Baseball ball stuck in pitcher's shirt: What happens next?

A baseball hit at 107.8 mph got stuck in a pitcher's jersey, which is rare. This is not a normal way to get an out in baseball.
By Newsroom | Sports, Baseball |

Unconventional Catch Rules Baseball

SEATTLE - A recent Major League Baseball game saw a peculiar event unfold when Logan Gilbert, pitcher for the Seattle Mariners, had a batted ball lodge itself within his jersey. Despite the ball being literally caught by the pitcher, the play was ruled a hit, not an out. The incident occurred when a 107.8 mph line drive from batter Carlos Cortes ricocheted directly into Gilbert's jersey, becoming lodged between the buttons.

The core of the matter rests on established baseball regulations: a batted ball is only considered an out if caught by a fielder using their glove or hand. The ball's entanglement within Gilbert's uniform circumvented this rule, leaving the play live and allowing runners to advance. The immediacy of the situation, with Gilbert grappling with the lodged ball, meant he couldn't secure an out, and the runner from third remained on base while the runner from first advanced to second.

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The Physics of a Foul Trajectory

This unusual occurrence underscores the fine distinctions within the sport's rulebook. The ball, travelling at significant velocity, met Gilbert's body, but its subsequent trapping within his clothing did not satisfy the criteria for a caught ball under MLB rules. This deviates from the intuitive understanding of a 'catch', highlighting how technical specifications override perceived outcomes in official rulings.

Precedent of Strange Plays

Baseball, a game often lauded for its inherent capacity for novelty, has witnessed its share of oddities. This particular play, however, stands out for its direct challenge to the very notion of a fielder's 'catch' and the technicality that governs it.

While this jersey-lodged ball remains a singular event in its specific ruling, Gilbert has been involved in other notable incidents on the mound. Previously, in a game on June 4, 2025, he was struck by a line drive from Shohei Ohtani, which hit him on the face. Mariners manager Scott Servais had noted his relief that Gilbert avoided serious injury, with Gilbert himself showing composure after the impact.

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Furthermore, on April 25, 2025, Gilbert exited a game due to right forearm tightness. This issue, which has recurred at times in his career, led him to avoid certain pitches, such as the split-fingered fastball, a pitch some suggest can place additional stress on the forearm. Gilbert had previously led the majors in innings pitched and made his first All-Star appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened when a baseball got stuck in Logan Gilbert's jersey?
A line drive hit the pitcher Logan Gilbert and got stuck in his jersey. The umpires said it was a hit, not an out, because the ball was not caught with his hand or glove.
Q: Why was it ruled a hit and not an out?
Baseball rules say a ball is only an out if a player catches it with their hand or glove. Since the ball was stuck in Gilbert's shirt, it did not count as a catch.
Q: Could runners advance because of this play?
Yes, runners could advance because the play was still live. The pitcher had to get the ball out of his jersey, which took time and allowed runners to move to the next base.
Q: Has Logan Gilbert been in other unusual game situations?
Yes, on June 4, 2025, Gilbert was hit in the face by a line drive. On April 25, 2025, he left a game due to arm tightness.