I've been force feeding baseball to my wife for 26 years now. She didn't know a foul ball from a pine tar rag in the beginning. This June we will visit our 17th ball park (Detroit) and she's watched hundreds of games on the tube. She can now discuss the hidden things of the game, like this play that make the game so interesting. We had dinner with friends once and one of them said that baseball is so boring. My wife just said "it's only boring if you don't know what you're looking at". I married the right girl.
Same thing with my wife except, it was football. She got into baseball too, but not nearly so much as football. After a few years of watching and learning, she was much more knowledge that 95% of the guys I knew that were fans.
@@DoritosClipz You get lucky. She was an electronics tech as well. So she was quite aware of the need for good tools. I had pretty much carte blanch to get any tool I needed to get a job done. When the first 18 V cordless tools came along, she told me to upgrade all of my 12 V ones.
@@scottydog1313 I remember my Dad buying me (and himself) a 14.4 Dewalt Drill/Driver in early 95 right after I graduated high school and started working at his locksmith shop in Houston. I'd went 18v and then 20v over the years and run essentially every option....expensive, cheap, awesome, shitty, you name it. I actually still use that DeWalt my old man gave me for minor stuff around the house, although I can't make myself use his.
@@timgriffith9333, I'm torn here. In spirit, I couldn't agree more. When the rubber meets the road, however, It kind of makes me think of war: When you are trying to defeat your enemy, are there really rules? When I started playing hockey goalie, I felt uncomfortable about lying and and telling someone that the puck didn't go in the net when I knew it did on a few occasions. Obviously, my teammates got p***** when I said that it went in because no referee is going to disallow a goal that the goaltender himself says was a goal. I learned to just not speak in those situations to avoid creating bad energy with my own teammates; however, once I started playing for money I knew for a fact that telling the truth in a situation like that would do more than damage my chemistry with my teammates- it would end my career. Just like this play has so much to consider in it's breakdown, so does the consideration of whether or not you should interfere with an opponent's ability to successfully beat you, possibly even in ways that take a chance that you'll get in trouble or that you are knowingly doing something that defies the paper-rules of the game. Again, in spirit, I could not agree more; in a perfect world, you would run straight at the base and shake your opponent's hand if he throws you out! Blessings 🙏🏾
@@pauls.2308 but no rules are being broken, the runner isn’t cheating at all! (As explained in the video) this is part of the game! Edit: now he can really shake the opponents’ hands for throwing him out despite his best efforts
That is such a perfectly executed play by the 3rd baseman. Moves in to get the short hop, great exchange, perfect balance on the wrong foot throw and an absolute dart right at the catchers chest. That’s all in a matter of 3 seconds and done perfectly
Absolutely. And this is a great breakdown but Antonelli focuses a lot on the runner hoping to catch the ball in his back; really he’s forcing a tough play that could fail in other ways such as the third baseman’s challenging throw instead sailing right of the catcher to the backstop, or simply blocking the catchers vision of the ball; but well executed by the defense despite all this.
I ALWAYS LIKED PLAYING INFIELD, THINKING IN TERMS OF AN AGGRESSIVE DEFENSIVE MINDSET, AN OFFENSIVE, DEFENSIVE WAY OF THINKING. THAT ALWAYS FOSTERS CONFIDENCE, IN A PLAYER'S DEFENSIVE ABILITIES. ALWAYS PLAY DEFENSE, ON YOUR TOES, NOT YOUR HEELS.
There’s a major league third baseman who knows how to play his position, anticipate possible scenarios, and react instantly and properly to a rapidly developing play. And a smart runner who tried to maximize his advantage.
The runner made a mistake, he did not run right at the catcher, to much inside. With the way the catcher is squared up withe third base line and reading his eyes ,(his eyes will go to the ball,) the runner can get an idea of where the fielder is and the direction of the thrown ball. I thought the explanation of the play was excellent. Good job on explaining the runners path to the plate, where he can go and at what time he has to come in line with the base path. Also very good at sharing the contact play used by teams, when and why it might be used. I played all the way up through one year in college. Then, umpired for a few years. A lot of people, for lots of reasons,, do not know the rules or the game. What is incredible is the ridiculous comments made by some thinking they do understand it. Again. If I may, great job here with your explanation in breaking down this play. Enjoyed your presentation.
@@mkwy8782HAHA I played baseball for decades. High school, legion and college, and a senior league from age 28 to 48. I was an above average player and played with lots of really good players. Even players that played minor league ball. If you think the average high school player can do what this third baseman did here every time you don’t really know baseball. This is a professional play that a major leaguer will make 3 out of 4 times. A high school player will make it 1 out of 4 times. That’s the difference between a really good player and a major leaguer.
It’s really good that you show a play like this. Showing inside knowledge to average fan. I’ve always coached that little things make a big difference in the end & baserunning is something that gets overlooked a lot . I had a day with Davey Lopes in the mid seventies when I played at Huntington Beach HS. We had an in with them in that Mark Cresse was an assistant coach at our school & he was starting his career with the Dodgers as a bullpen catcher& he would bring guests to our practices, Andy Messerschmidt was another Dodger to show up. I learned more about baserunning that one day than the rest of my time playing combined. 😀
WE KNEW MARK, THROUGH LARRY CAHN, A COACH IN LONG BEACH. WE TALKED TO HIM AT DODGER GAMES, WE SAT AT THE FOUL POLE, NEXT TO THE BULLPEN, IN "BAKERSFIELD" (DUSTY BAKER). I PLAYED SPORTS, AS AN OILER (COACH MOATS), THERE. AS A LITTLE LEAGUER, SEAL BEACH SEALS, MY DAD, OUR COACH, PRACTICED SITUATIONAL BASEBALL. WE HAD VARYING RUNNERS PUT ON VARYING BASES, VARIED THE SCORE, VARIED THE INNING, VARIED THE NUMBER OF OUTS. MY FATHER HIT THE BASEBALL, TO VARIOUS PLACES, ON THE FIELD, THE RUNNERS MOVED (WE KNEW THE FOOT SPEEDS OF ALL OUR RUNNERS), AND US LITTLE LEAUGERS, MADE THE BEST POSSIBLE PLAYS, STRATEGICALLY, WE THOUGHT WOULD BE BEST PLAYS. WE LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT THE VARIOUS RULES, STRATEGY, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION, THE INNING AND THE SCORE. WE WERE TAUGHT MANY OBSCURE RULES, AS WELL.
The first thing I thought of when I saw the play was how well the 3rd baseman executed the play. He charged the ball, got it cleanly on the short hop (and it almost hit the seam where the grass meets the dirt), and made a quick throw that was right on target. I did learn, though, that the runner can run inside the baseline. I would have guessed that he would have been called out.
same for me, i did not realize the base runner could do so. I just assumed they'd be out because of purposeful running out of the baseline. I'd be curious to know what the actual "out of the baseline" running rule is.
ONLY AT FIRST BASE, IS THE POTENTIAL BASEPATH/BASELINE, CLEARLY ESTABLISHED, AHEAD OF A PLAY. AS A THIRD BASEMAN, YOU SOMETIMES SEE, ESPECIALLY ON MANY OUTFIELD THROWS FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE OUTFIELD, TAKING A THROW WHILE OUT AHEAD OF THE BASE, CAN GIVE YOU A BETTER CHANCE OF TAGGING OUT A BASE RUNNER, TRYING TO SLIDE INTO THIRD BASE. FOR ONE THING, YOU GET THE THROW FROM THE OUTFIELDER, OR CUT-OF-MAN, 1/2 OF A SECOND EARLIER. SECONDLY, SUCH A MOVE MIGHT BE A SURPRISE, A THIRD BASE COACH, OR THE BASERUNNER COMING IN, MAY NOT EXPECT, THIRDLY, IT MAY NEGATE ANY ATTEMPT BY THE BASERUNNER, SLIDING IN, TO "BLOCK" A THROWN BASEBALL, INTERFERRING WITH THE THIRD BASEMAN'S PATH TO CATCHING THE BASEBALL, AND THEN MAKING A CLEAN TAG.
@@dallasmuzikboy THE RULE MAY STILL HOLD FOR 3 FEET, WHEN A BASERUNNER IS TRYING TO AVOID A TAG PLAY, BUT, BUT, IN THE EARLY STAGES OF A PLAY, A BASERUNNER HAS THE RIGHT TO MOVE FURTHER OUT, TO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN LINE OF ATTACK, WHEN MOVING TOWARDS A BASE. SAY YOU ARE ON SECOND (NO OUTS, NO ONE ON FIRST BASE), WITH A GOOD LEAD, A BALL IS HIT SHARPLY TO THE SHORTSTOP HOLE, SINCE YOUR BACK IS TO THE PLAY, AS YOU MOVE TO THIRD, MAKE A WIDE OUTSIDE TURN, TO MAYBE GET HIT BY A SHORTSTOP'S THROW TO THIRD, AN "UNINTENTIONAL" BLOCK OF THE BASEBALL, RIGHT? THAT CAN ALSO BLOCK THE THIRD BASEMAN'S SIGHT OF THE BASEBALL THROW, FROM THE SHORTSTOP, ALSO, "UNINTENTIONAL", BY YOU, THE BASERUNNER, BECAUSE, YOUR BACK IS TO THE PLAY. NOW, DO NOT LOOK BACK, OVER YOUR SHOULDER, ON SUCH A PLAY. WHAT YOU CAN NOT SEE, IN BASEBALL, YOU CAN NOT "INTENTIONALLY" BE TRYING TO BLOCK.
@@dallasmuzikboyThe runner's base path is established when a tag is attempted and is a straight line from his position to the base he is headed to. If he deviates more than 3 feet to avoid a tag, he is out. If no tag is being attempted, the runner can run wherever he wishes.
Great analysis from every perspective. What's amazing this that these guys calculate all this in a split second and just do it instinctively. Anyone who has played organized competitive baseball knows that pro baseball players aren't just really good, they are REALLY REEEAALLLYY good!!
Great breakdown of this play. I know you were doing an "If there were other runners on base scenario".......but, we can easily deduce the bases are not loaded, otherwise the catcher has a force play at home and would not be applying a tag.
You're right in that it probably wasn't a forced out play but that doesn't mean the runner on third couldn't make the run home. There are other "runners on base" scenarios with the current batter lineup where running home makes sense. Also, this could even be a forced out situation given what is on the video. The catcher may have thought he was off the plate and it was quicker to make a tag than it would be to fumble blindly for the foot touch.
These breakdowns are great. So many permutations you have to prepare for as a fielder (and runner) that adds nuance to the game that is easily missed if you only watch at the surface level. Even a routine 5-3 put out can look easy, but when you consider positioning when the balls hit, and that its like a 40 yard throw, and then the fielders throwing off the back foot and across the body, it's so much fun to watch!
Agree with everything you said about the play except this throw is maybe 25 yards since the 3rd baseman is on the infield grass when he throws the ball.
@@davidroman1654 Oh I was just talking about a third to first throw. One hop down the line with a back hand snag to turn and throw out the runner is an incredibly athletic play, was using it just for an example. This play here was a another fun play to watch as a fan of course.
Situation was 1 out with runners on 2nd (McCutchen) and 3rd (Reynolds) with Santana batting.. This occurred on the top of the 4th with the Pirates leading 4-1 over the Reds. Pirates won the game 5-4. Opening day this year (March 30, 2023).
With all the information you gave us, I wouldn't call that a good base running because there was a chance to get the base loaded with just one out or if the throw attempted to first base then he could have tried to steal home.
@@อัครัตน์จารุมณี i have a friend that works in the analytics department of an MLB team. He once said “if theres a play at the plate, its already the right decision” and thats changed my perspective. Theres probably a 65% chance of executing between the difficult hop, the difficult throw and the difficult tag all applying versus 98% chance out at first and you dont really lose that much. It was good baserunning imo
@@อัครัตน์จารุมณี That might have been a better option in hindsight, but only because the 3B played this literally perfectly. 95 times out of 100, that's a run.
Thank you for this additional information. This clarifies that the runner on third, indeed, made the correct decision. With runners on 2nd and 3rd this is a running on contact play. Here, you make the defense execute a difficult play-if they so choose. And worst case scenario you end up with runners on 1st and 3rd.
Nice in-depth analysis. Amazing how much thinking goes on in such a short period of time by each of the three players involved. Heads up play across the board, but poetry by the third baseman!
Wow. I played baseball until high school and watched a lot of baseball and never ever was I exposed to strategy like this. Looked real simple but way more involved than I expected. Good info man. God bless.
My best coach,a guy that had played with Manny Sangillian , would.give us an hour of verbal situation baseball after practice and windsprints.We went undefeated that year!😊
This is the first video I've seen from you and you are on top of the whole situation. I played All-Army baseball in the early 90's and have umpired most of the time since then. So many people assume they know the rules of the game when they only know part of a rule. Just as a side note, I played catcher and am always interested in the mechanics of the catchers when I watch a video .
There used to be a series of books called "So you think you know baseball". Almost everyone who read it realized that they did NOT know baseball rules very well. Baseball has by far the most complex set of rules - and less than 1/10 of 1% actually know them. I think the people who did not know this rule just assumed that because there is a running lane going to first, there must be a lane from third to home. This same situation happened on April 12 in the Braves/Reds game. The Braves announcers gave a correct explanation of the rule.
Its great to see this excellent explanation of the runner's base path and how the runner can use the rules to his advantage. It is amazing how many players, coaches, umpires, fans, and sports casters do not know the difference between the terms "base line" and "base path"! I laugh every time I hear someone commenting about a base runner running out of the "base line".
Excellent discussion. Every time a question popped into my mind, you asked and then answered it, then you popped a few more into my mind and answered them too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. You shared an incredible amount of insight, nuance, all the rules that apply to the situation, and each positions expected/anticipated actions as the play unfolds. Extremely instructive
You have to setup basically on the side of the plate then enter the lane when you have the ball. Typically the catcher will go in front of the plate as that's where the throws come from - and give a lane to the back side of the plate to the runner. Most runner who round third swing wide and come at the plate through the batter's box. This situation was different as the runner came so far to the front of the plate. But the runner still had access to the plate as you can see.
…because electing to spend mass amounts of time talking about the sport is so NOT what baseball is all about. Riiight. No point in actually sitting through the games either, then: might as well just watch the recap after it's over. easy peasy.
Thanks for the analysis and rule explanation. I would have thought he was out of the running lane and called him out, you reading the rule changed my mind.
Word. Especially when you’re aware of the stratospheric levels above average at which the “average” professional plays. They’re so smooth (like 30,000 rep smooth) we delude ourselves into thinking it’s easy. Then we go out and take a routine two-hopper off our shoe top, wrist, elbow, and chin, then wing the ball 53mph into the parking lot somewhere in the neighboring zip code of 1B.
Great breakdown, I was a catcher for many years and those were some of the toughest plays to work with really enjoyed seeing it from both perspectives!!
After another year watching college baseball, it is amazing the difference in knowledge between college and pro ball. In college, the runner usually runs away from the catcher to avoid the tag.
As always, good video and great knowledge shared, Matt. Your analysis reminds me of a question posed when I was learning to drive: "Do lines make lanes - or do spaces make lanes?" Of course, the answer is, "Spaces make lanes." Depending on the conditions or situation, you may need to disregard the lane markings to get where you're going - like in snow, or heavy rain with poor visibility, or some obstruction ahead. Didn't mean to give a driving lesson. I didn't play long enough to learn these small details that can mean the difference between winning and losing. Hell, I was just learning positioning for the cut-off man when I was cut for the fourth time trying out for my high school team. I don't follow you as closely as I did a few years ago - yet I'm happy to get your videos in my queue and give you a "like" because your content is outstanding.
Question regarding plays to 2nd and 3rd..same situation or if bases loaded and it's a force play, does that effect the "base path" rule since there is no "tag" in effect
No. Runners are free to choose their own path to a base until a fielder is in possession of the ball and a tag attempt is imminent. At that point, they are restricted to +/- 3 feet from a direct line from their position to the base.
There is no base path until the defender attempts to make a play on the runner. That’s when it’s created. The runner can go all the way to centre field if he wants if there was no attempt in him.
@@Joehammy77 No, it does not apply. "Out of the baseline" is only for avoiding a fielder trying to tag you. But remember on force plays, there's usually a force play slide rule you have to adhere to that doesn't exist in MLB. Also the veering into the throwing lane COULD be deemed intentional interference by the umpire, but most likely will not be called.
Very good advice, if Imay say so. As a runner, I always tried to obstruct the view of the fielder who would be coming to my base/plate. As a result, I've gotten hit in the back several times but was safe, which is the important part.
Did anyone mention that the catcher, seeing the third baseman moving toward the line, drew the baserunner further into fair territory, AWAY from his glove, creating the throwing lane just outside the foul line.
Also, I don't think the runner really had a chance unless he blocked the throw. You can see the catcher is standing on the plate, steps forward to catch the ball and then tags the runner well in front of him, probably 4 feet from the plate. The catcher and third baseman deked and worked around him perfectly.
I don't see that he ran toward the catcher's glove. Looks like he ran where he thought he'd be in between the fielder and the catcher, making the throw going to the left or right of the runner. I'd think after that was done, then you'd next be looking at his glove to try to get in the line of the throw. Left or right.
Only thing to add.. for there to be an interference call, you would have to see the runner react to the throw and try to get into the path.. since he can't see the throw.. best he can do it guess... this is legal.. but if he saw where the throw was going and changed his path to intercept.. then you have INT... but since he does have the right to run the bases.. he can run where he maximizes his chances of getting in the way..
@@oscarwinner2034 but running to first is different. You run inside the "3 foot line" and interfere, you "Should" be called out. You can be called out at any base really, say the runner throws his hands up to block the throw even if he (she) acts as if it were 'natural'... If the umps deam it 'on purpose' then the runner could be called out... And everyone says what a terrible call it is. Lol. Friggin Internet, the world of 50/50.
This is why baseball is the greatest sport to watch. You spent 9 minutes breaking down a play that took maybe 3 seconds to complete. What seems so simple is actually so complex. The fielders have an endless possibility of scenarios, but have to react instantly and know exactly what to do. There’s no time to survey the field and decide. You can’t choose to give the ball to your best player. You can’t run out the clock. Best sport there is.
So many great drills for Little Leaguers from this one play: 1. Running to the glove in tag situations 2. Establishing leads off basepaths in foul territory 3. Running to first base in the runner's lane 4. Catcher set-ups for tags at home 5. Groundball attack by infielders
Reynolds ran an extra 3 feet by going so far inside the line. If he stays on the line the catcher has to come out in front of the plate to receive the throw and come back to make the tag. Reynolds is probably safe.
I think you're right, but Reynolds followed his training and tried to take away the angle. It didn't work out this time, but in many situations it would be better.
True, it comes down to whether you want to make more work for the fielder or the catcher, and since the fielder made it clear that choosing the former didn't work, then yeah! But hindsight is 20/20.
I don’t think so, when the ball was caught he was still nearly 2 full strides away from home, even straight lining it the whole way wouldn’t account for that
@@DAatDA I'm reminded of that "Fools rush in..." proverb. I love how the morons and ignorant people in this site self-identify, so that we don't have to discern how little they know by the context of their commentary.
@@teebob21 Elvis Presley song. Music by Rube Bloom and lyrics by the great Johnny Mercer. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Ignorant simpletons are intimidated by people with knowledge
Not really. He was at most 6 feet from the basepath, so assuming the straight line is 80 feet and using Pythagoras, if you assume he got 6 feet away at the midpoint it adds less than 1 foot of extra distance.
Perhaps. Let's say he cut inside by 6 feet at the farthest, and (roughly) 15 feet from the plate he cut back in and ran straight for the plate. That's an extra distance of about 1.4 feet, or about 17 inches (calculated by drawing two right triangles and doing the Pythagorean theorem on each). His path will be a bit longer if he takes a more natural curved path, but then again, it looks like he cut inside only about 4 feet, so the true length was probably close to 1.4 feet, or even less. If he's running 20 feet per second, it costs him about 70 milliseconds. If the off-balance throw is 70 mph, the ball passes him about 7 feet farther away from the plate than it would if he ran straight. (Yes, I do have too much free time.)
I hear yall. But in this play, he might have known that he had a better chance of being safe if he crossed over the lane to make the throw more difficult for the 3rd Baseman. But the 3rd baseman made a hell of a throw, so much props for that. I guess its one of those plays where you take the gamble?
Could you have dragged that out any more? Do you get paid by the minute? A 2-minute video stretched to 9:09. I kept waiting for some insight that was worth the wait, but sadly it never came.
Rule 7.08 says: "Any runner is out when - (b) intentionally interferes with a thrown ball;" One could make the case that the runner intentionally interfered with that throw. I think running that obviously out of a straight line is inviting an interference call. Which is probably worth it on that play since the ball was clearly going to beat the runner. But might not be worth it in a less obvious situation.
Nope, not under current interpretations of the definition of interference. Intentional interference requires an act. The runner is free to choose his basepath between bases, provided that there is no fielder in possession of the ball between the runner and the base to which they are advancing.
@@gscurd75 Not by any competent umpire, it wouldn't. The path was chosen before the ball was thrown. The runner committed no intentional act to interfere with the thrown ball itself. You're right that the path to the base was chosen intentionally to make the throw more difficult, but that in itself is not illegal.
I LOVE THIS GAME! And this video. I got an education on the base path rule & great analysis of a beautiful play. Thanks. BUT, if it was a force play, does the basepath rule differ?
Catcher had the ball (and, catcher wasn't in the running lane). AND, the runner ran inside (or, beyond the running lane) - it would have been interference if he got plucked with the ball.
@@larrysquires5321 There is no running lane between third base and the plate. The runner would not be out if he is hit by a thrown ball unless he does something intentional to interfere.
Second and more important question- how widely does that base path rule apply? Can a runner go wherever he wants before a tag attempt? Could a guy on first run onto the grass to block a throw from the left part of the infield (or the second baseman on the grass)? Could a guy on second run in front of a shortstop fielding a ball up the middle to block his throw? For a tag attempt, the fielder needs to be within arm’s reach of a runner. Based on that, a runner could zig-zag continuously and even run in circles to avoid getting tagged, as long as he stayed far enough away from everyone to avoid a tag attempt. Is that allowed?
Excellent analysis. I would add one more. The runner at 3rd appears to have a lead off well short of the distance the 3rd baseman is from the base. Had he maximized his lead off and been leaning toward home at contact (along with an immediate jump) he’d have been safe. I learned this playing for MN State Legion champions alongside HOFer Dave Winfield. Paul Molitor also played for the same coach Billy Peterson. Billy taught us that the little things made the biggest difference in winning close games. I’ll be sending your link and analysis for his review. He’s a very young 83 right now. I’m guessing he would add that the runner could have ran straight to the plate shortening the distance. And that since catchers no longer can block the plate without the ball, a head first slide would also have been best. Your thoughts? Keep up the great work here! PS. Our Legion team was Attucks-Brooks in St Paul, MN. Side note: Winfield, Molitor, Jack Morris and newest HOFer Joe Mauer all grew up within a 4 mile radius. Pretty amazing given the shortness of our baseball seasons.
Yea you are absolutely correct because the base runner is taught to run in the baseline or base path and it's to make it as difficult as he can for the fielder to make the throw. Because if the ball hits him in the back well the runner will be called safe. But the third baseman has to create a lane to throw at for the catcher to receive the ball but also the catcher can't be in the baseline without the ball. But before this play begins the catcher may give signs in what to do if the ball is hit to the infielders or he may have gone to the mound to discuss what to do. Because basically the catcher sees the play in front of him and so he might have been yelling home that entire time
Great analysis! My only concern on this play is that the catcher shifts his left foot and points it away from the runner as he receives the ball. This puts him in a vulnerable position when contact is initiated-he could blow out his knee in this position. I'd rather see him keep his toe pointed at the runner and his knee squared up to protect that joint. Otherwise, nicely done!
This! One of the best, complete, breakdown of the offensive perspective and the defensive perspective. The 3rd baseman executed this to perfection. The catcher does exactly what he is supposed to do in this situation. The foot work of the catcher to create the best possible opportunity to receive the ball, in turn, let's the 3rd baseman where the best possible lane to throw the ball to. The baserunner was tagged out, but his instinct and his awareness that the ball was hit just steps from him and to his left, tells him the throw is more than likely going to be thrown to the inside and attempts to block the fielders view to try and create an error throw or allow himself to be hit by a throw while attempting to score. The adjustment from being in foul territory and veering to the inside as the play develops, then establishing a lane directly to home was very heads up baserunning, with the exception being if the situation doesn't call for running on a batted ball to the left side of the infield, which there are a few. The execution by the defense is text book perfect when a blink of an eye is all the time there is to throw the runner out or have the runner slide in and score. Excellent!
Hey Matt. Excellent as usual. Question... what about in a rundown situation? Aren't there now rules as to feet the runner is allowed in either direction? I've had kids called out between 1st & 2nd, 2nd & 3rd
Awesome video. You mention that this baserunning strategy can't be used going to first base but what is the rule going from first base to second base pertaining to the baseline? Thanks
That's great work all around....including the breakdown... I learned from a lotta old school real deal baseball guys... we always put the pressure pm the d.. always looked for tbe extra base...steal all ya could... suicide squeeze.. straight steals at home... good times...an I think without the shift baseball will again have to implement some small bsll... great viddo.
I played 3rd and short. This is not only an outstanding job by the guy at 3rd, but also a great play by the catcher. Let's not forget the runner did a good job too. I umpired HS for over 24 years and arguments about runner interference and blocking are two of the worst. This kind of play, or others in rundowns, would have you get in conversations that included (when I was ready to retire) by me things like "Coach, if you did your job and learned the rules this conversation would not happen". Now a lot of the older coaches are only doing it to fire up their team but sometimes I thought the younger coaches never read a rule book in their lives. I would have loved to watch a game with these players having such high baseball IQ
When I played baseball many years ago, I was a very fast runner on the base paths. When trying to score, I would view where the catcher was standing, and then instinctively I would play off of that. If he set up on the inside, the I would run towards the inside but then pivot my left leg to perform a hook side on the outside, and no one ever threw me out. If a catcher was lined up on the outside, which not many of them ever did, then I would seek to deke the catcher towards the inside part of the plate, and then either use my left foot to pivot, and if the catcher moves in that direct, I slide around him. If not, then I pivot again with my tight foot, and slide toward the inside.
You say the runner doesn’t know exactly where the ball is but he’s trying to get into the throwing lane! True! The pitcher makes a good play by moving out of that to make the throw.
I played 3B in minors and Steer made this look easy. At most lower levels, this throw sails up and out…leaving catcher in a vulnerable spot to attempt the tag. No doubt this was a Spring Training mainstay for all three involved.
Good explanation, but note that since this video was made, the rule regarding the first base line has changed and the runner is now allowed to run on the fair side (in the dirt) along the first base line.
Nice breakdown. Baseball is as intricate as ballet and MLB players should be mastering those intricacies, if they really belong in the majors. (I could watch this video impartially because I care little about either of those teams.)
Looks like good work by all involved especially 3B, but in the end from this angle I can't even tell if the runner was out! Looks most sure that he was, but can't actually definitively see when the tag occurred and if the runner's toe snuck in. Umpire steps out of picture before he makes a signal.
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"Run directly toward the Catcher's *glove*"? Catchers do NOT have a "glove"! They have a *mitt*!
@@johnbuchman4854 ok run at their mitt then lol
What an amazing camera angle for this play, that throw home is a work of art!
That entire play by 3B was a work of art
runner leaves the base path and is automatically out, no discussion!
@@jamesberry3230 lolll
@@jamesberry3230 Tell me you didn't watch the video without telling me you didn't watch the video. The video explains the rule pretty well.
@@jamesberry3230 where did he leave the base path?
I've been force feeding baseball to my wife for 26 years now. She didn't know a foul ball from a pine tar rag in the beginning. This June we will visit our 17th ball park (Detroit) and she's watched hundreds of games on the tube. She can now discuss the hidden things of the game, like this play that make the game so interesting. We had dinner with friends once and one of them said that baseball is so boring. My wife just said "it's only boring if you don't know what you're looking at". I married the right girl.
Same thing with my wife except, it was football. She got into baseball too, but not nearly so much as football. After a few years of watching and learning, she was much more knowledge that 95% of the guys I knew that were fans.
Where do I find someone like thus
@@DoritosClipz You get lucky. She was an electronics tech as well. So she was quite aware of the need for good tools. I had pretty much carte blanch to get any tool I needed to get a job done. When the first 18 V cordless tools came along, she told me to upgrade all of my 12 V ones.
@@scottydog1313 I remember my Dad buying me (and himself) a 14.4 Dewalt Drill/Driver in early 95 right after I graduated high school and started working at his locksmith shop in Houston. I'd went 18v and then 20v over the years and run essentially every option....expensive, cheap, awesome, shitty, you name it.
I actually still use that DeWalt my old man gave me for minor stuff around the house, although I can't make myself use his.
too long make your point!
I’ve played baseball for decades. This was a great breakdown of what is happening. Well done!!!
Terrific analysis of this play, 'covered all the bases' as it were. 👌
It seems like a simple play because professional ball players are amazingly good. Likewise, outstanding breakdown. Thanks!
same way I teach it
@@timgriffith9333,
I'm torn here. In spirit, I couldn't agree more. When the rubber meets the road, however, It kind of makes me think of war: When you are trying to defeat your enemy, are there really rules?
When I started playing hockey goalie, I felt uncomfortable about lying and and telling someone that the puck didn't go in the net when I knew it did on a few occasions. Obviously, my teammates got p***** when I said that it went in because no referee is going to disallow a goal that the goaltender himself says was a goal.
I learned to just not speak in those situations to avoid creating bad energy with my own teammates; however, once I started playing for money I knew for a fact that telling the truth in a situation like that would do more than damage my chemistry with my teammates- it would end my career.
Just like this play has so much to consider in it's breakdown, so does the consideration of whether or not you should interfere with an opponent's ability to successfully beat you, possibly even in ways that take a chance that you'll get in trouble or that you are knowingly doing something that defies the paper-rules of the game.
Again, in spirit, I could not agree more; in a perfect world, you would run straight at the base and shake your opponent's hand if he throws you out!
Blessings 🙏🏾
@@pauls.2308 but no rules are being broken, the runner isn’t cheating at all! (As explained in the video) this is part of the game!
Edit: now he can really shake the opponents’ hands for throwing him out despite his best efforts
That is such a perfectly executed play by the 3rd baseman. Moves in to get the short hop, great exchange, perfect balance on the wrong foot throw and an absolute dart right at the catchers chest. That’s all in a matter of 3 seconds and done perfectly
Absolutely. And this is a great breakdown but Antonelli focuses a lot on the runner hoping to catch the ball in his back; really he’s forcing a tough play that could fail in other ways such as the third baseman’s challenging throw instead sailing right of the catcher to the backstop, or simply blocking the catchers vision of the ball; but well executed by the defense despite all this.
I ALWAYS LIKED PLAYING INFIELD, THINKING IN TERMS OF AN AGGRESSIVE DEFENSIVE MINDSET, AN OFFENSIVE, DEFENSIVE WAY OF THINKING. THAT ALWAYS FOSTERS CONFIDENCE, IN A PLAYER'S DEFENSIVE ABILITIES. ALWAYS PLAY DEFENSE, ON YOUR TOES, NOT YOUR HEELS.
There’s a major league third baseman who knows how to play his position, anticipate possible scenarios, and react instantly and properly to a rapidly developing play. And a smart runner who tried to maximize his advantage.
The runner made a mistake, he did not run right at the catcher, to much inside. With the way the catcher is squared up withe third base line and reading his eyes ,(his eyes will go to the ball,) the runner can get an idea of where the fielder is and the direction of the thrown ball.
I thought the explanation of the play was excellent. Good job on explaining the runners path to the plate, where he can go and at what time he has to come in line with the base path. Also very good at sharing the contact play used by teams, when and why it might
be used. I played all the way up through one year in college. Then, umpired for a few years. A lot of people, for lots of reasons,, do not know the rules or the game. What is incredible is the ridiculous comments made by some thinking they do understand it.
Again. If I may, great job here with your explanation in breaking down this play. Enjoyed your presentation.
A very instinctive play. Well done.
Goes to show how much craft is involved in the game of baseball and how good the professionals can be.
This is standard play that any HS player should know.
@@mkwy8782HAHA I played baseball for decades. High school, legion and college, and a senior league from age 28 to 48. I was an above average player and played with lots of really good players. Even players that played minor league ball. If you think the average high school player can do what this third baseman did here every time you don’t really know baseball. This is a professional play that a major leaguer will make 3 out of 4 times. A high school player will make it 1 out of 4 times. That’s the difference between a really good player and a major leaguer.
Fantastic breakdown and rules explanation. Incredible play for all 3 players, truly at the highest level.
Another great job Matt of teaching the finer points of the game. The little things MATTER!
That was a hell of a play by the 3rd baseman to make a good throw on the run with the runner directly in his line of site to the catcher.
Yeah the runner didn't guess to far in, he made the 3rd baseman take step to the right and side arm the throw to get it around him.
Great play at 3b.
line of sight*, not line of site.
It’s really good that you show a play like this. Showing inside knowledge to average fan. I’ve always coached that little things make a big difference in the end & baserunning is something that gets overlooked a lot . I had a day with Davey Lopes in the mid seventies when I played at Huntington Beach HS. We had an in with them in that Mark Cresse was an assistant coach at our school & he was starting his career with the Dodgers as a bullpen catcher& he would bring guests to our practices, Andy Messerschmidt was another Dodger to show up. I learned more about baserunning that one day than the rest of my time playing combined. 😀
WE KNEW MARK, THROUGH LARRY CAHN, A COACH IN LONG BEACH. WE TALKED TO HIM AT DODGER GAMES, WE SAT AT THE FOUL POLE, NEXT TO THE BULLPEN, IN "BAKERSFIELD" (DUSTY BAKER). I PLAYED SPORTS, AS AN OILER (COACH MOATS), THERE. AS A LITTLE LEAGUER, SEAL BEACH SEALS, MY DAD, OUR COACH, PRACTICED SITUATIONAL BASEBALL. WE HAD VARYING RUNNERS PUT ON VARYING BASES, VARIED THE SCORE, VARIED THE INNING, VARIED THE NUMBER OF OUTS. MY FATHER HIT THE BASEBALL, TO VARIOUS PLACES, ON THE FIELD, THE RUNNERS MOVED (WE KNEW THE FOOT SPEEDS OF ALL OUR RUNNERS), AND US LITTLE LEAUGERS, MADE THE BEST POSSIBLE PLAYS, STRATEGICALLY, WE THOUGHT WOULD BE BEST PLAYS. WE LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT THE VARIOUS RULES, STRATEGY, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION, THE INNING AND THE SCORE. WE WERE TAUGHT MANY OBSCURE RULES, AS WELL.
The first thing I thought of when I saw the play was how well the 3rd baseman executed the play. He charged the ball, got it cleanly on the short hop (and it almost hit the seam where the grass meets the dirt), and made a quick throw that was right on target. I did learn, though, that the runner can run inside the baseline. I would have guessed that he would have been called out.
same for me, i did not realize the base runner could do so. I just assumed they'd be out because of purposeful running out of the baseline. I'd be curious to know what the actual "out of the baseline" running rule is.
ONLY AT FIRST BASE, IS THE POTENTIAL BASEPATH/BASELINE, CLEARLY ESTABLISHED, AHEAD OF A PLAY. AS A THIRD BASEMAN, YOU SOMETIMES SEE, ESPECIALLY ON MANY OUTFIELD THROWS FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE OUTFIELD, TAKING A THROW WHILE OUT AHEAD OF THE BASE, CAN GIVE YOU A BETTER CHANCE OF TAGGING OUT A BASE RUNNER, TRYING TO SLIDE INTO THIRD BASE. FOR ONE THING, YOU GET THE THROW FROM THE OUTFIELDER, OR CUT-OF-MAN, 1/2 OF A SECOND EARLIER. SECONDLY, SUCH A MOVE MIGHT BE A SURPRISE, A THIRD BASE COACH, OR THE BASERUNNER COMING IN, MAY NOT EXPECT, THIRDLY, IT MAY NEGATE ANY ATTEMPT BY THE BASERUNNER, SLIDING IN, TO "BLOCK" A THROWN BASEBALL, INTERFERRING WITH THE THIRD BASEMAN'S PATH TO CATCHING THE BASEBALL, AND THEN MAKING A CLEAN TAG.
@@dallasmuzikboy THE RULE MAY STILL HOLD FOR 3 FEET, WHEN A BASERUNNER IS TRYING TO AVOID A TAG PLAY, BUT, BUT, IN THE EARLY STAGES OF A PLAY, A BASERUNNER HAS THE RIGHT TO MOVE FURTHER OUT, TO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN LINE OF ATTACK, WHEN MOVING TOWARDS A BASE. SAY YOU ARE ON SECOND (NO OUTS, NO ONE ON FIRST BASE), WITH A GOOD LEAD, A BALL IS HIT SHARPLY TO THE SHORTSTOP HOLE, SINCE YOUR BACK IS TO THE PLAY, AS YOU MOVE TO THIRD, MAKE A WIDE OUTSIDE TURN, TO MAYBE GET HIT BY A SHORTSTOP'S THROW TO THIRD, AN "UNINTENTIONAL" BLOCK OF THE BASEBALL, RIGHT? THAT CAN ALSO BLOCK THE THIRD BASEMAN'S SIGHT OF THE BASEBALL THROW, FROM THE SHORTSTOP, ALSO, "UNINTENTIONAL", BY YOU, THE BASERUNNER, BECAUSE, YOUR BACK IS TO THE PLAY. NOW, DO NOT LOOK BACK, OVER YOUR SHOULDER, ON SUCH A PLAY. WHAT YOU CAN NOT SEE, IN BASEBALL, YOU CAN NOT "INTENTIONALLY" BE TRYING TO BLOCK.
@@dallasmuzikboyThe runner's base path is established when a tag is attempted and is a straight line from his position to the base he is headed to. If he deviates more than 3 feet to avoid a tag, he is out. If no tag is being attempted, the runner can run wherever he wishes.
@@dallasmuzikboy explained in the video at 3:40
Great analysis from every perspective. What's amazing this that these guys calculate all this in a split second and just do it instinctively. Anyone who has played organized competitive baseball knows that pro baseball players aren't just really good, they are REALLY REEEAALLLYY good!!
Nope,not instinctive.Many hours ,years ,studying situation ball,but always thinking ahead
@@robertmaxwell3220 Lots of athletic instinct involved. Practice, yes. Situational study, yes. But also pure instinct.
Great breakdown of this play. I know you were doing an "If there were other runners on base scenario".......but, we can easily deduce the bases are not loaded, otherwise the catcher has a force play at home and would not be applying a tag.
You're right in that it probably wasn't a forced out play but that doesn't mean the runner on third couldn't make the run home. There are other "runners on base" scenarios with the current batter lineup where running home makes sense. Also, this could even be a forced out situation given what is on the video. The catcher may have thought he was off the plate and it was quicker to make a tag than it would be to fumble blindly for the foot touch.
These breakdowns are great. So many permutations you have to prepare for as a fielder (and runner) that adds nuance to the game that is easily missed if you only watch at the surface level. Even a routine 5-3 put out can look easy, but when you consider positioning when the balls hit, and that its like a 40 yard throw, and then the fielders throwing off the back foot and across the body, it's so much fun to watch!
Agree with everything you said about the play except this throw is maybe 25 yards since the 3rd baseman is on the infield grass when he throws the ball.
@@davidroman1654 Oh I was just talking about a third to first throw. One hop down the line with a back hand snag to turn and throw out the runner is an incredibly athletic play, was using it just for an example. This play here was a another fun play to watch as a fan of course.
Situation was 1 out with runners on 2nd (McCutchen) and 3rd (Reynolds) with Santana batting.. This occurred on the top of the 4th with the Pirates leading 4-1 over the Reds. Pirates won the game 5-4. Opening day this year (March 30, 2023).
Thanks!!!
With all the information you gave us, I wouldn't call that a good base running because there was a chance to get the base loaded with just one out or if the throw attempted to first base then he could have tried to steal home.
@@อัครัตน์จารุมณี i have a friend that works in the analytics department of an MLB team. He once said “if theres a play at the plate, its already the right decision” and thats changed my perspective.
Theres probably a 65% chance of executing between the difficult hop, the difficult throw and the difficult tag all applying versus 98% chance out at first and you dont really lose that much.
It was good baserunning imo
@@อัครัตน์จารุมณี That might have been a better option in hindsight, but only because the 3B played this literally perfectly. 95 times out of 100, that's a run.
Thank you for this additional information. This clarifies that the runner on third, indeed, made the correct decision. With runners on 2nd and 3rd this is a running on contact play. Here, you make the defense execute a difficult play-if they so choose. And worst case scenario you end up with runners on 1st and 3rd.
Nice in-depth analysis. Amazing how much thinking goes on in such a short period of time by each of the three players involved. Heads up play across the board, but poetry by the third baseman!
An excellent description and diagnosis of that play. Well done, sir.👍
Wow. I played baseball until high school and watched a lot of baseball and never ever was I exposed to strategy like this. Looked real simple but way more involved than I expected. Good info man. God bless.
You had bad coaches :)
My best coach,a guy that had played with Manny Sangillian , would.give us an hour of verbal situation baseball after practice and windsprints.We went undefeated that year!😊
I could listen to Antonelli talk baseball all day
He spouts some error so double check what he says vin regard to rules.
Great analysis. I wish my team did things beside try for home runs.
This is the first video I've seen from you and you are on top of the whole situation. I played All-Army baseball in the early 90's and have umpired most of the time since then. So many people assume they know the rules of the game when they only know part of a rule.
Just as a side note, I played catcher and am always interested in the mechanics of the catchers when I watch a video .
I love this game. Easy to understand but very difficult to play on a high level. Awesome play.
There used to be a series of books called "So you think you know baseball". Almost everyone who read it realized that they did NOT know baseball rules very well. Baseball has by far the most complex set of rules - and less than 1/10 of 1% actually know them.
I think the people who did not know this rule just assumed that because there is a running lane going to first, there must be a lane from third to home. This same situation happened on April 12 in the Braves/Reds game. The Braves announcers gave a correct explanation of the rule.
Excellent comments by Antonelli. He explains this brilliantly for anyone to understand.
You analyzed this play very thoroughly, well done, sir.
Its great to see this excellent explanation of the runner's base path and how the runner can use the rules to his advantage. It is amazing how many players, coaches, umpires, fans, and sports casters do not know the difference between the terms "base line" and "base path"! I laugh every time I hear someone commenting about a base runner running out of the "base line".
Excellent discussion. Every time a question popped into my mind, you asked and then answered it, then you popped a few more into my mind and answered them too.
Very instructive. Good stuff. Thanks for posting this.
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. You shared an incredible amount of insight, nuance, all the rules that apply to the situation, and each positions expected/anticipated actions as the play unfolds. Extremely instructive
With the newer rule for blocking the plate, what is considered "giving the lane" if the runner is that far in?
You have to setup basically on the side of the plate then enter the lane when you have the ball. Typically the catcher will go in front of the plate as that's where the throws come from - and give a lane to the back side of the plate to the runner. Most runner who round third swing wide and come at the plate through the batter's box. This situation was different as the runner came so far to the front of the plate. But the runner still had access to the plate as you can see.
Interesting topic with clear crisp teaching. Amazing! Subscribed!
Great explanation of the rule regarding the runner’s ‘baseline’ but 9 minutes is about 5 minutes more than you needed
Prep should be embarrassed by the length of this video; sounds more like a PVMHS grad.
Yeah he got better at lowering the time with his newer videos
No kidding
…because electing to spend mass amounts of time talking about the sport is so NOT what baseball is all about.
Riiight.
No point in actually sitting through the games either, then: might as well just watch the recap after it's over. easy peasy.
Thanks for the analysis and rule explanation. I would have thought he was out of the running lane and called him out, you reading the rule changed my mind.
The third baseman, Steer, did a great job of after fielding the ball, then moving far to his right to open up a throwing lane to the catcher.
A great explanation of the play. There were multiple points to be made here and you ticked them all - nice job!
Oh man. I love watching professionals do their thing.
Word. Especially when you’re aware of the stratospheric levels above average at which the “average” professional plays. They’re so smooth (like 30,000 rep smooth) we delude ourselves into thinking it’s easy. Then we go out and take a routine two-hopper off our shoe top, wrist, elbow, and chin, then wing the ball 53mph into the parking lot somewhere in the neighboring zip code of 1B.
Great breakdown, I was a catcher for many years and those were some of the toughest plays to work with really enjoyed seeing it from both perspectives!!
After another year watching college baseball, it is amazing the difference in knowledge between college and pro ball. In college, the runner usually runs away from the catcher to avoid the tag.
As always, good video and great knowledge shared, Matt.
Your analysis reminds me of a question posed when I was learning to drive: "Do lines make lanes - or do spaces make lanes?"
Of course, the answer is, "Spaces make lanes." Depending on the conditions or situation, you may need to disregard the lane markings to get where you're going - like in snow, or heavy rain with poor visibility, or some obstruction ahead. Didn't mean to give a driving lesson.
I didn't play long enough to learn these small details that can mean the difference between winning and losing. Hell, I was just learning positioning for the cut-off man when I was cut for the fourth time trying out for my high school team.
I don't follow you as closely as I did a few years ago - yet I'm happy to get your videos in my queue and give you a "like" because your content is outstanding.
Question regarding plays to 2nd and 3rd..same situation or if bases loaded and it's a force play, does that effect the "base path" rule since there is no "tag" in effect
Base path only comes into play once the defender has the ball and is trying to attempt a tag.
No. Runners are free to choose their own path to a base until a fielder is in possession of the ball and a tag attempt is imminent. At that point, they are restricted to +/- 3 feet from a direct line from their position to the base.
There is no base path until the defender attempts to make a play on the runner. That’s when it’s created. The runner can go all the way to centre field if he wants if there was no attempt in him.
You are all not seeing what I asked..if no tag on the runner is necessary, i.e. force play, does this still apply
@@Joehammy77 No, it does not apply. "Out of the baseline" is only for avoiding a fielder trying to tag you. But remember on force plays, there's usually a force play slide rule you have to adhere to that doesn't exist in MLB. Also the veering into the throwing lane COULD be deemed intentional interference by the umpire, but most likely will not be called.
Very good advice, if Imay say so. As a runner, I always tried to obstruct the view of the fielder who would be coming to my base/plate. As a result, I've gotten hit in the back several times but was safe, which is the important part.
Did anyone mention that the catcher, seeing the third baseman moving toward the line, drew the baserunner further into fair territory, AWAY from his glove, creating the throwing lane just outside the foul line.
Also, I don't think the runner really had a chance unless he blocked the throw. You can see the catcher is standing on the plate, steps forward to catch the ball and then tags the runner well in front of him, probably 4 feet from the plate. The catcher and third baseman deked and worked around him perfectly.
I don't see that he ran toward the catcher's glove. Looks like he ran where he thought he'd be in between the fielder and the catcher, making the throw going to the left or right of the runner.
I'd think after that was done, then you'd next be looking at his glove to try to get in the line of the throw. Left or right.
Only thing to add.. for there to be an interference call, you would have to see the runner react to the throw and try to get into the path.. since he can't see the throw.. best he can do it guess... this is legal.. but if he saw where the throw was going and changed his path to intercept.. then you have INT... but since he does have the right to run the bases.. he can run where he maximizes his chances of getting in the way..
This happens all the time on a bunt and the runner runs inside for the same reason.
@@oscarwinner2034 but running to first is different. You run inside the "3 foot line" and interfere, you "Should" be called out.
You can be called out at any base really, say the runner throws his hands up to block the throw even if he (she) acts as if it were 'natural'... If the umps deam it 'on purpose' then the runner could be called out... And everyone says what a terrible call it is. Lol.
Friggin Internet, the world of 50/50.
Wow! More of these breakdowns please! So much I didn't know.
This is why baseball is the greatest sport to watch. You spent 9 minutes breaking down a play that took maybe 3 seconds to complete. What seems so simple is actually so complex. The fielders have an endless possibility of scenarios, but have to react instantly and know exactly what to do. There’s no time to survey the field and decide. You can’t choose to give the ball to your best player. You can’t run out the clock. Best sport there is.
So many great drills for Little Leaguers from this one play:
1. Running to the glove in tag situations
2. Establishing leads off basepaths in foul territory
3. Running to first base in the runner's lane
4. Catcher set-ups for tags at home
5. Groundball attack by infielders
Spencer Steer gonna be a solid player in Cincinnati
excellent analysis. excellent delivery. veryvery good teaching style, I learned something.
I think Reynolds made a good call.
Maybe cheated too far in, considering the catcher catches left or outside.
Great breakdown.
He was supposed to be reading the catchers glove-he could have done better.
Great explanation of the rule. Runner determines the base path.
Reynolds ran an extra 3 feet by going so far inside the line. If he stays on the line the catcher has to come out in front of the plate to receive the throw and come back to make the tag. Reynolds is probably safe.
I think you're right, but Reynolds followed his training and tried to take away the angle. It didn't work out this time, but in many situations it would be better.
Staying on or just outside the line also increases the chances of being able to sneak a hand or foot in ahead of the tag on the slide.
True, it comes down to whether you want to make more work for the fielder or the catcher, and since the fielder made it clear that choosing the former didn't work, then yeah! But hindsight is 20/20.
Reynolds made a great play. He is out because the hitter hit the ball to absolutely the worst place he could. Just bad luck.
I don’t think so, when the ball was caught he was still nearly 2 full strides away from home, even straight lining it the whole way wouldn’t account for that
Fantastic video. I've been playing/watching baseball since I was 5 and didn't fully understand this rule until now.
The number of baseball fans and former players who STILL do not understand the basepath rule after all these decades is depressing.
You're such an expert that this is depressing. Must be tough having all your knowledge
Y hi is was a very redundant video but I guess it’s toll needed? 😢 oh well moving on
@@DAatDA I'm reminded of that "Fools rush in..." proverb. I love how the morons and ignorant people in this site self-identify, so that we don't have to discern how little they know by the context of their commentary.
@@teebob21 Elvis Presley song. Music by Rube Bloom and lyrics by the great Johnny Mercer. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Ignorant simpletons are intimidated by people with knowledge
@@DAatDA you are embarrassing yourself.
Great explanation coach. I coached for 20+ years and didn't realize this.
bro wouldve beat throw if he didnt add 3 steps by running to mound 1st.
Excellent analysis, thank you. I imagine that much of this specific case can apply to running FROM first, FROM second. bases being empty etc etc.
Hey Ant. Has anybody told you that you sort of sound like Vin Scully??
You may need to get your ears checked
I hear it too!
I never knew about the running lane starting after tag attempt. That is great information. Good breakout.
Not the running lane, the runner's base path is established when a tag is attempted.
Reynolds added a lot of distance to his path by curving so far inward. If he had run straight, he would have gotten to the plate sooner.
Not really. He was at most 6 feet from the basepath, so assuming the straight line is 80 feet and using Pythagoras, if you assume he got 6 feet away at the midpoint it adds less than 1 foot of extra distance.
Perhaps. Let's say he cut inside by 6 feet at the farthest, and (roughly) 15 feet from the plate he cut back in and ran straight for the plate. That's an extra distance of about 1.4 feet, or about 17 inches (calculated by drawing two right triangles and doing the Pythagorean theorem on each). His path will be a bit longer if he takes a more natural curved path, but then again, it looks like he cut inside only about 4 feet, so the true length was probably close to 1.4 feet, or even less. If he's running 20 feet per second, it costs him about 70 milliseconds. If the off-balance throw is 70 mph, the ball passes him about 7 feet farther away from the plate than it would if he ran straight. (Yes, I do have too much free time.)
I hear yall. But in this play, he might have known that he had a better chance of being safe if he crossed over the lane to make the throw more difficult for the 3rd Baseman. But the 3rd baseman made a hell of a throw, so much props for that. I guess its one of those plays where you take the gamble?
By a fraction of a second, yes. But by blocking the thrower, he forces the 3rd baseman to alter his throw, which buys him far more time than he loses.
It had to be a "contact play" when I saw that Reynolds did not look back, but just went straight ahead full speed.
Good video and explanation, Matt.👍👏
The play was very close as is. If he ran straight from contact he might have beat the tag. He took the longest route.
that's what I was thinking. He was so focused on getting in the way of the throwing path that he increased his route by like 20-30%
Outstanding video. Very well presented, very informative.
This is a lot more effective at creating a fan than a damn pitch clock
Just got here. I love your analysis and your presentation.
Thanks!
Could you have dragged that out any more? Do you get paid by the minute? A 2-minute video stretched to 9:09. I kept waiting for some insight that was worth the wait, but sadly it never came.
No kidding, man. I was getting pretty pissed about half way through. This kind of stalling needs to be called out. Way too much of it.
Nice job explaining running path rules and you are right on! Gary Cohen during Mets broadcast late April did a nice job explaining it also.
Rule 7.08 says: "Any runner is out when - (b) intentionally interferes with a thrown ball;" One could make the case that the runner intentionally interfered with that throw. I think running that obviously out of a straight line is inviting an interference call. Which is probably worth it on that play since the ball was clearly going to beat the runner. But might not be worth it in a less obvious situation.
Nope, not under current interpretations of the definition of interference. Intentional interference requires an act. The runner is free to choose his basepath between bases, provided that there is no fielder in possession of the ball between the runner and the base to which they are advancing.
@@teebob21 Intentionally running that far out of the shortest path to home could be construed as an act.
@@gscurd75 Not by any competent umpire, it wouldn't. The path was chosen before the ball was thrown. The runner committed no intentional act to interfere with the thrown ball itself. You're right that the path to the base was chosen intentionally to make the throw more difficult, but that in itself is not illegal.
@@teebob21 The 3rd base umpire signaled the runner out of the lane.
@@williammaddock9179 LMAO no he didn't. He signaled a fair ball.
I LOVE THIS GAME! And this video. I got an education on the base path rule & great analysis of a beautiful play. Thanks. BUT, if it was a force play, does the basepath rule differ?
Good question, but no it doesn't affect the base path rule if the bases are loaded.
Great breakdown of a tough play👍
Great analysis!
Can you comment on the blocking the plate by the catcher rule on this play?
Catcher had the ball (and, catcher wasn't in the running lane).
AND, the runner ran inside (or, beyond the running lane) - it would have been interference if he got plucked with the ball.
@@larrysquires5321 There is no running lane between third base and the plate. The runner would not be out if he is hit by a thrown ball unless he does something intentional to interfere.
Great observation on a baseball play nobody really breaks down. Very good
So many possibilities as to why you run on this one, was a good risk but 3rd made a great play in order to get this out.
Second and more important question- how widely does that base path rule apply? Can a runner go wherever he wants before a tag attempt? Could a guy on first run onto the grass to block a throw from the left part of the infield (or the second baseman on the grass)? Could a guy on second run in front of a shortstop fielding a ball up the middle to block his throw?
For a tag attempt, the fielder needs to be within arm’s reach of a runner. Based on that, a runner could zig-zag continuously and even run in circles to avoid getting tagged, as long as he stayed far enough away from everyone to avoid a tag attempt. Is that allowed?
Excellent analysis. I would add one more. The runner at 3rd appears to have a lead off well short of the distance the 3rd baseman is from the base. Had he maximized his lead off and been leaning toward home at contact (along with an immediate jump) he’d have been safe. I learned this playing for MN State Legion champions alongside HOFer Dave Winfield. Paul Molitor also played for the same coach Billy Peterson. Billy taught us that the little things made the biggest difference in winning close games. I’ll be sending your link and analysis for his review. He’s a very young 83 right now. I’m guessing he would add that the runner could have ran straight to the plate shortening the distance. And that since catchers no longer can block the plate without the ball, a head first slide would also have been best. Your thoughts? Keep up the great work here!
PS. Our Legion team was Attucks-Brooks in St Paul, MN. Side note: Winfield, Molitor, Jack Morris and newest HOFer Joe Mauer all grew up within a 4 mile radius. Pretty amazing given the shortness of our baseball seasons.
Great breakdown of the play and explanation of the base line rule. Was Reynolds called sage or out?
Excellent explanation making it easy for even me to understand 👏
Yea you are absolutely correct because the base runner is taught to run in the baseline or base path and it's to make it as difficult as he can for the fielder to make the throw. Because if the ball hits him in the back well the runner will be called safe. But the third baseman has to create a lane to throw at for the catcher to receive the ball but also the catcher can't be in the baseline without the ball. But before this play begins the catcher may give signs in what to do if the ball is hit to the infielders or he may have gone to the mound to discuss what to do. Because basically the catcher sees the play in front of him and so he might have been yelling home that entire time
Great analysis! My only concern on this play is that the catcher shifts his left foot and points it away from the runner as he receives the ball. This puts him in a vulnerable position when contact is initiated-he could blow out his knee in this position. I'd rather see him keep his toe pointed at the runner and his knee squared up to protect that joint. Otherwise, nicely done!
What great commentary. Very educational. Thanks for this super content.
Excellent explanation. Love little things that mean so much.
This! One of the best, complete, breakdown of the offensive perspective and the defensive perspective. The 3rd baseman executed this to perfection. The catcher does exactly what he is supposed to do in this situation. The foot work of the catcher to create the best possible opportunity to receive the ball, in turn, let's the 3rd baseman where the best possible lane to throw the ball to. The baserunner was tagged out, but his instinct and his awareness that the ball was hit just steps from him and to his left, tells him the throw is more than likely going to be thrown to the inside and attempts to block the fielders view to try and create an error throw or allow himself to be hit by a throw while attempting to score.
The adjustment from being in foul territory and veering to the inside as the play develops, then establishing a lane directly to home was very heads up baserunning, with the exception being if the situation doesn't call for running on a batted ball to the left side of the infield, which there are a few.
The execution by the defense is text book perfect when a blink of an eye is all the time there is to throw the runner out or have the runner slide in and score.
Excellent!
Great explanation of this play. Thanks.
Hey Matt. Excellent as usual. Question... what about in a rundown situation? Aren't there now rules as to feet the runner is allowed in either direction? I've had kids called out between 1st & 2nd, 2nd & 3rd
Awesome video. You mention that this baserunning strategy can't be used going to first base but what is the rule going from first base to second base pertaining to the baseline? Thanks
That's great work all around....including the breakdown... I learned from a lotta old school real deal baseball guys... we always put the pressure pm the d.. always looked for tbe extra base...steal all ya could... suicide squeeze.. straight steals at home... good times...an I think without the shift baseball will again have to implement some small bsll... great viddo.
I played 3rd and short. This is not only an outstanding job by the guy at 3rd, but also a great play by the catcher. Let's not forget the runner did a good job too.
I umpired HS for over 24 years and arguments about runner interference and blocking are two of the worst. This kind of play, or others in rundowns, would have you get in conversations that included (when I was ready to retire) by me things like "Coach, if you did your job and learned the rules this conversation would not happen". Now a lot of the older coaches are only doing it to fire up their team but sometimes I thought the younger coaches never read a rule book in their lives.
I would have loved to watch a game with these players having such high baseball IQ
When I played baseball many years ago, I was a very fast runner on the base paths. When trying to score, I would view where the catcher was standing, and then instinctively I would play off of that. If he set up on the inside, the I would run towards the inside but then pivot my left leg to perform a hook side on the outside, and no one ever threw me out. If a catcher was lined up on the outside, which not many of them ever did, then I would seek to deke the catcher towards the inside part of the plate, and then either use my left foot to pivot, and if the catcher moves in that direct, I slide around him. If not, then I pivot again with my tight foot, and slide toward the inside.
Thank you, this was very informative.
You say the runner doesn’t know exactly where the ball is but he’s trying to get into the throwing lane! True! The pitcher makes a good play by moving out of that to make the throw.
I’m commenting on my own post. I didn’t realize that was the 3rd baseman, I thought pitcher. But you do make comment on the play.
Learned a lot here. Thanks!
Fantastic analysis. I love this kind of stuff and it appears so do many others! New subscriber...glad I found your channel.
I played 3B in minors and Steer made this look easy. At most lower levels, this throw sails up and out…leaving catcher in a vulnerable spot to attempt the tag.
No doubt this was a Spring Training mainstay for all three involved.
Thanks for the breakdown. Good job as always.
Good explanation, but note that since this video was made, the rule regarding the first base line has changed and the runner is now allowed to run on the fair side (in the dirt) along the first base line.
Nice breakdown. Baseball is as intricate as ballet and MLB players should be mastering those intricacies, if they really belong in the majors. (I could watch this video impartially because I care little about either of those teams.)
Can we just acknowledge the greatness of how confident that snag was by the 3rd baseman? That shit was beautiful.
very well explained sir - thank you
Great play, great analysis. The 3rd baseman showed lots of athleticism and probably lots of time drilling on just such a play.
Fantastic break down.
Looks like good work by all involved especially 3B, but in the end from this angle I can't even tell if the runner was out! Looks most sure that he was, but can't actually definitively see when the tag occurred and if the runner's toe snuck in. Umpire steps out of picture before he makes a signal.
Thank you. Great explanation.