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…
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…
All About Obstruction…it Happened in the Major Leagues Again!
Obstruction Definition Obstruction is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball or a throw, impedes the progress of any runner. Contact does not have to be made for the umpire to rule obstruction. There are two types of obstruction Type…
Type 1 Obstruction: Fielders Illegally Blocking a Base
A few years ago, MLB distributed a video prior to the start of the season demonstrating how catchers should adhere to the Collision at Home Plate rule 6.01 (i). The video coupled with the language of the rule has been a huge success in eliminating runner/catcher collisions at the plate. Now, MLB needs to provide…
Rare Visual Obstruction Calls in Dodgers vs Mets
The Dodgers beat the Mets 7-5 in 13 innings on May 23, 2025 when third base umpire Tripp Gibson, gave a clinic on the topic of visual obstruction by making two such calls. The last time I saw such a call made was in 2004. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Pete Alonso was…
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…
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:…
8.02 Pitcher Rules
The pitcher shall not – (a) (1) bring the pitching hand in contact with the mouth or lips while in the 10-foot circle (18-foot circle in Intermediate (50-70) Division/ Junior/ Senior/ Big League) surrounding the pitcher’s plate; EXCEPTION: Provided it is agreed to by both managers, the umpire, prior to the start of a game…
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…