Rules Explained
The Designated Hitter Rule: How It Works and How It Became Universal
What the designated hitter does, how the AL adopted it in 1973, why the NL held out until 2022, and how the two-way "Ohtani rule" works.
Rules Explained
Rules Explained
What Is a Balk? The Balk Rule Explained Simply
What a balk is, why the rule exists, the most common balks, the penalty, and why it only matters when runners are on base. Based on Rule 6.02(a).
Rules Explained
The MLB Pitch Clock Explained: Timers, Pickoff Limits and Bigger Bases
How MLB's pitch timer works, from the 15- and 18-second clocks and batter rules to disengagement limits, bigger bases and the effect on game length.
Rules Explained
The Infield Fly Rule Explained (And Why It Exists)
When the infield fly rule applies, what the umpire calls, what runners can do, why the rule exists and the famous 2012 Wild Card Game call.
Rules Explained
The Strike Zone Explained: Official Definition and How It Is Called
What the rulebook says the strike zone is, how it moves with each batter, why umpires' zones differ, and how pitch tracking and ABS measure it.
Rules Explained
Baseball Rules for Beginners: How the Game Actually Works
New to baseball? Learn how innings, outs, balls and strikes, fair and foul balls, force outs and scoring really work, explained step by step.