How should a fielder or a runner react to a potential lodged ball?
The Rangers and Astros played at Minute Maid on July 14, 2024. In the top of the first inning, the Rangers had Marcus Semien on first and no outs when Corey Seager, facing Ronel Blanco, bounced to Jon Singleton. The Astros first baseman threw to shortstop Jeremy Peña to force Semien. But Peña’s throw to…
Home Plate Collison Rule (No Violation)
The Red Sox and Marlins played in Miami on July 4, 2024. In the bottom of the ninth with the score tied 2-2, the Marlins had Jesús Sánchez on second base with one out when Xavier Edwards singled to center field. Sánchez attempted to score but was called when Jarren Duran made a strong throw…
Runner Called Out for Running Out of the Baseline
The Guardians and Royals played in Kansas City on June 27, 2024. In the bottom of the fifth, the Royals had Nick Loftin on second base and Hunter Renfroe at bat with two outs when Renfroe hit a ground ball to José Ramírez at third base. Ramirez did not think he had a play at…
Illegal Tag of Detached Batting Helmet
The Blue Jays and Guardians played at Progressive Field on June 23, 2024. In the top of the first inning with the Jays leading 2-0, Justin Turner stole second base with a little help from his batting helmet. Turner attempted to advance to second base with George Springer at bat when Triston McKenzie made a…
Two Right of Way Plays in MLB in 2024
Right of Way Play No. 1 Player Comes out of Dugout and Interferes with Fielder Rule 6.01 (b) rarely surfaces in the game of baseball. But it did in the June 9, 2024 game at Oakland where the A’s hosted the Blue Jays. The rule that is titled “Right of Way,” reads, “The players, coaches,…
Runner Interference on Infield Fly Rule Again in 2024 MLB Season
Twice in a span of six days in the 2024 MLB season, we had a runner interference call in the middle of an Infield Fly rule situation. The most recent being a game on May 29, 2024 between the Yankees and Angels when Juan Soto was called for interference when the IFR was invoked. Because…
Rare Interference on Infield Fly Rule
The May 23, 2024 Orioles-White Sox game ended on a controversial note when a rare interference, Infield Fly rule ended in a double play. Here is what happened: The White Sox trailing 8-6 had Andrew Vaughn on second base and Gavin Sheets on first base with one out when Andrew Benintendi, facing Craig Kimbrel, hit…
Which Catches are LEGAL and ILLEGAL?
The video helps you understand which catches are legal and illegal in Major League Baseball. This video defines what is a legal catch is, discusses foul tips caught by a catcher, plays and catches around the dugout, fielders falling into the stands, drops against the wall and more. Rich Marazzi Rules consultant/analyst: Angels, D’backs, Dodgers,…
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…
2023 Batter Awarded Third Base on Infield Overthrow
Do you know there are situations when a batter-runner can be awarded third base on an overthrow by an infielder into dead ball territory? Can you define the terms “FIRST PLAY” and “SECOND PLAY” in the infield? Award of Bases on Infield Throws into Dead Ball Territory Normally when an infielder throws a ball into…
