Poor Time Play Execution
The Padres and Mets played at Citi Field on September 17, 2025. In the top of the sixth inning, the Padres had Elías Díaz on second and Fernando Tatis Jr. on first with two outs when Luis Arraez hit safely to right field. The ball was fielded by Juan Soto, who gunned down Arraez at…
When Basepaths Collide: Understanding Runner Interference and Baseball’s “Right of Way”
I once read that car accidents are often caused by a driver who didn’t see the other driver. I’m sure in some situations, neither driver saw the other. This is true in the game of baseball when a runner impedes a defensive player from making a play or a defensive player hinders a runner who…
Understanding “Time of the Pitch” in Baseball: How Umpires Determine Base Awards
There are several situations in the game of baseball when umpires determine the award of bases based on the last base touched by the runner’s position at the “Time of the Pitch,” which is defined as the moment the pitcher’s movements commit him to deliver the ball to the batter. A runner who attempts to…
August 2025 Question and Answer
Question #1 In the Red Sox-Angels game on June 23, 2025, it appeared that Angels’ third baseman Luis Rengifo had illegally blocked second base when tagging out Abraham Toro. Why wasn’t Rengifo called for obstruction in this play? Answer The Angels hosted the Red Sox on June 23rd. In the top of the fifth, the…
Nationals’ 2025 Catch/No Catch Trap Plays: Triple Play and Rare 7-3 Putout Spark Debate
The Washington Nationals have been involved in two catch/no catch trap plays during the 2025 season that have created interesting situations. The Mets and Nationals played at Nationals Park on April 25, 2025 when an unusual triple play took place. It was the second triple play of the season, joining the Rockies’ trifecta on April…
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’…
The Ohtani Rule
Curious about the Ohtani Rule? ⚾ In this video, we break down the special rule that lets Shohei Ohtani (and other two-way players) stay in the lineup as a hitter even after they’re done pitching. Learn why MLB created the rule, how it works, and what it means for the future of baseball strategy. From…
Inside the Hidden Ball Trick
The hidden ball trick in baseball can be a thrilling or humbling experience, depending on your role. For the fielder who executes this sly maneuver, it’s a moment of triumph. For the unsuspecting baserunner, it’s a lesson in embarrassment. Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh explains how to pull off the hidden ball trick, clarifies the…
Controversial Batter-Runner Interference Non-Call
Batter-Runner Interference Not Called The Twins hosted the White Sox on April 22, 2025. The Twins had Luke Keaschall on second base and two outs when Trevor Larnach, facing Davis Martin, hit a tapper between home and first. The ball was fielded by Sox catcher Edgar Quero who fired to first. The ball struck Larnach…