Runner Interference Call Changed to Fielder Obstruction
The Rays and Mariners played at T-Mobile Park on July 2, 2023. In the bottom of the third inning, the M’s had Ty France on second base and one out, when Teoscar Hernández hit a ground ball that Rays’ third baseman Isaac Paredes charged in on. France, on his way to third, collided with Paredes…
Max Scherzer Suspended for 10 Games
Mets pitcher Max Scherzer was suspended for 10 games before he began pitching the fourth inning of the Mets-Dodgers game on April 19, 2023 in Los Angeles. He had pitched three scoreless innings, while allowing one hit. From all accounts and reports, the ejection/suspension was caused by excessive stickiness on his hand and glove. He…
Controversial No Tag-Up Call at Chase Field: Orioles’ O’Neil Caught in Umpire Oversight
The Orioles and D’backs played at Chase Field on April 8, 2025. In the top of the seventh, the O’s had Cedric Mullins on third base, Tyler O’Neil on second, and Gary Sánchez on first, with one out when Jackson Holliday, facing Shelby Miller, lined out to Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in left field. The D’backs’…
2022 MLB Examples of Obstruction
Beginning 2024, pro rules (OBR, MLB) will no longer allow a fielder who is not in possession of the ball to block a base (1B, 2B, 3B) or impede a runner. It will be enforced similar to the Home Plate Collision Rule. New Rule Explained Here: https://baseballrulesacademy.com/obstruction-enforcement-at-all-bases-in-2024/ The Nats hosted the Phils on June…
Fourth Out Appeal
The Nats hosted the Pirates on June 29th when the Nationals had the opportunity to nullify a Pirates’ run by taking advantage of the “fourth out” appeal rule but failed to do so. With one out in the top of the fifth, the Bucs had Hoy Park on second and Jack Suwinski on third when…
2.00 Definition of Terms
(All definitions in Rule 2.00 are listed alphabetically) ADJUDGED is a judgment decision by an umpire. An APPEAL is an act of a fielder in claiming a violation of the rules by the offensive team. An AT-BAT, for the purposes of meeting the requirements of Mandatory Play (if applicable), is when a batter assumes the…
The Dirt on MLB’s Newest Pitching Delivery Rule
Special to Baseball Rules Academy Several MLB rule changes over the last few years were implemented because of serious injuries to players. Those rules, such as the home plate collision rule and the slide rule are commonly referred to by the famous players involved, “Buster Posey Rule” and the “Chase Utley Rule.” Now we have…
Strange Play Special Report: Ball Sticks to Catcher’s Protector
Baseball Fans Bewildered The Chicago Cubs started a 7th inning, three-run rally vs the Cardinals in a most unusual way on April 6, 2017. The Cubs Matt Szczur swung and missed on a pitch in the dirt for strike three. Aware that Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina did not cleanly catch the ball, Szczur headed to…
Runner’s Lane Interference at 2022 College World Series Changes Everything
In the final game of the 2022 College World Series between Ole Miss and Oklahoma, a video replay enforced the penalty for the violation of runner’s lane interference. With such a significant game on the line, it was touted as controversial, but applying the rule from the NCAA it is actually a very easy call….
Follow Through Interference
Pro rules have nary a reference to follow through interference. Instead, it is referred to as “back swing” interference. The golfing world knows the difference. Follow through vs. back swing The follow through is the continuing movement of the bat after the ball is struck or missed – the completion of the swinging motion. The…