A strange play in the postseason may have killed off a long-standing baseball habit. During a game, a sharp line drive led to a double play attempt. At first, umpires called the runner safe. But after reviewing the replay, they reversed the call. The out came down to a batting glove dangling from the runner’s back pocket. As the first baseman tagged the runner, his glove caught the edge of the loose glove sticking out. Per MLB rules, anything worn is considered part of the body, so the tag was valid. The runner, Marcus Semien, seemed confused and pointed to his batting glove. The ump said that’s exactly why the call was changed.
Everyone saw it. The fielders, the umps, the broadcasters. If a glove or anything else attached to the player gets touched by a fielder, it counts. This rule isn’t new, but this moment made it clear. Players have worn batting gloves in their pockets for years. Now it’s clear there’s a risk. One trailing strand can cost an out in October. Players looking to avoid being on the wrong end of that rule will likely stop leaving their gloves exposed. It wasn’t a flashy moment, but it might mark the end of a small part of baseball style.