The most fallible rules in MLB games | Common MLB Rule Mistakes

Pitcher foul (Balk)

Chinese: Pitchers who violate the rules (such as feints or sudden timeouts) will send the runner directly to first base! In 2023, Shohei Ohtani was sentenced to Balk for "inconsistent height of his feet".

English：Illegal pitcher movements (e.g., fake throws or sudden pauses) automatically advance runners. Shohei Ohtani’s 2023 balk was called for "inconsistent leg lift".

⚾ Left Early

Chinese: After the flying ball is caught, the runner must touch the base before moving forward! In 2021, the Warriors were double-killed for missing a base.

English：Runners must tag up after a flyout. Braves lost a 2021 game by forgetting to tag up!

Tag vs Force

Chinese: Blocking only needs to step on the base (such as first base), and touching the runner must be touched! The 2019 World Series Nationals lost points due to confusing rules.

English：Force out = step on base (e.g., 1st), Tag out = touch runner! Nationals’ 2019 World Series error cost a run.

Home Plate Collision

Chinese: Runners must not deliberately ram the catcher (2014 "Posey Clause") or be out! In 2022, the Yankees were disallowed from scoring for a collision.

English：Runners cannot intentionally collide with catchers (2014 "Posey Rule") – automatic out! Yankees lost a 2022 run due to this.

⚠️ Foul Ball

Chinese: The ball lands first on first base/outside third base and then bounces back = out of bounds! In 2020, the Dodgers sparked controversy over a referee's misjudgment of a throw-in.

English：Ball landing outside 1st/3rd base then bouncing back = foul! Dodgers’ 2020 game had a controversial foul call.

Appeal Play

Chinese: Defenders need to appeal for a running error before the next ball! In 2018, the Red Sox lost an appeal due to overtime.

English：Defense must appeal before next pitch – Red Sox lost a 2018 appeal by delaying!

Substitution

Chinese: Substitutions must be notified to the referee and registered, otherwise it will be considered a violation! In 2023, the Mets were sent off the pitcher for not registering as a substitute.

English：Substitutions require umpire notification – Mets’ pitcher was ejected in 2023 for unregistered substitution.

⚾ Summary: Details determine success or failure! MLB players/fans are also often planted on these "hidden rules"~

⚾ Takeaway：Small rule nuances can change games – even pros make these mistakes!

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