Randle McMurphy wrote:anj wrote:People questioning the rule either have very short memories or didn't live through these:
Home-plate collisions were
madness.
There are ways to limit collisions that don't involve applying this ridiculous rule (again, other fielders can block their bases on the catch but catchers can't? make it make sense). It's gone largely unapplied for the decade since its introduction and the collisions have dried up as it is.
Only thing I can think of would be for the catcher to position them self to the right or left of home plate but without blocking it,but being in a good enough position to tag the runner out.In other words giving the runner the closest corner of home plate so he can possibly slide there,but the catcher would be able to tag him out providing the ball came there in time.
As long as he can do that,the catcher can never be accused of blocking the plate,and he gives himself a decent enough chance of tagging the guy out.
Its up to the players to deal with this rule effectively.
The catchers would have to keep this in mind,and remember to do this on close plays.
Good luck !