rule 5.05

Expert Analysis

2024 Catcher’s Interference on the Rise

Topics: Catcher Interference

Catcher’s Interference: 5.05 (b) (3); 6.01 (c) Catcher’s interference has increased exponentially over the years. In 2002 there were 9 such calls the entire season. In 2022 there were 74 violations and in 2023 there were 97. According to MLB, in 2023 there were 64 challenges following a “no interference” call by the plate umpire…

Expert Analysis

Home Run or Double?

Topics: Fielding

The Royals hosted the White Sox on April 6, 2024. In the bottom of the seventh in a scoreless game, the Royals had Salvador Perez on first base when MJ Melendez hit a shot to deep center. The ball struck the wall and deflected off the glove of Dominic Fletcher and then carried over the…

Expert Analysis

MLB Rules Questions and Answer September 2023

Topics: Expert Analysis

On-Deck Interference? QUESTION: In the Pirates-Cubs game on September 19, 2023, interference was called on the on-deck batter. Was that the proper call? Can you explain what happened? ANSWER: The Pirates and Cubs played at Wrigley on September 19, 2023 In the bottom of the sixth, Patrick Wisdom was batting with the bases empty and one…

Expert Analysis

Umpire Interference 2023

Topics: Expert Analysis

Before you read this report, I suggest you watch Umpire’s Interference-Reviewing It’s Two Types. It is a 4:21 compilation of various umpire interference plays. There are three ways an umpire can be called for interference under rules 5.05 (b) (4), and 5.06 (c) (2).  (1) If the field umpire, who is positioned on the infield…

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