official baseball rules

Expert Analysis

The Two Types of Obstruction

Topics: Expert Analysis

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…

Expert Analysis

The 40th Anniversary of the Pine Tar Game

Topics: Expert Analysis

Today, marks the 40th anniversary of the historic Pine Tar Game when George Brett’s two-run homer off Yankees’ reliever “Goose” Gossage in the top of the ninth gave the Royals an “apparent” 5-4 lead but was nullified by the umpires because they ruled the amount of pine tar on Brett’s bat exceeded the legal 18-inch…

Expert Analysis

Meyers Not Called for Batter-Runner Interference

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Nationals and Astros played at Minute Maid on June 14, 2023. In the bottom of the ninth, the Astros were batting with one out and the bases loaded with the score tied 4-4 when Jake Meyers grounded to shortstop C.J. Abrams, who threw home for the second out. Catcher Keibert Ruiz tried to turn…

Expert Analysis

Jose Ramirez Avoids Tag on Controversial Baseline Play

Topics: Baseline

Third base umpire Dan Iassogna ejected Twins manager Rocco Baldelli involving a running out of the baseline issue in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Twins-Guardians game on May 6, 2023. With no outs and runners on first and third, the Guardians’ Josh Naylor hit a ground ball to Twins third baseman Jose…

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

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 2021 Minor League Rule Change Experiment

Topics: Uncategorized

The 2021 Minor League Rule Change Experiment The minor leagues are the final proving ground. Players that adapt to the speed of the game, exhibit the most consistency to perform and outplay their minor league peers head to the big leagues. Most minor leaguers, however, eventually head home with no more than a whiff of…

Expert Analysis

Orioles Jackson Upends Yankees 2B Wade Legal Slide?

Topics: Fielding, Interference, Official Baseball Rules, Replay Review, Runner Interference, Runners, Video - Runner
This is a video post.
Expert Analysis

Dropped Strike Three Confusion

Topics: Batter Interference, Batter Runner, Dead Ball Area, Interference, Official Baseball Rules, Umpire Manual Rules, Video - Batter
This is a video post.
Expert Analysis

9 Rules Questions Answered Here

Topics: Catcher, Dead Ball Area, Expert Analysis, Home Plate Collision, Infield Fly, Interference, Latest News, Official Baseball Rules, Pitcher, Placing Runners, Runner Interference, Substitutions, Uncategorized

1. Infield Fly Rule situation. The bases are loaded and one out when the batter hits a pop fly near first base in fair territory. The umpires invoke the IFR. The runner on first base, who is several feet off the bag, is tracking the fly ball instead of locating the first baseman who is…

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