MLB Rules

Expert Analysis

2024 Catcher’s Interference on the Rise

Topics: Catcher Interference

Catcher’s Interference: 5.05 (b) (3); 6.01 (c) Catcher’s interference has increased exponentially over the years. In 2002 there were 9 such calls the entire season. In 2022 there were 74 violations and in 2023 there were 97. According to MLB, in 2023 there were 64 challenges following a “no interference” call by the plate umpire…

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

Home Run or Double?

Topics: Fielding

The Royals hosted the White Sox on April 6, 2024. In the bottom of the seventh in a scoreless game, the Royals had Salvador Perez on first base when MJ Melendez hit a shot to deep center. The ball struck the wall and deflected off the glove of Dominic Fletcher and then carried over the…

Expert Analysis

2024 MLB Instant Replay Reviewable Play Card

Topics: Replay Review

Listed below is the official MLB Instant Replay Reviewable Play Card Courtesy of MLB

Expert Analysis

2024 MLB Replay Review Regulations

Topics: Replay Review

Listed below are the official MLB Replay Review Regulations for the 2024 Season. Courtesy of MLB Replay Review Regulations On-Field Regulation 2-12 I. Overview Video replay review in Major League Baseball (hereafter, “Replay Review”) is designed to provide timely review of certain disputed calls in all Championship Season, All-Star and Post- Season games played in…

Expert Analysis

Batters Runner Does Not Step on Base

Topics: Runners

The video shows an example of the batter runner not stepping on the base as his foot steps on the fielders foot. This particular call was called incorrectly by the umpire. 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,…

Expert Analysis

Batter Hits Ball That Bounces on Top of Wall

Topics: Ground Rules

The video explains what happens when a batter hits a ball that bounces on top of the wall, and when the result is a home run or ground rule double. 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…

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 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…

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