MLB Rules Questions and Answer September 2023
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…
Did the Runner Violate the Home Plate Collision Rule?
The Giants and Rockies played at Coors Field on Sept. 15, 2023. In the bottom of the ninth, the Rockies had Elehuris Montero at bat with Charlie Blackmon on second and Nolan Jones on first and one out when Montero singled to left field. Blackmon charged home and arrived safely. Mike Yastrzemski’s throw got by…
The Two Types of Obstruction
Type 1 Obstruction On July 30, 2023 the Marlins hosted the Tigers at loanDepot Park. In the bottom of the sixth, Marlins’ baserunner Jon Berti stole second and advanced to third when Brendan White’s pitch got by catcher Jake Rogers. Berti continued to run to third but Rogers’ throw to third put Berti in a…
Runner Interference Call Changed to Fielder Obstruction
The Rays and Mariners played at T-Mobile Park on July 2, 2023. In the bottom of the third inning, the M’s had Ty France on second base and one out, when Teoscar Hernández hit a ground ball that Rays’ third baseman Isaac Paredes charged in on. France, on his way to third, collided with Paredes…
Catchers Blocking the Plate in 2023 MLB Season
Catcher Legally blocks the Plate on Throw from Drawn-In Infielder The Royals hosted the Reds on June 12, 2023. In the top of the 10th, the Reds had TJ Friedl on third base and one out with the score tied 4-4 when Jonathan India hit a ground ball to third baseman Maikel Garcia who threw…
Coach Interference
Rule 6.01 (a) (8) governs base coach interference. It reads, “It is interference by a runner when in the judgment of the umpire, the base coach at third base, or first base, by touching or holding the runner, physically assists him in returning to or leaving third base or first base.” This rule that seldom…
2023 Home Plate Collision and Pitcher Declaration
Regarding the Collison at Home Plate rule, the catcher has no restriction when receiving a throw from the pitcher or a drawn-in infielder. The following two plays illustrate those aspects of the rule. Catcher Receives Throw from the Pitcher The Nationals hosted the Guardians on April 15, 2023. In the top of the eighth, the…
Plate Umpire Interference: Rule 6.01 (f)
A rule that seldom occurs involves plate umpire interference. There are only two umpires that can be called for interference-the second base umpire when he is positioned on the infield side in front of second base in front of the infielders and is struck by a batted ball, and the plate umpire when he impedes…
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