2022 Rules Questions with Rich Marazzi
Restricted Baseline Running Home Question: When a runner is advancing home and avoiding a tag by a catcher, does the runner have a restricted baseline? Answer: Yes. Whenever a runner is avoiding a tag, or is in a rundown, he has a restricted baseline. It is a straight line to the base he is going to, and…
Baserunner Hit Running to Second Base
The Rays and Orioles played in Baltimore on July 25, 2022. In the bottom of the fifth, the O’s had Adley Rutschman on third and Ryan Mountcastle on first and one out when Anthony Santander hit a ground ball to first baseman Ji-Man Choi. The Rays’ first baseman fired to second in an attempt to…
Andrew McCutchen Called Out of the Baseline…What?
Did Andrew McCutchen go beyond the legal three feet base path to avoid this tag? You make the call. Then, read the expert analysis by Rich Marazzi on what is legal on the base paths. Expert Analysis by Rich Marazzi In the bottom of the seventh with the score tied, 4-4, the Phils had Andrew…
How a Smart Baserunner Can Exploit the Basepath Rules
In the game of baseball, as in all major sports, coaches instruct their players to take what the defense gives them. Conversely, it would be a good idea for defensive players to take what the offense gives them. Let’s look at the following play. The Cardinals and Pirates played two games on Sept. 18 at…
Baserunning Tactic: Falling to the Ground, Effective and Legal
Although it sounds ridiculous, falling to the ground can be an effective tactic in your running game. Take the following play. The Yankees and Phillies played at Citizens Bank on Aug. 6. In the bottom of the third, the Phils had a 3-2 lead. Andrew McCutchen led off the inning with a base hit before…
