baseball defense

Expert Analysis

The Hidden Ball Trick

Topics: Trick Play

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…

Expert Analysis

The “Grand Illusion” Trick Play

Topics: 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…

Expert Analysis

First and Third Little League Play

Topics: Trick 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…

Expert Analysis

Fielder Intentionally Drops Bunt Fly Ball

Topics: Trick Play

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…

Expert Analysis

Batter Loses Bat

Topics: Equipment

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…

Expert Analysis

September 2024 Baseball Rules Question and Answer

Topics: Rules Controversy

QUESTION #1 Minor League game…There’s a runner on third. Following the pitch to the batter the runner walked back toward third base but never touched the base. For some reason, he went around the base toward left field and never retouched third base as he retook his lead. Is this a violation? Can the defensive…

Expert Analysis

Batter Does Not Touch First Base on Intentional Walk

Topics: Base

The Cubs and Marlins played at loanDepot Park on August 25, 2024. In the bottom of the eighth, Jesús Sánchez was intentionally walked by Cubs pitcher Julian Merriweather. Marlins manager Skip Schumaker decided to pinch-run for Sánchez  with Cristian Pache. Sanchez trotted toward first base but never touched the base when he became aware that…

Expert Analysis

August 2024 MLB Rules Question and Answer

Topics: Rules Controversy

Play #1 QUESTION: It’s possible that Red Sox catcher Danny Jansen will appear in the box scores for opposing teams in the same game on Monday August 26, 2024 when Boston and Toronto meet at Fenway Park. How can a player play for both teams in the same game? And is this the first time…

Expert Analysis

How the Batter’s Actions Affects the Calling of a Balk

Topics: 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…

Expert Analysis

Runner Fails to Retouch Second Base: The Force is Reinstated

Topics: Appeal

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…

Don't strike out!

Become a part of the largest baseball rules community in the world!

Get free access to baseball forums, rules analysis and exclusive email content from current and former Major League Baseball players and umpires.