Teammate Illegally Assists Runner
The A’s and Angels played in Anaheim on June 26, 2024. In the top of the second, the A’s had runners on first and second with two outs when Max Schuemann doubled home two runs. Unfortunately for the A’s, only one run counted. After going back to touch the plate, Bacon pointed at McCann and…
The Many Layers of the Infield Fly Rule
The A’s and Rangers played at Globe Life Field on April 11, 2024. In the bottom of the seventh, the Rangers had Adolis Garcia on second and Jonah Heim on first and one out when Jared Walsh hit a fly ball in the area of the pitcher’s mound. Several A’s converged on the ball. A’s…
The Two Types of 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/ Type 1 Obstruction On July 30, 2023…
The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 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…
Lodged Ball Overturned by Replay
The A’s hosted the Rangers on July 22nd. In the bottom of the second, the A’s had Sky Bolt on second base and Tony Kemp on first with one out when Vimael Machin hit a drive to right field. The ball got stuck under the wall, but Rangers’ right fielder Elier Hernandez played the ball….
Catcher’s Interference: A Potential Game-Changing Decision for a Manager
Perhaps the most impactful catcher’s interference call of the 2020 season occurred in the deciding game of the White Sox vs. A’s series in Oakland. With the score tied 4-4 in the bottom of the fifth, Tommy La Stella was batting for the A’s with Sean Murphy on first base and two outs when La…
The New MLB Intentional Walk Rule
The new MLB intentional walk rule has had little effect on the overall length of major league games. It was not a particularly bold move, but it does represent a changing of the mindset of those decision makers to speed up the pace of play. The estimated time shaving is around 35 seconds per game….
