Catcher’s Interference Becoming Common Occurrence in MLB
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…
Catcher’s Interference: All Runners Advanced on the Play
In previous reports, I covered the topic of catcher’s interference and how the increase in calls is concerning and is an underrated problem in the game. In two recent Red Sox games the catcher’s interference rule played a major role in victories for the Sox. In the April 15, 2023 contest between the Angels and…
Catcher’s Interference: Some Batters Will Do Anything to Get On Base
The Golden Age of Catcher’s Interference It’s safe to say that we are in the golden age of catcher’s interference. In the last three full seasons excluding the truncated 2020 shortened 60-game campaign, the number of catcher’s interference calls has increased each year. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, there were 61 violations in 2019;…
2022 Rules Questions with Rich Marazzi
Restricted Baseline Running Home Question: When a runner is advancing home and avoiding a tag by a catcher, does the runner have a restricted baseline? Answer: Yes. Whenever a runner is avoiding a tag, or is in a rundown, he has a restricted baseline. It is a straight line to the base he is going to, and…
