The blocking of home plate is one of the most debated plays in baseball.
Recent changes to this rule have emphasized player safety and fundamentally altered the way catchers and runners approach “the dish.”
Here we’ll examine the specifics of the rule, its application across different levels of play, and notable incidents that have shaped its evolution.
We will get into where catchers can stand to receive the ball, whether runners have to slide, home plate collisions, and the distinct rules in Little League, USSSA, and Major League Baseball.
Finally, we’ll take a look at famous collisions involving Buster Posey and Brian Jordan that played significant roles in shaping the current rules.
Plays at the Plate
Close plays at home plate are thrilling, often dangerous events in a baseball game.
Catchers standing their ground while runners charge towards home is a sight that exudes athleticism, bravery, and often, significant risk of injury.
Evolving concerns about player safety have led to recent changes in how these plays are regulated.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand the current rules and their implications, providing insight into this critical aspect of the game.
Can a Catcher Block on Home Plate?
Historically, catchers were allowed to block home plate entirely—even before they had the ball—creating dramatic and often violent collisions as they attempted to tag out runners.
This practice was part of the game’s gritty appeal but came with high injury risks.
Initiated in 2014, the current MLB rule—often referred to as the “Buster Posey Rule” (see below)—significantly restricts the catcher’s ability to block home plate.
Here is how Major League Baseball Rule 7.13 outlines this rule.
Can a catcher block the plate?
The catcher may not block the pathway of a runner attempting to score unless he has possession of the ball.
If the catcher blocks the runner before he has the ball, the umpire may call the runner safe. (Note that this applies to all fielders at all bases as well.)
So if the catcher does not have the baseball, he has no right to stand in the baseline or on home plate.
Blocking the plate without the ball is considered obstruction, and the runner is awarded the base.
Can a catcher stand in the baseline once he has the baseball?
In short—yes. As soon as he receives the ball, a catcher has the full right to stand his ground on or in front of home plate.
Here we see the Dodgers’ Will Smith in the baseline—legally, since he has possession of the ball—absorbing contact from Fernando Tatis.
What can a runner not do on a play at home plate?
A runner may not run out of a direct line to the plate in order to initiate contact with the catcher, or any player, covering the plate.
If he does, the umpire can call him out even if the player taking the throw loses possession of the ball.
Does a runner have to slide at home plate?
In Major League Baseball, there is no absolute requirement for runners to slide into home plate. However, sliding is often the safest and most strategic way to avoid a tag, particularly in close plays.
(We will cover Little League and USSSA rules below.)
Can a runner run over the catcher?
If the catcher is in the base path or blocking home plate and does not have possession of the ball, a runner can initiate contact as long as he does not deviate his direct path to home plate.
What if the throw carries the catcher into the runner’s path to home plate?
The catcher has a right to make a play on the ball if the throw carries him into the runners path.
Rule 7.13 says that it is NOT a violation “…if the catcher blocks the pathway of the runner in order to field a throw, and the umpire determines that the catcher could not have fielded the ball without blocking the pathway of the runner and that contact with the runner was unavoidable.”
What’s the simplest way to explain the rule about catchers blocking home plate?
TL/DR: You can not catch the ball while you are in the runner’s base path. However, you can catch the ball outside of the base path (in front of the plate) and then come into the path to tag the runner.
Is blocking home plate a judgement call?
According the MLB, yes, the calls interference or obstruction are based on the umpire’s judgment.
Umpires have the discretion to interpret this rule, considering the catcher’s and runner’s actions during the play. If the catcher is deemed to have blocked the plate illegally, the umpire should call “obstruction” and the runner is ruled safe.
If the runner deviates from their direct path to initiate contact with the catcher, the umpire should call “interference” and the runner is ruled out.
Do runners have to slide into home in Little League baseball games?
Little League mandates that players must slide feet first into home plate if there is a play at the plate. This rule is designed to prevent collisions and reduce the risk of injury.
However—in many divisions of Little League, head-first slides are prohibited except when returning to a base. This restriction is in place to protect young players from the higher injury risks associated with head-first sliding.
Can catchers block the plate in Little League baseball games?
In short, no. Little League games follow MLB rule 7.13, which states that a catcher may not block the pathway of a runner attempting to score unless he has possession of the ball.
Do runners have to slide at home in USSSA games?
The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) governs various youth and amateur baseball leagues. Like Little League, USSSA emphasizes player safety in its rules and regulations.
USSSA rules require players to slide or avoid contact if a play is being made at the plate. This rule aims to prevent unnecessary collisions and ensure the safety of all players involved.
Umpires are responsible for enforcing the sliding rules in USSSA games. Players who fail to slide or avoid contact can be called out for interference, and repeated violations can result in further disciplinary action.
Can catchers block the plate in Little League baseball games?
In short, no. USSSA games follow MLB rule 7.13, which states that catchers cannot be in “…
Buster Posey Home Plate Collision
The Buster Posey home plate collision occurred on May 25, 2011, during a game between the San Francisco Giants and the Florida Marlins.
The Marlins’ Scott Cousins collided with Posey as he attempted to score, resulting in a severe injury for Posey, including a fractured fibula and torn ligaments in his ankle.
(Warning: Don’t watch if you get queasy!)
Posey’s injury sparked widespread discussion about the safety of home plate collisions.
As one of the game’s brightest stars, his injury drew significant attention to the risks involved in such plays. This incident was a major catalyst for MLB’s decision to implement Rule 7.13—aka the “Buster Posey Rule.”