The Right of Way
It’s imperative that players on both sides of the ball understand when they have the “Right of Way.” When a fielder is attempting to make a play, the runner must avoid him. And when a defensive player does not have possession of the ball, or is not in the act of receiving a throw, the…
Bob Melvin Ejected After Call Overturned to Illegally Blocking the Plate
The Nationals hosted the Padres on Aug. 13, 2022. In the bottom of seventh with the score tied 3-3, the Nats had Cesar Hernandez on second base and one out when Victor Robles hit safely to right field. Juan Soto fired to catcher Austin Nola and plate umpire Paul Emmel called Hernandez out. Nats’ skipper…
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…
Boundary Call Overturned and Runners Placed Accordingly
The Nationals and D’backs played in Arizona on July 24th. In the top of the seventh, the Nats had Cesar Hernandez on first base and two outs when Josh Bell hit a fly to deep right field. The umpires judged the ball to be a ground rule double and called “Time.” Both runners were awarded…
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….
Fourth Out Appeal
The Nats hosted the Pirates on June 29th when the Nationals had the opportunity to nullify a Pirates’ run by taking advantage of the “fourth out” appeal rule but failed to do so. With one out in the top of the fifth, the Bucs had Hoy Park on second and Jack Suwinski on third when…
2022 MLB Examples of 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 Nats hosted the Phils on June…
All About Obstruction…it Happened in the Major Leagues Again!
Obstruction Definition Obstruction is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball or a throw, impedes the progress of any runner. Contact does not have to be made for the umpire to rule obstruction. There are two types of obstruction Type…
When does a fly ball stop being a fly ball?
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…
Nationals Park- Washington Nationals
https://www.mlb.com/groundrules/venue-3309
