Catcher blocking the plate rule

I know that in the board game, the following rule applies:

13.63 CATCHER BLOCKING THE PLATE (rule added in
2000): Whenever there is a play at the plate, the catcher’s defensive
ability may be challenged, and it can make the difference between a
runner being called safe or out. The rule comes into play when you
are rolling the 20-sided die to determine if the runner is safe or out
at home. If the last number in the safe range or the first number in
the out range is selected, then the catcher’s ability will be checked
with another roll of the 20-sided die. For instance, if the safe range
(after all the adjustments have been made) is 1-14 and you roll a 14
or 15 on the 20-sided die, then you must roll the 20-sided die again
and REFER TO THE CHART on Page 17 to determine if the runner
is safe or out.

However, the help file for the Windows game states that the "catcher blocking the plate rule" is considered one of the optional "Maximum rules."

Since SOM does not list it as one of the maximum rules that are used for 365, does that mean that it is not used? I know that Marc Pelletier considered it an important factor when considering catcher defensive value.

I'm fairly certain it is being used

Man I never noticed that it was not listed in the max rules and like Steve I always thought it was operative. However it's not even shown as an unchecked option in the max rules image. This suggests to me that it started out as a regular super advanced rule that there was no way to toggle in the Windows game, and later on it got added to the max rules dialog so players could easily toggle it on or off. But now that I'm thinking about it, plate blocking and home run robbing aren't REALLY max rules, and locating them in that dialog seems like poor design. They're just super advanced rules that the software lets you toggle.

All that to say, the board game rules themselves are posted on the wiki so one can ASSUME that the plate blocking rule is incorporated through them. It is a highly important setting so it would be great to get confirmation or more clarity. Then again, if Pelletier thought it was on, that's pretty good evidence that it's on.

"If Pelletier thought it was on, that's pretty good evidence that it's on."

A 2017 post from Pelletier: "and my ratings assume that the blocking rule for catcher is applied, something I have no confirmation for by SOM..."

He wasn't certain either...

In 2020 he was even more doubtful:

"What we don't know is how Beckwith's 5-range affects the game with regards to the CATCHER BLOCKING plate rule. SOM management said a few times back in the days that the Blocking plate rule does apply in 20XX, but I always had doubts that it did. In any case, my doubts are even greater with ATG: I don't have any sign that that it does apply."

Great find freeman. Well...shrug emoji. Guess I'm skeptical now as well.

Geez, you'd think Strat would just, I don't know.... TELL us? In my opinion, blocking the plate rule would be the main reason to carry a 1 defensive catcher.

Exactly so, Steve. It's such a crucial setting because it makes catcher defense more important. If it's off then catcher defense hardly matters at all, which is a huge design flaw and failure to model real life.

Saw two parts of the baseball 365 card where they could have mentioned a catcher blocking rule and they didnt--just the runner's speed and outfielder's arm. Perhaps a clue but nothing definitive of course.

"SI */**/CF -- On these readings, baseunners may attempt an extra base at risk of getting thrown out using his speed rating and the outfielder's arm. Ignore the asterisks as they are a board game rule. Instead the Max Rule "More Basrunning Decisions" allows the computer the decision to attempt an extra base at risk of getting thrown out."

"A "B?" means the runner on third has a chance to score using his speed rating and the outfielder's arm."

I've sent a question to support. I'll post if I get an answer.