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…
Third Base Coach Interference?
The Mariners hosted the Angels on July 22, 2024. In the top of the ninth with the score tied 1-1, the Angels had Brandon Drury on second and Zach Neto on first with two outs when Jo Adell singled to center field. Both runners scored. Neto advanced home because of a throwing error by M’s…
Type 2 Obstruction at Third Base in MLB 2024
The Angels and Mariners played in Seattle on July 23, 2024. In the top of the fifth inning, the Angels had the bases loaded and no outs. Nolan Schanuel was on third, Brandon Drury was on second, and Mickey Moniak was on first. Zach Neto was at bat facing Logan Gilbert. Neto laid down a…
Batter Loses Bat
The Mariners hosted the Yankees on September 18, 2024 at T-Mobile Park. In the bottom of the tenth, the Yanks led 2-1. Randy Arozarena was batting with Julio Rodriguez on third and Cal Raleigh on first and no outs. Arozarena, facing Ian Hamilton, struck out. In doing so, he lost control of his bat that…
