Rocco Baldelli Ejected Over Arguing Guardians Runner Went Out of Base Path to Third

During the bottom of the 4th inning in a game between the Minnesota Twins and the Cleveland Guardians, Twins Manager Rocco Baldelli would come out to argue over a safe call at third base. Ramirez would move from second to third after the third baseman would try and field the ball and leave third base wide open. Ramirez would hustle and move out of the baseline, but Baldelli argued he ran out of the base path to avoid the out. He was ejected.
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[@TheCpadron19]

Man it's crazy how MLB coaches and announcers don't understand the difference between the baseline and the base path lol.

[@Requinix17]

The rule only applies when the fielder is attempting the tag. Any path he takes before the tag is attempted is allowed. He did make a move at the end to avoid the tag but it didn't look like it was more than 3 feet from his path which was already pretty far outside

[@alanhess9306]

Yeah, idiot announcers, again.

[@mptr1783]

if you go to the 2:03 mark, you can see that the fielders feet are about 4-6 ft from the runners feet. Just because the fielder dives 3 ft doesnt mean hes going to get the out. In fact, the runner barely moved away from his path at all. When the fielder dove , the runner maybe veered 1 or 2 feet at most

[@brianeaves8573]

Never listen to announcers when it comes to rules. Couldn't be more wrong. This is a great call/no call.

[@jaylozano7603]

Its because its the Twins broadcast, usually announcers are biased and forget the rule of baseball

[@alanhess9306]

@@jaylozano7603 You cannot forget something you never knew.

[@SmedleyButlerIII]

Runner establishes his own base path once a tag attempt is made, then a straight line to the previous base and straight line to the upcoming base... I just cant wrap my head around how you can even apply for a commentator position without even knowing basic rule book terminology. 🙄

[@adamdelivers0214]

So, this is a base path play, NOT a base line play. The runner sets his own base path and cannot deviate more than 3 feet from that path once a play or attempted play is being made on him. The fielder must also be in possession of the baseball, which will then determine the 3ft for an out of the base path determination. A great call by 3B umpire Dan Iaasogna, and a correct ejection by rule.

[@nonsensesports1]

Yes

[@markreichert34]

Spot on

[@ingiford175]

@@MetalMoshin No such rule, base path is established when the fielder that is going to attempt to tag has the ball. And other then a couple rules about having to retag bases if you run in a given way, the runner has wide latitude he can run.

[@tylerrogers3782]

@@MetalMoshin You couldn't be further from accurate. You really need to read the rules before commenting.

[@tylerrogers3782]

@@MetalMoshin a runner could run from 2nd, out to CF and fist bump their buddy, then run to third base and that is completely legal. It is only a violation if they deviate from their established base path at the time of the tag. In this play the runner was already a few feet away from the fielder and simply arched their body to avoid the glove. That's completely legal.

[@hoopeystar9673]

lol @ the announcer at the end calling it a fielder's choice......

[@jorgejohnson451]

The manager was probably upset that his pitcher was too slow in covering a vacant third and the third baseman didn’t know better than to just stay down, allowing the shortstop to make a direct throw to the pitcher running to third.

[@cavspunk08]

I was at this game and my section took great delight in seeing Rocco Baldelli get tossed

[@normiewoo787]

The base line has nothing to do with the bases. It's 3 feet from where the fielder begins to make the play on the runner. Dumb coach. Dumb announcers.

[@ingiford175]

Base line has nothing to do with this play and everything to do with the bases. Base path is what you are talking about. Right idea, wrong terminology.

[@otismygotis3670]

Where did he clearly run out of the baseline? He was able to reach the base without turning severly. Good call.

[@MetalMoshin]

He ran about 5 feet away from the baseline dude. He had to turn his body severely just to reach the base. Horrible call and I'm not even a fan of either of these two shitty teams lol.

[@kerrytodd3753]

When he went to avoid the tag……

[@ingiford175]

@@kerrytodd3753 From when the time the guy got the ball, did he move out of the path by 3 more feet from that moment? that juke does not look like a 3 feet juke. Remember the path he runs is establised the moment the fielder gets the ball. He was outside the Base LINE, but his base path (establised themoment the ball was in the fielder's hand that was going to tag him) not as much in that juke.

[@AG-fv4yb]

@@ingiford175 exactly and the JRam didn't even really juke, he just kept running straight then leaned over a bit as he transitioned to sliding. From the overhead view you can almost make a straight line where he was running from 2nd to 3rd

[@tvideo1189]

Look up the difference between BASE LINE and runner PATH. They are NOT the same thing. The PATH is only established after the defensive player has the ball and attempts to tag the runner. The runner can't deviate more than three feet then and only then. Her can run wherever he wants up until the point where the defensive player has the ball and attempts a tag.

[@rseg2707]

I think it was good the way it was called. He may have veered away slightly but that was due to him being in the way prior to having the ball. The adjustment not to get tagged was still good and was able to grab the bag. Call is good

[@stoneyoutdoors8819]

so every person who takes a wide turn around a base is out then, he was like 3 feet out of direct baseline. which isnt far. people go farther out of the baseline to simply round the base

[@xuimod]

That was a discretionary call, not clear cut. Fair call by the ump.

[@cornflakeusa]

So, I guess the next thing to do is paint lines on the infield between the bases to create a lane they must stay in when running.

[@wes2816]

I came here ready to argue…. But it seems we all agree lol. Good call 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@oljimeagle6779]

Everytime I see that hat I think its the Marlins.

[@ronaldbennett4648]

Clearly a twins announcer

[@vintagemanly]

Clearly, at Cleveland.. 😅

[@markreichert34]

@@vintagemanlythat’s Dick Bremer, the MN Twins TV (Bally Sports North network) announcing the away game at Cleveland. I like Bremer, but like most announcers, he doesn’t know all the rules of the game and was wrong here.

[@stevehamman4465]

​@@markreichert34 , these fn guys announce baseball for a living!! All winter off!! Just because you played the game doesn't mean you know the game! Study the rules like I did , with state umps and shit! Not that hard!

[@davidcamacho2178]

Somebody needs to really clarify the rule for announcers. You see down the first base line where there is a "lane" to go with the line. That is showing where the runner is supposed to be. You will notice, there are no lines or lanes between 1st base and 2nd base, nor 2nd base and 3rd base. There's no such thing as a "baseline" there, it's a base path and it is determined by the runner, not the invisible straight line from one base to the other. Little League/playground rules do not apply to major league baseball.

[@nickdallas8528]

There was a player in the base line which made the runner deviate his own base path which is legal. Idk the exact distance you’re allowed to evade but that only looked like a step or so which is perfectly legal

[@OriginalGateKeeper]

good call by the Ump.

[@JDrach30]

Is there a difference in base path while having intentions to round 3rd to head home, or merely make it to 3rd base? His path towards third mimicked a route that would be one to come around 3rd base to head home. Didn't seem like it was THAT off.

[@briankirschbaum5367]

A basepath is only really defined when a tag play is being attempted on a runner, outside of that, runners can basically run wherever they want. When the fielder attempts a tag, the baseline becomes defined as direct line between the runner and the base they are intending to go to, with 3 feet of leeway in either direction.

[@JDrach30]

Gotcha. And when the 3rd baseman had the ball and could attempt a tag on the runner, I'd say the runner was within that 3 ft range. Hard one to judge but I would think this would stand.

[@stevehamman4465]

​@@JDrach30, if you look at the runner, he moves to his right before the ball gets to the defender. That is the new basepath. Then he moves about a foot?? Outside of that line to avoid the tag ,, that legal ! It's not about where third base is ,, it's about how he AVOIDS THE TAG! Hope this helps!

[@JDrach30]

@@stevehamman4465 that's how I was initially interrupting the rules of establishing a path and then avoiding the tag at the point of the 3rd baseman obtaining the ball to make a tag. My gut said it was all legal

[@krisdeadlochjones7964]

I wonder how many ejections this year at this time compared to last year?

[@stevehamman4465]

MLB officials tell the umpire crews what to enforce and what to let slide. Don't blame the umpire crews ,,, they are taking orders!

[@tygrahof9268]

I thought you canavoid a tag even if it forces you off the pathway.

[@jesuscage]

Maybe jomboy will break this one down, we'll get some lip reading and how the rules work if the runner was out or not ..let's do this jomboy

[@BigfistJP]

I'd like the announcer to define what the base path is. How wide is it? I am sure he has no clue.

[@DEATHBYJOKES01]

Lol he steps maybe half a foot to the side

[@ingiford175]

Half a step, which i would say it was more then one foot, but not 3 feet extra deviation from when the fielder got the ball.

[@danielsteinkopf1124]

who's on the call and what's their twitter handle

[@WanderingWolf365]

He didn't deviate much from his original line. I've seen triples where players veer more than that - WW

[@kerrytodd3753]

What? We’re they having a tag attempted?

[@MattLong101]

Announcers wrong

[@chucknorris5141]

He did move from the baseline he established but I don't think it was enough to warrant a call.

[@n_a8917]

the "baseline he established" is called the basepath. Baseline and basepath are two different things. Runner gets 3 ft devation from the basepath only if that deviation is to avoid a tag. No tag, the 3ft limit ceases to exist.

[@stevehamman4465]

Hey Chuck,, do some more push ups!!😂. If you watch this again,, notice that the runner,, before the fielder had the ball , started to run to his right or away from the fielder. AGAIN, BEFORE THE FIELDER HAD THE BALL!! He created a new basepath!! So he didn't move the three feet out of the way of the tag itself! Hope this helps!! I watch the Indians and this game , also umped for 30yrs . This was a proper call. Oh,,, you do know that when you do a push up ,, your not actually doing a PUSH UP, but you are pushing the earth down!! You need to stop!!! You are causing global warming! 😅😂 Good day sir!

[@martinmay1178]

if the runner is going 2nd to home they take a wide turn around third, much wider than jram did here.

[@wesleyt1545]

Completely different circumstance if a play is being made on them

[@bostoncityofchampions6581]

Baseball rules are nearly as obtuse as golf rules.

[@eiupanther2012]

tell me you are a bias announcer, without telling me

[@barrymuller5131]

Maybe Baldelli is a clown, but he is not wrong for trying to get his team a call. Do you want him to lie down in dugout and say, Oh, that was too bad for us. Have you heard of Billy Martin or Earl Weaver? Let the man work the umps. He may eventually get a call. I would fire a door mat that’s not fighting for my team.

[@wyattroeder3228]

Rocco was trying to fire his team up by getting ejected

[@silvernatedogg]

The commentators are clearly homers.

[@jaredlange2516]

Admittedly, I am a Guardians fan, but Jose clearly did not deviate 3 feet to avoid that tag. Isn’t that how it goes? I’ve seen runners evade more diving in to first, where there’s a clear lane, and not be called out so this is ridiculous. The announcers are homers, so ok, but Baldelli is either stupid or trying to cover up for his player’s mistake, when he should be using that as a teachable moment (& to be fair, perhaps, he did.)

[@alanhess9306]

The 45 foot running lane is irrelevant on most plays. The batter runner is not required to be in that lane. The runner would be out if he is out of the lane and interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base. Otherwise he can run wherever he wishes.

[@TheChayxxx]

You have play around the line to move. The runners path towards the base dictates how much play you have to move around the line. He clearly veers away after veering in. If you had to run to a base in a dead straight line there would be way more injuries way more interference calls and way more boring baseball. Amazing that announcers who should know this dont

[@blazer6248]

The next Aaron Boone right there 🤣🤣🤣 he has no idea what the rules actually are. Neither do the announcers.

[@mattreynolds981]

He does have an technically this is the rule ") He runs more than three feet away from his base path to avoid being tagged unless his action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball. A runner's base path is established when the tag attempt occurs and is a straight line from the runner to the base he is attempting to reach safely;"

[@rationalgoof]

so the runner is suppose to not dodge the tag? I think that was legal enough... its not like he literally rounded the defender 😂😂

[@matthewramsey1694]

Announcer has no clue.

[@mptr1783]

not a surprise..........most announcers and MLB Managers have no clue about rules

[@magpie1869]

Company men announcers. They drop their pants and grab their ankles when the boss walks in.

[@jaycid1870]

terrible announcers

[@RW-wm2vn]

Baldelli is a clown.

[@johngoldsworthy7135]

So according to their logic rounding third to go home would be going out of the base path. Great non call by the umps. Never thought I’d say that in 2023

[@IdeaSlug]

That's not the rule and not the announcer's logic. I agree that the non-call is correct though. A basepath is established once the tag attempt is made. Otherwise the baserunner can go wherever he wants. He could be 100 feet away from the straight line connecting 2nd and 3rd as long as no attempt to tag him is being made. But once the tag attempt is there, Ramirez needs to maintain his line to the base.

[@ingiford175]

@@IdeaSlug Actually it is established when the fielder that is going to attempt the tag gets the ball, and if he is 100 feet out of the Base Line, there would be other rules issues, but I understand where you are coming from about establishing a base PATH.

[@stevehamman4465]

​@@IdeaSlug , Matt, I'm trying to think of the rule that doesn't allow for this to happen!! ( the left field rule ) or something like that! 2:31 You can't basically do it on purpose, , run all over the place. But I've called games with a runner in a pickle between third and home,,ever time that runner changes directions he creates a new basepath! Coaches are screaming hes out of the baseline,,, but,,,, no ,, he's not . Good stuff though!😅

[@alanhess9306]

@@ingiford175 Once again, the runner's base path is established when a tag is attempted, not when the fielder gets the ball.

[@jonredd650]

Who the hell are the guardians?🤷🏼‍♂️

[@towelman8589]

The Guardians of the Galaxy

[@DannyHetue-ls3hk]

Fire Rocco if the Twins fail to secure a playoff berth following their struggles this season.

[@bigal1337]

You mean “the Indians!”

[@bishopaz]

The call was correct. But the manager should not have been ejected.

[@jesuscage]

Why? He kept arguing the correct call

[@bishopaz]

@@jesuscage agreed

[@bishopaz]

But, some umpires have a better tolerance.

[@tylerrogers3782]

@@bishopaz He continually argued after the umpire let him say his piece. He then points to show what he thought happened. Any gesture like that is grounds for an automatic ejection.

[@ttt-de6sm]

Should've been called out.

[@sheikyerbouty2926]

Nope, call was correct, don't confuse base path and baseline.

[@jesuscage]

No

[@Plaguez21]

I don't see how he went more than 3 feet out of his base path there. Runner establishes the base path, he's allowed 3 feet to either side of that, he might have moved 2 feet to right of his established path, if that. Good call, not sure the manager needed to be tossed though, didn't look like Rocco crossed any lines there.

[@rayray4192]

6 foot wide base path when a fielder attempts a tag.

[@DumbAssSpeakingWithMansVoice]

Someone dial for a whambulance for the Twinkies.