But I’ve kept at it, minimally. My “End the Infamous Hawaii MLB Blackout” blog is where I’ve most recently pushed the idea. Please have a look, especially the February 27, 2017 post, the longest and most “evolved” treatment of my idea at the blog.
My proposed rule change would allow runners to tag and attempt to advance to the next base when the third out is made on a fly ball to the outfield. I.E., a man on third could attempt to reach home after the catch and tag, but the outfielder could prevent the run from scoring by throwing home to the catcher before the runner hits the plate. No tag would be necessary — just a foot on home. All runners on base would be obligated after the catch and tag to try to reach the base in front of them. With multiple men on base, the outfielder could throw to the nearest base to prevent the runner on third from scoring. Again, no tag necessary, just as there’s no tag required on outs made at first base. And a new thought this morning: With men on second and third when the third out is made, an errant throw to the plate could score both runners if the ball goes to the backstop before the ball is retrieved and thrown to whomever is covering home.
It would be a radical rule change, but it undeniably would energize baseball, a game that must be in trouble judging by all the journalism about the problem. Erik Neander might agree that the entertainment value would be high. And as noted at the blog, outfielders with strong arms would be prized players capable of changing the game as significantly as do power hitters and pitchers.
I’d welcome your reaction to my “Run on Third Out” rule.
