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Expert Analysis

The Wackiest Triple Play Ever?

Topics: Fielding, Runners, Umpire

The Red Sox were the victims of a crazy triple play in Boston on May 2, 2017 when the Orioles turned three on a pop up to shallow left field. Once you have seen the play, you might come to your own conclusion as to whether the pop fly hit by Jackie Bradley, Jr. should…

Expert Analysis

Can a Fielder Block a Base?

Topics: Base, Definitions, Obstruction, Runners

Beginning 2024, pro rules (OBR, MLB) will no longer allow a fielder who is not in possession of the ball to block a base (1B, 2B, 3B) or impede a runner. It will be enforced similar to the Home Plate Collision Rule.  New Rule Explained Here: https://baseballrulesacademy.com/obstruction-enforcement-at-all-bases-in-2024/   In the July 24 Blue Jays-Mariners game…

Expert Analysis

Runners Passing Runners, Oh My!

Topics: Batter Runner, Latest News, Runners, Runners Passing Runners

Author: Rich Marazzi: Rules consultant- Blue Jays, Brewers, Cardinals, D’backs, Dodgers, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Rangers, Rays, Reds, Red Sox, Royals, Tigers, Twins, Yankees, the Sinclair Regional Sports Networks, ESPN, YES, and White Sox TV Passing the Runner: Rule 5.09 (b) (9) The passing the runner rule might be best understood if it read, “When…

Expert Analysis

Batter-Runner Interference

Topics: Expert Analysis, Interference

Play No. 1 The Rangers and A’s played in Oakland on May 26th.  In the bottom of the seventh, Christian Bethancourt was batting with the bases empty and no outs facing Martin Perez. Bethancourt bunted the ball between the mound and the first baseline. Perez fielded the ball and tossed to first baseman Nathaniel Lowe….

Expert Analysis

A whole lot of bumping going on

Topics: Blog, Fielding, Obstruction, Umpire

Runner on first, no outs. Lazy infield popup down first base line. First baseman and pitcher converge but it seems like it’s a play for the first baseman. As the batter-runner approaches first, he and the pitcher slightly bump which causes the batter-runner to lose his balance and fall. The pitcher also loses his balance…

Expert Analysis

Batter’s Interference: Coaching Tips For Smart Coaches

Topics: Batter Interference, Blog, Rule of the Week

When a batter hinders a catcher making a play, it is basic batter interference. It usually happens that a batter swings at a pitch, misses and then falls into the space of the catcher who is attempting to throw out a runner. The batter is out and the runner(s) are returned to their previous base….

Expert Analysis

Buck Showalter and the Mets Win a Double Challenge

Topics: Expert Analysis

In the June 24th Mets – Marlins game, the Mets won an unusual double challenge in their 5-3 win. In the top of the sixth inning with the score tied 2-2, Brandon Nimmo was on first and Tomas Nido on second with no outs when Starling Marte ripped a ground ball to Willians Astudillo. The…

Expert Analysis

When a Runner Passes Another Runner

Topics: Batter Runner, Runners, Runners Passing Runners
This is a video post.
Expert Analysis

Runner Creates a Time Play by Eliminating the Inning-Ending Force Out

Topics: Time Play

The Cards hosted the Pirates on June 14th when what might be the Ruleball play of the season  occurred in the first game of a double header.  In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Redbirds had the bases loaded and two outs. Yadier Molina was on third, Edmundo Sosa on second, and Nolan Gorman…

Expert Analysis

Batter Attempts to Help Catcher But is Called Out!

Topics: Batter, Batter Interference

Carlos Correa was batting at Minute Maid Park on April 23, 2019, when the Astros hosted the Twins.  It was the bottom of the seventh with runners on first and second and two outs when a Tyler Duffy pitch bounced in the dirt. The ball then caromed off catcher Mitch Garver and skipped toward the…

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