MLB umpire

Expert Analysis

Umpires Change Foul Ball Call to Fair Ball

Topics: Replay Review

The Mets and Brewers met in Milwaukee on April 5, 2023 when Alan Porter’s crew changed an errant foul ball call by first base umpire Sean Barber to a fair ball off the bat of New York’s Omar Narváez with one out and the bases empty in the top of the fourth.  Plate umpire Mike…

Expert Analysis

Plate Umpire Interference: Rule 6.01 (f)

Topics: Umpire Interference

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…

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

Yankees vs Guardians Time Play

Topics: 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…

Expert Analysis

Time Play 2023

Topics: Time Play

The Marlins and Mets played at Citi Field on April 7, 2023. In the bottom of the seventh, the Mets had Mark Canha on third and Eduardo Escobar on first with one out when Tomás Nido, facing Tanner Scott, lofted a fly to left field that was caught by Jesús Sánchez. Canha tagged-up at third…

Expert Analysis

The Previous MLB Attempts to Shorten the Game

Topics: Baseball Instruction

This classic baseball instruction video comes from back in 2004 with former Major League Baseball umpire, Marty Springstead. Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh asks Marty about the attempts at the time of trying to shorten the game.

Expert Analysis

Plays at the Plate

Topics: Baseball Instruction

This classic baseball instruction video comes from back in 2003 with MLB umpire Jim Reynolds. Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh asks Jim about the different types of plays at the plate and what umpires are looking for on those plays.

Expert Analysis

What is the Strike Zone?

Topics: Baseball Instruction

This classic baseball instruction video comes from back in 2003 with MLB umpire Jim Reynolds. Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh asks Jim to explain what the strike zone is.  

Expert Analysis

The Conversation Between Catchers and Home Plate Umpires

Topics: Baseball Instruction

This classic baseball instruction video comes from back in 2003 with MLB umpire Jim Reynolds. Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh asks Jim about the conversations that go on between catchers and home plate umpires during the game.

Expert Analysis

The Right of Way

Topics: Expert Analysis

It’s imperative that players on both sides of the ball understand when they have the “Right of Way.” When a fielder is attempting to make a play, the runner must avoid him. And  when a defensive player does not have possession of the ball, or is not in the act of receiving a throw, the…