4.00 Starting and Ending the Game
4.01 – The umpires shall proceed directly to home plate where they shall be met by the managers of the opposing teams, just preceding the established time to begin the game. In sequence- (a) The home team manager shall give the batting order in duplicate to the Umpire-in-Chief; (b) Next, the visiting manager shall give…
2024 One Base Beyond Rule
The Rays and Yankees played in New York on July 19, 2024 when a relatively obscure rule almost came alive. In the bottom of the fourth, Juan Soto, batting with the bases empty and two outs, facing Zach Eflin, doubled to deep left field. Rays left fielder Randy Arozarena fumbled the ball as it caromed…
Two Runner Interference Plays in 2024
Runner Interference Rule with Infield Fly Rule For the third time this season, there was a runner interference call in the middle of an Infield Fly rule play. The Mariners and Red Sox played at Fenway on July 31, 2024. With one out and runners at first and second in the bottom of the seventh…
Catcher’s Interference Rule That Creates A Balk
The Rays hosted the Marlins on July 30, 2024. In the bottom of the seventh, Jose Siri was at bat facing Austin Kitchen with José Cabellero on third base. Cabellero broke for the plate in an attempt to steal the dish. Marlins catcher Nick Fortes jumped out in front the plate. Plate ump Tripp Gibson called…
Runner Appeal 2024
The Padres and Rockies played at Petco on Aug. 4, 2024. In the top of the third, Ezequiel Tovar was batting facing Matt Waldron with Aaron Schunk on first base. Tovar hit a pop fly that was caught in foul territory by first baseman Luis Arraez. Schunk was running with the pitch. He was deked…
Smart Baserunning with Baseline Rule
The O’s and Guardians played at Progressive Field on Aug. 2, 2024. In the bottom of the sixth the Guardians scored two runs on a sac/fly in their 8-4 win. The Guardians had the bases loaded and one out. Brayan Rocchio was on third, Austin Hedges was on second and Steven Kwan was on first…
Third Disengagement Balk
In the July 4, 2024 Rays-Royals game at Kauffman Stadium, the Rays were batting in the top of the first inning. They had Richie Palacios on second and Isaac Paredes on first with one out when Royals pitcher Alec Marsh failed to pick-off Palacios which was his third disengagement. A balk was called on Marsh…
Fielder Intentionally Drops Bunt Fly Ball
The Nationals and Pirates played a double header at PNC Park on September 7, 2024. In the top of the ninth of the first game, the Nats were winning 4-2. Jacob Young was the batter facing David Bednar. Young hit a bunt pop fly in front of the plate. Pirates first baseman Rowdy Tellez came…
First and Third Little League Play
The Brewers and D’backs played in Arizona on September 14, 2024. In the top of the first, the Brewers had Garrett Mitchell on third and Willy Adames on first with two outs. With a 1-2 count on Jake Bauers, Adames took off for second base. Instead of throwing to second, D’backs catcher Adrian Del Castillo…
