MLB 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

2024 Pitch Clock Cheat Sheet

Topics: Uncategorized

Listed below is the Official MLB Pitch Clock Card for the 2024 Season Courtesy of MLB

Expert Analysis

2024 MLB Universal Ground Rules

Topics: Ground Rules

Listed below are the Official MLB Universal Ground Rules for the 2024 Season. Courtesy of MLB UNIVERSAL GROUND RULES The following Ground Rules are to be uniform across all 30 Major League ballparks. The Ground Rules listed below will not be listed on the individual ballparks Ground Rules, but will be in effect at all…

Expert Analysis

Batter Runner Intent Steps to Second Base

Topics: Runners

This video covers the rules for when a runner makes an intended step towards second base, which typically occurs after an overthrow to the first baseman. 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

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 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

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

Appeal Plays

Topics: Appeal

The video helps you understand everything about appeal plays in baseball. This covers no retouch violations, continuous action appeals and fourth out appeals. 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.  

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