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Expert Analysis

Base Award Chart – Thrown Ball

Topics: Base Awards, Placing Runners, Uncategorized
Expert Analysis

Must a Runner Slide When Attempting to Break Up a Double Play?

Topics: Fielding, Interference, Runner Interference, Runners, Uncategorized

 Under professional rules (OBR): NO There is no requirement that a runner must slide when trying to beak-up a DP.  In the game between Tampa Bay and San Francisco on April 5, 2019, the Giants’ Yangervis Solarte did not slide into second base on an attempted DP and no interference was called after a Rays…

Expert Analysis

Hit By Pitch, Not So Simple

Topics: Batter, Batter's Box, Hit By Pitch, Uncategorized

When a batter is hit by a pitch it is usually an easy call for the home plate umpire; dead ball, batter awarded first base and all runners who are forced advance one base. But what happens if the batter is not in the batter’s box? Or attempts to swing or offers to bunt the…

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Broadcasters Call Machado Play “Bush League.” But is it Interference?

Topics: Batter, Batter Interference, Batter Runner, Batter's Box, Catcher, Definitions, Interference, Manager Ejection, Runner Interference, Uncategorized

Diamondback Announcers did not hold back on their opinion of Manny Machado and his controversial play in San Diego versus the Padres, Tuesday, April 2, 2019. “It’s such an unnecessary thing, to say the least” Brenly said. “Obviously, it could create a potential injury. You drop a bat next to a guy who’s looking up…

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2019 INSTANT REPLAY RULES

Topics: Replay Review, Uncategorized

For Official Information regarding Major League Baseball Replay Review Regulations click this link: http://m.mlb.com/official_rules/replay_review

Expert Analysis

Deflected Balls that Remain in Play (Part 3)

Topics: Base Awards, Deflected Ball, Obstruction, Runner Interference, Runners, Uncategorized

Deflected Batted Ball Strikes the Runner  Deflections make for knotty problems since they usually lead to right of way arguments.  Whenever a batted ball is deflected off the pitcher or another infielder into the path of the runner, one of three things can happen: The ball can remain alive and in play The runner can…

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Deflected Balls Go Into Dead Ball Territory

Topics: Batted Ball, Dead Ball Area, Foul Territory, Placing Runners, Placing Runners, Uncategorized

Deflected Balls That Go into Dead Ball Territory: Part I This is the first of a three-part series involving rules that relate to pitched, thrown and batted balls that are deflected into dead ball territory or remain in play.  In this edition, I’ll cover deflections that go into dead ball territory on throws from the…

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New Twists for Umpire Interference

Topics: Base Awards, Placing Runners, Umpire, Umpire Interference, Uncategorized

  Crazy Play That Happened in Dominican Republic Winter Ball The following play occurred in late November in a Dominican Republic winter league game between Gigantes and Toros. Gigantes had a runner on first when the batter hit a scorching line drive over the center fielder’s head. While the four umpires were rotating, the plate…

Expert Analysis

What Do You Know? 9 Rules Questions from 2018

Topics: Base, Batter's Box, Catcher Interference, Dead Ball Area, Fair Territory, Foul Territory, Infield Fly, Pinch Hitter, Pitcher, Pitcher Pick-offs, Runner Interference, Uncategorized

1. There’s a runner on first, catcher’s interference is called and the batter safely makes it to first as a result of the play. If the runner on first (after safely reaching second base), makes an attempt for third base during the play and gets thrown out, does the offensive coach have the option to…

Expert Analysis

Oops! MLB Umpire Catches Wild Pitch

Topics: Catcher, Definitions, Equipment, Interference, Latest News, Lodged Ball, Placing Runners, Placing Runners, Umpire, Umpire Interference, Uncategorized

In the July 27, 2018 Jays-White Sox game in Chicago, top of the fifth inning, Curtis Granderson was batting for the Jays with Russell Martin on third, Randal Grichuk on second, and Devon Travis on first with one out.  Sox pitcher Thyago Vieira unleashed a wild one. The ball bounced in the dirt and was…

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