placing runners

Expert Analysis

2024 One Base Beyond Rule

Topics: Placing Runners

The Rays and Yankees played in New York on July 19, 2024 when a relatively obscure rule almost came alive. In the bottom of the fourth, Juan Soto, batting with the bases empty and two outs, facing Zach Eflin, doubled to deep left field. Rays left fielder Randy Arozarena fumbled the ball as it caromed…

Expert Analysis

6 Rules Questions Answered by Rich Marazzi

Topics: Expert Analysis, Rules Controversy, Runner Interference

Question #1 – Can Interference Be Unintentional  Q. In the April 30th, Jersey Shore BlueClaws (Phillies) vs Aberdeen IronBirds (Orioles) South Atlantic League game, the following play occurred. Should the batter have been called for interference? Aberdeen had Adley Rutschman on second, Coby Mayo on first with Jacob Teter at bat and less than two outs. Mick Abel was pitching for Jersey Shore…

Expert Analysis

Over Throws from the Outfield and Base Awards

Topics: Base Awards, Dead Ball Area

When an outfielder makes a throw that goes into dead ball territory (DBT) such as the dugout or the stands, all runners are awarded two bases from the last base they touched at the moment the ball is released by the outfielder. Infield overthrows into DBT have a separate rule which I will cover in…

Expert Analysis

CHEAP STEAL OR A FREE BASE? 

Topics: Base Awards, Equipment, Lodged Ball, Placing Runners, Umpire

By Brady Hood In 1948, Kansas City outfielder Leon Culberson ran to second when a pitch missed the catchers mitt and got lodged in home plate umpire Harry King’s mask. Ultimately the umpires got together and ruled that the ball was still in play and Culberson was credited with a stolen base. So what would…

Expert Analysis

Base Award Chart – Thrown Ball

Topics: Base Awards, Placing Runners, Uncategorized
Expert Analysis

Infield Throws and Pitched Balls That Deflect into Dead Ball Territory: Part II

Topics: Base Awards, Catcher, Dead Ball Area, Dugout, Placing Runners

In this Part II edition involving deflected balls, I’ll cover batted balls that deflect off infielders that go into dead ball territory and pitched balls that deflect off the catcher and go into dead ball territory. Unless noted, the Pro, NCAA and NFHS rule is the same. Ball Deflects Off Infielder and Lands in Dead…

Expert Analysis

Bruce Bochy Knows the Rules!

Topics: Catcher, Dead Ball Area, Dugout, Latest News, Placing Runners, Placing Runners

Regarding throws from the infield that go out of play, umpires must determine if it the “first play” or “second play.”  By rule, when an infielder initially fields the ball, that is NOT A PLAY. The infielder’s “first play” is either: (1) a throw to a base (most common), (2) an attempted tag of a…

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