The best way ever to learn the rules of Major League Baseball!
Whether you're new to the game or an age-old fan
We wrote and designed this guide for everyone. While the official rules of baseball list the rules, they aren't easy to read. It's like reading a legal document. And although it will tell you the rules, it doesn't do a great job of explaining them.
It's a field guide
As field guide, this book great for quickly looking up a rule as the game is taking place. While you may choose to read it cover to cover, it's a great book to be at your side as you're watching a game. Or just to pick up once in a while to brush up on some rules.
Baseball is a lot more fun when you know the rules
While some rules are very well known, many are obscure. Knowing the rules keeps you ahead of the game, your know-it-all friends, and sometimes even the umpires.
It's time for a change
Major League Baseball has been under pressure to maintain and increase viewership. It's the 2020s, and apparently we're all in a hurry. The fact is, however, the game has drifted over the decades – batting averages are down while game times have been getting longer. It's not the same game it was in the 1950s. In an effort to adjust Major League Baseball has implemented a bevy of new rules. Their goal is to add action while shortening the time taken to play the game.
MLB's most significant rule changes in decades
Major League Baseball has been under pressure to maintain and increase viewership. To that effort a bevy of new rules have been implemented. The goal is to add action while shortening the time taken to play the game. It's the 2020s, and apparently we're all in a hurry. In fact, however, the game has drifted over the decades. Batting averages are down, while game times have been getting longer. For fans, it's not the same game it was in the 1950s.
Faster and better games
Major League Baseball has been under pressure to maintain and increase viewership. To that effort a bevy of new rules have been implemented. The goal is to add action while shortening the time taken to play the game. It's the 2020s, and apparently we're all in a hurry. In fact, however, the game has drifted over the decades. Batting averages are down, while game times have been getting longer. For fans, it's not the same game it was in the 1950s.
Sixteen added pages
So many recent rule changes have been implements that we needed to add 16 new pages, along with new illustrations.
Some of the new rules you need to know about
Evening out the infield
The new rule on defensive shifts requires the first and second basemen to be on the right of second base, and the shortstop and third baseman to be on the left at the time of the pitch. No more moving to one side or the other based on where batter tends to hit.
Bigger bases, shorter distances
Bases are bigger. Previously 15 inches square, the new bases are 18 inches square. This reduces the distance between first and second bases, and second and third, by 4 1/2 inches. While that may not seem like a lot, it promises to keep a lot more runners safe on base.
Taming the pitcher’s dominance
Several rules have been put in place to reduce the dominance of pitchers, who have been getting better and better over the years at reducing hits. One of these rules requires the pitcher to deliver his pitch within 15 seconds when no one is on base, 20 seconds when one or more runners are on base. Welcome the “pitch clock”.
Crackdown on the sticky stuff
Umpires are being a lot more careful in assuring that pitchers aren’t apply sticky substances like Spider Tack to their hands or the ball. It’s use has been a growing trend in recent years.
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Evening out the infield
The new rule on defensive shifts requires the first and second basemen to be on the right of second base, and the shortstop and third baseman to be on the left at the time of the pitch. No more moving to one side or the other based on where batter tends to hit.
Taming the pitcher’s dominance
Several rules have been put in place to reduce the dominance of pitchers, who have been getting better and better over the years at reducing hits. One of these rules requires the pitcher to deliver his pitch within 15 seconds when no one is on base, 20 seconds when one or more runners are on base. Welcome the “pitch clock”.
