The MLB blocking-the-plate rule has been causing confusion and frustration amongst players, coaches, and fans alike. The rule, which was implemented in 2014, states that a runner attempting to score cannot run into or over the catcher in order to score a run. While the intent of the rule is to protect catchers from serious injury, it has caused a great deal of controversy.
The confusion arises from the fact that the rule does not clearly define what is considered a “block”. Some argue that the catcher must have possession of the ball in order for it to be considered a block, while others argue that any contact between the runner and catcher is a block. This lack of clarity has led to a number of controversial calls, with some runners being called out for running into the catcher, while others have been allowed to score.
The frustration stems from the fact that the rule is inconsistently enforced. Some umpires are more lenient when it comes to calling a block, while others are more strict. This inconsistency has caused a great deal of frustration amongst players, coaches, and fans who feel that some runners are being unfairly called out while others are being allowed to score.
The MLB blocking-the-plate rule has caused a great deal of confusion and frustration amongst players, coaches, and fans. The lack of clarity surrounding the rule and its inconsistent enforcement has led to a number of controversial calls. While the intent of the rule is to protect catchers from serious injury, it has caused a great deal of controversy and debate. It remains to be seen if the MLB will make any changes to the rule in order to address these issues.
