Why do catchers block home plate?

In baseball, blocking the plate is a technique performed by a catcher to prevent a runner from scoring. The act of blocking the plate accounted for most of the physical contact in Major League Baseball prior to the 2014 season, when it was outlawed except when the catcher already has possession of the ball.

Can the pitcher block home plate?

If a throw leads you into the runner, there’s nothing you can do about that. It’s pretty straightforward. No egregious contact, and you can’t block the plate without the ball.

What is the home plate collision rule?

Official Baseball Rule 7.13 – Collisions at Home Plate If, in the judgment of the Umpire, a runner attempting to score initiates contact with the catcher (or other player covering home plate) in such a manner, the Umpire shall declare the runner out (even if the player covering home plate loses possession of the ball).

Is jumping over the catcher legal?

Yes, a runner from 3rd base is allowed to jump over the catcher as long as he remains in the baseline. No rule requires the runner to slide into home in the Major League Baseball rule book, nor is there a rule against jumping over the catcher to score.

Is it illegal to slide into first base?

Sliding to 1st Base Yes, sliding is allowed on first base, but it is not recommended since a batter-runner can overrun the base which is faster. When sliding to first base, the runner is allowed to leave the running lane within a reasonable distance for the purpose of getting on base.

Is it illegal to run into the catcher in baseball?

The simple answer is no, high school baseball players are not allowed to intentionally run over a catcher. This has been the rule for a while now in high school baseball to protect both catchers and runners. Let’s break down this rule and some ways runners and catchers can avoid collisions at the plate.

Can a catcher block the plate without the ball?

If a catcher blocks the plate without possession of the ball, the runner will be safe. However, a catcher may block the plate to field a throw if the umpire determines he could not have otherwise fielded it and thus contact with the runner could not have been avoided.

What happens if the batter hits the catcher with his backswing?

If this infraction should occur in a situation where the batter would normally become a runner because of a third strike not caught, the ball shall be dead and the batter declared out regardless of the location of the baseball at the time the backswing hits the catcher.

Can you jump over the catcher in high school baseball?

They may not jump over the catcher, and if the catcher is blocking him, he can only run around him. High School baseball usually begins when Little League ends, although the league does have divisions for players of high school age. However, in high school baseball, you are not allowed to run over the catcher.

Can you slide on first?

Yes, in Major League Baseball, hitters are allowed to slide into first base.

Why did the MLB change the home plate rule?

“Therefore, as one might imagine, the issue of home-plate collisions is one that generates spirited debate among the players. Because of this, coming up with a rule change that allows both the runner and catcher a fair and equal opportunity to score and defend was our mandate.

What are the new rules for home plate collisions?

However, runners who do slide and catchers who provide the runner with a lane will never be found in violation of the rule. • The expanded instant replay rules, which also go into effect this season, will be available to review potential violations of Rule 7.13.

What happens if a runner hits the catcher at home plate?

If, in the judgment of the umpire, a runner attempting to score initiates contact with the catcher (or other player covering home plate) in such a manner, the umpire shall declare the runner out (even if the player covering home plate loses possession of the ball).

When does the new MLB rule come into effect?

Major League Baseball and the MLBPA will form a committee of players and managers to review developments as the season progresses and to discuss the possible application of the new rule in 2015.