baseball rules

Expert Analysis

Which Tags are LEGAL and ILLEGAL?

Topics: tag attempt

The video helps you understand which tags are legal and illegal in Major League Baseball. This video defines what is a legal tag, discusses how the fielder must have secure possession of the ball in their glove, runners disengaging from the base, a runners momentum carrying them beyond the base, the no-touch no-tag call and…

Expert Analysis

The Conduct of the Catcher at the Plate

Topics: Home Plate Collision

This video discusses the responsibilities of a CATCHER in regards to collisions at home plate – Rule 6.01 (i).  The rule is designed to prevent injury between the runner and the catcher, and both share responsibilities to avoid a collision. Rich Marazzi Rules consultant/analyst:  Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers,…

Expert Analysis

The Conduct of the Runner at the Plate

Topics: Home Plate Collision

This video discusses the responsibilities of a RUNNER in regards to collisions at home plate – Rule 6.01 (i).  The rule is designed to prevent injury between the runner and the catcher, and both share responsibilities to avoid a collision. Rich Marazzi Rules consultant/analyst:  Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers,…

Expert Analysis

Spectator Interference: Rule 6.01 (e)

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Yankees and Astros played at Minute Maid on September 3, 2023. In the bottom of the sixth, Yordan Alvarez hit a Tommy Kahnle pitch deep down the left field line in foul territory. Yankees’ left fielder Everson Pereira was in pursuit of the ball but was deprived of the catch when a fan reached…

Expert Analysis

Smart Baserunning 2023

Topics: Expert Analysis

In the following four plays of this report, you will see where runners played excellent Ruleball by executing sound running strategies and utilizing what the rules allow.   Yankees Smart Base Running The Yankees and Red Sox played a day-night doubleheader at Fenway Park on September 14, 2023. In the nightcap, clever base-running by Oswaldo Cabrera…

Expert Analysis

MLB Rules Questions and Answer September 2023

Topics: Expert Analysis

On-Deck Interference? QUESTION: In the Pirates-Cubs game on September 19, 2023, interference was called on the on-deck batter. Was that the proper call? Can you explain what happened? ANSWER: The Pirates and Cubs played at Wrigley on September 19, 2023 In the bottom of the sixth, Patrick Wisdom was batting with the bases empty and one…

Expert Analysis

Catcher’s Interference Becoming Common Occurrence in MLB

Topics: Expert Analysis

In the second game of a day-night doubleheader between the Yanks and Red Sox at Fenway on September 12, 2023, Austin Wells was batting in the top of the ninth with the bases loaded and one out facing Nick Robertson when catcher Connor Wong was called for catcher’s interference by plate umpire Brian Knight. Everson…

Expert Analysis

Game Ending Faux Pas

Topics: Expert Analysis

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…

Expert Analysis

Running Third to Home

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Giants and Cubs played at Wrigley on September 5, 2023. In the bottom of the seventh, the Cubs had Jeimer Candelario on third base and Yan Gomes on first with one out when Nick Madrigal hit a ground ball to Casey Schmitt. The Giants’ third baseman threw errantly to the plate. Most likely the…

Expert Analysis

Did the Runner Violate the Home Plate Collision Rule?

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Giants and Rockies played at Coors Field on Sept. 15, 2023.  In the bottom of the ninth, the Rockies had Elehuris Montero at bat with Charlie Blackmon on second and Nolan Jones on first and one out when Montero singled to left field. Blackmon charged home and arrived safely. Mike Yastrzemski’s throw got by…

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.