Catcher Collision Rule

[bp34]

I think this topic needs be talked about more. 1- that it's a disgraceful rule which should of NEVER been introduced in the first place no matter the level of ball.

Secondly, now that this rule has SUPPOSEDLY been introduced to MWBL I have yet to see it be implemented.
I have witnessed on at least 5 occasions this season ( and been the runner once) where the catcher has clearly set up and BLOCKED the plate well before the ball has even been thrown to them. Now surely the umpires have seen where they catcher has set up and yet still not once have they had the balls to make the correct call (according the the rule book) and call the runner safe.

This rule has cost my team 5 runs so far this year and on the weekend a chance to tie up the game. We went on to loose by 1 run.

This rule is absolute bullnuts to start with but if it's meant to be part of our game then why isn't it being applied?

[lonewolf75]

Umpires can't even get runners to run outside the line going to first and that rules been around for ages. I have seen a number of collisions at first this year because runners have been inside the line

[MF]

Aug 24, 2015 18:48:28 GMT 10 bp34 said:

I have witnessed on at least 5 occasions this season (and been the runner once) where the catcher has clearly set up and BLOCKED the plate well before the ball has even been thrown to them.

Did the catcher receive the ball well before the runner reached the plate?

If so, the call could have been legit -- see e.g. m.mlb.com/news/article/93914144/mlb-clarifies-home-plate-collision-rule and the rules comment below.

Regardless, it's pretty much always a judgment call by the umpire, per this comment under official MLB Rule 6.01(i)(2) (used to be Rule 7.13(2)):

A catcher shall not be deemed to have violated Rule 6.01(i)(2) unless he has both blocked the plate without possession the ball (or when not in a legitimate attempt to field the throw), and also hindered or impeded the progress of the runner attempting to score. A catcher shall not be deemed to have hindered or impeded the progress of the runner if, in the judgment of the umpire, the runner would have been called out notwithstanding the catcher having blocked the plate.

(See mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2015/official_baseball_rules.pdf)

So if the runner is out by miles, the catcher (or, say, the pitcher in the case of a wild pitch) can block the plate to their hearts content. If the catcher has the ball or is about to receive a throw, again: they can block the plate. If the catcher doesn't have the ball and are not about to get it then:

the catcher cannot block the pathway of the runner as he is attempting to score

For a runner to be called safe on such obstruction, the umpire must judge that the catcher "hindered or impeded the progress of the runner attempting to score". Note, too, that the rule does NOT apply to the catcher on force plays at the plate!

Lastly, the last sentence of the rule in question makes it clear that the onus is on the runner to avoid needless collisions:

In addition, a catcher without possession of the ball shall not be adjudged to violate this Rule 6.01(i)(2) if the runner could have avoided the collision with the catcher (or other player covering home plate) by sliding.

!!!

[doubleplay]

All it is, is just another very grey area rule that will be interpreted individually by umpires and would be lucky if two umpires actually come up with the same interpretation. Judging by the collisions last season at second base, bugger the home plate, get it right at second where possible interferences will occur and make sure that the umpires know that rule first before confusing them with the home plate ruling. Just my opinion of course.

[MF]

Very true.

Edit to add: as a coach, you can at least help your players by telling them:
a) as a fielder, don't block the plate w/o the ball (leave a "pathway").
b) as a runner, always slide if there's any chance of a play.
If you do that, then your guys should stay on the right side of most umpiring decisions.

What other teams do is outside your control...

[bp34]

Good response MF

I understand how the rule works but it is so technical and therefore everyone will have a slightly different opinion/interpretation of it.
I would hate for a final to be decided by this Ridiculous unnecessary rule.
Why are we making this great game more technical and harder to play/officiate. The umpires alresdy have enough trouble calling balls and strikes.

[wyatt33]

What were people's opinion of the chase utley slide the other day? Blokes got a broken leg, yet no change to the rule....I thought it was terrible. Difference between breaking up a double and taking a player out. He barely made it to the base, I think this will be looked at at the end of the post season and change will be made. I think that type of play was ugly and has no place in the game.