rich marazzi

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

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

Type 2 Obstruction – Here’s What You need to Know

Topics: Appeal, Base Awards, Batter Runner, Expert Analysis, Famous Plays, Fielding, Interference, Obstruction, Rules Controversy, Runners Lane

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 2 Obstruction (Ball Remains in Play) Under…

Expert Analysis

When does a fly ball stop being a fly ball?

Topics: Appeal, Batted Ball, Fielding, Replay Review, Rules Controversy

When is a Batted Ball No Longer “In Flight” The White Sox and Tigers played at Comerica this past Friday, April 8, 2022. In the bottom of the ninth the Tigers had Austin Meadows on third base and two outs when Javier Báez hit a shot to deep right-field that took right fielder AJ Pollock…

Expert Analysis

Rich Marazzi Mailbag June 2020

Topics: Balk, Batted Ball, Obstruction, Placing Runners, Runner Interference

Q. With the minimum three batter rule scheduled to go into effect this year, if the substitute pitcher comes in the game with one out and gets the next batter to hit into a double play, he does not have to pitch the following inning. But if the manager sends him out for the next…

Expert Analysis

Ask the Rules Guy Episode #1 Rich Marazzi – Runner’s Lane Interference, Obstruction, & more…

Topics: Uncategorized

Rules Expert Rich Marazzi joins Chris Welsh for a lively discussion about runner’s lane interference, obstruction (several different examples) and a crazy MLB home run where the batter that hit the HR didn’t score the run.

Expert Analysis

Ask the Rules Guy #3 Rich Marazzi, Ron Roth, Chris Welsh

Topics: Video - Ask The Rules Guy
This is a video post.
Expert Analysis

Hidden Ball Trick by Rich Marazzi

Topics: Runners, Uncategorized

 The Hidden Ball Trick in baseball has been around as long as peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jack. Many runners have been caught napping over the years by clever thinking infielders who have used a variety of tactics to execute the ancient ruse.  Former shortstop Gene “Stick” Michael was one of the great hidden ball tricksters…