Major League Baseball has announced a new rule today in an effort to protect its catchers from some–but not all–collisions at home plate.
The rule, which will be introduced on an experimental basis in 2014, prohibits an incoming baserunner from deliberately initiating contact with the catcher. If a baserunner lowers their shoulder, pushes his way through, or generally does anything other than slide towards the plate, the runner is out even if the catcher doesn’t catch the ball.
Previously, baserunners would be called safe if the catcher were not able to hold onto the ball after absorbing what is the baseball equivalent of a full speed truck hitting a parked car. Catchers are also prohibited from blocking the plate until they have full possession of the ball.
Three Home Plate MLB Baseball Collisions That Are No Longer Allowed
Still a little unclear? Take a deep breath and check out three massive collisions from the 2013 season, all of which would likely have been prevented by this rule change.
Scott Cousins vs. Buster Posey
Justin Smoak vs. Brayan Pena
Josh Harrison vs. Yadier Molina
The rule will be enforceable by instant replay and teams will be trained on the meaning and implementation of the rule throughout 2014 spring training. Read the full verbiage of the new rule on the MLB website here.
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