Baseball rule changes – Huskers have to “avoid getting hit”

Husker Baseball starts their season in Las Vegas this weekend. The NCAA announced their rule changes back in August. It was the beginning of football season so I’ll admit I didn’t pay attention. Basically the big change is that now Huskers (and everyone else) have to get out of the way of the ball. Here are the rule changes:

#1 – Umpires can now conference to determine whether or not the fielder caught a ball in the outfield. This was not previously allowed under the old rules. There are only certain things for which they can conference. They will now allow this to be done by video as well. Before they could only review by video whether a homer is fair or foul; whether a batted ball left the playing field or is a ground-rule double; spectator interference plays on home run balls; and whether a batted ball is fair or foul.

Baseball rules image

#2 – A batter must make an attempt to avoid being hit by the ball. If the umpire says the batter didn’t try to avoid the pitch, or that he leaned into it, and it’s a pitch in the strike zone, it’s a strike but he doesn’t get awarded a base. If it would have been a ball despite hitting the batter, it can be ruled a ball and the batter remains in the box.

Some of you may remember there was a  rule change to HBP back in 2007 after the College World Series had an all time record of 53 batters hit in only 15 games. The Rules Committee said at that time that batters “must make an attempt to avoid the pitch” to be awarded first base. The new clarifications are an attempt to try to persuade the batters from using this technique in the new small ball era. Hopefully the lower seams on the baseball will also help the offensive production in games and it won’t be a technique used. Now it’s basically up to the umpire to decide whether wearing the leather will get you on base.

March 31, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; MLB umpire Mike Winters (33) looks on before the second inning of an opening day baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and the Cleveland Indians at O.co Coliseum. The Indians defeated the Athletics 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Leading the HBP category last year with 5 times was Husker 2nd baseman Pat Kelly who is now signed with the Twins organization. Tied with him at 5 HBP was Husker shortstop Steven Reveles and Bryce Only at 4 who transferred to Iowa Western. I don’t see this really being a problem for BIG RED luckily.  

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Other changes in the mix are requiring all foul poles to be fluorescent yellow by the 2016 season. This should aid in umpire review as some fields have red, white or blue poles. The NCAA also clarified double header games when there are delays and suspensions and how that translates into a possible new 7 inning game. As a rule 7 inning games are prohibited. However, now a 7 inning game (due to being a double header day) can be rescheduled at a following day or future time. This is strictly relegated to double header situations.

In the meantime to get your baseball fix hit up some of the favorites to get you in the mood until Friday. Bull Durham, Major League and The Sandlot are our favs! In the meantime, GO BIG RED!!!