Runner Runs Third to Home in Fair Territory
The Orioles and Blue Jays played at the Rogers Centre on May 20, 2023. In the top of the 10th inning, the score was tied 5-5 when the O’s Ryan Mountcastle began the inning on second base as the ghost runner. Adam Frazier bunted him to third. Austin Hays then hit a ground ball toward…
Foul Ball Changed to Fair
The Yankees and Reds played at Great American Ball Park on May 21, 2023. In the bottom of the first, the Reds had Jonathan India on first base and two outs when Spencer Speer hit a slicing fly ball down the right field line. India was running on the pitch. Yankees’ right fielder Jake Bauers…
“Balk/Walk” Rule Misinterpreted
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…
Brewers Create Time Play
The Brewers and Giants played at Oracle Park on May 5, 2023. In the top of the first, the Brewers had Owen Miller on third and Brian Anderson on first with two outs. Luke Voit was the batter facing Sean Manaea. Anderson took an extended lead prompting a pickoff throw from Manaea. This put Anderson…
Jose Ramirez Avoids Tag on Controversial Baseline Play
Third base umpire Dan Iassogna ejected Twins manager Rocco Baldelli involving a running out of the baseline issue in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Twins-Guardians game on May 6, 2023. With no outs and runners on first and third, the Guardians’ Josh Naylor hit a ground ball to Twins third baseman Jose…
Max Scherzer Suspended for 10 Games
Mets pitcher Max Scherzer was suspended for 10 games before he began pitching the fourth inning of the Mets-Dodgers game on April 19, 2023 in Los Angeles. He had pitched three scoreless innings, while allowing one hit. From all accounts and reports, the ejection/suspension was caused by excessive stickiness on his hand and glove. He…
Plate Umpire Interference: Rule 6.01 (f)
A rule that seldom occurs involves plate umpire interference. There are only two umpires that can be called for interference-the second base umpire when he is positioned on the infield side in front of second base in front of the infielders and is struck by a batted ball, and the plate umpire when he impedes…
Runner Can’t Return to Touch a Missed Base After a Following Runner has Scored
The Padres and Braves met on April 8, 2023. In the top of the fourth inning, San Diego had Ha-Seong Kim on second base and Rougned Odor on third and one out when Trent Grisham hit a ground ball to Matt Olson at first base. Olson’s throw to the plate skipped past catcher Travis d’Arnaud….
Yankees vs Guardians Time Play
The April 12th, 2023 Yankees-Guardians game was marked by controversy that led to the ejection of Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone and a 10-minute delay. Here is what happened. In the bottom of the first, the Indians had Steven Kwan on third and Jose Ramirez on second and one out when Josh Naylor hit a flare…
