Pitcher Chases Deflected Ball
The Red Sox and D’backs played at Chase Field on May 27, 2023. Gabriel Moreno led off the bottom of the eighth facing Kutter Crawford. Moreno hit a shot that caromed off Crawford’s ankle. The ball rolled toward the first base line. Crawford chased the ball and shoveled it to first baseman Pavin Smith for…
The Right of Way
It’s imperative that players on both sides of the ball understand when they have the “Right of Way.” When a fielder is attempting to make a play, the runner must avoid him. And when a defensive player does not have possession of the ball, or is not in the act of receiving a throw, the…
6 Rules Questions Answered by Rich Marazzi
Question #1 – Can Interference Be Unintentional Q. In the April 30th, Jersey Shore BlueClaws (Phillies) vs Aberdeen IronBirds (Orioles) South Atlantic League game, the following play occurred. Should the batter have been called for interference? Aberdeen had Adley Rutschman on second, Coby Mayo on first with Jacob Teter at bat and less than two outs. Mick Abel was pitching for Jersey Shore…
Did Yadier Molina Interfere by Waving his Hand?
Obstruction? Interference? Nothing? You Make the Call!
Catcher’s Interference: A Potential Game-Changing Decision for a Manager
Perhaps the most impactful catcher’s interference call of the 2020 season occurred in the deciding game of the White Sox vs. A’s series in Oakland. With the score tied 4-4 in the bottom of the fifth, Tommy La Stella was batting for the A’s with Sean Murphy on first base and two outs when La…
Runner’s Interference when Runner Takes Throw Off his Head
Pop-Up Chaos: Interference? Obstruction? Infield Fly? You Be the Umpire
Leave it to Rich Marazzi to find quirky plays that make you scratch your head. This is a report similar to those that Marazzi sends to his MLB team clients. It is a great example of how difficult it is to umpire at game speed when several things go crazy on the same play. Watch…
