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…
Passing The Runner: Juan Soto Passes Brandon Nimmo
The White Sox and Mets played at Citi Field on May 27, 2025. In the bottom of the first inning, the Mets had Brandon Nimmo on first base and no outs when Juan Soto, facing Jonathan Cannon, drove a ball deep to Michael A. Taylor in right center. Nimmo was off and running. It wasn’t…
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…
Runner Fails to Retouch Second Base: The Force is Reinstated
The Brewers hosted the Dodgers on Aug. 14, 2024 at American Family Field. In the bottom of the fourth, Brice Turang was at bat facing Anthony Banda with Joey Ortiz on first base and one out. Turang hit a fair ball down the left field line that barely touched the painted foul line. Ortiz, not…
How the Batter’s Actions Affects the Calling of a Balk
Did the batter’s actions in the following play cause the pitcher to balk? If so, shouldn’t the balk be nullified? The Guardians and Twins played a double header at Target Field on Aug. 9, 2024. In the seventh inning of the second game, plate ump Jim Wolf called a balk on Guardians pitcher Tim Herrin…
The “Grand Illusion” Trick Play
In a 1982 College WS game, Miami pulled off this amazing trick play against Wichita State that in my opinion was the greatest stunt I have ever seen on a baseball field. In a second-round matchup, the Hurricanes executed a gimmick that continues to resonate which helped defeat the favored Shockers. With Wichita State’s Phil…
The Hidden Ball Trick
This is the most common trick in the game of baseball. It has been around longer than peanuts, popcorn, and Cracker Jack. Ruleball Comments The hidden ball trick often occurs when the ball comes in from the outfield and the infielder who receives the throw fakes a throw to the pitcher and keeps the ball…
Game Ending Faux Pas
In this minor league game, the score is tied in the bottom of the ninth. The team at bat has runners on first and third and two outs. The batter hits safely to center field. The runner on third crosses the plate while the runner who was on first base thinks the game is over…
Batter Hits Ball That Bounces on Top of Wall
The video explains what happens when a batter hits a ball that bounces on top of the wall, and when the result is a home run or ground rule double. Rich Marazzi Rules consultant/analyst: Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, Bally Sports, YES, and…
