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Do you think we’ll ever get to the point where FED opens its eyes and distinguishes varsity from sub varsity? At least around here, except for a few outliers, sub varsity is almost rec ball. Keep your little league bats, dead ball balls down there. Let the varsity play baseball

Looking forward to those 15-14 three hour thrillers.

Drop 6 bats in high school?

It's only FED that lets the umpire assume a DP and call two outs. OBR, NCAA the interference must be judged intentional to break up a double play in order to call 2 outs.

It is an immediate dead ball. In that scenario, the umpire could rule two runners out. Specifics on what merits the double play vary by rule code (MLB, NCAA, NFHS, Little League).

This is what I mean. I doubt the change actually says “The rule change gives umpires the power to call the trail runner out for abandonment of second base even if he beat the throw. He is considered to have abandoned the bag as soon as both feet land on the other side of the base “ There’s no way that’s the rule. That’s some writers uneducated take. Would love to see the actual memo

Beginning next year, high school baseball teams will be given the option to use an 18-inch first base or the double first base. The larger base is presented as an alternative to the previously mandated double first base, which goes into effect in 2027. The larger first base option was one of seven rules changes recommended by the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee at its meeting last month in Indianapolis and which were subsequently approved by the NFHS Rules Review Committee and NFHS Board of Directors. In conjunction with the double first base, allowing a larger first base has proven to be effective in reducing player collisions and enhancing player safety. “The NFHS Baseball Rules Committee believes that providing schools with the option of using either an 18-inch first base or a double first base gives administrators the flexibility to enhance player safety while recognizing the varying needs and resources of member schools,” said Elliot Hopkins, director of sports and liaison to the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee. “Both options are designed to reduce the potential for collisions at first base and support a reduced risk playing environment without changing the fundamental nature of the game." One-way electronic communication will now be allowed from the coach to the pitcher and/or the catcher for the purposes of calling pitches. Prior, the catcher was the only defensive player allowed to receive communication from the coach. While the coach must still be located in the dugout/bench area, the committee believes this change responsibly integrates electronic communication that enhances game management. Bat certification was addressed with USA Baseball assuming bat-testing standards. Effective in 2028, there will be an additional class of permitted non-wood bats. Bats that are not made of a single piece of wood shall meet either the USA Baseball Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (USA Baseball BBCOR) of .50 or the USA Baseball Bat Performance Standard (-4, -5, -6). Bats must be labeled with a silkscreen or other permanent certification mark. “In addition, the NFHS remains committed to fostering the growth and development of high school baseball players,” Hopkins said. “As the game continues to evolve with the adoption of the USA Baseball BBCOR standard, expanding the available drop-weight options provides younger and developing players with additional opportunities to build proper mechanics, confidence and skills while maintaining the safety and performance standards expected in education-based athletics.” Additional rules changes include: Eye shade must be a solid stroke and not include words, numbers, logos or other symbols within the eye shade. Use of electronic communication devices by players on the field is prohibited (except as outlined with one-way coach to player communication). This includes amplifying devices, wireless communication devices, headphones, etc., for the purposes of recording, streaming or transmitting audio or video. The prohibition does not include medical devices. Coaches will be allowed to use a handheld electronic scoring device or other scoring material while in the coach’s box. When using a tiebreaker to end a regulation game, an option is now available to start each half-inning with a runner on second base. The runner would be the last scheduled batter in that respective half-inning.

I don't see any applicable OBR changes (though the new 2026 5.06(b)(1) language on when a base is passed could be Interpreted in deciding Abandonment. Story on "rule change" https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-shift-baserunning-rules-changes-2025 History for those not aware https://www.mlb.com/news/running-through-second-base-trend I saw an uncalled similar MLB play a week or two ago.

Closest I can see is 5.09(b)(2) and the comment. It specifically talks about first base, but the language ", he leaves the base path, obviously abandoning his effort to touch the next base" leads me to feel like it could be upheld on other bases as well. I was watching the game. It felt like he was believing he'd be out on the force and pealed off. He came right back, though, as soon as he realized the safe call. The Philly announcers were thinking interference, but there was nothing there either. Donny Baseball probably wouldn't have made a fuss if Orion wasn't throwing grapefruits. At least Leslie gets another 2 fer ejection video out of it.

Reds / Phillies last night. DeLa Cruz runs though 2B on a force, he's safe, Phillies want abandonment. I'm have trouble finding the actual wording of the rule change this year. All I find is AI generated results, or reporters opinions paraphrasing the rule. I can't find the direct rule from MLB... The rulebook or elsewhere... Help.

A). Are all "defensive interference" plays called "obstruction"..?? Whereas most offensive interference plays are called "interference"...?? (I suppose except "catcher's interference" or "umpire's interference") B). Are all obstruction penalties by the defense a delayed call by the umpire? Or are any obstruction calls an immediate dead ball..?? C). Scenario: runner on 1st, base hit into the outfield: the baserunner as he's rounding second is obstructed by the shortstop covering the second base bag with no incoming throw. This is a delayed call/runner is awarded third base. It's delayed because the baserunner may choose to round third base, and if so, the delayed call is erased, and he is then a live runner..... is all this correct..??

FWIW: worked a couple games this past weekend with a colleague (with JuCo experience) who bought the Enduro after seeing mine (moved to the Enduro from the Wilson Platinum). He took a hard foul directly off the CP and was impressed with how little he felt.

Our team needs an umpire for Need Umpire – Cooperstown Dreams Park Week 11 (July 30–Aug 5). Let me know if anyone is available. Thank you!

Assignors/ coordinators are getting kickbacks from Smitty? Just my $.02 but I feel like Smitty jumped into this at a good time when Honig’s was falling apart and Ump Attire was getting a lot of traction. Honigs and +POS made their own stuff (private label pants, shirts, gear, etc) so when they struggled, Smitty was there at a much lower cost. I’ve always disliked Smitty stuff and think it is cheap and poorly made. Them copying the prior New Balance plate shoe made me laugh. They also did a good job catering to guys who don’t want to spend $30+ on a shirt, etc. There is a lot of those guys out there. As someone with a professional career who has a closet full of professional clothing, $100 for a pair of well made umpire pants is fine with me.

https://mktg.mlbstatic.com/mlb/official-information/2025-official-baseball-rules.pdf The answer is in Rule 5.11 1. No, the player cannot come back in to pitch (see first bolded part below) 2. I think the rule I quote below assumes a situation in which the player goes from the mound directly to defense so I am not sure if he can come an play defense later in the game. Since 5.11(a) allows, in general, for a switch from DH to defense [see 5.11 (a)(12)], I think he can (but this will terminate the team's use of a DH for the rest of the game). See the second bolded part below, which is also what 5.11 (a)(12) says. 5.11 (b) Starting Pitcher as Designated Hitter. It is not mandatory that a Club designate a hitter for the pitcher. However, in the event the starting pitcher will bat for himself, the player will be considered two separate people for purposes of Rule 5.11(a). In such cases, the manager should list 10 players on his team’s lineup card, and this player should be named twice – once as the starting pitcher and once as the Designated Hitter. Thus, if the starting pitcher is replaced, he can continue as the Designated Hitter (but can no longer pitch in the game), and if the Designated Hitter is replaced, he can continue as the pitcher (but can no longer hit for himself). If the player is simultaneously replaced both as a starting pitcher and Designated Hitter, he cannot be replaced by another two-way player filling both roles as separate people (this can be done only once on the initial lineup card by identifying that the starting pitcher will bat for himself). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Rule 5.11(a) above, if that pitcher bats or runs as Designated Hitter, such move will not terminate the Designated Hitter role for that Club; neither will the role be terminated in the event that Designated Hitter assumes the role of pitcher on defense. However, if that player is switched from the mound or Designated Hitter role to a position on defense other than pitcher, such move will terminate the Designated Hitter role for that Club for the remainder of the game.

HP Umpire Nick Mahrley ejected Padres infield coach Ryan Goins and manager Craig Stammen (check swing strike two call by 1B Umpire Ben May on Fernando Tatis) in the top of the 1st inning of the #Padres-#Dodgers game. With none out and none on, Padres batter Tatis attempted to check his swing on a 0-1 fastball from Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan, ruled a ball by HP Umpire Mahrley and a swinging strike by 1B Umpire May. At the time of the ejections the game was tied, 0-0. The Padres ultimately won the contest, 5-2. These are Nick Mahrley (48)'s 1st and 2nd ejections of 2026. These are the 62nd and 63rd ejection reports of the 2026 MLB regular season.This is the 34th manager ejection of 2026.This is the 10th coach ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 34 Managers, 10 Coaches, 19 Players.This is San Diego's 4/5th ejection of 2026, 1st in the NL West (SD 5; SF 3; ARI, COL, LAD 0).This is Ryan Goins' 1st ejection since Sept 10, 2025 (Junior Valentine; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]). This is Craig Stammen's 3rd ejection of 2026, 1st since June 13 (Chris Conroy; QOC = U [Throwing At]).This is Nick Mahrley's 1st ejection since July 29, 2025 (David Popkins; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]). Wrap: San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Dodgers, 7/5/26 | Video as follows: Alternate Link: Goins, Stammen ejected just 3 pitches into the game over a check swing callView the full article

Good catch! MLB rule 6.01 (a) (3) states: Before two are out and a runner on third base, the batter hinders a fielder in making a play at home base; the runner is out. So, we have a judgment call. Was the pitcher making a play at home base? (in this case proximity being the issue) Yes= interference and an out. No= nothing. Acting as the devil's advocate to play out the conversation... So the Manager (in an even tone if they are well trained and prepared) says "So @BigBlue4u you're saying the pitcher was hindered running towards home. However, it wasn't judged Interference because he wasn't making a play at home?"

Good catch! MLB rule 6.01 (a) (3) states: Before two are out and a runner on third base, the batter hinders a fielder in making a play at home base; the runner is out. So, we have a judgment call. Was the pitcher making a play at home base? (in this case proximity being the issue) Yes= interference and an out. No= nothing.

According to MLB rules... Assume you start the game with the Ohtani rule (same player is DH/Starting Pitcher) which we'll call Player A. Later in the game, another player comes off the bench to pitch but Player A remains as the DH. Can that player, Player A the DH, then come back in to pitch or play a defensive position again later in the game? References to actual MLB rules would be helpful, thanks!

I follow the line of thought. What rulebook language are you using to explain the call to the defense?

Ms. Teschmacher, please ring up @johnnyg08. He's conspicuously silent. I'd like to hear his opinion.

I use "at home base" as the location where a batter would be guilty of BI. Others argue that any hindrance of "a play at home base" would be BI. Invoking 6.01(b) on this play with two outs, who do you grab as the out?

Ummmmm Max, hate to say this but the (mid) 80s were 40 years ago!!