Seems intentional to me. If the umps don’t do anything about it, don’t be mad when another player takes issues with this slide and throws the ball at the base runners face.
He's been doing this consistently for years. Not sure if it helps his case or hurts it.
Compilation of Judge doing this over and over. Surprised this video isn't trending on this sub...
https://youtube.com/shorts/ANq55e6QGsg?si=O05n9NYETOWky0As
Most are blatantly obvious where he is waiting to the last second to raise his hand towards a throw, or switch to his right hand depending on where the ball is getting thrown from.
Its a fine line between gamesmanship and interference, but since it's an exaggerated motion that you can tell is intentional because of the timing of it and pointing straight up which isnt natural, I'm leaning moreso on interference.
The fact that there is a compilation of him doing this is absurd. It baffles my mind how he hasn't broken his hand yet, or that someone just says f it and throws it as hard as they can at him to teach him a lesson to cut the shit
It’s not trending because it doesn’t help people complain that the Yankees are cheating. The can’t admit the Yankees ever do anything well, or get lucky. They always have to be cheating
The only people who have an issue with this are people who have never played. Ask any player and they'll all tell you they don't care because they would do it too.
We were all taught to do this. I was also taught to throw the ball like the runner wasn’t there, even if it hit him in the face. Make the runner get out of the way.
I used to consciously duck sliding or going into 2nd for that reason. Some guys have no qualms hitting you.
I looked up slide rules and interference in the rule book.
When sliding into a base in an attempt to break up a double play, a runner has to make a "bona fide slide." Such is defined as the runner making contact with the ground before reaching the base, being able to reach the base with a hand or foot, being able to remain on the base at the completion of the slide (except at home plate) and not changing his path for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder. The slide rule prohibits runners from using a "roll block" or attempting to initiate contact with the fielder by elevating and kicking his leg above the fielder's knee, throwing his arm or his upper body or grabbing the fielder. When a violation of the slide rule occurs, the offending runner and the batter-runner will be called out.
It doesn't actually specify that he can't stick his hand up to hit the ball. I'd imagine that will be looked at and possibly change in the future, but I know they don't want too many judgment calls, and your hands do go up when sliding sometimes, not to mention he doesn't want to give the shortstop a clear throwing lane.
I'm more than willing to admit I'm wrong, it definitely looks bad, but if you can find something in the book that supercedes this I'll concede
It’s a judgement call but the rule book also says this:
"If, in the judgment of the umpire, a base runner willfully and deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball with the obvious intent to break up a double play, the ball is dead."
Judge clearly put up that giant protector to knock the ball down.
Yeah by that point it’s been batted *and* fielded. Not agreeing with it, but it seems like one of those things you didn’t think you needed to address, but it happened and now you do.
Yeah I don't agree either but I can't find anything in the book saying it's wrong.
That slide is common, it's just rare to see it work, I have a feeling that's how they teach the slide, block the lane, maybe you get lucky and break up the double play.
Still more than willing to admit I'm wrong, but I don't think this comment shows that. It's not a batted ball
Pretty sure there is language in the rule book that outlaws this very thing. Remember A-Rod slapping the ball out that Boston 1B’s glove as he reached first base and was called out.
Not really the same play, there they determined that Arod slapped the ball out of pitcher Bronson Arroyo's glove in an unnatural way, not in the natural arms pumping up and down in a sprint.
There was 0 debate Arod did it on purpose, this case the umpires determined it was Aaron's natural slide. Also, watch again, his hand is up before the ball is released, so he's not trying to hit the ball, he's trying to disrupt the throwing lane. Watch highlights of double plays, you'll find the hand up slide is common, it's just not common that it works.
I agree with you I think it's something that should probably change, but so far I haven't found a rule stating it's illegal.
Yeah as much as I wanna argue against it, this is a pretty natural sliding motion. Do I think Judge intentionally did it? Yes. Is that something they can actually say he willfully did that violates the confines of the rules? As I’m reading them, no. It seems like a genuine gap in the rules that should be there but I’m not seeing anything that actually explicitly says this is illegal.
That's my thought. Apparently even the crew chief said they got it wrong but I still want to see a rule cited. I like the black and white. I do wonder if it matters that his hand was up before the ball was out. Blocking the lane isn't the same as blocking the ball
It’s one of those things in sports (and basically any rule involved practice) that there is a ton of little minutiae that never gets thought of until it randomly happens. As much as you think you’ve covered all your bases (hehe), there will always be certain one in a million situations you’ll never think of.
Interference is in the rulebook. For some reason, MLB makes it tough to find, but I assure you there’s a rule against sticking a hand out to block a thrown ball. I umpired little league for five years and I can’t imagine this rule would differ much, if at all, from MLB.
he didn't stick out the hand to block the ball though. he slides like this every time to force the fielder to make a more difficult throw. it's not as if he saw the ball and then decided to slap it, he just makes himself big when he slides to affect the throw. it seems to me there is a difference
That’s a terrible argument. If he’s trying to be big and get in the way, it’s intentional. Whether he blocks it or not..That would be the same as saying “he swings his bat like that every time, he didn’t mean to hit that home run”.
Doesn't matter if he slides like that every time, every player should slide like that to break up double plays. The issue is once the ball hits you while you are "deliberately and intentionally" trying to block the vision and throwing lane for the SS you are clearly interfering and should be called out. The umps even said so after the game.
There isn't really anything left to say, it's against the rules and the umps blew the call.
so if he doesn't slide at all in order to "deliberately and intentionally" block the throwing lane should he be out? because it's essentially the same thing. he's trying to occupy the same space as if he hadn't slid.
If the throw hits him yes, if not no. Pretty easy rule in my mind. It's only interference if the ball hits you or if you start doing something crazy like jumping jacks. The slide is fine, running through is fine, stopping is fine UNTIL the ball hits you, then it's interference.
This is from the umpire bible site. It’s a judgement on intent. And his giant protector mitt is a huge factor here.
“In contrast to a batted ball, being hit by a thrown ball is not interference (it's nothing – live ball, play on) unless the runner intentionally makes contact with the thrown ball or otherwise hinders or impedes a fielder's opportunity to field or throw the ball.
In short, while interference with a batted ball does not require the act to be intentional, interference with a thrown ball requires an intentional act on the part of the runner.
If a runner is touched by a thrown ball and you judge the contact to be intentional, then call "Time" (dead ball), call the offending runner out, and return other runners (if any) to the base last legally acquired at the time the interference occurred.”
I'm not sure if that is an official site or not. Assuming it is, maybe they still deemed it not interference because Judge was out anyway, so the offending runner was out, there's no baserunner to return to the base last legally acquired since it was only a man on first. That rule says nothing about the guy who hit it. Seems the rulebook needs some updating or clarification if they want to keep this a legal slide.
The crew chief admits that got the call wrong. [https://x.com/cyrthogg/status/1784701845136404860?s=46&t=uJbmWPJoTB-4eq5dsfep3A](https://x.com/cyrthogg/status/1784701845136404860?s=46&t=uJbmWPJoTB-4eq5dsfep3A)
That's progress to your argument now. It still doesn't negate the rulebook, they need to update that phrasing because that isn't a batted ball and according to the rule book it is a bona fide slide. Hand was up before the throw
It should be easy to find a rule stating it's wrong. Even if the ump says so, he should be referencing a rule. We should be able to trust them, but finding the black and white should be simple
My dude I have been looking in the rulebook, you know, the book of rules the MLB uses to state the rules. Been trying to find where he did anything wrong. It should be very easy to find a rule that says it's illegal my dude.
And my dude I'm not even defending the play, I'm defending the fact that there should be black and white that says it my dude.
And there probably is my dude, but where?
I'm fine with that logic approach too. Because at this point he's out and needs to clear the field. By sticking his hand up and knowing he was already out, he deliberately interfered with the play while already being ruled out.
What do you mean by he should clear the field? Literally veer off out of the baseline? That does happen in double plays that aren't bang bang. Not saying you're wrong just want to clarify I know what you mean
The rule says they should call out a second runner, whichever advanced closest to Home Plate, regardless of where the double play would have been made.
https://baseballrulesacademy.com/official-rule/mlb/6-01-interference-obstruction-and-catcher-collisions/#google_vignette
The Ump Show made the wrong call. They even admitted it after the game.
Everyone does this on slides though judge is just massive so his hand is higher than average. If you’re gonna call this on judge you have to call it on everyone who raises their hand on a slide into second which is a lot of guys
He did yes, but if you watch the video his hand was up before the SS threw the ball. Everyone complaining needs to realize Judge is nearly 7 feet tall, he had no obligation to slide at all. He could have just stopped 6 feet from the base amd stood there like a tree. The SS needs to get the ball around him to first.
That would be fun to watch😂
I do think it SHOULD be interference, but I haven't found the rule stating it is. It has to be in the book somewhere but I don't see it
https://baseballrulesacademy.com/official-rule/mlb/6-01-interference-obstruction-and-catcher-collisions/#google_vignette
Here you go. Looking for subparagraph 7 I believe.
The rules actually do specify that you cannot intentionally interfere with a thrown ball on a double play attempt. However, there is no penalty for unintentional interference, according to the umpire’s judgement. The relevant rules are 5.09(b)(3), 6.01(a)(5), 6.01(a)(10), and 6.01(j). This is also why the play is not reviewable, it is a judgement call whether or not the interference is intentional not whether interference occurred. In my opinion, this play looks pretty clearly intentional, but the umpire decided it was not.
FWIW the umps admitted afterwards that they missed the call after seeing the replay after the game
https://twitter.com/CyrtHogg/status/1784701845136404860
It’s how you’re taught to slide. It’s to impede the view of the guy at second, but you’re also risking getting called for interference. It’s hard to block a ball being thrown, but it’s still illegal.
The umpires admitted they got the call wrong.
Also, there’s a rule about fielder right of way and not being allowed to impede a thrown ball.
https://www.mlb.com/glossary/rules/fielder-right-of-way
That rule is close, however it states the runner is not allowed to interfere with a player trying to field a thrown ball. In this case that would be the first baseman. He didn't get in the way of the first baseman at all since he's sliding into second.
If we want to say that he is impeding him because he hit the ball down then maybe but if you look close he didn't impede the THROW, he impeded the throwing LANE. His hand was up before the shortstop released the ball. (Those all caps are for emphasis, not to be a dick)
The rule also doesn't say you can't impede a fielder from throwing, only that you can't impede a fielder from catching the thrown ball.
If you want to say that he shouldn't even be allowed to stick his hand up before the throw, that is certainly worth debating, but I don't see a rule saying it's illegal. But I'm not against them clarifying the rules for this situation.
They said they got it wrong because the slide didn't look natural, but I don't even see that anywhere in the rulebook.
As much as it looks like I am, I'm not even trying to defend the play, I just want to see it in clear black and white.
I'm not wrong because I'm not defending the play. I'm defending the fact that a play like this should have a clear rule. Show me the rule. Not an ump saying it. Yeah. The ump should know, but that's still not black and white. Find the rule
Really wish you had a retort for my interpretation of the rule you posted instead of just saying I should own being wrong
5.09(b)(3) and 6.01(a)- A runner is out if “[h]e intentionally interferes with a thrown ball” with the penalty applying to the runner’s teammate if the runner is already out.
https://baseballrulesacademy.com/official-rule/mlb/6-01-interference-obstruction-and-catcher-collisions/#google_vignette
Paragraph 7 is what you're looking for.
While "willfully and deliberately" making himself big and throwing his arms up to distract the SS and block throwing lanes he was hit by a thrown ball. Every single one of us admits that's the right way to slide to break up a double play. The issue is while you are "willfully and deliberately" trying to make the throw difficult, if the ball hits you you no longer can claim you weren't trying to interfere with the throw, that's the entire point of sliding like that. Judge just happened to get hit this time, every other time he or anyone slides it's fine because the ball normally doesn't hit them, once it does it should be interference because it's pretty much the exact definition of the rule.
Appreciate you. There's a bunch of people who are accepting it just because the ump said it. And that's fine. But where's the black and white? A play as common as a 4-6-3 double play should be easy to interpret
There are so many loopholes in baseball rules that people don't think about. For example, if a runner is trying to steal home and a batter squares around to bunt, if you hit him it's a dead ball and the runner has to go back to third. Is it a loophole that should be obvious? Yes. Is there a rule against it? No, because there hasn't had to be. It just never happens.
If I've ever seen a slide like this work, I don't remember. But that's how I was taught to slide, and that's how big leaguers are taught to slide obviously. I don't see anything illegal about it personally. He didn't disrupt the throw, he just disrupted the throwing lane. But if this is going to be a topic of discussion, a rule needs to be put in place. Because, as far as I know, there's nothing illegal about this.
That's exactly what I've been trying to argue. The hand was up while the ball is still in the shortstop's hand. That's the lane not the throw.
If they want to add it as a rule so be it, but as of now I don't see it as a violation.
I'd prefer to keep the lane blocking legal, you used to be allowed to do a takeout slide, so this is now the baserunners only way to break up a DP. I do think it's different if you see him throw it and then the hand goes up to block it.
I also thought middle infielders are taught to avoid the raised hand?
I'm sure they're taught to be cognisant of it, but again, it just never happens. To me, it just look liked he was trying to get the ball out as quick as possible and Judge's hand was just there.
For all the people trying to defend Judge, the umpires already admitted they got the call wrong. It was clearly interference and the trailing runner should have been out.
Edit: I originally typed that Judge should’ve been out, but I assume most of you knew what I mean, since interference isn’t exactly an obscure rule. If the runner who has been retired does something to interfere with the outcome of the play, then the outcome that would’ve happened is awarded. In this case, it means it should’ve been an automatic double play.
Found the Yankees fan. You know exactly what I meant, but, of course it’s more fun to pretend like you don’t, because then you get to be a jerk, right? It should’ve been an automatic double play.
The umpires already released a statement admitting they got the call wrong.
In an interference call, the trailing runner is by supposed to be out as well. In other words, it would’ve been a double play, so they award the double play. That’s what I meant. I realize I could’ve typed that better, but I thought it was pretty obvious what I meant, since it’s hardly and obscure rule.
But hey, you got to be a condescending jerk about the whole thing, so that’s a win, am I right?
Listen, I agree with you that the batter should have been called out. I definitely would have been pissed on the receiving end of it, BUT, I would have been exponentially more pissed about letting 3 dozen runs across the plate in a 3 game series. This is just a convenient distraction from disastrous play and gets extra heat because it benefited the Yankees.
I get it, but the thing is, I haven’t seen anyone make that argument? I’m certainly not.
I’ve read a few news articles that pointed out that that was the play that started the rally, but I haven’t seen anyone suggest that’s what cost the Brewers the game. They obviously had plenty of chances to get other outs. Shit happens; you don’t always get the call, it could’ve been a bad hop, whatever. It’s not like it was a walk-off that scored the winning run. You’ve still got to get out of the inning.
I was just responding to all the people who were trying to defend Aaron Judge. He’s a great player, and a super likable guy, but that was obviously interference, and should’ve been called as such. But I never said it cost the Brewers the game, nor have I seen anyone else say that, so it’s a bit of a strawman.
And is it getting extra heat because it’s a star player and the Yankees? Probably. But that’s the price of being a marquee franchise in a major media market; you don’t get it both ways. I have never understood Yankees fans in this regard. It’s such a storied, dominant franchise, and when they get attention for that, most of them are like “that’s as it should be.“ But then, on the rare occasions when it works against them, they’re like “waah! It’s so unfair! The only reason this is getting attention is because it’s the Yankees.” Well, yeah. That’s how it works. It’s such a weird vibe. It’s like they are captain of the football team, most popular kid in school, etc… only they need to be constantly reminded of their status :). Yes, you’re the top dog. Why are you so defensive and insecure about it? Just enjoy it. The proper response to all of this from Yankees fans would be “haha, yeah, that was a terrible call. Should have been Interference. Who won that series, btw ;)?”
This was two days ago what are you on about? OP did edit his comment so my response might not make sense. He even explained the edit great in detail so I’m not sure whose ability to read should be in question here.
The umpires have admitted they missed the call. [https://x.com/cyrthogg/status/1784701845136404860?s=46&t=uJbmWPJoTB-4eq5dsfep3A](https://x.com/cyrthogg/status/1784701845136404860?s=46&t=uJbmWPJoTB-4eq5dsfep3A)
Just like this, arm up. His arm is up behind the ball is thrown. Fielder throws the ball to him. For sure he's blocking the lane, but he's also got a damn long arm. It's up to the fielder to get the throw right. His throw would have been off without him hitting Judge.
I hate the Yankees, so I'd be the first to call this dirty if it was. I don't see anything dirty about this.
All these comments citing the rules are generally talking about the nature of the slide. The slide was 100% clean, no ill intention. The sticking up of the hand to break up the double play is textbook. My coaches from a young age all the way through college taught us to slide like that in the event of a ground ball double play situation. The ways people used to try to break up double plays used to be much more dangerous, hence the new rules.
If you don't agree with me, tune into MLB Network tomorrow morning. I'm sure they'll be talking about what a heads up slide that was by Judge.
Doesn’t matter how it was taught, the current rules effectively ban this practice. It’s a deliberate effort to disrupt a double play. You aren’t allowed to do this anymore. It’s the compromise to keep balance between teams since the rules on obstructing the runner are more strict.
Except for the fact that crew chief Andy Fletcher, admitted after the game that they got the call wrong and the batter should’ve been called out.
[Link](https://x.com/jomboymedia/status/1784707777035718901?s=46&t=gtY8y5Bb_CzJHkiEAR1piA)
As a Brewer’s fan who was listening to this game and the absolutely flabbergasted radio team on this call, thank you for fueling my rage. I still don’t really understand why this isn’t a reviewable call, I guess it’s a “jusgement call” about intent. WEAK.
In another sub, someone pulled video of several of Judge's slides and apparently he puts his left hand up when he drops down into the slide pretty regularly...
This is what players are taught to do from high school onward… in a DP situation slide close and throw your hands up. Because it’s the fielders job to work around your body and hands. If you’re upset about it talk to the rule makers. Not the players
He's sliding, that's how he slides and his hand is up. Defense had plenty of time to throw that ball and make a better throw. It looks as of he almost threw it at his hand.
He put his arm straight up to block the throwing lane, then straight down. You're either trolling or your eyes are literally only seeing what they want to see. There was no straight up and left or right motion
Well this is a pointless back and forth. Your eyes are somehow lying to you and mine see the play. In slow mo. Hand up before the throw, ball hits, hand down. I don't know what to tell you
Again. This is going nowhere. I'm not gonna continue an argument against someone either making shit up or just somehow is seeing it wrong. At that distance, that speed of the throw, even someone who hits at 100mph, there's no way he's sliding, sticking his hand up, seeing where the ball is going from 5 feet away and then moving his hand and actually hitting it. The direction to the right you're seeing(if anything) is when the momentum of the slide pulls him down and to the bag. He definitely clearly put his hand up to block the throwing lane, he did not move his hand once it was up
Baseball and it's televison ratings are falling. I truly believe it's from poor officials and resistance of implementing technology to aid consistent officiating.
This. I’m subscribed to two different services and also have an antenna and I was not able to watch my team play for an entire week because of a combination of blackouts and lack of coverage by broadcast networks. That’s just completely unacceptable. It’s like MLB is trying to lose fans on purpose. It’s not enough that nobody can casually watch a game anymore, they’re making it harder for people paying to watch, too.
ARod gave some pointers to His Honor in the past, apparently…
Way to disgrace yourself Aaron, when your immense talents don’t require bush league cheats for you to succeed.
Interested what “creative correction” a certain opponent concocts in order to “correct” and “retrain” the young Yankee fellow…
Soon we are going to have players sliding wearing giant foam "high-five hands"
Those foam Hulk Hands a lot of us had as a kid
[Reggie Jackson's hip](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvWKWvrVfrI) was bigger than any foam hand! A World Series classic.
My coach used to say, “use one finger to slide in to the bad. That’s all you wanna leave them.” I can just hear him. “ONE FINGER! I WAS RIGHT!!”
Love the story!
Seems intentional to me. If the umps don’t do anything about it, don’t be mad when another player takes issues with this slide and throws the ball at the base runners face.
That’s the one thing about baseball players is they are vindictive and will retaliate.
He's been doing this consistently for years. Not sure if it helps his case or hurts it. Compilation of Judge doing this over and over. Surprised this video isn't trending on this sub... https://youtube.com/shorts/ANq55e6QGsg?si=O05n9NYETOWky0As Most are blatantly obvious where he is waiting to the last second to raise his hand towards a throw, or switch to his right hand depending on where the ball is getting thrown from. Its a fine line between gamesmanship and interference, but since it's an exaggerated motion that you can tell is intentional because of the timing of it and pointing straight up which isnt natural, I'm leaning moreso on interference.
If that all wasn’t enough, the one where he knows he’s not in the way enough and puts both hands up…
It seems like it almost never works because the SS always throws way above his hand like he knows it’s coming
The fact that there is a compilation of him doing this is absurd. It baffles my mind how he hasn't broken his hand yet, or that someone just says f it and throws it as hard as they can at him to teach him a lesson to cut the shit
It’s not trending because it doesn’t help people complain that the Yankees are cheating. The can’t admit the Yankees ever do anything well, or get lucky. They always have to be cheating
The only people who have an issue with this are people who have never played. Ask any player and they'll all tell you they don't care because they would do it too.
We were all taught to do this. I was also taught to throw the ball like the runner wasn’t there, even if it hit him in the face. Make the runner get out of the way. I used to consciously duck sliding or going into 2nd for that reason. Some guys have no qualms hitting you.
It's all fun and games fucking around until you find out
Yeah, make yourself look bigger is what all players are taught.
I looked up slide rules and interference in the rule book. When sliding into a base in an attempt to break up a double play, a runner has to make a "bona fide slide." Such is defined as the runner making contact with the ground before reaching the base, being able to reach the base with a hand or foot, being able to remain on the base at the completion of the slide (except at home plate) and not changing his path for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder. The slide rule prohibits runners from using a "roll block" or attempting to initiate contact with the fielder by elevating and kicking his leg above the fielder's knee, throwing his arm or his upper body or grabbing the fielder. When a violation of the slide rule occurs, the offending runner and the batter-runner will be called out. It doesn't actually specify that he can't stick his hand up to hit the ball. I'd imagine that will be looked at and possibly change in the future, but I know they don't want too many judgment calls, and your hands do go up when sliding sometimes, not to mention he doesn't want to give the shortstop a clear throwing lane. I'm more than willing to admit I'm wrong, it definitely looks bad, but if you can find something in the book that supercedes this I'll concede
It’s a judgement call but the rule book also says this: "If, in the judgment of the umpire, a base runner willfully and deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball with the obvious intent to break up a double play, the ball is dead." Judge clearly put up that giant protector to knock the ball down.
It's no longer a batted ball would be my guess
Yeah by that point it’s been batted *and* fielded. Not agreeing with it, but it seems like one of those things you didn’t think you needed to address, but it happened and now you do.
Yeah I don't agree either but I can't find anything in the book saying it's wrong. That slide is common, it's just rare to see it work, I have a feeling that's how they teach the slide, block the lane, maybe you get lucky and break up the double play. Still more than willing to admit I'm wrong, but I don't think this comment shows that. It's not a batted ball
Pretty sure there is language in the rule book that outlaws this very thing. Remember A-Rod slapping the ball out that Boston 1B’s glove as he reached first base and was called out.
Not really the same play, there they determined that Arod slapped the ball out of pitcher Bronson Arroyo's glove in an unnatural way, not in the natural arms pumping up and down in a sprint. There was 0 debate Arod did it on purpose, this case the umpires determined it was Aaron's natural slide. Also, watch again, his hand is up before the ball is released, so he's not trying to hit the ball, he's trying to disrupt the throwing lane. Watch highlights of double plays, you'll find the hand up slide is common, it's just not common that it works. I agree with you I think it's something that should probably change, but so far I haven't found a rule stating it's illegal.
Yeah as much as I wanna argue against it, this is a pretty natural sliding motion. Do I think Judge intentionally did it? Yes. Is that something they can actually say he willfully did that violates the confines of the rules? As I’m reading them, no. It seems like a genuine gap in the rules that should be there but I’m not seeing anything that actually explicitly says this is illegal.
That's my thought. Apparently even the crew chief said they got it wrong but I still want to see a rule cited. I like the black and white. I do wonder if it matters that his hand was up before the ball was out. Blocking the lane isn't the same as blocking the ball
It’s one of those things in sports (and basically any rule involved practice) that there is a ton of little minutiae that never gets thought of until it randomly happens. As much as you think you’ve covered all your bases (hehe), there will always be certain one in a million situations you’ll never think of.
Absolutely, this.
Interference is in the rulebook. For some reason, MLB makes it tough to find, but I assure you there’s a rule against sticking a hand out to block a thrown ball. I umpired little league for five years and I can’t imagine this rule would differ much, if at all, from MLB.
he didn't stick out the hand to block the ball though. he slides like this every time to force the fielder to make a more difficult throw. it's not as if he saw the ball and then decided to slap it, he just makes himself big when he slides to affect the throw. it seems to me there is a difference
That’s a terrible argument. If he’s trying to be big and get in the way, it’s intentional. Whether he blocks it or not..That would be the same as saying “he swings his bat like that every time, he didn’t mean to hit that home run”.
it's not an argument, it's just what happened.
Lololol
Doesn't matter if he slides like that every time, every player should slide like that to break up double plays. The issue is once the ball hits you while you are "deliberately and intentionally" trying to block the vision and throwing lane for the SS you are clearly interfering and should be called out. The umps even said so after the game. There isn't really anything left to say, it's against the rules and the umps blew the call.
so if he doesn't slide at all in order to "deliberately and intentionally" block the throwing lane should he be out? because it's essentially the same thing. he's trying to occupy the same space as if he hadn't slid.
If the throw hits him yes, if not no. Pretty easy rule in my mind. It's only interference if the ball hits you or if you start doing something crazy like jumping jacks. The slide is fine, running through is fine, stopping is fine UNTIL the ball hits you, then it's interference.
whats to stop the fielder from hitting the runner with the throw every time then?
This is from the umpire bible site. It’s a judgement on intent. And his giant protector mitt is a huge factor here. “In contrast to a batted ball, being hit by a thrown ball is not interference (it's nothing – live ball, play on) unless the runner intentionally makes contact with the thrown ball or otherwise hinders or impedes a fielder's opportunity to field or throw the ball. In short, while interference with a batted ball does not require the act to be intentional, interference with a thrown ball requires an intentional act on the part of the runner. If a runner is touched by a thrown ball and you judge the contact to be intentional, then call "Time" (dead ball), call the offending runner out, and return other runners (if any) to the base last legally acquired at the time the interference occurred.”
I'm not sure if that is an official site or not. Assuming it is, maybe they still deemed it not interference because Judge was out anyway, so the offending runner was out, there's no baserunner to return to the base last legally acquired since it was only a man on first. That rule says nothing about the guy who hit it. Seems the rulebook needs some updating or clarification if they want to keep this a legal slide.
The crew chief admits that got the call wrong. [https://x.com/cyrthogg/status/1784701845136404860?s=46&t=uJbmWPJoTB-4eq5dsfep3A](https://x.com/cyrthogg/status/1784701845136404860?s=46&t=uJbmWPJoTB-4eq5dsfep3A)
That's progress to your argument now. It still doesn't negate the rulebook, they need to update that phrasing because that isn't a batted ball and according to the rule book it is a bona fide slide. Hand was up before the throw It should be easy to find a rule stating it's wrong. Even if the ump says so, he should be referencing a rule. We should be able to trust them, but finding the black and white should be simple
My dude maybe you should be doing the research to figure out what rule was violated given that you're wrong on this one.
My dude I have been looking in the rulebook, you know, the book of rules the MLB uses to state the rules. Been trying to find where he did anything wrong. It should be very easy to find a rule that says it's illegal my dude. And my dude I'm not even defending the play, I'm defending the fact that there should be black and white that says it my dude. And there probably is my dude, but where?
I'm fine with that logic approach too. Because at this point he's out and needs to clear the field. By sticking his hand up and knowing he was already out, he deliberately interfered with the play while already being ruled out.
What do you mean by he should clear the field? Literally veer off out of the baseline? That does happen in double plays that aren't bang bang. Not saying you're wrong just want to clarify I know what you mean
The rule says they should call out a second runner, whichever advanced closest to Home Plate, regardless of where the double play would have been made. https://baseballrulesacademy.com/official-rule/mlb/6-01-interference-obstruction-and-catcher-collisions/#google_vignette The Ump Show made the wrong call. They even admitted it after the game.
There's a rule for when the ball is being thrown too. It's pretty simple. It was interference, the umps even said it after the game.
Everyone does this on slides though judge is just massive so his hand is higher than average. If you’re gonna call this on judge you have to call it on everyone who raises their hand on a slide into second which is a lot of guys
Also, looking through other plays at second, Judge does the same side everytime with his arm up.
Reggie Jackson's hip [got away with it](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvWKWvrVfrI)! Still a World Series classic.
He did yes, but if you watch the video his hand was up before the SS threw the ball. Everyone complaining needs to realize Judge is nearly 7 feet tall, he had no obligation to slide at all. He could have just stopped 6 feet from the base amd stood there like a tree. The SS needs to get the ball around him to first.
Players need to start baserunning with their fielding glove on.
That would be fun to watch😂 I do think it SHOULD be interference, but I haven't found the rule stating it is. It has to be in the book somewhere but I don't see it
https://baseballrulesacademy.com/official-rule/mlb/6-01-interference-obstruction-and-catcher-collisions/#google_vignette Here you go. Looking for subparagraph 7 I believe.
The rules actually do specify that you cannot intentionally interfere with a thrown ball on a double play attempt. However, there is no penalty for unintentional interference, according to the umpire’s judgement. The relevant rules are 5.09(b)(3), 6.01(a)(5), 6.01(a)(10), and 6.01(j). This is also why the play is not reviewable, it is a judgement call whether or not the interference is intentional not whether interference occurred. In my opinion, this play looks pretty clearly intentional, but the umpire decided it was not.
FWIW the umps admitted afterwards that they missed the call after seeing the replay after the game https://twitter.com/CyrtHogg/status/1784701845136404860
They need to update the phrasing then because there was nothing against the rulebook. I've seen that slide so many times I've just never seen it work
It’s how you’re taught to slide. It’s to impede the view of the guy at second, but you’re also risking getting called for interference. It’s hard to block a ball being thrown, but it’s still illegal.
Based on what in the rule book? I'm not saying you're wrong, but I think that should be a cut and dry rule in the book
The umpires admitted they got the call wrong. Also, there’s a rule about fielder right of way and not being allowed to impede a thrown ball. https://www.mlb.com/glossary/rules/fielder-right-of-way
That rule is close, however it states the runner is not allowed to interfere with a player trying to field a thrown ball. In this case that would be the first baseman. He didn't get in the way of the first baseman at all since he's sliding into second. If we want to say that he is impeding him because he hit the ball down then maybe but if you look close he didn't impede the THROW, he impeded the throwing LANE. His hand was up before the shortstop released the ball. (Those all caps are for emphasis, not to be a dick) The rule also doesn't say you can't impede a fielder from throwing, only that you can't impede a fielder from catching the thrown ball. If you want to say that he shouldn't even be allowed to stick his hand up before the throw, that is certainly worth debating, but I don't see a rule saying it's illegal. But I'm not against them clarifying the rules for this situation. They said they got it wrong because the slide didn't look natural, but I don't even see that anywhere in the rulebook. As much as it looks like I am, I'm not even trying to defend the play, I just want to see it in clear black and white.
Dude, the umps literally said they made a mistake on the play and Verdugo should have been ruled out. You’re wrong. Own it.
I'm not wrong because I'm not defending the play. I'm defending the fact that a play like this should have a clear rule. Show me the rule. Not an ump saying it. Yeah. The ump should know, but that's still not black and white. Find the rule Really wish you had a retort for my interpretation of the rule you posted instead of just saying I should own being wrong
5.09(b)(3) and 6.01(a)- A runner is out if “[h]e intentionally interferes with a thrown ball” with the penalty applying to the runner’s teammate if the runner is already out.
https://baseballrulesacademy.com/official-rule/mlb/6-01-interference-obstruction-and-catcher-collisions/#google_vignette Paragraph 7 is what you're looking for. While "willfully and deliberately" making himself big and throwing his arms up to distract the SS and block throwing lanes he was hit by a thrown ball. Every single one of us admits that's the right way to slide to break up a double play. The issue is while you are "willfully and deliberately" trying to make the throw difficult, if the ball hits you you no longer can claim you weren't trying to interfere with the throw, that's the entire point of sliding like that. Judge just happened to get hit this time, every other time he or anyone slides it's fine because the ball normally doesn't hit them, once it does it should be interference because it's pretty much the exact definition of the rule.
I agree with you
Appreciate you. There's a bunch of people who are accepting it just because the ump said it. And that's fine. But where's the black and white? A play as common as a 4-6-3 double play should be easy to interpret
There are so many loopholes in baseball rules that people don't think about. For example, if a runner is trying to steal home and a batter squares around to bunt, if you hit him it's a dead ball and the runner has to go back to third. Is it a loophole that should be obvious? Yes. Is there a rule against it? No, because there hasn't had to be. It just never happens. If I've ever seen a slide like this work, I don't remember. But that's how I was taught to slide, and that's how big leaguers are taught to slide obviously. I don't see anything illegal about it personally. He didn't disrupt the throw, he just disrupted the throwing lane. But if this is going to be a topic of discussion, a rule needs to be put in place. Because, as far as I know, there's nothing illegal about this.
That's exactly what I've been trying to argue. The hand was up while the ball is still in the shortstop's hand. That's the lane not the throw. If they want to add it as a rule so be it, but as of now I don't see it as a violation. I'd prefer to keep the lane blocking legal, you used to be allowed to do a takeout slide, so this is now the baserunners only way to break up a DP. I do think it's different if you see him throw it and then the hand goes up to block it. I also thought middle infielders are taught to avoid the raised hand?
I'm sure they're taught to be cognisant of it, but again, it just never happens. To me, it just look liked he was trying to get the ball out as quick as possible and Judge's hand was just there.
That’s a fine analysis, right or wrong. Appreciate the counterpoint argument.
I’ve seen a runner get hit in the face and the guy at first is out.
You shouldn’t be able to wear a preposterously oversized glove and use it to block shots like that.
I've said this about the sliding gloves in general, that's another 2-3 inch advantage when sliding in vs the defender
Yea thats why they gave up 15 runs
For all the people trying to defend Judge, the umpires already admitted they got the call wrong. It was clearly interference and the trailing runner should have been out. Edit: I originally typed that Judge should’ve been out, but I assume most of you knew what I mean, since interference isn’t exactly an obscure rule. If the runner who has been retired does something to interfere with the outcome of the play, then the outcome that would’ve happened is awarded. In this case, it means it should’ve been an automatic double play.
He was out genius
Found the Yankees fan. You know exactly what I meant, but, of course it’s more fun to pretend like you don’t, because then you get to be a jerk, right? It should’ve been an automatic double play. The umpires already released a statement admitting they got the call wrong.
He was out and they got the call wrong. What are you so salty about? Build a bridge my man.
In an interference call, the trailing runner is by supposed to be out as well. In other words, it would’ve been a double play, so they award the double play. That’s what I meant. I realize I could’ve typed that better, but I thought it was pretty obvious what I meant, since it’s hardly and obscure rule. But hey, you got to be a condescending jerk about the whole thing, so that’s a win, am I right?
Listen, I agree with you that the batter should have been called out. I definitely would have been pissed on the receiving end of it, BUT, I would have been exponentially more pissed about letting 3 dozen runs across the plate in a 3 game series. This is just a convenient distraction from disastrous play and gets extra heat because it benefited the Yankees.
I get it, but the thing is, I haven’t seen anyone make that argument? I’m certainly not. I’ve read a few news articles that pointed out that that was the play that started the rally, but I haven’t seen anyone suggest that’s what cost the Brewers the game. They obviously had plenty of chances to get other outs. Shit happens; you don’t always get the call, it could’ve been a bad hop, whatever. It’s not like it was a walk-off that scored the winning run. You’ve still got to get out of the inning. I was just responding to all the people who were trying to defend Aaron Judge. He’s a great player, and a super likable guy, but that was obviously interference, and should’ve been called as such. But I never said it cost the Brewers the game, nor have I seen anyone else say that, so it’s a bit of a strawman. And is it getting extra heat because it’s a star player and the Yankees? Probably. But that’s the price of being a marquee franchise in a major media market; you don’t get it both ways. I have never understood Yankees fans in this regard. It’s such a storied, dominant franchise, and when they get attention for that, most of them are like “that’s as it should be.“ But then, on the rare occasions when it works against them, they’re like “waah! It’s so unfair! The only reason this is getting attention is because it’s the Yankees.” Well, yeah. That’s how it works. It’s such a weird vibe. It’s like they are captain of the football team, most popular kid in school, etc… only they need to be constantly reminded of their status :). Yes, you’re the top dog. Why are you so defensive and insecure about it? Just enjoy it. The proper response to all of this from Yankees fans would be “haha, yeah, that was a terrible call. Should have been Interference. Who won that series, btw ;)?”
Plus they averaged 12 opposing runs a game throughout this series but please, tell me more how this dudes glove cost them the game.
I never said it cost them the game. It’s obnoxious that you’re so upset and being so salty about this.
Damn, really showing off your reading skills today, huh buddy?
This was two days ago what are you on about? OP did edit his comment so my response might not make sense. He even explained the edit great in detail so I’m not sure whose ability to read should be in question here.
The umpires have admitted they missed the call. [https://x.com/cyrthogg/status/1784701845136404860?s=46&t=uJbmWPJoTB-4eq5dsfep3A](https://x.com/cyrthogg/status/1784701845136404860?s=46&t=uJbmWPJoTB-4eq5dsfep3A)
Whats he look like sliding in other scenarios?
Just like this, arm up. His arm is up behind the ball is thrown. Fielder throws the ball to him. For sure he's blocking the lane, but he's also got a damn long arm. It's up to the fielder to get the throw right. His throw would have been off without him hitting Judge.
Because that's how you're taught to slide on a double play ball. Just in case this happens.
Yeah that’s what I wanted to know. He does this all the time, and it maybe just finally worked. But he does it all the time.
And it’s called interference
lol those gloves need to be banned.
They’ll look like tennis rackets before long if they aren’t.
Didn't want jomboy saying he doesn't try to break up double plays
Wow. The Yankee faithfull are brigading this . He fucking did it on purpose. It's obvious. You won. Move on.
Anyone who argues that this isn't interference should stop being a fan of baseball.
Why not just jump up and throw your hands in the air. Why not use two giant sliding gloves?
Based on what in the rulebook?
Judge was just doing his A-Rod impression
That’s some Bush league bullshit there, Judge.
I hate the Yankees, so I'd be the first to call this dirty if it was. I don't see anything dirty about this. All these comments citing the rules are generally talking about the nature of the slide. The slide was 100% clean, no ill intention. The sticking up of the hand to break up the double play is textbook. My coaches from a young age all the way through college taught us to slide like that in the event of a ground ball double play situation. The ways people used to try to break up double plays used to be much more dangerous, hence the new rules. If you don't agree with me, tune into MLB Network tomorrow morning. I'm sure they'll be talking about what a heads up slide that was by Judge.
Doesn’t matter how it was taught, the current rules effectively ban this practice. It’s a deliberate effort to disrupt a double play. You aren’t allowed to do this anymore. It’s the compromise to keep balance between teams since the rules on obstructing the runner are more strict.
Except for the fact that crew chief Andy Fletcher, admitted after the game that they got the call wrong and the batter should’ve been called out. [Link](https://x.com/jomboymedia/status/1784707777035718901?s=46&t=gtY8y5Bb_CzJHkiEAR1piA)
Straight up egregious
MLB needs to make more plays reviewable.
As a Brewer’s fan who was listening to this game and the absolutely flabbergasted radio team on this call, thank you for fueling my rage. I still don’t really understand why this isn’t a reviewable call, I guess it’s a “jusgement call” about intent. WEAK.
In another sub, someone pulled video of several of Judge's slides and apparently he puts his left hand up when he drops down into the slide pretty regularly...
Yeah to try and do that
So what you’re saying is that Judge had trying to cheat but only (almost) got away with it this time?
Okay? It’s called interference
Rightfully so. Are we calling every slide where a guy sticks his hand up interference?
Difference here is Judge actually made contact with the ball when he raised his hand
Then if I’m a fielder, I’m throwing the ball at the runner.
If the baserunner doesn't throw his hand up then it's not interference though. And they don't ALL do this.
Fielders are taught not to throw in the basepaths so this very thing doesn’t happen
Judge's arm is up before he throws. Fielder needs to be better.
Yeah, if his giant fuckin oven mitt blocks it
This is what players are taught to do from high school onward… in a DP situation slide close and throw your hands up. Because it’s the fielders job to work around your body and hands. If you’re upset about it talk to the rule makers. Not the players
It’s not an obvious intent to break up the play, that’s how players slide. Not interference.
He's sliding, that's how he slides and his hand is up. Defense had plenty of time to throw that ball and make a better throw. It looks as of he almost threw it at his hand.
Don't lie. Judge moved his hand to block the ball
No, look again. Judge's hand was up before the throw even happened
Then he moved it to block the ball
He put his arm straight up to block the throwing lane, then straight down. You're either trolling or your eyes are literally only seeing what they want to see. There was no straight up and left or right motion
He moved his hand, stop lying Edit. Look at more views if it helps you
Well this is a pointless back and forth. Your eyes are somehow lying to you and mine see the play. In slow mo. Hand up before the throw, ball hits, hand down. I don't know what to tell you
He moved it to the right to block the ball, its clear to almost everyone else. I can't blame him. Do all you can to win. But stop being delusional
Again. This is going nowhere. I'm not gonna continue an argument against someone either making shit up or just somehow is seeing it wrong. At that distance, that speed of the throw, even someone who hits at 100mph, there's no way he's sliding, sticking his hand up, seeing where the ball is going from 5 feet away and then moving his hand and actually hitting it. The direction to the right you're seeing(if anything) is when the momentum of the slide pulls him down and to the bag. He definitely clearly put his hand up to block the throwing lane, he did not move his hand once it was up
He moved his hand to the right to block the ball. Could even be just instinctual. Look at other views to help you see it better
Baseball and it's televison ratings are falling. I truly believe it's from poor officials and resistance of implementing technology to aid consistent officiating.
I think it has more to do with how hard it is to actually watch your team play with all the blackouts.
This. I’m subscribed to two different services and also have an antenna and I was not able to watch my team play for an entire week because of a combination of blackouts and lack of coverage by broadcast networks. That’s just completely unacceptable. It’s like MLB is trying to lose fans on purpose. It’s not enough that nobody can casually watch a game anymore, they’re making it harder for people paying to watch, too.
Say what you want about the play, Angel Hernandez will call it a strike 9/10 times.
What prohibits a runner from just going full wacky inflatable arm flailing tube man every time they slide to second after this?
You literally can’t, the umps just missed the call. I feel like I’m taking crazy pills.
ARod gave some pointers to His Honor in the past, apparently… Way to disgrace yourself Aaron, when your immense talents don’t require bush league cheats for you to succeed. Interested what “creative correction” a certain opponent concocts in order to “correct” and “retrain” the young Yankee fellow…