Fined for criticizing the call on this play, a breakdown 

Hedges talked about this play at length on this episode of Rose Rotation: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-K3RxE70uDP0.html

When NBA changes a rule or interpretation, it is accompanied by statements, video examples, and lectures to teams so that everyone understands what's going on. In MLB we get Jomboy to do it instead

Funny because Rizzo was saying the same thing about holding the umps accountable around the same time, maybe the day before.

This exact thing happened to Gary Sanchez earlier this year. In the replay you can see him look down before the ball gets there to explicitly check where his feet were and even move his left foot into the fair territory, so he could receive the ball cleanly. Then he moved in front of the plate (with possession of the ball) to block and somehow the player was called safe, when the twins asked for a review the NY office AGREED it was a violation. He literally did the textbook thing they asked and then punished him for it. These rules need to be spelled out and enforced properly. Otherwise it’s no different that an Ump calling balls and strikes. Even though this example includes replay, people still manage to fuck it up royally.

I think it's really rare to have a great commentator like Jomboy who breaks things down but doesn't insert his own opinion too much. It's a fine line, and Jomboy's good at giving the info and letting his audience think for themselves.

It’s ridiculous when sports fine their players for criticising the rules.

I was at this game. As soon as the call was overturned and the home run happened the crowd was silent for an hour and a half. Completely changed the momentum of the game.

I actually like the change after seeing this break down. Back in the day the runner would just run the catcher over like a football player if the catcher blocked the plate. If they don’t allow the runner to run the catcher over for blocking the plate they shouldn’t allow the catcher to block the plate.

It's not even just the endless entertainment I get from the breakdowns themselves that make me love the channel so much. It's the little, random quips and references Jimmy make every once in a while, and the fan trying to barehand the ball followed by ""See my hand, it stings". Fulton with the hockey puck."

The rule needs to clearly state “none of the catcher’s lower extremities shall cross the top of home plate or the foul side of the baseline until he has control of the ball.” Simple. The lack of clarity in the way the rule is written leaves most catchers unsure how or even if they’re supposed to protect the plate.

Sounded to me like Hedges was criticizing the rule more than the ump. This is why you have the same old canned responses by players instead of their honest opinions. Most are afraid to get in trouble for answering the questions imposed upon them. Bullshit. If that’s all you want, don’t force them to speak to the press. Don’t even ask them any questions. Just put the answers you want on TV. Pretty much goes for all sports. That’ll be great. Fans would love that…

Question… why do catchers deal with this rule change by standing in front of the plate? Then you have to swing the glove around for the tag, which is super slow. Straddle the plate, catch the ball, and tag the runner. If the ball is off-line, blocking the plate while you go catch the ball is dumb and I’m glad you can’t do it.

The tough play is the one that comes from left field and the ball is down the line. The catcher actually has to move out of the way, reach back to catch the ball and then apply the tag. Nearly an impossible feat.

I love how you broke it down to show the difference. When MLB makes a rule change, they should have a press release (like this) with exactly what is ok, and what is not ok. Would make things *_WAY_* easier.

As someone who doesn't watch a whole lot of baseball or other sports often it's baffling that you can get fined for criticizing a rule for a sport you play. The fact that the umpires felt so attacked they had to fine and respond is crazy.

I play Senior over 60 baseball in Japan.... each year we do a full day to teach new rules and go over the old one's before the season, this was one of them. I like the rule... especially for us old guys...

Touch football is the future of pro sports. I donned the tools of ignorance for many years. Was knocked out more times than Tyson’s opponents. I got bad knees, bad elbows, permanent inflammation in my left hand from all the scar tissue. Loved every second of it and miss it dearly every minute of everyday. That’s back when it was a game and men played it.

Even if hedges was wrong in his statement, it’s still absolutely completely ridiculous to fine him for saying that. I hope he fights it just for the principle of the matter

If the MLB really wants to prevent collisions at home plate, then why don't they just implement the same obstruction rule that applies to the other bases? If the goal is really player safety, then they should want to avoid collisions whether or not the catcher has possession of the ball. This would also be a lot less confusing for everyone. Then again, I'm not baseball expert. Is there any reason why they can't treat home plate like any other base?

Hey, Jomboy, I want to thank you for all the good work you do. Nobody else does such an excellent audio AND visual breakdown of plays as you do. And you are consistently excellent at it while being jaw-droppingly prolific., It is now roughly a year after my previous comment on this breakdown, and I find myself looking at the issue from a very different point of view. By the way, the rule is not intended to protect catchers only, but also runners. Case in point: Kyle Lewis, whose MiLB collisions at home, not only cost him more than one surgery and a lot of time lost in making it to the Majors before he debuted with the Mariners in 2020 and won the title of Rookie of the (truncated) Year playing in center field, but have also left him apparently too injury prone to stay in "the show". This obstruction rule is very like a speed limit, which exists primarily to save lives and serious injury. In this case, it's like the catcher was only going a little over the speed limit, the road was straight and clear of traffic, the lighting was good, and there was only a vanishingly small chance of injury resulting from his action. But a slight variation in the timing or the runner's path or any of several variables could have resulted in an injury. The problem is if we don't draw the line INVARIABLY and RIGIDLY at the one set by the letter of the law, then it gets blurry and can end up rendering the law or rule less effective in achieving its long-term end. The State Trooper has the option of giving the speeder a warning and an admonition to "keep it down", but the umpire has no analog of a warning to issue and the unpenalized infraction may become gradually greater and more frequent leading to injury down the road. MLB needs to come up with an analog to the trooper's verbal warning. Something like "If, in the opinion of the umpire (crew of umpires?) the infraction is slight enough that the actual risk in the circumstances was negligible, the umpire(s) may let the play stand and impose [a lesser penalty]". The lesser penalty being perhaps a warning that a repetition will result in ejection, or the loss of a day's wages or $1,000, whichever is less, or something like that which in no way has an immediate effect on the scoring.

3:43 "What da fuck is happening?" 😂😂😅

4:28 "Fulton with the hockey puck..." Deep cut Mighty Ducks reference 💖

Instead of being a player safety rule, it now seems like they are implementing it like an increase scoring rule, which is something we’ve seen in sports like hockey and football

I think it’s crazy that just the other day the Tigers tried to challenge this exact same play of Baez getting tagged out at home.

No one needs to be messing with Rangers Legend Austin Hedges. He's a national hero.

Never a bad sign when one group is protected from scrutiny. Never leads to any issues, whatsoever......

to be fair the examples you showed the ball was coming from the 1st base line rather than the third. the catchers in the examples were on the right side of the plate because that’s where they were catching from whereas this catcher was catching from the left which was also in the runners way

I was always under the assumption that on a ball on the infield the catcher could block the plate… even with the new rules.

When the umpires are replaced with robots they'll finally realize that nobody is coming to the ballpark to see the them.

I love how they made this rule to protect catchers, meanwhile all of the catchers collectively hate this rule.

During Babe Ruth's day, a review required getting the film developed, sending it to NY via train, having it reviewed, having a telegram wired back.. It took weeks. Baseball's devotion to history is amazing.

Blocking the plate is no different than blocking the other bases. Jomboy did a great job explaining things. Sad the MLB can not do the same and have Umps consistently make calls even with replays.

Even in the thumbnail you can see the runner watching the ball coming in. Doing a wide slide and hopefully touching with his right hand was the only chance he had at being safe and he knew it. Everything else was textbook. You got to catch the ball where its at. They definitely got a free run

As an unintended consequence of the enforcement of this rule I could see catchers aligning themselves behind the plate, so as to allow a clear path for the runner. With this positional change, when the catcher has received the ball they would then essentially dive forward to THEN block the plate, leading to headfirst sliding runners receiving mashed fingers and gnarled wrists. I'm glad that Buster Posey type of injuries are being avoided in the interest of catcher safety, but rule enforcement could swing the other way into runner risk.

Textbook execution of this rule requires superhuman reaction time by both runner and catcher. No wonder its enforcement is so all over the place.

im suprised he didn’t say anything about the guy moving away from that hr ball😂

Like it or not, the catcher knew the rule was in place and he still hasn't adjusted his technique.

This is a perfect example of why the only baseball I have watched in 2 years has been on Jomboy.

MLB wants more runs so this is one way they are doing it. I feel bad for the catchers being handicapped. It also makes the game more tame, not as exciting.

A good follow up analysis to compare with this might be the call at the plate in the D-Backs/Dodgers game on 9/14 (I forget what inning, but it was the Dodgers blocking the plate and the Ump allowed it). Also the game the DBacks won with a walk-off HR in the 10th.

I’m an Umpire who played catcher in baseball. That rule isn’t hindering or hard to implement. Just give the runner an open space until you have the ball. If you like collisions at home plate I get it but times have changed and safety is a priority in sports and commercial business now because of lawsuits. It’s not that complicated. Move your position over 6 inches and make a play.

As a Brit whose baseball consumption is Jomboy, first ive heard of the Guardians. What an unimaginative name...

The rule that a player cant block the plate without the ball wasn't really the part that was meant to protect them. The rule says a runner cannot deviate from his direct path to initiate contact. MLB explains the rule as such "Runners are considered to be in violation of this rule if they collide with the catcher in cases where a slide could have been used to avoid the collision." logically you cant tell the runner he must slide into the plate without also requiring the catcher leave a path to the plate open.

Main reason I quit playing team sports. Having to deal with officials who decide the outcome instead of the play on the field , or the no recourse if they make a bad call, especially after they admit they were wrong.

Could the catch play in front of the batter box and a little closer to the third base line as an adjustment? Still allowing the “direct path”, but giving the catcher a chance to still make the play. Like the second Mets one you showed, but a little higher? That’s already a really tough play to make, so it makes you wonder what type of adjustment could they make to keep making those types of plays.

Reminds me of the rule change in football about dropping the shoulder during the hit. 👍 Thanks for another great analysis of the play. Most exciting way to watch baseball is your reviews. 🙃🏆

I think your foot needs to be in front of the foul line until you catch the ball, otherwise you literally have to "swim" to touch the plate, adding an entire second or two to reach home.

There’s like 2 feet between Baez and hedges though, Baez didn’t use the lane provided because he would’ve been closer to the tag, no because he didn’t have it

Last season Gary Sanchez, playing for the Twins at the time, got called for this. Sanchez was out in front of the plate, caught the ball, and then moved to make the tag. On appeal, it was ruled that Sanchez was blocking the plate. What is he supposed to do when he has the ball and the runner slides towards the back of the plate? He has to move his body in order to make the tag. What a confusing rule, and I think it even confuses the umpires.

I honestly wish that events that truly effect us on a daily basis were put under this much scrutiny.

Dude blocked the plate with his leg before the ball got there.. it's an old habit that catchers have been doing since Little League. He's stuck his leg out there and knew exactly why he did it and it was the difference between an out and safe. If that is all the catcher said then he should not be fined. Have not heard of an umpire or referee being fined for making the wrong call in pivotal points or ejections or technical fouls because an opposing coach disagreed with a call and the referee ego says how dare you question my judgment. If that umpire was wrong and did not like being called out on it shouldn't they be fine d. Baseball is a sport that can be officiated without umpires and they have made so many mistakes especially the strike zone.

THe thing is, it’s not a confusing rule and it’s pretty easy to see it happening. In the first video, that runner would have beaten the throw if they could have gone straight to the plate. He only tagged him because he had to go around his leg

The mighty ducks reference is golden 😂😂

More disturbing than the call is the fact they fined him for being critical. Come on MLB.

The problem is that the league changed the rule SO MUCH. This was put in place for player safety, but on alot of these plays (such as this one) there is no threat to that, and the base runner still had a lane/angle. Asking a catcher to not cross some invisible line because his foot might slide somewhere is so stupid. And you’re asking the catcher to be out of position.

He knew what he was doing and knew 100% it is blocking the plate!

This is like tripping over your own feet and looking back for something to blame. “Aah, I tripped over that crack in the pavement!” But dude, that crack is flush… Runner had a path, he just failed to take it. Runner: “How could I possibly get past this 6-inch high leg wall?? Guess I better try to slide around it and reach for the plate with the opposite hand!” Or, you know, adjust your run and your slide angle by mere inches and touch the plate with your left hand…

They should have catchers vote. Either you can block the plate before you have the ball but runners can completely obliterate you if need be, or you both can't.

Yeah I think MLB should come out, and show exact examples of what they want from catchers.

Today the Mets got robbed a run because the catcher sits right on the path completely blocks the plate, and the ump upheld it. Just bring back the old rule.

One factor you left out is where the throw is coming from. If the throw takes you into contact or cause you to obstruct, it's nothing and considered a baseball play.

I think a key point is that when throws are coming from the left side of the field, as in Hedges' case, it is much more difficult to make a play on those throws without "blocking the lane" as it is in the other examples in this vid, where the throw is coming from right. The rule says it's okay to block the lane "if the catcher blocks the pathway of the runner in order to field a throw, and the Umpire determines that the catcher could not have fielded the ball without blocking the pathway of the runner". The officials in New York appear to be saying I don't care if you're squaring up properly to the throw (Hedges at 1:24), you gotta take that half step over the right to get out of the way because you "could" field the throw from over there. You're at risk of making an error on any ball tailing to your left or not blocking a short hop throw with your body, but tough luck, because a decade ago a runner decided ignore a lane that Buster Posey gave and just plowed into him instead.

It’s great that you can hear someone say “what the fuck just happened” at 3:43

I've only played little league, and I ran into this issue with the catcher blocking the plate. It's something that still bugs me today. I would have reached the plate in time if I didn't have to maneuver around him. Was I supposed to push him out of the way?

Excellent breakdown as always! I'm in agreement with the enforcement of this rule. The runner is entitled to a direct bath to the base, especially home plate. No other base are they forced to go around any kind of obstacle. There's always transition periods with stuff like this, e.g. nfl tuck rule. Overall though this is better for the game, why should a scoring runner be forced to go around a catcher before they have the ball?

Great breakdown as always Jom, love it. I also love the lip reading you do and I think you’re right 99% of the time, however I think the “so bad” might have been “it’s okay.” Not that it changes anything just something I noticed if I’m right. Again love it and the channel❤️

Its hard to talk about this line shit whenever the second baseman was blocking the line and kwan still was safe. And the umps still called him out and on review you could see he was safe and still kept him out. That whole game was a joke and a mess.

I'm glad they are addressing this. It is stupid that catchers have had special privilege to block the plate. I mean, people act as if other infielders haven't been following similar rules. No sliding spikes up; no walling off the plate.

I unironically love this kind of rules stuff in sports Like, in a backyard game we would decide stuff on the fly. But because its so grand here, the rules are king

That was a really good job of showing what MLB wants.

I remember when the rule first came into effect years ago. Teams would challenge blocking the plate but it was never overturned. We all wondered what the hell was the point of the rule if it was never enforced or what the hell constitutes blocking the plate. Suddenly now they have decided to enforce the rule as I believe it was first intended. No where else does the fielder stand on the base or in the base path fielding the ball unless the ball takes them into the runners path.

Baez chooses not to reach out with his inside hand (protected by the hand guard). This means his outside hand has to reach across his body to touch home plate causing his right shoulder to dig under his body. This is what gives Hedges the time to tag him. I personally don’t mind the role as it protects catchers from being clobbered. It is meant to protect runners too from being trucked by a catcher. This particular situation, though, highlights why many people feel the rule has one huge fundamental problem: The runner is beaten to the plate by the catchers tag. Which is a long-winded way of saying the runner is out by definition of what the rule book say an out is: “An “out” is when an offensive player must leave the field after: Being tagged by a ball in play. Not making it to the base or home plate before a member of the opposing team with the ball in their glove does”.

if a runner is coming directly down the foul line, hedges is blocking the plate in this...if a player is coming from foul territory after rounding third, hes not blocking. The fact baez was trying to score from second and was so shallow in the basepath is crazy. When i played our coach taught us left foot on the corner of home on the foul line. Gives the runner the back left of home and keeps us clear of the bblocking call. However, thats the set up. once you start moving to recive the ball the rule collapses.

Wow. Your breakdown made me actually agree with mlb. I’m kind of shocked. I get it now, just like at every other plate pretty much. The main thing I will say however is that while I may agree with this they need to get the umps on the field on the same page so we don’t have these insane over turns

I knew about this rule but this is the best example I've ever seen of it in action.

It makes sense to me. You also have to see it from the view of the player running to home.

In my opinion telling a cat her to leave a path open to the plate is like telling a goalie to leave a path open into the goal. The catcher’s job is to prevent you from scoring. Your job is to score. My job is to pay to watch. Too many subjective bullshit rules.

Gotta say, that woman who got and gave up the foul ball.. class act. 👏

My question is, if a catcher straddles the plate is he blocking even if he’s squating? I feel like the strat for catchers should be straddle and when the catch it drop down like a hockey goalie and seal the whole plate or am I over simplifying this?

And infielder, including catchers, are taught from the beginning of organized ball that they should let the throw come to them, since the throw will move faster than your arm can. But now, catcher (and this year, all fielders with interference on all bases) and being forced to catch the ball well in front of the bag/plate and swipe back. It is ridiculous.

This the the same rule of obstruction in Fastpitch Softball. When the catcher sets up they must not block the path. But if the ball is thrown they can go and get it even if it takes them in the runners path. Once they have the ball, then they can block the path. I think if his foot was 6 inches further forward and on the other side of the baseline chalk line, it could and would have stood. It will take some getting used to.

The very same thing happened between the Twins and the Jays a couple of weeks ago, and the fans were livid at Target Field. I can understand why.

If you can block the plate like that to where the runner has to swerve around you, you should be able to hit catchers again

“The catcher is not permitted to block the runner's path to the plate unless he is in possession of the ball, though blocking the path of the runner in a legitimate attempt to receive a throw is not considered a violation.” From MLB. I don’t know what’s so ambiguous about that rule.

Cannot believe that catcher was blocking the path and gets upset for being called for it. Then has the audacity to complain about it. Yes, I am a homer. Yes, he was out (I think so!) And yes, I am kidding.

Great analysis Jomboy! At least now I understand this rule. But if it is executed like in this example, how on earth does it PROTECT the catcher?

Setting aside how it was called in the past, I think it makes a lot of sense that a catcher can't block the path until they get the ball. It's not even about their safety, it's about fairness. The second baseman can't block second base during a steal attempt, so it's the same thing. It should have always been this way.

As a Brit, I’ve always wondered what the rules were for the home base catcher and hey it’s different. Surely if he’s in front of home plate, he should step on it when he makes the tag. If not, he shouldn’t be in the way until he has the ball.

lmao Fulton with the hockey puck hahahaha

Jomboys back on his breakdown grind

The way you explained it was perfect. If the league put it out to the catchers phrased that way it should be perfectly clear to them....also there needs to be consistency with the way it is being called both on the field, and under review.

I think the timing of the set up location has to be determined by when the ball is released on the throw home. Once the ball is thrown the catcher should be able to do what they need to make the catch.

Rules committee keeps over thinking basic stuff ..this is ridiculous ..it’s all ‘bang bang’ ..

They need to make the rule something that can be called consistently. I don’t care what they want to make the rule but it should be obvious to everyone whether it’s correct or not

The funny thing about this rule of blocking the plate is that runners rarely slide directly at it. They almost always go outside to avoid a tag.

As a former catcher I agree with Hedges... If you blocked the lane then prepare to get hit. So that kind of comes at the same outcome of not putting your self in front of the plate unless you had a good chance at making the play. I thought the rule was fine where it has been the last couple decades. No Pete Rose shit at the plate, but if you have a play, then you can guard.

Did the same in the Jay's game overturned the tag out

I love that Chris Rose plays on the nerdy side of jock sports and their nerdy side of nerd sports with BattleBots. What an absolute legend.

Back in the day, I always believed catchers being allowed to block home plate without having the ball was utter bullsh*t. Imagine any baseman being allowed to block first. second, or third base. Same thing. I never understood why this was allowed.

Now we had a call reversed the other way in tonight's (May 6th) game between Houston and Seattle). Will be interesting to see Jomboy break that down.