Tag: Mariano Rivera

Posted on

So, About That Rule Violation…

Not surprisingly the response to us pointing out that MLB allowed the Yankees to violate Rule 3.17 has been mixed. Yes it was a highly emotional moment. And yes it was a beautiful sentiment bestowed on someone who will be a Hall of Famer. None of that is in question here.

The point is MLB is not consistent in how or why it enforces its own rules. My friend Tom commented on Facebook:

MLB sometimes is willing to bend the rules for special circumstances. Like for instance when a NY team asks to wear first responder hats during a game on 9/11 to honor the heroes of 9/11 and the memory of that teams first historic game back, which brought baseball back to the masses and a slight sense of normalcy to the world…..oh wait….never mind.

Others have pointed this out on Twitter as well. The fact that a former Yankee manager is MLB’s rules enforcer seems to only lend credence to the Yankees getting special treatment.

Others have pointed out and speculated that last night’s moment did not impact MLB monetarily, but allowing the Mets to wear 9/11 first responder caps during a game would.

If you are going to bend the rules, fine, but be consistent and fair about it. Right now in New York, MLB is being neither.

Posted on

MLB Allows Yankees To Violate Rules

In the 9th inning of the Rays-Yankees game this evening, Andy Pettite and Derek Jeter went on to the field to take Mariano Rivera out of his final game at Replica Yankee Stadium.  It was an emotional moment sure, but it violated MLB rules and the umpires allowed it.

According to the Major League Baseball Rule Book:

3.17
Players and substitutes of both teams shall confine themselves to their team’s benches unless actually participating in the play or preparing to enter the game, or coaching at first or third base. No one except players, substitutes, managers, coaches, trainers and bat boys shall occupy a bench during a game.
PENALTY: For violation the umpire may, after warning, remove the offender from the field.
Rule 3.17 Comment: Players on the disabled list are permitted to participate in pre-game activity and sit on the bench during a game but may not take part in any activity during the game such as warming up a pitcher, bench-jockeying, etc. Disabled players are not allowed to enter the playing surface at any time or for any purpose during the game.

As everyone knows, Derek Jeter is currently on the disabled list.  Accordingly he should not have been allowed on the field.  In addition, there is no exception or waiver of this rule that is evident for any circumstance.

So say on Sunday, in the last game of the season, can Terry Collins send out Johan Santana to change pitchers so that Mets fans can give him one last proper send-off?  If sentimental farewells to franchise icons are ok to bend the rules, why not?  I want to say good bye to the man who gave us our first no-hitter!