MLB Rules Check

Expert Analysis

Should Infielders Blocking a Base Obstruction Be Reviewable?

Topics: Batter Runner

Play No. 1 The Yankees and Guardians played a split doubleheader in Cleveland on April 13, 2024. In the top of the third of the first game, the Yankees had Juan Soto on first base and no outs when Aaron Judge flied to Tyler Freeman in short center field. Freeman, seeing Soto was a good…

Expert Analysis

Violations of Catcher’s Interference on the Rise

Topics: Catcher Interference

The video helps you understand everything about catcher’s interference, something that has drastically increased recently in Major League Baseball. This video will explain why catcher’s interference is on the rise, explain the rule in detail and the options that a manager has when this is called. Rich Marazzi Rules consultant/analyst:  Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Nationals, Orioles,…

Expert Analysis

The 40th Anniversary of the Pine Tar Game

Topics: Expert Analysis

Today, marks the 40th anniversary of the historic Pine Tar Game when George Brett’s two-run homer off Yankees’ reliever “Goose” Gossage in the top of the ninth gave the Royals an “apparent” 5-4 lead but was nullified by the umpires because they ruled the amount of pine tar on Brett’s bat exceeded the legal 18-inch…

Expert Analysis

2023 Batter Awarded Third Base on Infield Overthrow

Topics: Expert Analysis

Do you know there are situations when a batter-runner can be awarded third base on an overthrow by an infielder into dead ball territory? Can you define the terms “FIRST PLAY” and “SECOND PLAY” in the infield? Award of Bases on Infield Throws into Dead Ball Territory Normally when an infielder throws a ball into…

Expert Analysis

“Balk/Walk” Rule Misinterpreted

Topics: Balk

The Blue Jays hosted the Mariners on April 30, 2023. In the bottom of the fourth, Whitt Merrifield was at bat with a 3-2 count and two outs facing Penn Murfee. Vlad Guerrero, the runner on first, took off with the pitch that was “Ball Four.” One of the umpires on plate ump Mark Carlson’s…

Expert Analysis

May 2023 Question and Answer

Topics: Rules Controversy

Extra Innings Rule QUESTION: Say we go to extra innings and our No.6 hitter made the last out in the bottom of the ninth. We come to bat in the bottom of the 10thinning, and we put our No. 5 hitter on base, because we know he is much faster, and we want to try…

Expert Analysis

The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 obstruction

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/   Definition of Obstruction Obstruction is a fancy…

Expert Analysis

Improper Time Call by an Umpire

Topics: Expert Analysis

The D’backs and Giants played at Oracle Park on August 17, 2022 in a game Arizona won, 3-2. In the top of the sixth, the D’backs’ Stone Garrett was facing Carlos Rodon with Josh Rojas on second base and two outs when Garrett hit a ground ball to shortstop Brandon Crawford. On the swing, plate…

Expert Analysis

MLB Umpires Utilizing Rule 8.02 (c)

Topics: Expert Analysis

The D’backs and Braves played at Truist Park on July 31, 2022.  In the bottom of the second, the Braves had Austin Riley on second and Travis d’Arnaud on first with one out when William Contreras hit a drive to left field. Jake McCarthy, the D’backs’ left fielder, “snared” the ball and carried it a…

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