MLB umpires

Expert Analysis

Two Right of Way Plays in MLB in 2024

Topics: Batter Runner

Right of Way Play No. 1 Player Comes out of Dugout and Interferes with Fielder Rule 6.01 (b) rarely surfaces in the game of baseball. But it did in the June 9, 2024 game at Oakland where the A’s hosted the Blue Jays. The rule that is titled “Right of Way,” reads, “The players, coaches,…

Expert Analysis

Did Runner Intentionally Interfere to Avert a Double Play?

Topics: Uncategorized

In the top of the second inning in the Yankees-Angels game played on May 29, 2024 the Yankees had Anthony Rizzo on second and Jose Trevino on first and one out when DJ LeMahieu hit a ground ball to the left side of the infield that struck Rizzo. He was called out for runner interference…

Expert Analysis

Backswing Interference 2024

Topics: Uncategorized

The Rays and Brewers played in Milwaukee on April 29, 2024. In the bottom of the ninth the Brewers trailed 1-0. They had Sal Frelick on third, and Willy Adames on second and one out when Jake Bauers swung and missed a 1-2 slider from Jason Adam. Bauer’s backswing struck catcher René Pinto in the…

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

You Make the Call!

Topics: Expert Analysis

There are three different scenarios in this report and I am challenging you to make the call for each one which may not necessarily concur with my opinion. Play No. 1 The Brewers and Mets played at Citi Field on June 28, 2023. In the top of the eighth, the Brewers had runners on first…

Expert Analysis

Manoah Tries to Blow Fair Ball into Foul Ball Territory

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Blue Jays hosted the Astros on June 5, 2023 when Jays pitcher Alek Manoah tried to blow a rolling ball into foul territory in the top of the first inning. As written by Keegan Matheson, “In one of the stranger plays you’ll see this season, Manoah tracked a Jeremy Peña bunt down the third-base…

Expert Analysis

Foul Ball Changed to Fair

Topics: Expert Analysis

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…

Expert Analysis

Disengagement Controversy

Topics: Expert Analysis

Brewers’ manager Craig Counsell was ejected in the May 6, 203 game against the Giants. The dispute developed over the number of disengagements a pitcher made. In the top of the fourth inning, with Rowdy Tellez at the plate, Giants starter Alex Cobb threw over to first base twice to check on Willy Adames. Cobb…

Expert Analysis

Max Scherzer Suspended for 10 Games

Topics: Ejection

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…

Expert Analysis

Runner Can’t Return to Touch a Missed Base After a Following Runner has Scored

Topics: Runners

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….

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