“Balk/Walk” Rule Misinterpreted
The Blue Jays hosted the Mariners on April 30, 2023. In the bottom of the fourth, Whitt Merrifield was at bat with a 3-2 count and two outs facing Penn Murfee. Vlad Guerrero, the runner on first, took off with the pitch that was “Ball Four.” One of the umpires on plate ump Mark Carlson’s…
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…
The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 obstruction
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/ Definition of Obstruction Obstruction is a fancy…
2023 Batter, Catcher and Shift Regulations
The Batter and Timing Regulations Question: What is defined as being alert to the pitcher with 8 seconds remaining on the clock? Answer: The batter must have both feet in the batter’s box, and facing the pitcher. He must have his eye on the pitcher and be in a position to quickly assess a hitting stance….
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…
Collisions at Home Plate – Rule 6.01 (i)
Play No. 1 The Blue Jays and Twins met at Target Field on Aug. 7, 2022. In the top of the tenth, with the score tied 2-2, the Jays had Whit Merrifield on third base and one out when Cavan Biggio hit a fly ball to left fielder Tim Beckham who threw home to catcher…
Five Questions about Balks Answered by Rich Marazzi
When a pitcher balks followed by a throw to a base or a pitch to the batter, or pitches a “Ball Four,” there are many questions that need to be answered. This creates a challenge for the players, coaching staff, manager, and broadcasters. Keep in mind, when a pitcher balks, the ball is not always…
Players Use Detached Equipment to Make Plays
Pitchers Throw Glove Play No. 1 On June 29th the Red Sox and Blue Jays played in Toronto. Boston’s Franchy Cordero led off the top of the third inning facing Alek Manoah. With the infield shifted toward second, the third base area was vacant. Cordero laid down a bunt in the direction of third base….
Backswing Interference
Backswing interference is sometimes called “follow-through” interference. It is covered under rule 6.03 (a) (3) and (4) Comment. The penalty is not as severe as your traditional or regular batter interference when the batter’s missed swing takes him into the throwing lane of the catcher. When that occurs, the batter is out unless the runner…