2022 MLB Examples of Obstruction
The Nats hosted the Phils on June 17th in the second game of a doubleheader. The game won by the Phils 8-7, was marred with controversy that led to the ejection of Nats’ manager Dave Martinez. In the top of the 10th inning with the score tied 6-6, the Phillies had Kyle Schwarber on third…
Runner’s Lane Interference 5.09 (a) (11)
The Rangers and Tigers played at Comerica Park on May 29, 2023. In the top of the fifth inning the Rangers had Robbie Grossman on first base and one out when Bubba Thompson laid down a bunt that was fielded by Tigers’ pitcher Matthew Boyd who threw to first base. The throw hit Thompson and…
The New MLB Intentional Walk Rule
The new MLB intentional walk rule has had little effect on the overall length of major league games. It was not a particularly bold move, but it does represent a changing of the mindset of those decision makers to speed up the pace of play. The estimated time shaving is around 35 seconds per game….
Umpire Got the Count Wrong, Now What?
The D’backs hosted the Dodgers on Sept. 10. In the top of the sixth inning, the Dodgers had Kike Hernandez on third and Austin Barnes on first with one out. Mookie Betts was at-bat with a 1-2 count. On the next pitch which was called a “Ball” by plate umpire Doug Eddings, the. Dodgers attempted…
Toronto Manager Trades Out for Run, then A’s Protest Game
It isn’t often that the manager of the offensive team will argue and request a replay challenge for the purpose of adding an out to his team while they are at bat. But thanks to the age of video replay and knowledge of the force out rule, former Toronto manager John Gibbons did that on…
Special Update: Red Sox Protest Denied!
MLB has rejected the Red Sox protest of the July 15 game against the Yankees. ICYMI: Review of the play To briefly review the situation (in case you missed it, see yesterday’s post, “Red Sox-Yankees Rivalry Plays Out Again”): In the top of the 11th inning the Yankees had Matt Holliday at first base and…
Rule 9.00 – Machine Pitch Specific Rules
9.01 Fair Ball Arc: There shall be a twenty (20) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. A batted ball must go past this line to be a fair ball (this includes a ball that is legally bunted). 9.02 Safety Arc: There shall be a thirty…
NCAA Appendix B Rules for Scoreboards, Video and Audio
Rules for Scoreboards, Video and Audio The following regulations apply to all NCAA Baseball games, regardless of stadium or venue: A. Scoreboards and video. 1. Scoreboards (and monitors) must not be used to “show up” an umpire or visiting team members, incite the crowd, or distract a player. The following situations may not be shown:…
Rule 8.00 – Coach Pitch Specific Rules
8.01 Fair Ball Arc: There shall be a twenty (20) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. A batted ball must go past this line to be a fair ball. 8.02 Safety Arc: There shall be a thirty (30) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline…
Backswing Interference
Backswing interference is sometimes called “follow-through” interference. It is covered under rule 6.03 (a) (3) and (4) Comment. The penalty is not as severe as your traditional or regular batter interference when the batter’s missed swing takes him into the throwing lane of the catcher. When that occurs, the batter is out unless the runner…