Fourth Out Appeal
The Nats hosted the Pirates on June 29th when the Nationals had the opportunity to nullify a Pirates’ run by taking advantage of the “fourth out” appeal rule but failed to do so. With one out in the top of the fifth, the Bucs had Hoy Park on second and Jack Suwinski on third when…
Max Scherzer Suspended for 10 Games
Mets pitcher Max Scherzer was suspended for 10 games before he began pitching the fourth inning of the Mets-Dodgers game on April 19, 2023 in Los Angeles. He had pitched three scoreless innings, while allowing one hit. From all accounts and reports, the ejection/suspension was caused by excessive stickiness on his hand and glove. He…
Runner Interference Call Changed to Fielder Obstruction
The Rays and Mariners played at T-Mobile Park on July 2, 2023. In the bottom of the third inning, the M’s had Ty France on second base and one out, when Teoscar Hernández hit a ground ball that Rays’ third baseman Isaac Paredes charged in on. France, on his way to third, collided with Paredes…
The Dirt on MLB’s Newest Pitching Delivery Rule
Special to Baseball Rules Academy Several MLB rule changes over the last few years were implemented because of serious injuries to players. Those rules, such as the home plate collision rule and the slide rule are commonly referred to by the famous players involved, “Buster Posey Rule” and the “Chase Utley Rule.” Now we have…
Strange Play Special Report: Ball Sticks to Catcher’s Protector
Baseball Fans Bewildered The Chicago Cubs started a 7th inning, three-run rally vs the Cardinals in a most unusual way on April 6, 2017. The Cubs Matt Szczur swung and missed on a pitch in the dirt for strike three. Aware that Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina did not cleanly catch the ball, Szczur headed to…
Controversial Balk Call, Braves vs Phillies
Controversial Balk Call The Phils and Braves met in Philadelphia on April 22. In the top of the fourth inning, the Braves had Brandon Phillips on second base and two outs when Phils’ right-hander Jerad Eickhoff was called for a balk by umpire Tripp Gibson. After Phillips broke for third base, Eickhoff, a right-hander, made…
Hidden Ball Trick by Rich Marazzi
The Hidden Ball Trick in baseball has been around as long as peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jack. Many runners have been caught napping over the years by clever thinking infielders who have used a variety of tactics to execute the ancient ruse. Former shortstop Gene “Stick” Michael was one of the great hidden ball tricksters…
What is Runner Abandonment?
Before getting to the plays in this report, it’s important to outline the two rules that the umpires had to reference in making their decision. Runner Abandonment: Rule 5.09 (b) (1) and (2) Comment The rule reads, “If a runner leaves his base path and heads for his dugout or his position believing…
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…