In the world of Major League Baseball, few moments are as thrilling—and dangerous—as a collision at home plate. For decades, these high-stakes clashes between runners and catchers were a staple of the game, often resulting in serious injuries.
The 2011 season-ending injury of San Francisco catcher Buster Posey marked a pivotal moment, sparking a much-needed reevaluation of these perilous encounters.
By 2014, MLB introduced Rule 7.13 to enhance player safety, aiming to curb the most egregious collisions. The rule doesn’t mandate that runners always slide or catchers never block the plate, but it sets clear guidelines to protect players on both sides.