In basketball, one of the most debated rules is whether a player’s hand is considered an extension of the ball when in contact with it.
On Sunday, we got the Major League version of that rule during a slide that you have to see to believe.
But in what seemed like a bit of divine intervention, Turner was able to avoid the out with the help of his helmet, which landed in the perfect spot to impede Daniel Schneemann’s glove just as he tried to tag it.
Because Turner’s helmet was still touching him but not on his head, MLB’s replay office overturned the decision and declared him safe after a challenge from the Blue Jays.
“After viewing all relevant angles, the Replay Official definitively determined that the fielder failed to tag the runner before he touched second base. According to the Official Rules of Baseball, touching a player requires touching any part of his body, or any uniform or implement he is wearing. The implement will be considered to be carried by a player if he is in contact with the place where he is supposed to carry it. The sentence is REVOKED and the runner is quiet”
Although Turner’s attempt to avoid being tagged swimming will not go down in history as one of the best slides the majors have seen, the subsequent outcome was much more memorable.
