Understanding MLB “Time Plays”: Three Real-Game Examples That Every Team Should Know
Play No. 1 The Twins hosted the Cubs on July 9th, 2025. In the bottom of the fourth, Harrison Bader was batting facing Cade Horton. The Twins had Royce Lewis on third and Matt Wallner on first with two outs when Wallner broke for second on a 0-1 pitch. Wallner got into a rundown between…
Keeping the Force Alive: Four MLB Plays That Show the Power of Smart Base-Running Rules
Play No. 1 Walker Keeps Force Alive The Braves hosted the Astros on September 19, 2025. In the bottom of the fourth, Atlanta had Ronald Acuña Jr. on first with one out when Blake Baldwin hit a ground ball to first baseman Christian Walker. Acuña briefly froze before retreating to first. Walker tagged Acuña, who…
The Baseline Rule: Understanding Runner Restrictions and Umpire Judgments in Baseball
Understanding the baseline rule can pay dividends on both sides of the ball. The Official Baseball Rules refer to the runner’s baseline as his base path under Rule 5.09 (b) (1). But I think there is a distinction between a base path and a baseline. When a runner is in a base path he has…
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…