Infield Throws and Pitched Balls That Deflect into Dead Ball Territory: Part II
In this Part II edition involving deflected balls, I’ll cover batted balls that deflect off infielders that go into dead ball territory and pitched balls that deflect off the catcher and go into dead ball territory. Unless noted, the Pro, NCAA and NFHS rule is the same. Ball Deflects Off Infielder and Lands in Dead…
Trout Kicks Ball After Scoring
The Angels beat the Guardians at Progressive Field on May 12th, 2023 scoring two runs in the top of the ninth. It’s debatable if the winning run should have scored. Here is what happened. Hunter Renfroe was batting with Mike Trout on third and Brett Phillips on first and one out when Renfroe hit a…
Did a Veteran Player Forget This Basic Rule?
Runner on First Attempts to Go to Second Base on Dropped Third Strike When a batter strikes out on a dropped third strike and first base is occupied with less than two outs, the batter is automatically out. The rule is a close cousin of the Infield Fly rule. It is designed to protect the…
Germán Ejected for Using an Illegal Substance
Yankees right hander Domingo Germán was ejected for using an illegal substance when the Yankees and Blue Jays played at the Rogers Centre on May 16, 2023. Germán began to take the mound for the bottom of the fourth after three perfect innings to start the ballgame. But he was intercepted by the umpiring crew,…
Jansen Called for Three Pitch Timer Violations in the Same Inning
Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen was called for three pitch timer violations by plate umpire Derek Thomas in Boston on May 13, 2023 when the Red Sox fell to the Cardinals, 4-3. Jansen fell victim to the Max Scherzer rule that was born in a spring training game. With the BoSox holding a 3-1 lead…
Legal Catch Controversies from 2022 MLB Season
The official definition of the “Catch” rule that is referenced in this report: A CATCH is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in his hand or glove of a ball in flight and firmly holding it; providing he does not use his cap, protector, pocket or any other part of his uniform…
Five Questions about Balks Answered by Rich Marazzi
When a pitcher balks followed by a throw to a base or a pitch to the batter, or pitches a “Ball Four,” there are many questions that need to be answered. This creates a challenge for the players, coaching staff, manager, and broadcasters. Keep in mind, when a pitcher balks, the ball is not always…
Marlins Brewers Pitched Ball Lodged in Padding, Runner Awarded 1B
The Marlins hosted the Brewers on May 15th. In the bottom of the eighth, Brian Anderson was batting with two outs and facing Aaron Ashby. He struck out and the ball got by catcher Omar Narváez. The Brewers’ catcher retrieved the ball that was under the padding near the backstop. He appeared to have no…
Catcher Blocking of the Plate Controversy in 2022
Plate umpire Edwin Moscoso had a busy tenth inning when the Rays and Reds played at Great American Ball Park on July 8th. In the top of tenth, the Rays had Francisco Mejía on third and Josh Lowe on first and no outs with the score tied 1-1 when Yandy Diaz hit a ground ball…
Runner’s Lane Interference Controversy
The Cubs and Mets played at Citi Field on September 13, 2022. In the top of the fourth, the Cubs had runners on first and second and no outs when Michael Hermosillo, facing Jacob deGrom, laid down a sacrifice bunt that was fielded by James McCann. The Mets’ catcher fired to first baseman Pete Alonso….
