Type 1 obstruction

Expert Analysis

Was Thomas Saggese Obstructed? Breaking Down the Cardinals–Pirates Collision and MLB’s Type 2 Obstruction Rule

Topics: Obstruction

The Cardinals and Pirates played at PNC on April 9, 2025. In the top of the eighth, the Cards had Thomas Saggese on second base and Masyn Winn on first and two outs when Willson Contreras hit a fly ball in the area of home plate. Pirates’ catcher Joey Bart and first baseman Endy Rodríguez…

Expert Analysis

Obstruction Call at Second Base Sparks Brewers’ Rally vs Cardinals

Topics: Obstruction

The Brewers hosted the Cardinals on June 14, 2025. In the bottom of the first, the Brewers had Sal Frelick on first and no outs. Jackson Chourio was facing Andre Pallante with a 2-2 count. Chourio struck out swinging and it appeared that catcher Pedro Pagés threw out Frelick who attempted to steal second. But…

Expert Analysis

Understanding Interference and Obstruction: Umpire Guidelines and Common Misinterpretations

Topics: Obstruction

Interference and obstruction calls are for the most part judgment calls. But there are guidelines that umpires must adhere to when executing these rules. A properly trained umpire should be able to reference the appropriate guidelines when ruling interference and obstruction. And coaches and managers on all levels should be prepared to argue the proper…

Expert Analysis

Type 1 Obstruction: Fielders Illegally Blocking a Base

Topics: Base

A few years ago, MLB distributed a video prior to the start of the season demonstrating how catchers should adhere to the Collision at Home Plate rule 6.01 (i). The video coupled with the language of the rule has been a huge success in eliminating runner/catcher collisions at the plate. Now, MLB needs to provide…

Expert Analysis

September 2024 Baseball Rules Question and Answer

Topics: Rules Controversy

QUESTION #1 Minor League game…There’s a runner on third. Following the pitch to the batter the runner walked back toward third base but never touched the base. For some reason, he went around the base toward left field and never retouched third base as he retook his lead. Is this a violation? Can the defensive…

Expert Analysis

Should Infielders Blocking a Base Obstruction Be Reviewable?

Topics: Batter Runner

Play No. 1 The Yankees and Guardians played a split doubleheader in Cleveland on April 13, 2024. In the top of the third of the first game, the Yankees had Juan Soto on first base and no outs when Aaron Judge flied to Tyler Freeman in short center field. Freeman, seeing Soto was a good…

Expert Analysis

The Various Obstruction Plays in Baseball

Topics: 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/   The video helps you understand everything about…

Expert Analysis

Smart Baserunning 2023

Topics: Expert Analysis

In the following four plays of this report, you will see where runners played excellent Ruleball by executing sound running strategies and utilizing what the rules allow.   Yankees Smart Base Running The Yankees and Red Sox played a day-night doubleheader at Fenway Park on September 14, 2023. In the nightcap, clever base-running by Oswaldo Cabrera…

Expert Analysis

The Two Types of Obstruction

Topics: Expert Analysis

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 1 Obstruction On July 30, 2023…

Expert Analysis

Pitcher Chases Deflected Ball

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Red Sox and D’backs played at Chase Field on May 27, 2023. Gabriel Moreno led off the bottom of the eighth facing Kutter Crawford.  Moreno hit a shot that caromed off Crawford’s ankle. The ball rolled toward the first base line. Crawford chased the ball and shoveled it to first baseman Pavin Smith for…

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