New Twists for Umpire Interference
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…
2024 MLB Replay Review Regulations
Listed below are the official MLB Replay Review Regulations for the 2024 Season. Courtesy of MLB Replay Review Regulations On-Field Regulation 2-12 I. Overview Video replay review in Major League Baseball (hereafter, “Replay Review”) is designed to provide timely review of certain disputed calls in all Championship Season, All-Star and Post- Season games played in…
2022 Rules Questions with Rich Marazzi
Restricted Baseline Running Home Question: When a runner is advancing home and avoiding a tag by a catcher, does the runner have a restricted baseline? Answer: Yes. Whenever a runner is avoiding a tag, or is in a rundown, he has a restricted baseline. It is a straight line to the base he is going to, and…
Backswing Interference 2024
The Rays and Brewers played in Milwaukee on April 29, 2024. In the bottom of the ninth the Brewers trailed 1-0. They had Sal Frelick on third, and Willy Adames on second and one out when Jake Bauers swung and missed a 1-2 slider from Jason Adam. Bauer’s backswing struck catcher René Pinto in the…
Umpire Interference
There are two types of umpire interference: (1) When a field umpire (the second base umpire) is positioned in front of the infielders and is struck by a batted ball that is not deflected off another fielder, and (2) when the plate umpire interferes with the catcher’s throw in an attempt to retire a runner….
2023 Batter, Catcher and Shift Regulations
The Batter and Timing Regulations Question: What is defined as being alert to the pitcher with 8 seconds remaining on the clock? Answer: The batter must have both feet in the batter’s box, and facing the pitcher. He must have his eye on the pitcher and be in a position to quickly assess a hitting stance….
Runner’s Lane Violations All Over MLB
Bellinger Called Out The Dodgers and Padres played in San Diego on Thursday night. Cody Bellinger led off the top of the fourth for the Dodgers in a scoreless game and hit a dribbler in front of the plate. The ball was fielded by catcher Austin Hedges who fired wide of first base and…
Follow Through Interference
Pro rules have nary a reference to follow through interference. Instead, it is referred to as “back swing” interference. The golfing world knows the difference. Follow through vs. back swing The follow through is the continuing movement of the bat after the ball is struck or missed – the completion of the swinging motion. The…