MLB umpires

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….

Expert Analysis

Test Your Baseball Knowledge: Continuous Action Appeal

Topics: Expert Analysis

The above is a video of a High-A minor league game that was played on August 31, 2022 when the Hudson Valley Renegades (Yankees) hosted the Jersey Shore BlueClaws (Phillies). Let’s call the batter Jones, the runner Smith, and the pitcher Johnson.   In the bottom of the fifth inning, Hudson Valley’s Jones was batting with…

Expert Analysis

If a Pitcher Crosses the Foul Line, He Must Pitch to the First Batter

Topics: Expert Analysis, Pitcher, Rules Changes, Rules Controversy

Rule 5.10 (i) reads, “If a pitcher who is already in the game crosses the foul line on his way to take his place on the pitcher’s plate to start an inning, he shall pitch to the first batter until such batter is put out or reaches first base, unless the batter is substituted for,…

Expert Analysis

Hitter Leaving the Batter’s Box

Topics: Batter's Box, Expert Analysis

Major League Baseball has really attempted to speed up the game. One of the ways of doing that is keeping hitters in the batters box. Major League Umpire, Ted Barrett, and Chris Welsh go through some of the delay tactics that hitters will use to get out of the box and explain what the umpire…

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