Andrew McCutchen Called Out of the Baseline…What?
Did Andrew McCutchen go beyond the legal three feet base path to avoid this tag? You make the call. Then, read the expert analysis by Rich Marazzi on what is legal on the base paths. Expert Analysis by Rich Marazzi In the bottom of the seventh with the score tied, 4-4, the Phils had Andrew…
This Ground Ball To The Pitcher was Ruled a Hit! The Rulebook Allowed It…
Trea Turner of the Nationals came to the plate in the bottom of the seventh inning on May 2, 2021, when the Nats hosted the Marlins. After fouling off several pitches, Marlins pitcher, Zach Pop induced a slow comebacker which looked like an easy out to end the inning. However, after Pop fielded the ball…
Controversial Obstruction Call has Manager and Coaches Scratching their Heads
The Brewers hosted the Marlins on Wednesday afternoon. In the top of the second inning, the Marlins had Corey Dickerson on third and Jon Berti on first and one out when Isan Diaz hit a slow roller to the mound that was fielded Zack Godley. The Brewers’ pitcher then flipped the ball to first baseman…
Jonathan India Beaned in the Head, Reds Warned
The baseball world ducked tragedy on Sunday, April 25, 2021, when the Cardinals hosted the Reds at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Cardinals starter, Jack Flaherty was dotting the edges of the zone all day until he tossed a high hard one that struck Reds rookie infielder, Jonathan India, just above the left earflap. India…
Runner is Hit by a Batted Ball. Safe or Out? It Depends…
There’s a perception that when a runner is hit by a batted ball, he is always out. Not true. Runners are struck by batted balls in a variety ways. If this occurs when the runner is hit in front of an infielder, who is attempting to make a play, he is called out for interference…
MLB Batter Leans into Pitch and Wins the Game
A controversial ending gave the New York Mets a win over the Miami Marlins on Thursday afternoon at Citi Field. The game was tied in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded and one out. Anthony Bass appeared to strike out Michael Conforto looking but home plate umpire Ron Kulpa ruled the baseball…
When Will They Learn? Do Not Pass Another Runner!
It is a simple rule but many players, even veteran major leaguers, remain uninformed. Do not pass another runner while running the bases. (5.09(b)(9) (9) He passes a preceding runner before such runner is out; This play happened on Opening Day, April 1, 2021 when the Dodgers played the Colorado Rockies. In the third inning…
The 2021 Minor League Rule Change Experiment
The 2021 Minor League Rule Change Experiment The minor leagues are the final proving ground. Players that adapt to the speed of the game, exhibit the most consistency to perform and outplay their minor league peers head to the big leagues. Most minor leaguers, however, eventually head home with no more than a whiff of…
