Catcher’s Interference: All Runners Advanced on the Play
In previous reports, I covered the topic of catcher’s interference and how the increase in calls is concerning and is an underrated problem in the game. In two recent Red Sox games the catcher’s interference rule played a major role in victories for the Sox. In the April 15, 2023 contest between the Angels and…
Scoring a Run on a Triple Play
It’s All. About. Timing. Scoring a run on a triple play is by far one of the rarest plays in baseball. The Yankees did it the second inning against the Reds on July 25, 2017. With none out and the bases loaded, Todd Frazier, hero of the Tom’s River, NJ, Little League World Champions, a…
Obstruction Call Attempt Sparks Benches-Clearing Chaos in White Sox vs Orioles
The White Sox and Orioles played at Camden Yards on May 31, 2025, when a runner attempted to initiate an obstruction call. In the bottom of the fourth, the O’s had Ryan O’Hearn on second when Coby Mayo singled to left field. Joshua Palacios fielded the ball and fired home. The ball was cut off…
MLB Hitter Smacks HR But Misses 1B…Umps Didn’t See It But…
Missing a base on a home run is a rarity on any level of baseball, especially in the major and minor leagues. According to data at retrosheet.com, it appears the last home run in the major leagues to be lost due to a player failing to touch a base happened on June 17, 1983, when…
Bob Melvin Ejected After Call Overturned to Illegally Blocking the Plate
The Nationals hosted the Padres on Aug. 13, 2022. In the bottom of seventh with the score tied 3-3, the Nats had Cesar Hernandez on second base and one out when Victor Robles hit safely to right field. Juan Soto fired to catcher Austin Nola and plate umpire Paul Emmel called Hernandez out. Nats’ skipper…
Batter Cannot Cause Balk – MLB Umpire Misses the Call
Batter’s Actions Cause Pitcher to Balk On July 11, 2017, the Rockies hosted the D’backs. In the bottom of second, the Rockies had Ian Desmond on first and Gerardo Parra on third with two outs and Tony Wolters at bat facing Jorge De La Rosa. Wolters asked for a “late” time out which was not…
Obstruction Call at Second Base Sparks Brewers’ Rally vs Cardinals
The Brewers hosted the Cardinals on June 14, 2025. In the bottom of the first, the Brewers had Sal Frelick on first and no outs. Jackson Chourio was facing Andre Pallante with a 2-2 count. Chourio struck out swinging and it appeared that catcher Pedro Pagés threw out Frelick who attempted to steal second. But…
Base Awards on Throws from the Outfield
The Blue Jays hosted the Rays on Aug. 16th when a base award issue emerged. In the top of the fifth, the Rays had Yandy Diaz on first and two outs when Ji-Man Choi hit a shot that went to the right field corner. Jays’ right fielder Teoscar Hernandez fielded the ball and fired it…
Balk Call on Third Disengagement Fuels Rockies’ Run in Braves Game
The Braves hosted the Rockies on June 15th. In the top of the seventh, the Rockies had Jordan Beck on third and Tyler Freeman on first with one out. Hunter Goodman was at bat facing José Ruiz with a 1-2 count. Freeman made an early bluff to second base. This induced Ruiz to step back…