Major League Baseball

Expert Analysis

On Deck Batter Interference

Topics: Batter Interference

The video shows you the importance of the batter in the on-deck circle staying out the way of a play at the plate. Rich Marazzi Rules consultant/analyst:  Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, Bally Sports, YES, and NBC Sports Chicago.  

Expert Analysis

Batter Loses Bat and Makes Contact with Ball

Topics: Interference

This video shows you an example of a batter who loses his bat, but still makes contact with the ball. Which play is interference and which plays are a live ball in play? Rich Marazzi Rules consultant/analyst:  Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, Bally…

Expert Analysis

Batter Hit By Pitch NOT Awarded First Base

Topics: Hit By Pitch

This video shows you an example of a batter not getting awarded first base simply because he did not make an attempt to avoid getting hit by the pitch. Rich Marazzi Rules consultant/analyst:  Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, Bally Sports, YES, and NBC…

Expert Analysis

Batter Interference and Backswing Interference

Topics: Batter Interference

This video helps you understand batters interference, backswing interference and when a batter does NOT have to relinquish his position when a catcher is making a live throw into the field of play. Rich Marazzi Rules consultant/analyst:  Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, Bally…

Expert Analysis

Fielders Throwing Equipment at Ball In Play

Topics: Equipment

This video helps you understand the rules, and subsequently the penalties of a fielder throwing their equipment attempting to stop a ball in play. This covers examples of a pitcher and second baseman who threw their glove at the ball in a MLB game, and a catcher who stopped a ball with his catchers mask….

Expert Analysis

The Various Obstruction Plays in Baseball

Topics: Obstruction

Beginning 2024, pro rules (OBR, MLB) will no longer allow a fielder who is not in possession of the ball to block a base (1B, 2B, 3B) or impede a runner. It will be enforced similar to the Home Plate Collision Rule.  New Rule Explained Here: https://baseballrulesacademy.com/obstruction-enforcement-at-all-bases-in-2024/   The video helps you understand everything about…

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

CHEAP STEAL OR A FREE BASE? 

Topics: Base Awards, Equipment, Lodged Ball, Placing Runners, Umpire

By Brady Hood In 1948, Kansas City outfielder Leon Culberson ran to second when a pitch missed the catchers mitt and got lodged in home plate umpire Harry King’s mask. Ultimately the umpires got together and ruled that the ball was still in play and Culberson was credited with a stolen base. So what would…

Expert Analysis

Ball gets lodged in outfield wall. What happens now?

Topics: Base Awards, Dead Ball Area, Expert Analysis, Lodged Ball, Official Baseball Rules, Replay Review

Lodged Baseballs Per rule 5.05 (a) (7), a ball is considered lodged if, in the judgment of the umpire, the natural trajectory of the flight of the ball is interrupted long enough to affect further play. A batted ball that sticks in a fence, scoreboard, shrubbery or vines located on the playing field should be…

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