The Hidden Ball Trick
This is the most common trick in the game of baseball. It has been around longer than peanuts, popcorn, and Cracker Jack. Ruleball Comments The hidden ball trick often occurs when the ball comes in from the outfield and the infielder who receives the throw fakes a throw to the pitcher and keeps the ball…
The “Grand Illusion” Trick Play
In a 1982 College WS game, Miami pulled off this amazing trick play against Wichita State that in my opinion was the greatest stunt I have ever seen on a baseball field. In a second-round matchup, the Hurricanes executed a gimmick that continues to resonate which helped defeat the favored Shockers. With Wichita State’s Phil…
First and Third Little League Play
The Brewers and D’backs played in Arizona on September 14, 2024. In the top of the first, the Brewers had Garrett Mitchell on third and Willy Adames on first with two outs. With a 1-2 count on Jake Bauers, Adames took off for second base. Instead of throwing to second, D’backs catcher Adrian Del Castillo…
Fielder Intentionally Drops Bunt Fly Ball
The Nationals and Pirates played a double header at PNC Park on September 7, 2024. In the top of the ninth of the first game, the Nats were winning 4-2. Jacob Young was the batter facing David Bednar. Young hit a bunt pop fly in front of the plate. Pirates first baseman Rowdy Tellez came…
Batter Loses Bat
The Mariners hosted the Yankees on September 18, 2024 at T-Mobile Park. In the bottom of the tenth, the Yanks led 2-1. Randy Arozarena was batting with Julio Rodriguez on third and Cal Raleigh on first and no outs. Arozarena, facing Ian Hamilton, struck out. In doing so, he lost control of his bat that…
September 2024 Baseball Rules Question and Answer
QUESTION #1 Minor League game…There’s a runner on third. Following the pitch to the batter the runner walked back toward third base but never touched the base. For some reason, he went around the base toward left field and never retouched third base as he retook his lead. Is this a violation? Can the defensive…
Batter Does Not Touch First Base on Intentional Walk
The Cubs and Marlins played at loanDepot Park on August 25, 2024. In the bottom of the eighth, Jesús Sánchez was intentionally walked by Cubs pitcher Julian Merriweather. Marlins manager Skip Schumaker decided to pinch-run for Sánchez with Cristian Pache. Sanchez trotted toward first base but never touched the base when he became aware that…
August 2024 MLB Rules Question and Answer
Play #1 QUESTION: It’s possible that Red Sox catcher Danny Jansen will appear in the box scores for opposing teams in the same game on Monday August 26, 2024 when Boston and Toronto meet at Fenway Park. How can a player play for both teams in the same game? And is this the first time…
How the Batter’s Actions Affects the Calling of a Balk
Did the batter’s actions in the following play cause the pitcher to balk? If so, shouldn’t the balk be nullified? The Guardians and Twins played a double header at Target Field on Aug. 9, 2024. In the seventh inning of the second game, plate ump Jim Wolf called a balk on Guardians pitcher Tim Herrin…
Runner Fails to Retouch Second Base: The Force is Reinstated
The Brewers hosted the Dodgers on Aug. 14, 2024 at American Family Field. In the bottom of the fourth, Brice Turang was at bat facing Anthony Banda with Joey Ortiz on first base and one out. Turang hit a fair ball down the left field line that barely touched the painted foul line. Ortiz, not…
