplicación de Obstrucciones en Todas Las Bases en 2024
MLB New Obstruction Enforcement at All Bases in 2024
Runner Can’t Return to Touch a Missed Base After a Following Runner has Scored
The Padres and Braves met on April 8, 2023. In the top of the fourth inning, San Diego had Ha-Seong Kim on second base and Rougned Odor on third and one out when Trent Grisham hit a ground ball to Matt Olson at first base. Olson’s throw to the plate skipped past catcher Travis d’Arnaud….