Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing provided a throwback moment for baseball fans with his slide against the Pirates on Tuesday night. However, this impressive move, executed during the fifth inning of an eventual victory over Pittsburgh, is now deemed illegal.
This type of slide would have been typical in games from around 1930 to 2016, serving as a model for players. It’s amusing to consider that Rushing thought this would be accepted—he didn’t quite make it to the base, looking more like he was sliding into the outfield than reaching for second.
For some context, Major League Baseball altered its sliding rules roughly a decade ago after Chase Utley’s controversial play against Ruben Tejada during a 2015 game. The rule change, referred to as the “Chase Utley rule,” mandates that runners must make a “true slide,” defined by specific criteria to promote safety and fair play.
Rushing’s attempt, while nostalgic, highlights how much the game has changed. Many might feel that being able to disrupt a double play or score a run with more intensity was part of the thrill of baseball. Sure, it was a bit risky—there’s no denying that. But, wasn’t it exhilarating? Why can’t we hold on to that sense of romance for the game?
