“That’s a Force!” Is Yadier Molina the Smartest Player on the Field?
Can a Batter Carry Bat Around the Bases?
New Baseline Rule (2017) Changes Umpire Interpretation
Prior to the 2017 season, a runner’s baseline (excluding a rundown) was restricted by the fielder’s tag attempt with ball in glove or hand and extended toward the runner. This season, however, there is a rule change. A fielder no longer has to have ball in glove or hand extended toward the runner to restrict…
No Infield Fly Rule Call Results in Orioles Triple Play
The Orioles pulled off a strange triple play at the expense of the Red Sox in Boston’s 5-2 win on May 2. With runners on first and second and no outs in the bottom of the eighth, Jackie Bradley Jr. skied a popup behind shortstop. O’s shortstop, J.J. Hardy, called off right fielder Joey Rickard before the ball fell between…
Benintendi Baseline Call Preserves No-Hitter
The Baseline rule (5.09 (b) (1) played a major role in preserving A’s pitcher Sean Manaea’s no-hitter against the Red Sox on Saturday night. With two outs in the sixth inning, Boston left fielder Andrew Benintendi sent a soft grounder up the first-base line and was ruled safe at first base after first baseman Matt Olson failed to tag…
Jason Heyward Called for Batter Runner Interference
Before we look at a couple of recent batter-runner interference plays, let’s review the provisions and “interpretations” that cover rule 5.09 (a) (11) and the 45-foot long, 3-foot wide runner’s box that has been around since 1881. Keep in mind that the rule is designed to protect the fielder “taking” the throw, not “making” the…
JACKETS Rule 3.03:
A pitcher may wear a jacket while a base runner. A pitcher may not wear a jacket while batting. No other player is permitted to wear a jacket while a base runner, a batter, a defensive player or a coach on the baselines. If worn, the jacket must be buttoned and is not permitted to…
MLB Umpire Manual
Reference(s) Topic Page 1. 3.03…………………………Jackets………………………………………………………………….1 2. 3.04…………………………Catcher’s Mitt ……………………………………………………….1 3. 3.04,3.05,3.06 ……………..Procedures for Measuring Fielding Gloves ………………1 4. 3.05…………………………First Baseman’s Mitt……………………………………………..1 5. 4.03…………………………Lineup Cards ………………………………………………………..2 6. 5.01(b),5.06(c)(7), 5.06(c)(7) Comment……….Ball Going Into Player’s Uniform ……………………………2 7. 5.02…………………………First Baseman Playing in Foul Territory…………………2 8. 5.04(b)(5),6.03(a)(1)……….Batter’s Position in Batter’s Box……………………………..3 9. 5.05(a) ……………………..Fly Ball Striking Top of Outfield…
