Question:

As the batter with a runner stealing third base, I was taught to remain standing "as tall as possible in the batter's box" with the bat resting squarely on the right shoulder. The obvious intent is to obstruct the catcher from throwing to third without being called for interference. Is there any rule requiring the batter to provide an unobstructed throw by the catcher to third?   (Joe from Silver Spring, MD)

Answer:

The onus is on the catcher to make a clean play. By standing there and not moving you are not showing any intent to obstruct the throw. If, on the other hand, you move with the catcher, you are then attempting or have attempted to obstruct the throw. It does, however come down to judgement. - J.R.

Question:

Runner coming home, catcher has ball in hand but tags runner with glove only. Is runner out?   (Ray from Council Bluffs, IA)

Answer:

Nope, runner is safe. The tag must be made with the ball, either in hand or glove. But you ask, "Why then is runner safe if ball is caught in hand and foot is on base?" Whole other animal and subject. Rules are written to allow for this type of play. - J.R.

Question:

One out and runners on second and third. A fly ball was hit to center field. The catch was made for the second out and both runners tagged-up. After the play, the runner on second was ruled out on appeal for leaving too early for the third out of the inning. Does the run scored by the third base runner tagging-up still count?   (James from Scottsdale, AZ)

Answer:

Since the appeal was the third out of the inning and no runs can score on the third out, the run does not count. - J.R.

Question:

Runners on 2nd and 3rd, two out. Batter hits a grounder to short who fields it cleanly. The runner on 3rd heads for home, the runner on 2nd heads for third base, and the batter, of course, heading for first. The shortstop decides to chase the runner who was attempting to go to third. By the time he makes the tag on that runner coming from second, the runner from third has crossed the plate, but the batter had not reached first. Does the run count? If it doesn't, would it have counted had the batter reached first base prior to the tag being applied on the runner coming from second base?

This is a Fall Ball Instructional League, if it makes any difference to your call.   (Howard from Sugar Land, TX)

Answer:

Let's see, first base is open so there is no force. In most cases, a run cannot score on the third out unless this is a time play. And this is a time play. Since the fielder, by your discription is chasing the runner and is in a run down or other delay tactic, if the run scores before the third out is made, count the run. The runner going to first has nothing to do with the play, unless he is very slow and while the run did cross the plate, the third out is made at first, the run will not count. - J.R.

Question:

A baserunner can run over a catcher. Can a runner do the same to an infielder? What if the defender is in the base path? With the ball and without?   (Matt from Olympia, WA)

Answer:

Under OBR 7.08 a runner is out if he interferes with a fielder in the act of fielding the ball. The runner must yield the base path to the fielder in this case. If he collides with the fielder while in the act, the ball is dead, interference is called and the runner is out, place the batter runner on first. In the case above, the act of fielding the ball the fielder does not need posession of the ball. Just the mere fact that he is awaiting the ball, whether batted or thrown is enough to cause this rule to be in effect.

Logically, the catcher has the ball and is awaiting to tag the runner when he gets ploughed into. In pro ball this is usually allowed however in most games played by youth there is a slide/veer rule or no malicious contact rule. Anyway, under 7.08 if the contact is deemed willful and is an attempt to break up a double play, two outs can be called. This goes not only for the catcher but the fielders as well. - J.R.

Question:

Fielder has ball in hand - Fielder is seated on the ground near second base. Fielder tags second base with ball - is the runner who is forced from first safe or out?   (Kevin from Oreland, PA)

Answer:

Runner is out. - J.R.

Question:

Is there any rule in MLB concerning players leaving the bench to celebrate a play that just occurred on the field? I'm referring to a play in the middle of an inning, not a game-ending run scoring.   (Rick from San Jose, CA)

Answer:

Good question, I had to dig a bit but let's look at it a couple of ways. It is possible that this can be considered delaying the game. In most cases, it is not. I had to look into the NAPBL Umpire manual. Section 1 states that all players after their turn at bat must go directly to the bench area. No other players may be on-field unless they have a duty to perform. In this case, it is possible for the Umpires to judge this is causing a delay and rule accordingly.

I would think that this type of on field behaviour is resereved for special occasions such as a record tying/breaking hit. In this case no one is going to do anything that would take away from the moment. - J.R.

Question:

During a girls softball game, we use IA high school rules, I had a situation come up twice now where: bases were loaded,and there were 2 outs. Batter hits ball to third baseman, and instead of just stepping on third base for the force out she runs towards second base and tags out the runner coming from second base. In the meantime, the baserunner from third has already crossed home plate and scored before the tag was made......does the run then count because the third out was a tagged out? And under what ruling do you even find any information on tagged outs on third out and the runner beating the tag to home and scoring of the run counts? Thanks.   (Cindi from Ottumwa, IA)

Answer:

Under ASA and HS Federation rules: With bases loaded all runners are forced. No runs may score on a third out. Even though this is a tag play, this is not a time play.

See ASA Rule 5, section 8(a). - J.R.

Question:

We play Midget Baseball - ages 10-13. We play American League Baseball rules except that the pitchers may only pitch 3 innings. An inning is defined as three outs. Here is my question. In the top of the third inning with 2 outs, our batter struck out but ran to first when the catcher dropped the ball. The catcher threw to first and overthrew the base so our batter reached first safely. One of our parents came up to me and said since this pitcher has pitched 9 outs - you could require the pitcher to come out of the game. I told her I thought that as long as the runner reaches first safely there is no out recorded. I told her that I thought that in the pitcher's game stats he will get credit for a "strikeout" but that there was no actual out. I also told her I would never try to oust a pitcher on such a technicality anyway. But I am now curious as to what you think.   (Anne from Silver Spring, MD)

Answer:

No out recorded and the side is not retired, therefore keep the player in the game. You may wish to refine the rule to state that the side must be retired, i.e. change sides in order to avoid any potential situations. - J.R.

Question:

American Legion A Baseball. The batter "jumps" backwards on a curve ball and hits the catchers glove with a wild swing. Catcher's interference called by the umpire. He was undoubtedly fooled and somewhat frightened by the ball. Whether the batter was out of the box or not was arguable, but the plate umpire said he was in the batter's box. Can the batter take one or more steps back while the ball is being pitched?

In example, a catcher sets up one arms length or so from the batter after he assumes his batting position. If batter in front of box, it seems he could draw "catcher's interference" every time by just steping backwards and swinging. Thanx for your assistance.   (John from Spring Hill, KS)

Answer:

In theory, based on how your question is phrased, yes the batter can. However, in practicallity it is not probable. Reason is the batter can get no leverage or power on the ball as he steps backwards toward the catcher. Most coaches would correct this as soon as they see it. - J.R.

Question:

I recently was watching the Cubs game when the batter hit the ball off the scoreboard and it bouced into the grandstand. The umpire ruled this a home run. I understand that this is the correct call but I have been attempting to locate the rule associated with the call. Could you please find the rule and email it to me. I appreciate it very much for a response. Thanks.   (Dennis from Tinley Park, IL)

Answer:

See OBR 6.09(d). Any fair hit ball that passes over a fence or stands more than 250 ft. or more from home plate entittles the batter a home run. Provided he touches all the bases legally.

In most ball parks the scoreboard is outside the confines of the field, so any ball hitting the board has left the park. - J.R.

Question:

Rule 6.09(b) reads: THE BATTER BECOMES A RUNNER WHEN- The third strike called by the umpire is not caught, providing (1) first base is unoccupied or (2) first base is occupied with two out.

My question is twofold. First, the scenario. One out, runner on first only. With two strikes against the batter, the runner at first attempts to steal second. The pitch is dropped by the catcher.

First question: Has the batter now become a runner because of the dropped third strike and because the runner at first has left, thus, in essence, abandoning his occupation of first in the attempt to steal second?

Second question (or group of questions): What is the official rule of an occupied base? Is the base still considered occupied if the runner attempts to abandon or leave that base for the purpose of stealing the next base? When does the base currently occupied become unoccupied? Is there an occupied base rule or only reference to occupied bases in other rules?   (Curtis from Kansas City, KS)

Answer:

For the purpose of the rule on the dropped third strike, the base is considered occupied even if the runner is attempting to steal the next base. Philosophy is that the runner can still retreat back to first should something happen. So in your first question the batter is out.

2nd question: The way the base becomes unoccupied is as follows- 1.) Runner is picked off, or somwhow is put out, base now open. 2.) Runner advances to the next base and legally touches and occupies it. - J.R.

Question:

I am a baseball coach and umpire. In our area, pitchers have started using a pick-off move to first where they lift their knee straight up and then pivot to first base and almost always pick-off a runner. I believe that this is a balk. What is your ruling and what rule covers this situation?   (Kevin from Billings, MT)

Answer:

Judging that you have not stated that the pitcher is left or right handed, I am assuming he is a southpaw and is facing first while in the strech.

Once his motion starts, he must step directly toward the base, in theory, prior to the throw. Most do this simultaneously and is considered legal. This is not a balk.

The pitcher may lift the leg, but not pause with it in the air. This is considered deceiving the runner since the runner does not know what the pitcher is doing. This is a balk.

The pitchers non-pivot foot, once he comes set, and this fooot crosses the plane of the rubber, he must go to the plate. Anything else is a balk. - J.R.

Question:

I am an umpire and also a coach of a 13-15 year old baseball team. My team was ahead 3-1 in the late innings of a recent game. The opposing team had runners on first and third with 2 out. My main objective was to keep the tying run off second base. My pitcher stepped on the rubber in the wind up position so I immediatly called time out to go out to the mound. I don't know if the ump was paying attention to his position but I didn't want to take the chance of a balk being called if he went into the set position so I replaced the pitcher. When play was resumed and my new pitcher pitched from the strech the opposing manager argued that he should have been pitching from the wind up position since the last pitcher was going to before being taken out. I said he's a new pitcher and the other player is out of the game and his actions shouldn't effect the play. The umpire agreed. Were we correct?   (Paul from New Britain, CT)

Answer:

There is no violation of any rule. The pitcher has a choice of which position he may pitch from and can change at any time even if the pitcher has taken the rubber. Once the pitcher takes the rubber for the windup he may step off legally and change to the set. There is no rule that states an incoming pitcher must use any one position over the other. - J.R.

Question:

This has puzzled me for years....If the catcher can block the plate from an advancing runner, why can't other infielders block the bases. Is blocking the plate a legal rule or just allowed like the "phantom" tag of second on a double play? I think Jim Thome or Frank Thomas could be very effective standing in front of first base.   (Alan from Strongsville, OH)

Answer:

According to the rules, blocking any base without the ball constitutes obstruction/interference. The key issue at the plate is if the catcher or, for that matter any baseman is in the act of fielding the thrown ball. If they are awaiting the throw and it is in flight to make a play is imminent the fielder can block the base in order to get the ball. It has been customary for the catcher to move up the line to make a play or to await the ball. Usually if no play or it is late, the catcher simply steps up and yields the baseline to the runner. - J.R.

Question:

Can an intentional walk be issued to a batter, while first base is already occupied? I say yes. My friend says no. He claims that the batter can be walked, BUT, it cannot be done INTENTIONALLY.   (Bob from Brooklyn, NY)

Answer:

Any walk that the catcher calls for the pitch outside the strike zone is called intentional. Does not matter if first is occupied or not. It is still recorded as a walk by the scorer. - J.R.

Question:

Can you walk to first base on a walk or must you jog until you see the base line "jut" out about two thirds the way down to first base? A case of beer rides on this!   (Brian from Burlington, NJ)

Answer:

No rule says that you must run, jog or walk. You could crawl if you wanted to. The jog/run was populized by Pete Rose. As a matter of fact, that is how he got his nickname of Charlie Hustle. - J.R.

Question:

What is the result of a outfielder catching the ball or touching a ball with his hat? I said he is awarded a triple, is this correct?   (Doug from Humble, TX)

Answer:

This is a dead ball. The base award is 3 bases. - J.R.

Question:

Runner on first base only, pitcher in the set position. The runner breaks for second before the pitcher starts his motion, and without stepping off the rubber, he throws to second, where the runner is out. I always thought this was "throwing to an unoccupied base", which would be a balk. What's the ruling here, please? Thanks!   (Chuck from Hillsboro, NJ)

Answer:

While on the surface, it appears that the pitcher is throwing to an unoccupied base, he is not. In the case of a runner going, the pitcher is actually making a play on the runner and since that is the runner's intended base, that is where the play is. - J.R.

Question:

When an ump makes a horrendous call, what can be done to punish them?   (Phil from Niskayuna, NY)

Answer:

What if a player makes a horrendous play? Most times nothing can be done because umpires, like players are human and do make mistakes. Matter of fact, I think the umpires feel they know they blew a call and feel worse about it than the players. The answer is nothing can be done about a blown call. Just play on. - J.R.

Question:

With two outs and bases are loaded. The batter swings at the third strike but the catcher missed the ball. The batter/runner heads to first but no other runner moves. The catcher steps on home then flips the ball to the mound and heads to the dugout. Seeing this the runner on third heads home and crosses the plate. The umpire calls him safe and states that the runners do not have to advance on a dropped third strike and the play has to be made on the batter/runner. Is this the right call?   (Chris from Lorain, OH)

Answer:

Force play! Runner retired at home. Inning over. - J.R.

Question:

Help us settle a bet! One out, runners on first and third. Fly ball hit to right is caught. Runner on third tags and advances safely home. Runner on first fails to tag and advances to second. Right fielder throws ball to first for the force out. Does the run count? I say No. Help.   (Dan from Cincinnati, OH)

Answer:

This is a time play, not a force. Count the run. - J.R.

Question:

ASA coed softball. Runners on first and second, no outs. The ball is batted fair toward first base. The girl (base runner) jumps off first base toward second and is hit by the ball and the ball rolls toward right field. The runner on second goes to third. The umpire calls the the runner leaving first out but sends the runner on third back to second and awards the batter first base saying the ball is dead after hitting the runner. Is this the correct call or is the ball still live after it hits the runner? I say it is still a live ball.   (Bill from Lenox, IA)

Answer:

Once the ball is hit the runners are free to move on the bases. The runner at first base is hit by the ball moving to second and is off of first base, the runner is out, the ball is dead and the batter is placed on first base. All other runners return to the last base occupied unless they are forced by the batter being placed on first base. - J.R.

Question:

What is the regulation distance for a the rubber for a slowpitch pitcher to home plate?   (Mark from Victoria, BC)

Answer:

50 feet in men women, coed, major and super. - J.R.

Question:

Am I correct in my belief that any pitcher entering a game must pitch to a batter until the batter is out or reaches base (unless the offense is otherwise retired), barring injury to the pitcher? Please apply major league rules. Thank you.   (John from Dayton, NJ)

Answer:

See OBR 3.05 A-C. This governs the starting pitcher and relief pitcher in relation to facing the batter.

In your question, the relief pitcher comes in to a batter with a 1 and 1 count. He must face that batter until that batter reaches base, is put out or the pitcher hurt. That means the pitcher cannot be replaced, except if hurt. Once the batter has finished his turn at bat, as above, the manager can then replace the pitcher. - J.R.

Question:

Hi, Our team is batting, runner on 1st and 3rd, our batter squares to bunt and the pitch grazes his leg. The ump called a strike and no base was awarded...we play "mosquito" division, 10 and 11 year olds. What's the correct call? Thanks for your help.   (Mitch from Vancouver, BC)

Answer:

If any part of the batter's body is in the strike zone and the pitch hits the batter, this is a strike and a dead ball. - J.R.

Question:

Runner(s) on base.......they steal a base on a foul tip strike three (caught by catcher)........do the runners have to return, or are they allowed the stolen base?   (Brian from Andover, MA)

Answer:

When the ball is a foul tip, that is, goes directly into the catcher's mit, the ball is in play and live. Runners can advance at own risk. - J.R.

Question:

Just want your reaction to this situation. Bases loaded, bottom of the 7th (7-inning 17-18 yr. old summer league game under Babe Ruth Baseball rules) with the home team trailing 2-0. After the 2nd out is made, on a strikeout, the 1st base coach calls "Time" and has a conference with his 3 baserunners. Afterwards, the umpire puts the ball back into play. In the middle (right before release) of the wind-up, the defensive coach comes out of the dugout screaming "TIME TIME TIME" and causes his pitcher to stop before delivering. The umpire calls a balk, awards each runner a base, then grants time. The coach argues that the offensive team swaps the runners on 1st and 2nd (to give him a better chance at scoring the tying run). The umpire checks his card and the runners, and it's true. What's the call? My argument is that it could be called a rare travesty of the game and a forfeit is given to the visitors 7-0.   (G.C. from Jackson, TN)

Answer:

Not in my opinion, you do not have a travesty of the game. What you do have is an inattentive ump, per se. The ump should not have called a balk on this play since the the defense caused the pitcher to stop his motion by yelling time. The coach should get warned and when it is brought to the umps attention about the players switching bases, and it is so, put the proper players where they belong and I would eject the manager. (My opinion, since he was trying to gain an unfair advantage and broke the rules knowingly.) - J.R.

Question:

On a pick off play at first can the first baseman put his foot in front of the bag blocking the bag while the ball is still in the air? If this is obstruction and the runner is tagged out what should my call be?   (Brian from Agawam, MA)

Answer:

The 1st baseman must give some part of the bag to the runner, blocking the bag without the ball is obstruction. In this case, if you judge obstruction, give the runner the next base. The mechanic is, point and say "That's obstruction." If the runner is safe, do nothing, no award is made. If the runner is out, ball is dead, make the proper award. - J.R.

Question:

The Pitcher throws a pitch inside (not a strike) the ball goes by the catcher not touching the catcher and strikes the umpire's mask and bounces back stiking the batter. Is the batter awarded first base?   (Don from Brentwood, CA)

Answer:

We have a ball on the batter. Batter gets first only if it is ball 4. No hit batsman on this play. - J.R.

Question:

Why do umpires ignore certain rule infractions unless a team appeals? For example, if a runner misses second base while running out a triple. If the umpire sees that the runner misses second base, why is it (once the play concludes which would allow the runner to return) that the umpire says nothing unless the defensive team appeals?   (Scott from Ambler, PA)

Answer:

In high school base ball that is what the umpire does. And we don't like to do it. Why, well why should we help the defense? Let the players play the game and take notice. Our job is to enforce the rules of the game, not to play the game. - J.R.

Question:

I have always been under the impression that the foul pole is in fair territory, no matter the park. If it hits the pole it is a fair ball. One of my co-workers tells me that certain ballparks in the major leagues, if the pole is hit the ball is foul. What is the official ruling?   (Justin from Grand Rapids, MI)

Answer:

Foul pole is a misnomer, should really be called a fair pole. Ball hits it, FAIR BALL! - J.R.

Question:

No outs, nobody on base. Pitcher makes a wild pitch that is heading toward the batters body. as the batter backs out to avoid being hit...(note: he was NOT attempting to swing)...the ball hits his hand on the bat...and at the same time I hear an audible "clink" as the ball also hit the bat. I ruled foul ball...but the coach appealed a hit batsman...I kept the player at bat...was I wrong? It was virtually impossible to call which came first (i.e. the ball hitting his hand or the bat first).   (Ralph from Plaistow, NH)

Answer:

This is your judgement. If you saw him get hit on the hands first and then the bat, then award the base. If you thought foul ball, ring the strike and keep him at bat. This is one of those "Funky" situations. - J.R.

Question:

Two outs runner at second and third. High popup on third base side in fair territory. Third baseman advancing in from grass to make catch. As third baseman about to make catch, runner advancing from second to third passes in front of third baseman and yells loadly in his face, "DON'T MISS IT". Third baseman drops ball from mitt just as this verbal remark is made. Is this verbal interference and the third out of the inning is awarded? Does the runner from third score? Thanks for getting back to me.   (Dan from Fremont, CA)

Answer:

In high school federation ball and most baseball and softball this can be considered verbal interference. If the umpire judges this to be interference, in the play you describe, award the out, no runs score. - J.R.

Question:

If the first baseman touches the base with his glovehand while holding the ball in his bare hand is the batter out?   (Neil from Omaha, NE)

Answer:

Yes the runner is out. Similar to catching the ball and touching base with foot. The rules are different for a tag play, in that the ball must be in the hand that touches the runner. - J.R.

Question:

I was advised by my Softball Coach that my "hit" to the outfield was actually a fielder's choice. I don't think so. There was a runner on first. I hit a lob fly ball into right center and the runner on first was thrown out at second. Clearly there was no play at first. What's the call?   (Eddie from Lincoln Park, NJ)

Answer:

Force out at second. You do not get credit for a hit. - J.R.

Question:

The batter hits a fair batted ball and while running to first base, he/she steps on home plate. Is the batter called out?   (Scott from Memphis, IN)

Answer:

Once the ball has been struck fairly, the batter/runner can step on home. The way the rule reads is that he cannot strike the ball while stepping on the plate. - J.R.

Question:

This question comes from a Little League game. A runner is on second base. The batter hits a line drive to left field which lands in front of the leftfielder and comes to him on the ground. The ball subsequently hits the fielder, goes into foul territory and then out of play (dead ball). Before the ball goes out of play, the runner from second is on his way home. Does the runner have to come back to third base or does he get to go home? Also would it make any difference if it is obvious the runner would have made it home if the ball would have stayed in play?   (Kevin from Canal Winchester, OH)

Answer:

This is a ground rule double so to speak. A two base award for the batter and runner. If on second, award home. If on first, award third. If the ball remained in play all runners are at risk of being put out and can advance as far as they would like. - J.R.

Question:

Runner on second and batter hits a line drive. Ball is deflected off pitchers glove and caught on the fly before touching the ground by second baseman. Runner on second tried to advance after ball was deflected by pitcher. Umpire ruled batter was out and runner on second was out for failing to touch up after the catch. Is this the correct ruling?   (Guy from Lexington, KY)

Answer:

The runner must tag up, i.e. return to the base and await the catch from a fly ball or line drive. However he can advance to the next base after the first "Touch" of the ball. If he was on the base when the pitcher touched it he can advance to the next one even if the second baseman caught it. The runner does not have to wait for the catch. If the runner failed to tag up, return to the base, he is out for not tagging up upon proper appeal or a throw to the base last occupied by the runner. - J.R.

Question:

Is a batter out if one foot steps out of the out of the batter's box as he is swinging?   (Cliff from St. Petersburg, FL)

Answer:

Only if his foot is ON THE GROUND completely outside of the lines of the batter's box. - J.R.

Question:

Batter squares around to bunt, ball comes in at shoulder high and batter does not move bat forward nor does he pull it back. As usual the coach wants a strike called and I say no. I don't know where it started that if you didn't pull back the bat even if the ball was not in the strike zone it is called a strike. Your opinion please.   (CM from Fay, NC)

Answer:

Just holding the bat there is not an offer at the ball, the bat must move toward the ball for the strike to be called. - J.R.

Question:

Little League (Junior 13, 14) Pitcher has ball slip out of his hand during the delivery. Ball rolls to front of mound. There is a player on 2nd base. Is this a balk or just a ball?   (Peter from Thunder Bay, ON)

Answer:

If the pitcher has the rubber and drops the ball, this is a balk, send the runner to the next base. - J.R.

Question:

I was recently umpiring a 10 year old little league game when this play happened. The pitch comes to the batter, bounces 1 time then hits him. The batter did make an attempt to get out of the way, but he wasn't fast enough. I award first base to the hit batsman. The opposing coach argues that since the ball hit the ground first it's a dead ball and it's only a ball. Of course, I believe he is wrong because I never heard of such a rule. Am I correct or did I miss a section of the rules book? Thank You Very Much.   (Marc from Valley Stream, NY)

Answer:

You did indeed make the correct call! - J.R.

Question:

In a recent Colt League game, my catcher was forced to use a mitt that wasn't broken in. As a result, a pitch hit in the mitt and popped out, rolling in front of the plate. The batter swung and missed and his momentum carried him across home plate. The runner broke from first and as my catcher attempted to retrieve the ball, the batter ran into him, keeping him from getting the ball in time to make a throw to second.

The umpire said that because my catcher missed the ball, initiating everything that happened, there could be no interference call on the batter. He also stated that the rule says there can only be an interference call on the batter on a throw, when the rule clearly reads "a throw or attempted play by the catcher".

I felt that this was a misinterpretation of the rule, but didn't protest because the game didn't mean anything. In your opinion, and for future reference, should a protest on this play have been upheld?   (Jackie from Virginia Beach, VA)

Answer:

My opinion on this play is that there is no interference on the part of the batter. The reason is that the batter's momentum carried him across the plate and this is not a "Willful" attempt to interfere with the throw of the catcher. This type of play would come under the heading of "That's baseball." As a result, you have a strike on the batter and a runner at second. - J.R.

Question:

Ok me and my brother have an argument going. In any type of baseball where do they measure the outfield walls from? Is it the pitchers mound or is it home plate? Thanks for your time.   (Brent from East Grand Forks, MN)

Answer:

The distances numbers are not visible to the pitcher when he is facing a batter, so the numbers do not benefit the pitcher. The distances are for the fans and the hitters, therefore they are measured from home plate. - J.R.

Question:

Infield Fly rule is in effect. I realize the runners can run at their own risk, but two experienced umpires gave me different rulings on this play. Runner takes off while ball is in the air after infield fly has been declared. Ball is not caught. One ump says that he can be called out on appeal because the out is not technically made until the ball is either caught or dropped, and therefore he must tag up even if dropped. The other says since he can run at his own risk, he does not have to tag up. The second theory sounds right to me. Which is right?   (Bob from Manchester, NH)

Answer:

The way I have called it for both base and softball is the out is made when you declare the out. This, as you know, with reasonable effort upon your judgement. The runners must fulfull all of the legal requirements in order to advance to the next base. That means tagging up if the ball is caught. If the ball is not caught, they can advance with liability to be put out without tagging up. - J.R.

Question:

I read your call on a ball that hits the batters hands while in the box. My question is, a batter swings at a pitch and hits it off his fingers, hands. Is that ball not in play? My understanding of the rule was that the hands were not part of the bat unless he offered at a pitch. Thanks.   (Ed from Drexel Hill, PA)

Answer:

In both soft and baseball, the hands are never part of the bat. If the batter offers at the pitch, i.e. swing or but attempt and hits the hands the ball is dead and a strike is awarded to the pitcher. If the batter does not offer at the pitch and it hits the hands and the hands are not in the strike zone, this is a hit batter. Award the batter first base. - J.R.

Question:

Major league rules, runners on first and second, a balk is called with no play. The runners advance, the runner at first goes to second and walks past the base, the pitcher throws to second, the runner is tagged, the umpire calls the runner out. Is this ball still in play? Thanks.   (Perry from Lebanon, MO)

Answer:

When a balk penalty of base awards is made, the ball is declared dead. Therefore, no outs can be recorded on this play. - T.W.

Question:

Is it legal for the batter to square in the box and wave the bat up and down prior to and during the pitch. I understand that they are trying to distract the pitcher. I believe it's obstuction of the catcher. We play ASA and federation fastpitch.   (Mark from Delphi, IN)

Answer:

I would not say it is obstructing the catcher per se. Most players will remove the bat from the strike zone as the pitch is coming in. However, it is disconcerting the pitcher. If I feel that is what the batter is trying to do, I will ring the strike. - J.R.

Question:

1. Runners on first and third, one out. Fly ball to left field caught by fielder. Runner on third tagged up and scored. Runner on first did not tag up, fielder threw to first to get runner out. The runner from third scored before out made at first. Does the run count? Thanks!

2. Two out, runners on first and third. Runner from first attempts to steal second, caught in run down. Runner from third scores before runner from first tagged out in run-down. Does run count? Thanks!   (Pete from Toronto, ON)

Answer:

1. This is a time play so the run counts provided the runner crosses the plate before the out is made.

2. This is also a time play and the run counts provided it crosses the plate before the out is made. - J.R.

Question:

Can a fielder that has the ball tackle a runner in order to prevent him from getting back to a base and tag him out? For example a runner is caught in a run down between 3rd and home, the runner is sliding back to the base when the catcher dives and with his free arm grabs the runner around the neck preventing him from reaching the base and then tags the runner. Is this obstruction? Is it legal?   (Kevin from Overland Park, KS)

Answer:

Absolutely it is obstruction, and an ejectable offence in my humble opnion. - J.R.

Question:

We play high school rules at 5th-6th grade level. We had bases loaded with no outs when a kid came up and hit an in the park grand slam. It was called back and all the 4 runs were erased since the first kid who crossed home plate was told he did not touch the plate by the umpire. He was out and the rest of the runners were put back, with the kid who hit the ball on first base. I thought an umpire cannot make that call unless it was appealed by the other team, which it wasn't until the umpire told him he did not touch home plate and asked if he wanted to appeal. If it was just the umpire's call, did he make the right call, or should the kid who didn't touch home plate be out, but the rest of the runs count? We lost in the playoffs by one run in the last inning because this was called back. Even if he made the right call he should just let the kids play. Anyway, this has been bothering me and I was wondering if you can answer the question. I would appreciate it! Thanks!   (Abe from Monroe, OR)

Answer:

By Federation rules, the missed base is the umpire's call, no appeal is necessary. This may be changed for next year. The proper ruling would be when all playing action has ceased, the umpire would call the runner who missed the base out. So in your play, the first runner would be called out with all runs scoring providing that it was not the third out.

This is a protestable game at that point since the umpire did not enforce the rule correctly. - J.R.

Question:

Runner on 1st less than 2 outs, stealing second base on strike 3 dropped ball. Hitter runs to 1st base and catchers throw got passed 1st baseman. Umpire called both runners safe at 2nd and 3rd. Is batter out because 1st base was occupied?   (Ron from Whitman, MA)

Answer:

For the purpouse of the dropped third strike rule, even if the runner is stealing, first base is considered occupied. Proper ruling, batter is out. Anything that transpired, i.e. the over throw or any play that the catcher made counts. Players should know the rules as well. So in the end of this play, we have the batter/runner out and a runner on third. - J.R.

Question:

It was my understanding that if a batter (after hitting the ball) carried his bat with him to first base he would be called out. I was always told this but I can't find it in the rule book. Thanks.   (Ray from Turners Falls, MA)

Answer:

One of those baseball falicies. There is no rule in OBR, Federation or NCAA. However, local leagues may amend such rules for their leagues. - J.R.

Question:

As an umpire I had this situation: Runners on 1st and 2nd, no outs. The ball is hit to the pitcher who throws to the SS at second for the 6-3 double play. However, the runner at 2nd never left the base. I say the throw to second took off the force so even if tagged he is still safe. If the SS tagged the runner before he touched the base the runner at 2 is out and than he could step on the bag for the force, throw to 1 for a possible triple play. What do you say?   (Ken from Vancouver, WA)

Answer:

Base and softball would be the same in this play. All runners are forced and must move and vacate their base. Based on this you could have a triple play. Matter of fact, it happend that way about two years ago in the major league. - J.R.

Question:

I would like the rule for when a player either a batter or runner leaves the game if he is able to return. Thank you.   (Roger from Palm Harbor, FL)

Answer:

In pro rules for baseball, this is not allowed. Once you leave the game you are out. In Federation High School, ASA Softball, NSA Softball, and many local rules provide for re-entry. The object of the rule is to have more kids get in the game and give the coaches some leeway and strategy planning. - J.R.

Question:

My child is a catcher in ASA and NSA girls fastpitch softball. Her problem and question is when a base runner is trying to steal third from second and the batter in the box does not move from her throwing lane or path is there a rule on this or an action that you would suggest?   (Bob from Nashville, TN)

Answer:

The responsibility for this play is on the catcher, she must move back or forward to make the throw. The batter has every right to stand in the box and not move. However, if the batter deliberately moves and blocks a throw or an attempted throw, then interference can be called. - J.R.

Question:

During an all-star 11 year old baseball game, my team was up to bat in the last inning with the score tied and the bases loaded. The pitcher hit the batter and he went to his knees. The umpire called time-out and I went out to assist the batter who had just been hit with the ball. I helped him to his feet and was rubbing his back where he got hit as he walked very slowly toward first base. Another coach yelled at me to get my hands off him as the umpire might call him out for me assisting him to first. He was walking to first under his own power and I was just rubbing his back where he got hit. Can the umpire call him out for me touching him as he is headed toward first base after being hit?   (Rick from Castle Rock, WA)

Answer:

As I read the rule, both base and softball, by letter of the law the other coach is correct, you could conceivably be called out for assiting a runner. I was able to find no distiction in assiting during live or dead ball. However, by implementation of the rule, I believe it was meant for live ball. Say the runner slips after rounding 3rd base and the coach helps him to his feet, this is assiting a runner and should be called. One also has to think of things in "Age" appropriate level as well. If it were me, I would not call that. - J.R.

Question:

The first baseman fields a ground ball with his bare hand, lunges for first base, and touches the base with his glove (ball is still in his bare hand), before the batter-runner reaches the base. According to Jim Booth's web page, the glove is part of the body for this purpose, so it should be an out. However, not all of our local umpires agree. Who do you think is right? This has happened three times this season in my son's league, of course causing parental disgruntlement as well as confusing the kids. Thanks.   (David from Lakewood, CO)

Answer:

I can understnd the frustration. This is indeed an out. The responsibilities for an out at the base and a tag out are different. If any of your umpires get Refeeree Magazine there is an article on this type of play. The umps in your area must get their rules interpretations down so no confusion happens.

For an out at the base, the defensive player can have the ball in his possession and any part of his body tagging the base, i.e. ball in bare hand, foot on base, ball in bare hand glove on base.

If a runner is tagged out, the ball must be in the glove or the ball must touch while securely held, the runner. - J.R.

Question:

How many feet is it from the pitcher's mound to home plate in fastpitch softball?   (Al from Eastsound, WA)

Answer:

In ASA softball, refer to Rule 2 section 1. There is a chart and it is broken down by age and sex. Womens fast pitch is usually 40 feet, but the Womens Major is 43 feet. Men it is 46. - J.R.

Question:

When tagging from third base with less than two outs with the intention of scoring and the player catching the ball bobbles it, can the runner leave third as soon as the fielder makes contact with the ball or must the fielder have full control of the ball before the runner can leave?   (Brian from Montreal, QB)

Answer:

The runner can leave at first touch of the ball. This was not always so. Prior to 1973 one had to wait until the fielder had control of the ball, in other words, a catch. During the 1973 world series the left fielder for the Reds bobbled the ball all the way back to the infield to prevent the runner from third scoring. Needless to say major league ball changed the rule for the 1974 season. - J.R.

Question:

I was playing in a mens league baseball game when the following situation occurred. We're visitors, trailing 1 to 3, 4th inning, bases are loaded, 2 outs, the batter hits a grounder to second. The second baseman fields the ball (without interference) and instead of making the force for the third out opts to successfully tag the runner advancing towards second. However, the runner on second reaches third, the runner on third touches home, and the batter/runner touches first safely before the tag on the runner advancing towards second is made. The umpire calls the tagged runner out (3rd out of the inning) and scores the run, then reverses his call and states that the run does not count because there was a force a second. This is currently under appeal and we expect to replay this game beginning at the bottom of the 4th inning with the score 2 to 3.

Question #1: Does the run score? And Why?

Question #2: While researching this in the OBR it states a runner advancing without liability? For future reference, what does with/without liability mean?   (Shawn from Charlotte, NC)

Answer:

Let's break this down a bit and see where we go. The runner from 1st is advancing to second, so he is forced. The force is on wether the base is touched or the runner is tagged. OBR rule 2 gives the definition of a force and rule 7 and rule 4 also have bits with regards to force plays. The long and short of it, no run can score on a force play, even if the run crosses the plate or the batter/runner reaches first. The only way for a run like this to score is on a time play. Eaxample: 1 out, runners on the conrners. Fly to right field which is caught, 2 outs, runner on third tags and scores after the catch, runner on first is thrown out before he gets back to the bag, 3 outs...count the run. This is a time play, not a force.

With or without liability simply put means that the batter or runners are in jeopardy of being put out. Example: Runner on 1st tries to steal, he is in jeopardy and liable to be put out. Or Batter walks, all other runners can advance one base without liability to be put out. - J.R.

Question:

Little League Baseball, Team "A" is up to bat with two outs. The batter hits a ground ball to the first baseman. The play at first is close and the first base umpire calls the batter out for the third out. Team "A" takes the field and starts to warm up, however, no official pitch is thrown, only warm-up pitches. Can the coach from team "A" appeal (appeal to home plate ump) the first base umpires' call at this time or is it too late.   (Scott from Charleston, WV)

Answer:

In most all cases, the umpire would not honor an appeal on an out. What he may do is go to his partner for help if he thinks he missed something.

Once the players have vacated their positions, i.e. the infield, no appeal can be granted. - J.R.

Question:

The batter swings at a pitch, but he misses and the pitch hits him on the body other than his hands. Is it a strike or is the batter awarded first base as a result of being hit by the pitch?   (Buck from Belleville, PA)

Answer:

This is a strike and the ball is dead. Nothing else can happen on the play. Proper mechanic is the ring the strike and verbilize, "Dead Ball!". - J.R.

Question:

If a player is hit by a batted ball while standing on the base is he out? I would like to know this rule for Baseball and Softball. Thank you.   (Michael from Montreal, QB)

Answer:

In softball (ASA rules) the base is sanctuary, you cannot be out if hit by the ball while standing on the base.

In major leauge baseball, the only time base is sanctuary is for the infield fly rule. At all other times, if the ball strikes the base runner, record the out. - J.R.

Question:

The batter has less than two strikes and attempts to bunt. The ball comes back to the catcher and he catches it. What constitutes when this is a foul ball and when it is a foul tip?   (Kevin from Ballwin, MO)

Answer:

All codes have different definition of a tip, essentially the ball must go from the bat directly to the catcher's glove and caught. If not caught, just a regular foul ball, no runners may advance and ball is dead. If a tip, then the runners on base may try to steal, the ball is alive. - J.R.

Question:

In Major League Baseball, if the ball hits the foul pole, is it a home run or a foul ball?   (Anthony from New Rochelle, NY)

Answer:

The pole should actually be called a "Fair" pole. Any ball that strikes the pole is fair. If the location of the strike is above the home run line, it's a dinger, if not, play it. - J.R.

Question:

Man on first and third, two outs. Batter hits groundball to 2nd baseman, flips to short, shortstop tags second and throws to complete, inning-ending double play. The throw hits the runner from 1st, who was already tagged out, and lands in right field. Ruling?   (William from Covina)

Answer:

The runner already out must avoid the play by moving out of the line of the thorw. Ring the back end of the double play as an out. - J.R.

Question:

L.L., bases loaded, ball is hit, runner on 1st starts for 2nd and is hit by batted ball before it passes a fielder, the ball is dead and you send runners back or do they get the base they were going to?   (John from Talent, OR)

Answer:

Ball is dead, runner from 1st to 2nd is out, place the batter on first base, return all other runners. - J.R.

Question:

In Babe Ruth League the batter swings at a pitch which comes inside and hits him on the wrist. Is this an automatic award to first base? A strike? Or is there a judgement call that needs to be addressed whether the batted tried to hold up the swing at the last second?   (Michael from Somersworth, NH)

Answer:

Ring the strike, he swung at the pitch...ball is dead and no runners on base can advance. - J.R.

Question:

If 2 runners are on the same base at the same time, what is the rule?   (Celia from Augusta, GA)

Answer:

The base belongs to the person entitled to it. Sample play, runners on 2nd and 3rd, ball is hit to left field on a fly that is caught. Runner on 2nd thinking that the ball is going to fall runs to third base. Meanwhile runner on third goes back to tag up and stays at third following her coach's instruction. We now have two people on the same bag. The runner from second is in jeapoardy, he/she can be put out by a tag on their person or by touching 2nd base. - J.R.

Question:

We're having a big dispute at the office. We just saw a clip of a game where a bird was flying low across the field. When the pitcher pitched the ball, it hit the bird before it reached home plate. What is the official ruling of the pitch?   (Audrey from Sterling Heights, MI)

Answer:

The major league umpires called this a "No Pitch." No one has control over anything like a bird or other animal getting involved in a play. In essence, it was a do over. - J.R.

Question:

Found you on the net and I hope you can help me out. This situation happened in a girls softball game last night.:

1. Runners on 1st & 2nd, one out
2. Ball is popped up just in front of 1st base
3. 1st baseman runs in to field ball, collides with runner who is going to 2nd base.

The bottom line of Section 7.09 covering runner interference is that "the runner is out and the ball is dead." However, there is still some question about what happens to the batter and to the runner on second, who are both 'in-between' when the ball is declared dead. (I still kinda think that the batter should have been out and the runner on second should have advanced to third if there was nobody out when the play began, but that's only based on reading between the lines....)

Thanks very much for your help!   (Mark from Marlboro, MA)

Answer:

The award is as follows: The ball is dead, someone is out and all runners return to the last base touched. So in your play, the runner on first is out for interference, place the batter/runner on first, all others return to the last base touched. - J.R.

Question:

What is a base runner able to do on a over throw in softball?   (Adam from Adelaide, Australia)

Answer:

Depends on local ground rules. If the ball goes into dead ball territory on the throw from the infield, award the batter/runner 2nd base. If the throw is coming from the outfield and the play is being made on another runner and the ball goes out of play, award 2 bases from the last base touched at the time of the throw, i.e. if he has reached 1st base and the throw goes out, give him/her third base.

If there is no dead ball area, it is all you can get. - J.R.

Question:

Man on 1st and 2nd and the batter has a full count. Pitcher delivers the pitch and it is in the ground in front of the batter. However, the batter swings and the catcher catches the ball. The coach instructed the runners on 1st and 2nd to advance as well as the batter because the ball was in the dirt on the 3rd strike. All runners reached safely, however the umpire called the batter out since the catcher caught the ball. Is this a correct call or should the runner have been awarded the base.   (Chuck from Colorado Springs, CO)

Answer:

You forgot to mention how many outs. The batter is entitled to try for first on any pitched ball that strikes the ground when first base is unoccupied with less than 2 outs or there are 2 outs and first is occupied. By striking the ground I mean the catcher drops it, or hits the ground even if it is caught. - J.R.

Question:

If a batter hits a ground ball to a infielder who throws to first base, first base man is strattling first base, one foot on the bag the other in foul territory. The runner hits the first base man and the ball is passed to the fence. The runner was called out for not running in foul territory. Is that the correct call?   (Doug from Cincinnati, OH)

Answer:

My humble opinion, this is just base or softball, I have nothing. As the runner is coming up the line he or she must at one point or another come into fair ground to touch first base if they were runinning in the lane. The throw may have been off line and the runner has no control over it. I must say this though, if the throw is from the catcher like on a bunt or any player and the throw is from behind the runner and this play happens and the runner is not in the lane, one could judge that interference is a distinct possibility. - J.R.

Question:

Bases loaded. Batter hits a grounder toward the short stop. The runner on second runs in front of the short stop and is hit by the ball. This prevents the short stop from fielding the ball and throwing the runner out at the plate. They ruled that the second base runner was out and that the run scored from third. I don't believe this is correct. Your call? Any reference?   (Bill from Wilmington, MA)

Answer:

In base as well as softball in most all cases of offensive interference, the ball is dead, someone is out and runners return to the last base occupied. In your case the runner from second is out on the dead ball, the batter gets first base, which would force the runner on first to second base, the runner on third would return. No run scores. See OBR 5.09f, 7.08f. - J.R.

Question:

Describe crow hopping to me please. I have a 16 and under girls fast pitch softball team, I am playing a team tomorrow who has a starting pitcher who they say crow hops. We use ASA and ASH rule book and local. I read that but I need a better understanding of it. Thanks.   (Charles from Madison, AL)

Answer:

The crow hop is when the pitcher's pivot or drag foot leaves the rubber and replants in front of the rubber prior to the release of the ball. The intent of the crow hop rule is so the pitcher does not gain an advantage by actually releasing the ball significantly closer to the plate, tthereby giving her an advantage.

Releasing the ball prior to the foot coming off or dragging away is not a hop and is legal. What is key here is looking for the replant and gaining a second impetus toward the plate. - J.R.

Question:

In a PONY league game today, a pitcher was pitching out of the stretch even though there was no one on base. After a pitch, the home plate umpire called "no pitch" then proceeded to tell the pitcher that he must come to a complete stop before proceeding to throw to home.

My contention is that the complete stop is only necessary if there are men on base. The ump said a stop is necessary whenever pitching out of the stretch. Which is correct?   (Ted from Darien, IL)

Answer:

The umpire is correct. With no one on base it is an illegal pitch, give the ball to the batter. With runners on it is a balk and you advance the runners. The umpire is doing that team a favor by telling the pitcher he is doing something wrong before runners get on base. - J.R.

The ump is correct. According to the definitions for the stretch postion, the pitcher must come to a complete and descernible stop. The definition does not state that this applies only when runners are on base. The umpire exercised good mechanics when he called "no pitch" and explained to the pitcher what he was doing wrong. - T.W.

Question:

Runner on first gets a big lead and steals second before the pitch is thrown. Batter fouls off pitch. Does the runner have to return to first?   (Gary from Chicago, IL)

Answer:

On a foul ball, the runners must return to the base that they occupied at the time of the pitch. So, if the runner is standing on second at the time of the pitch, which is subsequently fouled off, then the runner would stay at second base. - T.W.

Question:

Runner on 1st base one out and second baseman gets to a grounder up the middle and with the ball in his throwing hand reaches out and touches 2nd base with his glove. Is the runner out or safe? He had full control of the ball in his throwing hand.   (Robert from Houston, TX)

Answer:

Runner is out. The fielder touched the base with an extension of his body while holding the ball. This is no different than standing on the base, while holding the ball in either hand. - T.W.

Question:

My son is a switch-hitter. I don't know what the rules are regarding switch-hitters - if any. For instance, my son stepped up to the plate as a right handed batter. After one pitch he switched to the other side of the plate. Is this legal?   (David from Medfield, MA)

Answer:

It is legal for a batter to switch from one batter's box to another during the same at bat. However, he cannot change positions once the pitcher is in a position ready to pitch. - T.W.

Question:

Is the saying "Tie goes to the runner." a myth or was there ever really a rule?   (Sarah from Minneapolis, MN)

Answer:

Myth! Runner must beat the ball, in my opinion. Also the rule books have no proviso for a "Tie." - J.R.

Question:

Rule 6.05 of OBR says the batter is out if after hitting or bunting a fair ball his bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory. The ball is dead and no runners advance. My question is this...is there any differentiation between the bat hitting the ball versus the ball hitting the bat, i.e., with clearly no intent...in the blink of an eye, the bunted ball hits the plate and instantly bounces right back up to hit the bat. Is this situation still covered under the rule as an out? Thanks.   (Tom from Bremerton, WA)

Answer:

Continue reading the rule and you will see... "...If the batter-runner drops his bat and the ball rolls against the bat in fair territory and, in the umpire's judgment, there was no intention to interfere with the course of the ball, the ball is alive and in play..." - T.W.

In the situation you describe this is a foul ball. The intent of the rule is to prevent, as an example a bunted pop near the batter and for him to take another crack at the ball to prevent a fielder from fielding it. Another legal play would be as follows: the ball is bunted, the batter starts running to first and his bat is laying on the ground. Ball hits bat. What we have here is a live ball if it is in fair territory. The bat is part of the ground so to speak. If the player, in your mind, is throwing the bat at the ball, ring the out. - J.R.

Question:

I have a question about the dropped third strike rule. If the bases are loaded and there are 2 outs and the catcher drops the third strike, is it possible to just step on the plate instead of throwing down to first base to get the third out? Thanks a lot.   (Arlyn from Philadelphia, PA)

Answer:

Sounds logical to me. This is a force, so might as well take advantage of it. - J.R.

Question:

In my last game I was in the outfield runnning for a long catch. I caught the ball and took two steps after I caught it. I went to get the ball out of my glove when I was still moving to turn a double play but I dropped it when I grabbed it. They ruled it a hit. Was it an out?   (Phillip from Benton, PA)

Answer:

Judgement call on this one. A catch is defined having control and demonstrating voluntary release of the ball. By your description, you may have indeed caught the ball and by reaching in to get the ball, even though you dropped demonstrated voluntary release, should be an out. BUT, the umpire has to judge what is, in his opinion a catch and voluntary release. - J.R.

The umpire should have ruled your play a catch and out. If a player loses a ball when voluntarily removing it from his glove, this shall not be defined as not having made the catch. - T.W.

Question:

No outs, runners on first and second. Line drive down the first base line that the first baseman short hops and does not catch on the fly. He steps on first, retiring the batter. The runner at first, not knowing if the first baseman caught the ball on the fly, returns to first. The first baseman tags him while he is standing on the bag. The runner on second rounds third and tries to score. The first baseman throws to the catcher who tags the runner out. Is this a triple play or a double play? (It was called a triple play, ending a 3-2 game!) The basic question appears to be if the runner on first may retreat to first safely once the force at second has been taken off by forcing the batter at first.   (C.B. from Wilton, CT)

Answer:

Once the first baseman tagged first base, the force for the runner on first was removed. He can legally retreat, as long he did not pass second base. This should have been ruled a double play, not a triple play. - T.W.

Question:

It's ball four and it goes off the catchers mask and over the fence. Does the runner get second base because the ball goes out of play?   (Jake from Moorhead, MN)

Answer:

Nope, just give 1st base. - J.R.

The proper award of bases here, is one from the rubber. So the batter only gets first base. - T.W.

Question:

The bases are loaded, two outs, the batter hits the ball and clears the bases but the batter is tagged out between 3rd and home. Do the runs count?   (Ann from Greenville, SC)

Answer:

This is a time play. Score the runs. - J.R.

Question:

8 year old little league game. Bases are loaded with no outs. Batter hits a line drive that the first baseman catches on one hop. The first baseman then steps on first base thus forcing the batter out. The runners on first and second advance as if it is a ground ball. The runner on third base, thinking the ball was caught in the air returns to third base. The first baseman seeing the runner returning to third throws the ball to third base to try and get the runner out. In the mean time the runners from first and second return to their previously held bases. The tag on the runner at third was after he was already back on third base. The home plate umpire initially called the runner out but after our questioning of the call asked the field umpire for help. Immediately the field umpire ruled that the runner was safe because once the first baseman touched first base all force plays were off and the runners had to be tagged out. The opponents coach became very upset and argued the call but eventually went back to the dugout and play resumed. After the inning was over the coach went to the umpire and again argued the call and still thinks it was the wrong call. Was the right call made in this situation? Thanks!   (Brian from Wichita, KS)

Answer:

Once the batter-runner is retired at first, the force is off and all runners must be tagged. In addition, one must take care that if two players are on the same base, one is entitled to be there. If you tag the wrong runner, he is safe since he is entitled to that base. - J.R.

Question:

Is there any rule that prohibits the coaches and or managers from wearing jewelry?   (Charlie from Antioch, CA)

Answer:

In OBR, there are no rules concerning the wearing of jewelry. However, in Federation rules, players are prohibited from wearing jewelery, but the regulation is not extended to coaches or managers. - T.W.

Games played under High School Federation softball and basball rules and ASA softball rules prohibit the players from wearing jewlery. Other local association rules and other governing bodies may do so also, so check. - J.R.

Question:

1. When a batter swings at the ball and misses it, but the ball hits the batter, does he get first base?

2. Does the umpire have to call infield fly, for it to be an infield fly? So many of the umpires in our little league and pony leagues don't call it. Everyone says the umpire has to call it, for it to be an infield fly. Thanks for your help.   (Tom from Davenport, IA)

Answer:

1. The ball becomes dead immediately when a batter is hit by a pitched ball. The umpire must decide if the batter attempted to avoid being hit by the pitch. If he/she did not, then the umpire must rule a ball or strike. In your situation, a strike shall be ruled on the batter, and the batter will not be awarded first base. - T.W.

2. In actuallity, the umpire does NOT have to verbalize "Infield fly" for the rule to be in effect. The only rulebook that is different is for NCAA softball, which states the ump must verbalize for it to be in effect. - J.R.

Question:

I was behind the plate when a situation occurred that I have yet to figure out if I called correctly. On a 2-1 pitch the batter swinged and missed but hit the catcher's glove as he was doing so (not on the follow through). The problem was that his foot was clearly and completely outside the batter's box. The ball was not hit so I knew that the batter was not out. But I also knew that he shouldn't get first base on catcher's interference because he would have never hit the catcher's mitt if he would have been in the box. To the disgust of everyone I ruled that all that had happened was strike two. Was I correct?   (E.C. from Victoria, BC)

Answer:

Let's break this down a bit here. Ok, remember for the batter to be called out for hitting the ball while out of the batter's box, the foot has to be, 1. entirely out of the box and 2. on the ground. In the air, such as a stride does not count. And if you are watching the pitch all the way, this is difficult for you to see, especially if you are concentrating. Now let's talk about survival. Everyone watching the game more than likely saw the bat strike the glove as he swung. I don't think people were watching the feet. Case book play on this: Pete Rose slid into second with a steal, obviously safe. The ump made the mistake of verbalizing safe and signaling out. He said to Rose, "I know your safe, the second baseman knows your safe, but 50,000 people just saw me call you out, so you're out." Long and short, catcher's interference, batter gets first would be my call. - J.R.

Question:

For a batted ball touching a baserunner, under Rule 7.08(f), is the pitcher considered an infielder for this rule? If the pitcher is considered an infielder, then any batted ball that goes past the pitcher and hits the runner will not cause the runner to be out? Does it make a difference if the pitcher touches it? Is the rule different for little league? Thanks.   (Rich from Charlotte, NC)

Answer:

For rule 7.08f, the pitcher is not an infielder and any ball that strikes the runner, the runner is out. HOWEVER, this does not apply to a ball that has been deflected by another infielder or the pitcher for that matter. Please refer to NAPBL Umpire Manual, page 32 & 33 of the 1998 book. - J.R.

Question:

A batter drives a ball back up the middle. The ball hits the pitcher's rubber, or pitcher's plate, able to do so because of a depression dug in front of the rubber through the course of the game by both teams pitchers. The ball then caroms, untouched by any defensive players yet, over the third base line, without having passed third base, and into foul ground. Is the ball fair or foul? In other words, is the rubber part of fair territory and anything hitting it and going foul treated the same as a ball stiking first or third base?   (Keith from Jenkintown, PA)

Answer:

This is a foul ball. Rule 2.00 OBR. - J.R.

This is a foul ball since no player contacted the ball prior to it settling in foul ground. Ref the definition of a foul ball in OBR 2.00. - T.W.

Question:

We have a tied game suspended by darkness and will be completed at a later date. I understand that the game should restart exactly as it was suspended. In the meantime 2 players that were in the game when it was called for darkness have been injured and are unavailable for the rest of the year. What happens to these players in the lineup when we restart the game, the game is in the 8th inning? We are a 13-15 teener league that normally plays 7 innings.   (Jeff from Julian, PA)

Answer:

You need to start the game exactly as it was postphoned, i.e. the count on the batter and all base runners must be placed where they were when it was tied. If your injured players are not on the bases or at bat no problem. If they were in the line up and listed on the card you need to find a substitue for them. In my opinion only those players who were there that day on the bench can sub for your injured players. - J.R.

Question:

Runner on second, batter swings and misses while runner is stealing third. Catcher catches ball cleanly and throws to third. On follow through catcher's throwing hand strikes bat. Umpires acknowledged batter didn't intentionally get in the way, but said batter is required to get out of way of catcher throwing to third and called runner out for batter's interference. Obviously the batter must get out of the way of a play at the plate, but how can a batter vacate the batter's box while in the follow through of a swing and a miss? Wouldn't there be more risk of interference if he moved, not knowing where the catcher was?   (Dave from Erdenheim, PA)

Answer:

It is the batter's responsibility to vacate a congested area when a play is being made, especially if a runner on 3rd is stealing home. However, on a steal of third, the batter must show intent, i.e. move with the catcher or somehow greatly hinder him/her making that throw to third. This is my opinion. If I decide there was no intent to interfere with the catcher and throw, I have nothing. - J.R.

Question:

My son was running to third. The player in front of him fell. He then passed the player on the ground. He never touched third base and ran back to second. The umpire called him out for "passing another runner". Was he really out?   (Mike)

Answer:

A runner is declared out immediately upon him passing another runner. The ball, however, remains alive. - T.W.

Interesting enough, if your son just went up to him (Player on ground) and assisted him and did not pass him this is legal. - J.R.

Question:

The line up is submitted for baseball with the wrong number and correct name for the number 3 batter. The batter has the number 8 on his shirt & the line up has number 10. After hitting a double, before the next pitch a protest is made for batting out of order. The proper batter hit the double as far as his name was concerned but had a wrong number. How do you rule based on pro rules?   (Ted from San Diego, CA)

Answer:

Based on OBR, the proper named batter batted so there is no infraction. The results of that batter stand. - T.W.

Question:

A right handed pitcher toes the rubber but has not come set. There is a runner on third base. The pitcher quick throws to third on a pick off move without stepping off the rubber. Can the pitcher quick throw to third without stepping off the rubber as long as he has not come set? This would include keeping your feet still and just flipping the ball to third.   (Jim from Jefferson, IA)

Answer:

According to OBR 8.05(c), it is a balk when the pitcher, while touching his plate, fails to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base. - T.W.

Question:

In Little League baseball, if a batter goes into the bunt stance, is he then allowed to swing away at the ball? I ask this because to defense the bunt, as soon as the batter telegraphs his intention to bunt (and they do it well in advance of the pitch) I instructed my third baseman to charge the hitter, be on top of the bunt and barehand it and make a quick throw to first. I hope there is a rule against swinging away at the last second for the safety of my third baseman. We have some coaches that are using the bunt far too much. I feel it is a "bush league" tactic to bunt as often as they do and I have taught my kids how to shut down the bunt. I will only do this if there is a rule protecting my third baseman from injury.   (Jim from Jefferson, IA)

Answer:

There is no rule in pro or Federation baseball or softball to prevent the batter from assuming a bunt stance and then swing for away. Matter of fact this is usually used in fast pitch softball to draw the corners in and then the batter will "Slap" a hit over the head of the third or first baseman. Obviously you may need to coach your players to charge in but not too close. However, your local league may have set up playing rules that modify the pro codes, so check those as well.

The bunt has been part of the game since the late 1800's. Originally it was called a baby hit. No one to this day knows who actually coined the term, "bunt." - J.R.

Question:

If a pitch hits the ground before it hits the batter is the batter awarded first base for a HBP?   (Barry from Axtell, KS)

Answer:

This is still a pitched ball that hits a batter. The ball is not dead simply because it bounced. Award the batter first base. All other runners return to the base they occupied at the time of the pitch. - T.W.

Question:

Pitcher throws a pitch towards the batter (inside), the batter bails out and drops the bat in an effort to avoid being hit. The ball hits the bat - the bat in not in the batter's hands, what is the ruling? Must the bat be in the batter's hands to be called a foul ball?   (Steve from Maryland)

Answer:

No, the bat does not have to be in the batter's hand when contacting the ball. This is a batted ball, and you must rule fair or foul. - T.W.

Question:

14yr. old traveling baseball team playing by NFSHS rules. The other team bats out of order. Our scorekeeper notices when the count is 2-0 and brings it to my attention. The umpire is notified. His ruling is that the batter listed on the line up card replaces the current batter and assumes the 2-0 count. I thought that once a pitch was thrown, it constituted an at bat and that seeing as they were out of order, the current batter is out. Your ruling is appreciated. Thank you!   (Scott from Spring Lake Park, MN)

Answer:

The umpire ruled correctly. If an improper batter is discoverd while at bat, then that batter is simply replaced with the proper batter. - T.W.

Question:

What does an Umpire do with a rowdy player or a player that disagrees with his call?   (Jon from Cross Lanes, WV)

Answer:

There are several things one can do, depending on age of the player. In high school we can remove him from the game and place him on the bench. If he is still a problem we can send him away from the playing area. However, we must be carful with this so that an adult can monitor the player.

If playing under pro rules and the players are teens to adults, we can eject him from the game. We try to keep players in, but if they are that much of a problem, they eject themselves.

Little kids you can almost reason with, but again, ejection is the only recourse in baseball/ softball. - J.R.

Question:

9 year old team, playing official rules except for run limits and number of innings. One out and runners on second and third. Batter strikes out, catcher drops the ball, and runner heads to first. Catcher throws to first, and runner on third proceeds home. First baseman touches first to put batter out (second out), and runner from third makes it home before the first baseman's throw. Umpire makes call that the batter got in the way of first baseman's throw, calling interference, and the runner who came home is stated to be out (third out). Is this in fact correct, or should runner from third have been sent back to third leaving runners on second and third with two outs?   (Jon from Memphis, TN)

Answer:

If the runner did infact interfere with the first baseman's attempt to retire the runner from third, then yes, the umpire would have the right to declare that runner out. - T.W.

Question:

Runner on third, 0 outs,the pitcher delivers the ball. The umpire calls strike three. The cather drops the ball and throws to first to complete the out. The runner on third scores. After this the umpire checks his indicater and realizes it was acutually only strike two. The batter returns to complete his at bat but the ump says the run counts. Is this correct?   (Steve from Cincinnati, OH)

Answer:

All players and coaches are supposed to know the game situation at all times. Unfortunately, even though the umpire erred in his count and can fix the mistake, since the ball remained alive the runner can advance at his own risk. Run counts! If you are not sure what the count is, epecially at a crucial time of the game, call time and ask the umpire to verify his count or outs. - T.W.

Question:

Runner on third, 2 outs, runner on third attempts steal of home. Runner arrives at plate before batter hits ball into fair territory, ball is picked up and batter-runner is thrown out at first. Does the run score?   (Bruce from Jacksonville, FL)

Answer:

No run. The batter did not safely make first base before the third out was recorded, so no runs can score on this play. - T.W.

Question:

In our Pony baseball league, base coaches and managers are loudly vocalizing a safe or out call on plays at bases or at the plate before the umpire makes the offical call. This has confused some players to what the call is if they do not see who made the call and affects what action should be taken next. This action by the base coaches/managers is designed to subtly influence the umpire before the call is made or to confuse the opposing team. Is there a ruling that prevents this behavior? Thanks for the help.   (Mark from Houston, TX)

Answer:

Any such behavior by the offense should be considered interference. The umpire can declare runners out for these actions. Additionally, a warning for the first offense should be issued with subsequent violations resulting in ejection of the offenders. - T.W.

Question:

Placing the runners and batter is always difficult for me when there is interference. Runners on 1st and 3rd, less than two. Batter puts ball in play, ground ball or line drive. Runner going to third is guilty of interference, he either runs into the fielder or is hit by the ball. That runner is out but where does the batter go? Where does the runner on first go? What if it's runners on 1st and 3rd?   (Joe from Minneapolis, MN)

Answer:

Interference by the runner is an immediate dead ball. The runner is out and all other runners must return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch, unless forced by the batter. You as the umpire may also rule a double play if you feel that the interference prevented it. - T.W.

Question:

Is there any rule or restriction with regard to a pitcher having his wrists taped or wearing a bracelet on his throwing arm (or the other arm for that matter)?   (Mike from Guelph, ON)

Answer:

According to the NFHS rule book, the pitcher cannot wear any items on the hands, wrists or arms that may be distracting to a batter. However, I do not see such a clause in the OBR book. I have never seen a pitcher in a major league game wear anything on his pitching hands and had always assumed that the rules were consistient with NFHS. I have found references to a pitcher blowing on his 'bare' hands or applying rosin to his 'bare' hands in the OBR book. From that conclusion, I would disallow a pitcher to wear anything but his mitt while pitching. - T.W.

Question:

Infield fly rule. What constitutes how high or what arc a ball has to go before it is not a line shot but is indeed an infield fly ball? Is this entirely up to the discretion of the umpire or is there a rule of thumb that can be used?   (Dennis from Lockport, NY)

Answer:

Believe it or not the softball rule book is best to explain the infield fly rule. It is the same for both softball and baseball. It states that a fly is a ball that goes into the air with a percetable arc and that a line drive is a ball that travels in a predominatly straight line. This can be found under definitions, Rule 1, ASA softball. Other definitions that can pertain to this under pro rules would also be under definitions, either rule 1 or rule 2, I think. Anyway, The ball must travelto an appreciable height as well (Umpire judgement) and be caught with reasonable effort (Umpire judgement). - J.R.

Question:

1. Is there ever a case when a batter is hit by a pitch and he or she are not awarded 1B? What about check-swing hit by pitch?

2. If a player is hit by the pitch while leaning into the strike zone, is it still a hit batter?   (Chuck from Burlingame, CA)

Answer:

1. Yes. If the batter is struck while leaning into the zone and the ball would have been called a strike. If the batter did not make a viable (Umpire's judgement) attempt to get out of the way of the pitch. If the batter is attempting a swing at the ball and is struck, my humble opinion he offered at the pitch, it is a strike and the ball is dead. - J.R.

2. The rules clearly state that a batter must make an attempt to avoid being hit by a pitch. If a batter is hit by a pitch, then the ball shall become dead. If the pitch was in the strike zone, or the batter swung at the pitch, then a strike shall be called. Otherwise, the umpire must decide if the batter tried to get out of the way or not, before awarding first base or a ball on the batter. - T.W.

Question:

My son is a 12 yr. old right-hander who pitches in a non-LL youth baseball program which allows lead-offs. With any runner or combination of runners, he pitches from the SET. He starts with his pivot foot behind the rubber, free foot in front, hands apart and at his sides. Simultaneously, he lifts his pivot foot and places it in the legal position in front of and in contact with the rubber, while raising his arms in the "stretch", putting both hands together in front of his body and coming to a complete stop. From there, he either pitches or attempts a pick-off. His coach suggests that this simultaneity could be called a balk. How would you rule?   (Gerry from Skokie, IL)

Answer:

All baseball rule books clearly define the set position for a pitcher and describe that he must start with his entire pivot foot either on or in front of and in contact with the rubber and his non-pivot foot in front of the rubber. Your son is not starting out this way, and could possibly be called for a balk by some umpires because of the incorrect starting position. I personally believe in preventative officiating (especially at the age division that your son is playing) so that this type of problem can be avoided. As the base ump, I would casually and descretely mention to the pitcher and or his coach of the problem so that it can be fixed as soon as possible. - T.W.

Question:

1. Bases Loaded two outs. Ball is hit to the third basemen. He elects to tag the runner coming to third instead of stepping on third base. However, runner coming home scores before the runner advancing to third is tag out. Does the run count?

2. If one umpire shows up for the game. By rules should he/she umpire behind the pitching mound or behind home plate? Assume it is Little League Baseball. What is recommended?   (Todd from Birmingham, AL)

Answer:

1. Since the last out of the inning was a force out(even though the runner was physcially tagged), no runs count.

2. If I was the only umpire to show up to a game, I would prefer to umpire from behind the catcher, not the pitcher. You can see the strike zone much better from 3 feet away, rather than 50 or 65 feet away. This means that you must get out from behind the plate on all calls, especially that steal at second base. Work the mound and use angles rather than trying to get on top of the play. - T.W.

Question:

If a third strike hits the ground behind home plate and the catcher catches it in his glove, is it considered a dropped third strike?   (James from Tulsa, OK)

Answer:

Any ballthat strikes the ground on the third strike, i.e. in the dirt, dropped by the catcher or otherwise, would allow the batter to advance to first base provided that the rest of the rule are met. - J.R.

Question:

Bases loaded,one out. Batter hits line drive between the shortstop and second base. It hits the runner going from second to third. Runner is called out (interference). Ball is declared dead. We all agree. However, in a dead ball situation, the runners are required to return to their previous bases. What happens to the runner that is supposed to go back to first when the batter is supposed to be awarded first base? Is he "forced" to go to second? After conferring with the umpire, that was the ruling. Did we score it correctly (fielder's choice)? Or is the batter also declared out?   (Tom from Lindenhurst, IL)

Answer:

You have most of it correct....the ball is dead, the runner is out, the batter gets first base, all others return to the last base touched, unless forced. - J.R.

Question:

One strike on the batter, runners on first and second. Batter swings and foul tips into the catchers mitt. Catcher holds onto the ball and both runners advance. Do they have to return because it was a foul even though the catcher caught the ball?   (Rich from Lajes Field, Azores)

Answer:

All advances on a caught foul tip are legal. - J.R.

Question:

I'm confused about the "run on dropped third strike" rule. With less than two outs and a dropped third strike, the batter can run, if first base in empty, and the batter/runner must be thrown out or tagged. Does the strikeout count as an out, or is he not out until tagged or thrown out? With two outs, a runner on second and third, dropped third strike, can the batter run to first? Is the strikeout not considered an out? Can the batter run on a dropped third strike, with two outs, and a runner on first base? I've read the MLB Official Rules and it's still a little unclear. Thank you for your response.   (Mark from Norman, OK)

Answer:

The batter can advance to first base on a dropped third strike if there are less than 2 outs and first base is not occupied or if there are 2 outs with anyone on base. The batter is not out unless the defense tags him or throws to first prior to him reaching it. The pitcher is credited with a strikeout. - T.W.

Question:

With runners on first & second and no one out, the batter gets a base hit. On the play the runner from first passes the runner from second between third and home base and scores first. Which base runner is out? Is that runner out upon being passed or when the following runner touches home plate?   (Mic from Salem, SD)

Answer:

The runner that passes a preceeding runner shall be called out immediately upon the infraction. The ball, however, remains alive. - T.W.

Question:

If a ball starts foul, then goes fair before reaching first base is it fair or foul? Thanks in advance.   (Guy from Livingston, NJ)

Answer:

A ball shall be considered fair if if settles in fair territory before the first or third base bags, or if it bounds past the bags in fair territory, even if it started out in foul territory (as long as it was not touched while in foul ground). - T.W.

Question:

Pitcher in the set position! When the pitcher gets in the set position, doesnt he have to have the glove below the shoulders? When his glove comes to a stop, can it be stopped above the shoulder line?   (Tim from Lauingen, Germany)

Answer:

The restriction for the pitcher's glove when coming to a set position is that it must be at or below the pitcher's chin. - T.W.

Question:

What is the call if a thrown ball hits an umpire? Does an umpire need to make an attempt to get out of the way of the play? What happens to any runners on base?   (Chris from Golden, CO)

Answer:

If an umpire is hit by a thrown ball, the ball remains alive and the fielders must play on the ball. This situation should never happen, and when it does happen, the umpire is certainly the talk of the group. I have been umpiring baseball for 19 years and have never been hit by a thrown ball. You as an umpire must be aware of where the ball is at all times. - T.W.

Question:

Our team was in a situation where we had bases juiced with nobody out. The batter hit about a 15 foot pop up halfway between the pitchers mound and home plate. The umpire called an infield fly. The runners started to advance because the ball dropped as the pitcher and catcher were slow reacting. I understand that the batter is automatically out, but to my surprise, the catcher threw the ball to 3rd base and the 3rd baseman tagged the base. The umpire exclaimed "out at 3rd"! The opposing coach, already excited from the double play, laughingly said "throw it to 2nd". The 3rd baseman threw to second and this was declared a triple play!!! Never in 40 years of baseball have I seen a infield fly, triple play. Could you explain? Thanks for your help!   (Patrick from Ambler, PA)

Answer:

When an infield fly is declared, the batter is out and the runners can advance at their own risk. In this scenario, the runners are not forced, so the umpires incorrectly ruled force outs - these runners must be tagged out. - T.W.

Question:

Runners on 1st and 2nd, no outs. Grounder to the shortstop...he picks up the grounder, runs and tags the lead runner who's standing on 2nd (he decides not to run to third)...then he steps on 2nd to get the force on the guy at first...then throws to first to get the batter. Is this a triple play?! There was some thought that since the lead runner is standing on second base when tagged, he's not out (even though he's forced at third). Thanks.   (Marino from Copiague, NY)

Answer:

Yes, I have a triple play. But,if the fielder stepped on second base first, then the scenario changes, since the force would be removed from the runner standing his ground on second. - T.W.

Question:

If the first baseman has one foot in foul territory when holding a runner on first base and the pitcher delivers a pitch is this a Balk? The rule book states that all fielders must be in fair territory but does not recommend any penalty. Thank you.   (Marino from Copiague, NY)

Answer:

The pro rule book states that all fielders (except the catcher) must be in fair territory at the time of the pitch. It further defines that if a fielder has one foot in fair territory that this rule is satisfied. The penalty if they are not is a balk. - T.W.

Question:

If a player applies a fake tag on a runner does that fielder get ejected from the game, or do the benches get a warning like it says in the high school rule book?   (Jim from Glassboro, NJ)

Answer:

According to Federation rules, a warning to the defensive team shall be issued, with the next offender being ejected. This is also obstruction and appropriate baserunning awards can be made. - T.W.

Question:

First base is open. The batter swings and misses at strike 3, a ball in the dirt. Even though the pitch hits the dirt it is cleanly scooped by the catcher. Is this a strike out needing no throw to 1st even if the batter runs to 1st? No immediate indication was given by the home plate umpire. One coach claimed that even though the ball hit the dirt it is not considered a "dropped" or "pass ball." The other claimed that because the ball hit the dirt before being scooped that the batter has the right to attempt to take 1st base before a throw is made to complete the out. It has always been my understanding that whether or not the ball hits the dirt prior to being caught makes no difference. No pass ball. Strike 3, no throw to 1st or tag of the batter is needed. What is the correct ruling? Thanks.   (Tim from Chagrin Falls, OH)

Answer:

I like to teach this rule by asking the question "What is the definition of a catch?" since the catcher is required to catch the pitch. The definition of catch in OBR starts out as follows "...the act of a fielder in getting secure possesion in his hand or glove of a ball in flight and firmly holding it..." In your play, this pitch was not caught in flight for the third strike so the batter does have the right to advance to first base. - T.W.

Question:

The batter hits a slow rolling ground ball up the first base line in foul territory. The ball rolls into fair territory before getting to first base. The first baseman gets the ball and tags the runner. Is the runner out, or is this a foul ball?   (Daniel from Colorado Springs, CO)

Answer:

A ball is determined to be fair or foul by the position of the ball when it it touched by a fielder. In this case, the ball was in fair territory when fielded, hence a fair ball and the runner is out. - T.W.

Question:

Can a pitcher balk to 3rd base?   (George from Lilly, PA)

Answer:

A pitcher is not balking to a base, per se. A balk is an illegal act committed by the pitcher (of which there are many), with a runner or runners on base. - T.W.

Question:

One out, runner on first, 0-2 count. Batter swings at the pitch, momentum carries him forward out of the box, runner on first tries to steal 2nd on the throw and steals safely. Catcher in throwing to 2nd base is deemed by the umpire to have interfered with the throw to 2nd. What happens to the runner who was trying to steal 2nd base?   (Bubba from Little Rock, AR)

Answer:

I think your play states that the umpire ruled interference on the batter. If that's the case, the batter is out and the runner must return to first base. - T.W.

Question:

A batted ball hits the chalk in the infield prior to the 1st base bag. It travels over the bag in the air and takes its 2nd bounce in foul territory. Is this fair or foul? Rule interpretation? Many Thanks.   (Andre from Hockessin, DE)

Answer:

Since this ball touched fair territory and then bounded over the bag, this is a fair ball. Reference OBR Rule 2.0 Definition - Fair Ball. - T.W.

Question:

Background... I am currently coaching a 9 & 10 year old boys baseball league in Turkey. We are not part of any association like Little League or Dixie. Situation... Runners on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Pitcher strikes batter out for out number two, scorekeeper (not official) yells out...three outs. Defensive players start coming off the field, and at the same time the offensive coach yells for his players to start running, all the players score. What should of happened here? In the league we play in there is NO stealing at all. The catcher missed the third strike and had to retrieve the ball and throw it to the pitcher. So, is the ball alive or dead? Being there is no stealing and the runners can only advance on a hit ball, hit batter or walk, should the runners been allowed to score or a delay of game warning to the offensive team and the runners returned to their bases? Thanks for your help!   (Terry from Wynne, AR)

Answer:

We as umpires employ 'preventative officiating' whenever possible. While I try not to coach when I am umpiring, at the lower age levels, sometimes it's necessary to talk to players and coaches. All players of the game are responsible for knowing the situation, regardless of the answer that the umpire (or scorekeeper) provides (Because they may have it wrong). I think that 9-10 year olds should begin learning this at this level. Since your league rules say no stealing, these runners can not advance. Just put everybody back where they were when the confusion started and continue. - T.W.

Question:

Runners on second and third and two outs. The batter hits a ball to the short stop who throws to the third baseman and tags the runner out who was trying to advance from second base. The opposing coach said his run counted. Does it?

A right handed batter swings at a pitch and the ball hits the plate and stops in the left batters box line even with home plate. Our runner was called out and I said the batters box was foul territory. What was the call?   (Ebe from Fishers, IN)

Answer:

Baseball and softball are the same on this. No runs score on the third out, even if the runner crosses the plate before the out is made. The exception to this is a time play.

Remember, part of the batter's box is in fair territory. The plate is fair. This would be a judgement call by the ump, depending on where the ball rests. - J.R.

Question:

I have a bet going with a friend. In any form of baseball, if someone hits a ball that bounces off the plate and goes into fair territory, is that a fair ball or a foul ball? I know it is foul, but I can't get any outside confirmation. Thanks.   (Will from Pittsburgh, PA)

Answer:

Pay up Will! The plate is in fair territory and if the ball hits off the plate and goes into fair territory, it is a fair ball. - J.R.

Question:

ASA softball game - Runner on 3rd with no outs, batter hits a pop fly along the first base line about half way to first base. Just as the first baseman is making the catch, the batter, unaware the play is right in front of him, collides with the first baseman, causing the ball to fall to the ground. Is the batter out for interference or is he entitled to the baseline?   (Rich from Lansdale, PA)

Answer:

The runner must yield to the fielder. In your discription the fielder was camped under the ball waiting to catch it when the batter-runner collided with him. I have interference. Ball is dead, batter is out and runner on third stays there. - J.R.

Question:

In our high school game there was runners on first and second base. The batter hit a foul ball behine the catcher. The cather went to the back of the back stop to retrieve the ball. While he was throwing back to the pitcher he over threw the pitcher (the pitcher never touched the ball). The ball was rolling to shortstop and the runners advanced. Is this possible? The umpire said that the ball is live as soon as the ball is released from the catcher on the throw back to the pitcher. The ball was dead due to the foul. i was always under the impression that the ball was not in play until the pitcher was on the rubber or the umpire said play ball. When does the ball become live and is there an offical rule with a number? Thanks.   (Phillip from East Boston, MA)

Answer:

Ball is dead on the foul ball. It becomes live again when the pitcher engages the rubber, the batter is ready in the box, and the umpire makes the ball live again by saying play or indicating with a gesture to the pitcher to play (OBR 5.11). In softball the same applies. - J.R.

Question:

I was umpiring a 7-8 yr old game - Rookie division of Cal Ripken Division baseball. We use a pitching machine and one rule that applies here is runners cannot steal home. Situation: Runners on 2nd and 3rd, 1 out. A passed ball goes to the backstop. The runner from 2nd (R2) runs to 3rd base. Before R2 arrives at 3rd, the runner at 3rd (R3) leaves the base but doesn't go home (1/2 way because he knows he can't go). The catcher throws the ball to the 3rd baseman who is standing on the base. He doesn't tag anyone. As it turned out the defensive team was winning by a large margin and the coach simply let the runners return to 2nd and 3rd without penalty. Had this been a close game I would have had to rule on this.

Here's what I think - please make corrections: R2 may occupy 3rd because R3 abandoned the base. If R3 returns to the base without being tagged first, R3 is out automatically because only 1 runner can occupy a base. If R3 does not return to 3rd then R2 may attempt to return to 2nd or stay there. If R2 attempts to return to 2nd, both runners can be tagged out while attempting to return to their respective bases.   (Gina from Bristol, TN)

Answer:

Both runners have the right to return to their previously occupied base and are liable to be put out. Also, if both runners are occupying the same base and both are tagged, then the following runner shall be called out. - T.W.

Question:

At the Little League or Babe Ruth level, any penalty for a batter accidently letting go of the bat on a swing?   (Bernie from Melrose, MA)

Answer:

I know of no penalty for accidentally letting go of the bat. I usually reinforce the importance of not letting go of the bat and safety issues with both the player and coaches. - T.W.

Question:

I was Home plate ump. NFHS Rules. Bases loaded, two out, two strike count on batter. Batter swings and misses at next pitch but ball pops out of catchers mitt. Batter starts to run as catcher starts to retrieve ball. I called strike 3 and then mistakenly call "Batter is out". The catcher, upon hearing my call, tosses the ball towards the mound. As I realized my mistake I called out "No, he's not". The runner from third scored and everyone else was safe. I talked to the other ump and he said the play should stand. Others have said since I called the batter out (even though I was incorrect) the batter should be out and no run scored. Which is correct?   (Ray from Pittsburgh, PA)

Answer:

We as umpires must know the situations all of the time and use the proper mechanics for our calls. In your situation, we know that on a missed third strike, with two outs, the batter can advance to first base, and the defense must make the play. Our goal as umpires is to get the call correct, even though we may rule or signal differently. The defense also has a responsibility to know the rules and react accordingly. This is not a case of and error in judgement - it is a misapplication of the rules by the umpire. I would let the play stand. You should have learned a great lesson on this play. - T.W.

Question:

Is a ball considered fair or foul when the batter strikes the ball, it proceeds down the first base line foul but then spins back fair before reaching first base?   (Blake from Grand Rapids, MI)

Answer:

A ball shall be considered fair if it settles in fair ground before first or third base. - T.W.

Question:

If a batter puts up his hand to defend against being hit by a pitch what is the pitch then called?   (George from Didsbury, AB)

Answer:

According to the rules, a batter must make an effort to avoid being hit by a pitched ball. If, in your judgement, the batter could not have avoided the pitch, and tries do defend his or herself from being hit, then I would award the batter first base. If the batter makes no attempt to avoid the pitch, then the ball becomes dead, and call the pitch appropriately (strike if it contacted the batter in the zone, otherwise a ball). - T.W.

Question:

In our little league game a player was hit by a pitch swinging. I understand that is a strike. The player could not continue the at bat. He has a 1-1 count. What is the proper call/substitution?   (Craig from West Chicago, IL)

Answer:

The proper call is "Dead ball, strike on the batter". The offensive team can substitute for the player unable to continue legally and the sub will assume the 1-1 count. - T.W.

Question:

Had a situation while coaching first base. Batter hits a long fly ball down left field line and appears to drift foul from my perspective but not entirely sure, I focus my attention to my batter-runner and instruct him to continue running and advance to second, I look back to see what the call will be, fair or foul. The ump makes no call but reaches in his ball bag throws the pitcher a new ball, looks at me rather perturbed that I'm coaching my runner to continue to second and calls the runner back to continue his turn at bat. I asked the umpire between innings why he did not vocalize a foul ball call, he informed me that when a ball is obviously foul it's not necessary to make an audible call. I always thought am umpire should let everyone in the yard know when a ball is foul so that confusion will not result, what's obvious to him at home looking down the line is not so obvious to other players and coaches on the other side away from the play. Or am I just nit picking?   (Pete from Olympia, WA)

Answer:

Proper mechanics here is to verbalize the foul ball. The umpire does not have to "sell" the call, but he needs to be loud enough to let the runner know that the ball is foul. - T.W.

Question:

The batter asked the umpire what the count was and he told him 1 ball, 1 strike. The next pitch was called a strike, and then the umpire ralized he had told the batter the wrong count, and called him out. What is the proper call in this situation, or was this correct?   (Ken from Cookeville, TN)

Answer:

This situation is unfortunate for the batter, but the umpire's job is to "get it right" and the call stands. Hopefully the umpire and or his partner did indeed have the correct count, but answered the batter incorrectly. Another thing that is important here is that the players must also know the situations of the game. - T.W.

Question:

We have a little league field that has a tree overhanging in fair territory about 15 feet from the outfield fence. We do not have a local rule to cover contact with this fence. In our game yesterday, one of my players hit what would have been a home run (over the fence) had it not hit this overhanging tree. The umpires ruled it a home run based on the tragectory of the ball. This did not go over well with the opposing team. What do you think?   (Steve from Atlanta, GA)

Answer:

I think that the ground rules (covering all strange or non-standard items) should have been thoroughly discussed prior to the first pitch. Seems to me that this tree did not grow there overnight, and this is not the first time that this tree "came into play". The home coach should state the ground rules for the field, with the umpires settling any conflicts. I would agree with the ruling, however, this rule must be covered and agreed to by both coaches before the game begins. - T.W.

Question:

The first thing you should know is in the league we play in is that the umpire has sole power of appeals. The play goes like this: The bases are loaded. Batter hits a ball that drops into left center gap for a hit. The runner on third scores, but the batter is called out for missing first base upon the ball entering the infield again. The opposing team argues that the runner on second should also have counted as well. This was the third out of the inning. Should any of the runs have counted because the batter never touched first legally? If runners do score, how many?   (Tim from River Grove, IL)

Answer:

Since the batter runner did not legally touch first base (a base he was forced to) and this was the third out, no runs score. - T.W.

Question:

With a runner on first base, the pitcher comes to his set position and starts his pitching motion. The third base coach blurts out "Go!" very loud and the pitcher stops his motion. Us umpires called a balk, but because it was felt that the coach's action was an intentional distraction, the balk was retracted and the runner was returned to first base. Is this a rule infraction or is it a "bush league" incident on the part of the coach? (This took place during a pony league game.)   (Roy from Ontario, CA)

Answer:

Interference does not have to be physical - it can be verbal as well. If you judged that this was indeed interference, then an out should have been declared. I probably would have called the runner out. However, before I called an out, I would have warned the coach of the penalty for doing this, and used some preventative umpiring. - T.W.

Question:

Bases loaded, 2 outs. Batter hits a pop fly in the infield. Does the infield rule apply in this instance? In this case the umpire called the infield fly rule, end of inning, but the girl didn't come close to catching it. This is for girls fast pitch, age 9-12. Thank you.   (Scott from Franklin, KY)

Answer:

The infield fly rule is only in effect in ASA softball (and baseball for that matter) when: Runners on first and second OR bases loaded with less than 2 outs. In your play, the infield fly was NOT in effect. The rule by the way puts the responsibilites on the players to know when to run and not to. Even if the umpire gets the call wrong, it is the resposibility of the runners to know. - J.R.

Question:

Can a runner or runners advance on an appeal play? If so, do all "dead ball" rules apply to runners advancing without liability to be put out?   (Patrick from Richmond, TX)

Answer:

OBR and Federation rules differ on this point. In Federation, the umpire usually executes appeals when the ball has become dead. Therefore, there can be no advancement of runners during the dead ball. In OBR, the ball must be put in play prior to a team making an appeal. In this case, since the ball is alive, runners may advance at their own risk. - T.W.

Question:

Batter hits a LINE DRIVE which is caught by the pitcher who immediately loses his glove. The glove falls to the mound but the ball does not dislodge. The pitch picks up his glove with the ball still inside. I as the umpire called the batter out because the ball never left the control of the glove causing it to hit or touch the ground. Did I make the right call, if not what is the official ruling?   (David from Lakewood, WA)

Answer:

According to "Baseball's Knotty Problems", this is not considered a catch, nor detached player equipment. The batter runner can advance at his own risk. Please see OBR 7.05(c-e) exception paragraph. - T.W.

Question:

Does the home plate umpire have to grant the request of the catcher or anyone else to appeal to another umpire a check swing by the batter to see if the batter should have a strike charged to him? Also, is there a proper way to appeal other than pointing to a field umpire?   (UK from Fanchion)

Answer:

Please refer to OBR 9.02(c) which states that "Appeals on a half swing may be made only on the call of a ball and when asked to appeal, the home plate umpire must refer to a base umpire for his judegment on the half swing." The proper mechanic is to point to the appropriate base umpire and ask "Did he go?" - T.W.

Question:

With 2 strikes on the batter, a batter fouls a pitched ball directly off the catcher's chest protector, than the catcher catches the ball. Is this an out or a foul ball?   (Jonathan from Northport, NY)

Answer:

Foul Ball. The ball must go directly to the glove for a caught foul tip. - J.R.

Question:

I was on 3rd base with less than 2 outs and the batter hit a fly to left. The left fielder juggled the ball but I left 3rd when the ball made contact with the glove. The umpire called me out stating I have to stay at third until the fielder has control of the ball.   (Bill from Swedesboro, NJ)

Answer:

The rule was changed after the 1973 world series where the cincy left fielder "Juggled" the ball all the way to the infield, preventing a score from third base. At the time, the rule was the runner had to wait until the ball was caught. It is now the runner can leave at first touch. The umpire was incorrect in his ruling. - J.R.

Question:

Can you refresh me on the Infield Fly Rule? What are the circumstances where this rule takes effect? What is the proper procedure for an umpire in this situation? Thanks!   (Mike from Cincinnati, OH)

Answer:

The infield fly rule is in effect when there is a fair fly, that can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when there are runners on first and second or bases loaded, with less than two outs. The correct mechanic for the umpire is to state "Infield fly, batter out - if fair". Remember that the ball remains alive and the runners can advance at their own risk. - T.W.

Question:

I umpire high school games here in Texas. There seems to be a big disagreement on the hands being part of the bat. We had a situation recently where the batter was clearly in the box and the ball sharply broke inside and hit the batter on his fingers that were naturaly wrapped around the bat. In this case the batter's hands were not in the strike zone. I called for a hit batter and my field partner said that as long as his hands were around the bat that "the hands were part of the bat". After the game we discussed the call and his logic was that if the ball had hit his hands and then the ball had gone fair he could have run to first base on a "infield hit". Can you give me some advice if this type of situation comes up again? Thanks and regards.   (Bob from Arlington, TX)

Answer:

All codes clearly state that should a batter be hit by a pitched ball, that the ball shall be dead. They do not specify hands, arms, or legs. So the proper mechanic is to call time (declare the ball dead) and properly award base, ball or strike depending on where the ball was or if the batter made an attempt to avoid being hit. One final thing that helped me understand this rule... I once saw a picture of a bat. The caption under it read, "Do you see the hands on this bat?" The answer is no, becuase there are none. The hands are NOT part of the bat. - T.W.

Question:

Runner on second, can the pitcher turn & throw to the shortstop? Shortstop is not moving towards second, but is fairly close to the runner (because of a good size lead).   (Hugh from Baton Rouge, LA)

Answer:

The pitching regulations state that the pitcher, in an attempt to make a play on a base runner, must step directly towards a base when making this play. It shall be called a balk if he does not. If the pitcher disengages the rubber, then he is free to throw without stepping directly to a base. - T.W.

Question:

With respect to holding a runner on base (the question came with a shortstop holding a runner on second, but I guess it would pertain to first or third as well). Shortstop straddled the bag while holding the runner on as he took a lead. Pitcher made a move to second, forcing the runner back. Opposing coach called "time" and complained to the umpires that the shortstop's stance constituted "obstruction". Umpires did not know the rule. Though it was amicably settled by the coaches coming to an agreement that the shortstop would leave the inside corner of the base "open" for the remainder of the game . . . what is the actual ruling? Was it "obstruction"? Should the baserunner been awarded a base? Is the defensive player allowed to hold a runner on by straddling the bag? What's the call?   (Gregg from Buffalo Grove, IL)

Answer:

No fielder may block a runner from getting to a base without the ball. If he does, obstruction should be called. The mechanic that I use is that of prevention first. The base umpire should let the fielders know that they have to give the baserunner an opportunity to reach the base. The penalty would be enforced if you believe that the fielder prohibited the runner from reaching the base, and tagged him out. The runner would get one base beyond his last legally occupied base. - T.W.

Question:

With runners on first and third and one out. The defence turns a 6-4-3 double play. If possible the runner on third scores before the ball reaches first for the third out. Does the run count or not?   (Jeff from Frederick, MD)

Answer:

Since the batter runner did not reach first base safely, no runs score on this play. - T.W.

Question:

Two outs. Runners on 1st & 3rd. Double steal. Play at the plate, umpire yells out at the plate (third out), after dust clears notices ball has been dropped by the catcher, umpire yells safe. The umpire looks up and sees that the runner on 1st after stealing second and hearing out at the plate is walking off the field (he's between 2nd & 3rd). Umpire rules him out for being out of the base path. End of inning. Correct call?   (Bill from Ashton, MD)

Answer:

I believe that the umpire's incorrect call at the plate placed the runner at second in jeopardy, therefore, I would not call him out and place him on second base. - T.W.

Question:

1. Runner on 3rd, 2 out. Batter hits a ball to the fence and arrives safely at 2nd base. Runner on third scores easily. An appeal is made on the batter runner for missing first. The appeal is upheld and the batter runner is called out, for the 3rd out of the inning. Does the runner from 3rd count as a run scored?

2. Bases loaded, tie game. 2 outs last half of the 9th. Batter is walked. He advances to first, but the runner on 1st does not advance to 2nd but runs to home to join in the celebration. An appeal is made on the runner failing to reach second base and abandoning his base. Appeal is denied because the play is ruled dead after the runner touches first and the runner touches home with the winning run.   (Donn from Mission Viejo, CA)

Answer:

1. Since the batter did not safely advance to first (a base he is is forced to), this run does not count.

2.In correct ruling, if the defense has not left the playing field and initiates the appeal, the out would stand, no run would score. Again, this is a force play to end an inning. - T.W.

Question:

The batter squares around to bunt placing the bat in the strike zone. The pitcher throws a ball out of the strike zone. The batter does not move the bat out of the strike zone but does not move it toward the ball either. Should this be called a ball or a strike? I have been told the batter must make an "attempt" to bunt the ball. Is not the bat being in the strike zone an attempt to bunt?   (Todd from LaGrande)

Answer:

The batter must make an attempt at the pitch in order to call a strike. If the pitch is not in the strike zone, and the batter simply places his bat in the zone and makes no "offer" at the pitch, then it should be called a ball. This is no different than a check swing, in which the bat is in the strike zone, the pitch is not, and in the umpire's opinion, no offer was made at the pitch. - T.W.

Question:

In coach pitch 7-8 yr olds, the coach pitched the ball and it bounced in front of the plate and the boy hit it. Is it a legal hit?   (Dean from Trophy Club, TX)

Answer:

The ball is not dead just because it bounced before the plate. So, yes the batter can legally bat this pitched ball. - T.W.

Question:

This has come up a number of times with respect to Little League players. If the batter jumps out of the batters box to avoid the pitch, for no good reason other than fear of the ball, is it an automatic strike, even though the pitch may not have been a strike? Some of our umpires are calling it a strike whenever the batter "bails out" for no reason.   (David from Dobbs Ferry, NY)

Answer:

OBR rules state that if a batter leaves the batters box "prior" to a pitch, that it shall be called a strike. However, your situation seems to indicate that the batters are leaving the box "because" of the pitch. I would not call an "automatic" strike for this reason. - T.W.

Question:

I know that there is never really a "tie" on the bases when it come right down to it. But, do umpires in general feel more inclined to give the call to the runner or fielders when it is a very close play?   (Billy from RSM, CA)

Answer:

This is my humble opinion. Tom may offer a different opinion should he respond on this one. If the first baseman or for that matter any other fielder makes a great play and the call is close, what we tend to call a "Banger," the call goes to the defensive team. Conversely, if the runner does something special like a hook slide or something spectacular to avoid a tag, the call will go to the offensive team. As a general rule, the games tend to go faster the more outs that get called. - J.R.

The first part of your question is absolutely correct. There is no such thing as a tie - the runner is either safe or out. What bothers me about the rest of your question is that you used the word "inclined". You as an umpire must be impartial and not have any inclination before rendering a decision - this will only get you in trouble as you are deciding the outcome of the play in your mind, prior to it actually happening. - T.W.

Question:

In a high school baseball game the bases are loaded with 1 out. The batter sends a base hit to right field. The right fielder throws to 3rd. The batter attemps to go to 2nd. The third baseman over-throws 2nd, the ball into right field, and the batter scores easily. There was no play at home plate. The batter celebrates with his teammates and returns to the dugout. While the ball is still in right field, the umpire calls the batter out because he did not step on home plate. Is this the umpire's job to initiate the call or does the defence have to appeal the play?   (Jeff from Xenia, OH)

Answer:

In High School Federation rules, there are virtually no appeal plays. It is the job of the umpire to enforce the appeal for a missed base after all playing action has ceased. - J.R.

In Federation baseball (High School) it is indeed the umpire's job to initate the appeal for missed bases (and other appeals). However, the correct procedure is to wait until the ball is declared dead, then to call the appropriate runner out. - T.W.

Question:

My daughter catches for her high school softball team and recently she lost track of the count and threw down to first base (no one was on base)after she thought it was the third strike. The umpire called delay of game on her and gave the batter the base. I cannot find a rule for delay of game in this situation. Can delay of game be called on the catcher if she does not throw the pitched ball immediately back to the pitcher with less than three strikes on the batter? Remember that there were no base runners at the time. Thank you.   (Dorrie from Fillmore, UT)

Answer:

There is no rule in softball for delay of game, either in ASA or Federation rules. - J.R.

Question:

There are 2 outs and runners on first and second. The batter hits a homerun out of the park. All runners advance and cross the plate. As the next batter approaches the plate the opposing team calls a time-out. The catcher has the new ball and tags home plate informing the umpire that the second runner to cross the plate did not touch it. What is the ruling ?   (Cliff from Billerica, MA)

Answer:

This is an improper appeal. Since the ball is dead with the out of the park homer and the umpire has yet to put the ball in play, no appeal can be made in baseball (Major league rules). The appeal in major league ball must be made from the mound after the ball is in play. Procedure would be the ump puts ball in play, pitcher steps off rubber and he would explain what he was trying to do or the catcher would make the explanation, and throw the ball to the catcher to make the appeal.

In high schhool baseball, the umpire would, after all playing action has ceased, make the call.

In softball, dead ball appeals can be made. - J.R.

Question:

Are there any prohibitions in baseball or softball against players' singing or shouting, or talking, either singularly or in a group as in a chorus while the game is being played? In other words, could a batter or a pitcher, for example, sing if it helped him to stay in rhythm? Also, can a catcher talk to the batter, or say "swing" to the batter?   (Renee from San Francisco, CA)

Answer:

In women's fast pitch softball at the non-adult divisions, it is common for the ladies to "Cheer" from the dugout or bench area. This is usually done in a manner that is not demeaning to the other team or to cause harm due to taunting. As the ladies grow older this usually stops.

In high school, one is not allowed to taunt the opponent. In all codes of softball one is not allowed to "Verbally interfere" with a play. Example would be a batter hits a foul pop and the first baseman is going toward the fence. The first base coach yells to her that the fence is coming up and it is not. She stops and the ball falls to the ground. This is a form of interference. The "Swing batter" has been around since the dawn of man, so to speak. By the book rule, it could be construed as a form of interference. However in practice it is not.

If the pitcher is singing to him/herself, I find nothing wrong with that. In pro ball a few decades ago, Detroit pitcher Mark "The Bird" Fidrych used to talk to himself and groom the mound. - J.R.

Question:

If a pitch is delivered but a balk is called and the batter hits a single driving in a run, does the play stand or is it a balk and a dead ball?   (Jeff from Bryant, AR)

Answer:

In high school ball, the ball is dead at the time of the balk. Where ever that runner was, he gets one base. In pro, the play is alive and it stands. - J.R.

Question:

Can a runner slide to first base?   (Phil from El Paso, TX)                                                                  

Answer:

Yes, it is legal for any runner to slide into any base. - T.W.

Question:

Runner beats throw to first base, but steps over bag (misses bag). Runner is called safe. Runner is out on appeal. Must the runner or base be retagged before the runner returns to first, or may the appeal occur with the runner standing on base?   (Mike from Alamo, CA)

Answer:

This play is valid for softball as well as baseball. This appeal must be made immediately before the runner gets back to the base. The appeal is made by either tagging the runner or stepping on the base. Make sure you tell the ump what you are doing and why. Once the runner returns and occupies the bag, no appeal can be made. - J.R.

Question:

Can a batter who is proceeding to first base, stop, and retreat back towards home base to avoid a tag or play?   (Lou from Stevensville)

Answer:

In softball, no this is not allowed. Play is dead immediately when the runner starts to move toward home. Tom Wadja will answer this on the baseball side. - J.R.

Yes, a runner can stop while advancing to any base in order to make the defense initate a play on that runner. A batter-runner doing this can only be trying to allow other runners to advance, since there is no legal base to retreat to. As an umpire, you must decide if this retreat back towards home constitutes the runner giving up, and when to declare the out. - T.W.

Question:

Can a batter who is proceeding to first base, stop, and retreat back towards home base to avoid a tag or play?   (Lou from Stevensville)

Answer:

Yes, a runner can stop while advancing to any base in order to make the defense initate a play on that runner. A batter-runner doing this can only be trying to allow other runners to advance, since there is no legal base to retreat to. As an umpire, you must decide if this retreat back towards home constitutes the runner giving up, and when to declare the out. - T.W.

Question:

Can a runner steal on a "foul tip"? And by foul tip I mean the ball comes directly off the bat into the catcher's glove.   (Hugh from Baton Rouge, LA)

Answer:

A foul tip is defined as a batted ball that goes directly to the catcher's glove or hand and is caught (by anybody). The ball remains alive, runners can advance, and there is no verbalization of this call. The umpire uses a signal such as brushing his right palm over the top of his left hand. - T.W.

Question:

Playing by USSSA rules if there is a light post on the playing field and is hit by a hit ball what is the call?   (Johnny from W Columbia, SC)

Answer:

I am unfamiliar with USSSA rules. However, let's look at it from a common sense point of view. 1) Is the light pole beyond the home run fence if there is one? If so, and the ball strikes it out of the field of play, home run. 2) If the light pole is in the field of play, I would think the ground rules would cover any play should a ball hit it. - J.R.

Question:

Two outs, runner on third. Pitcher pitches a high inside pitch which almost hits the batter. Batter in attempt to miss being hit jumps back toward third with feet still in box and raises his bat with both hands above his head. Catcher catches the pitch and turns to throw to third in attempt to get runner. His thrown ball hits the batter's bat. What is the call?   (Jon from Mililani, HI)

Answer:

Ball is in play unless the umpire determines that the batter intentionally tried to prevent the catcher from making a play. - T.W.

Question:

In scoring, I understand a Fielder's Choice is when an infielder has the choice to make a play for a runner or the batter turned runner. i.e. the fielder decides where he can make the play. In a recent game, confusion about scoring came about when a batter hit a hard grounder up the middle, the shortstop leaping and diving, knocked the ball down, landed on the ground just behind second base, and literally rolled over and over to land on second base just before the runner from first got there (slow runner). In the meantime the batter, quick runner reached first base. In no event would the shortstop have been able to even get off a throw to first to get the batter out let alone get a throw off in time. If there was not a runner on first there would have been no doubt as to an infield hit. As I understand the rule, the fielder has a choice of where to make the play but excepting an errand throw or catch there needs to be an opportunity to get that batter out. What and why is the call? There is a dispute, some say automatic fielder's choice, some say infield hit. This is kind of like when a batter gets hit by a pitched ball while swinging, many folks think it is an automatic hit by pitch, take your base but knowledgeable umpires know swinging and getting hit is a strike. Thanks for your help.   (Steve from Burlingame, CA)

Answer:

While I am not an expert in the scoring portion of the rule book, my educated guess says that this play is a fielder's choice, since there was an out recorded on the play. If an out was not recorded, then I might consider this an infield hit. - T.W.

Question:

It's the bottom of the 6th inning, there are no outs and a runner at second. The runner has a lead and the ball is hit to the shortstop. The runner runs past the shortstop on the pitch, the batter hits a grounder to the shortstop. He is ready to make the catch when the runner runs back to second and is hit by the ball. The shortstop was behind the runner and ready to make the play. The umpire call both runners safe and no outs. Our manager asks the umpire why the runner at second didn't interfere with the play and wasn't called out? First the umpire said that the ball went past a fielder (the pitcher) so it was not interference. Upon further questioning he said that he didn't see it hit the runner. First, did he make the right call on the runner? Second, there is a protest to the "Board", each member acknowledges that the ball did hit the runner however the umpire states that he didn't see it, can the protest committee uphold the protest? Should the game be continued from the bottom of the 6th, one out, and a runner at first?   (Charles from Alta Loma, CA)

Answer:

The correct ruling should have been as follows.... Dead ball immediately, the runner going from second to third is out. All other runners must return to the base they occupied at the time of the pitch unless forced. If, in the umpires judgement (although that is suspect in this play) this could have prevented a double play, then the umpire can declare that out as well.

As far as the protest, a misapplication of the rule can certainly be protested and in this case should be upheld. However, the umpire is claiming that he did not see the ball strike the runner, therefore, this is a judgement call, which can not be protested. Good luck! - T.W.

Question:

I am a FHSAA and AABC umpire. I was doing the plate in a little league 13-15 year old junior division game. With 2 outs and no runners on, the left fielder made a diving catch. Great play, however it was then I noticed he was using a first baseman's glove. I ruled this was illegal and awarded the batter 2 bases. Two innings later the coach came out with a rule book. This only mentioned sizes and weights. Was I wrong? I promised the coach that if I was wrong I would be more then happy to admit it. The coach wanted to protest, but I told him that as long as he had his rule book out to check the section that states he must protest before the next pitch is thrown after the disputed call. Thanks!   (Glenn from Coral Springs, FL)

Answer:

Unfortunately you ruled incorrectly. The rule book section that the manager brought to your attention is correct in the fact that it is the specifications of the glove that you must make the ruling on, not the fact that it was a first baseman's mitt. You are correct in the fact that he waited too long to lodge the protest - therefore, the game is now official. - T.W.

Question:

My 14-year old son beat out an infield single. After passing first base, he came to a stop, turned to his left and walked immediately back to first. The first baseman reached out and tagged him and he was called out. I thought there had to be an attempt toward second base. The umpire said in their latest rule clinic they were told to interpret any turn to the left as an attempt to second. Doesn't sound right to me.   (GC from Rocklin, CA)

Answer:

The rule in all codes states that a runner must make an attempt towards second base in order to be in jeopardy of being called out. In this case, I do not believe that there was an attempt to advance by the batter runner, so I would not have called him out. As far as the clinician's interpretation of ANY turn towards the left as an attempt to second - this is an incorrect interpretation and will only lead to trouble during games. - T.W.

Question:

What constitutes a save in baseball? What I mean is, what qualifies as a save? How many innings for a save or a win? Thanks   (Tony from Rohnert Park, CA)

Answer:

Please consult chapter 10.20 of OBR for the official scoring for saves. - T.W.

Question:

In little league, if a batted ball hits home plate then goes into fair territory, is it a live ball?   (Scooter from Houston, TX)

Answer:

In all baseball codes, the plate is in fair territory. So, this indeed a fair ball. - T.W.

Question:

OBR playing. The pitched ball bounces in front of the plate, but the batter swings for an easy pop fly (there isn't an infield fly situation). The first baseman catches the ball in foul territory. Is the batter-runner out for the catch or touching the base is required? Thank you.   (Mario from Milano, IT)

Answer:

The key here is if the ball touches the ground after being struck by the bat. In your description, this was a fly ball off of the bat. Therefore, the batter is declared out on a caught fly ball. - T.W.

Question:

What are the rules and/or regulations for baseball bat size and weight? For example minus 3, minus 5, minus 7 on bats for which ages? Thanks   (Mark from Westampton, NJ)

Answer:

Beginning in the 2001 scholastic baseball season, all bats must conform to the following specifications...

New Bat Specification (1-3-5 Note 1)

1. The thickest diameter of the bat shall not exceed 2 5/8".
2. The bat shall not weigh numerically more than 3 ounces less than the length.

1. If the dimensions of the bat are not marked on an aluminum bat, or have been removed, then the bat shall be considered illegal and denied use in the game.
2. If only one team has legal bats, they should request use of the other teams bats.
3. If for some reason, the other team will not permit use of their bats, or if neither team has bats with the correct specifications, then the game shall NOT be played. - T.W.

Question:

Batter not wanting to be in batter's box when requested by umpire: of course the umpire will call all pitches strikes, but.... 1. Can the batter run to 1b on a dropped 3rd strike or gets by the catcher? 2. If there is a runner(s) trying to score on a play before 2 are out, what happens? 3. Can the batter while the pitcher is in motion jump into the batter's box and try to get a swing or take a ball? Please give me as much info on this situation. Thank you.   (Frank from Thunder Bay, ON)

Answer:

I'm not quite sure of your question, but I can tell you that there are many rules concerning the batter and the batter's box. Hopefully some of the information that I will provide will answer your question(s).

Let me start out by stating that there are many differences between Federation and OBR codes. I will provide the information from the OBR book. You are correct, if the batter refuses to enter the box when requested, the umpire shall order the pitcher to pitch and call the pitches "strikes", continuing until the batter gets in the box or is called out. The ball remains alive during this action, so any runner advancement or defensive error shall be considered play. If on the third strike, the ball is not caught by the catcher and the runner has the right, he may advance to first base. As previously stated, runner advancement during this action can take place. If the runner is advancing to home, the batter is still subject to the requirement to vacate the area in the event of an impending play or risk being called for interference. As far as a batter jumping into the box to take a swing at a pitch - the rule book specifically states that "the batter is not at liberty to step in and out of the batter's box at will." The rule further states that a batter may take his proper position in the box, "...AFTER any such pitch, and the regular ball and strike count shall continue..." As an umpire, I would disallow a batter to "jump" into the box as an ordered pitch is coming to the plate - to avoid any potential problems. Reference OBR 6.02. - T.W.

Question:

If a batter swings at a ball and the ball strikes the batter on his lead foot while in the batter's box is it automatically a foul ball? Does it make any difference if his lead foot is in the fair territory portion of the batter's box?   (Martin from Laguna Niguel, CA)

Answer:

What you did not say, was he hit by the pitch or by the ball off the bat? In the first case, being hit by the pitch, since he was offering at the pitch, it is a strike. If he hits the ball and it hits his foot, it is a foul ball while he is in the batter's box. - J.R.

Any time a batter is hit by a batted ball and he is not completely outside of the batter's box, the ball shall be declared dead and a strike charged to the batter. If the batter were to be completely out of the batter's box (this means touching the ground outside of the batters box), then the ball would be declared dead and the batter would be declared out. All runners must return to the base they occupied at the time of the pitch. - T.W.

Question:

Is there a rule that says that a ball can't be pitched underhanded in the major leagues?   (James from Doylestown, PA)

Answer:

Rule 8.00 of the OBR covers the pitcher. All passages that I have read state the ball shall be delivered. It did not specify what kind of delivery. In my day watching the pros, there have been side arm and submarine style (similar to side arm but the release is a bit lower). Rule 2.00 OBR are the definitions and I did not find any mention under "Pitch" requiring any specific delivery. - J.R.

I don't know of any rule that requires a pitch to be overhand in the OBR book. However, the pitcher must conform to all preliminary movement restrictions regardless of under or overhand pitching. - T.W.

Question:

At a recent high school baseball game, the teams handed the umpire the official lineup. After a couple innings the visiting team states the home team is batting out of order. The wrong batter has just hit a single scoring a run. Indeed the home team had penciled in the last two batters in reverse in the scorebook. The umpire ruled that the incorrect batter was out at first, the player that was supposed to be the batter is skipped and no runners could score on the play. The umpire ruled the teams have to follow the lineup handed to him. Is this correct? Was the ruling correct?   (Brian from Murfreesboro, TN)

Answer:

BOO (Batting out of Order) can be a real bear. We do not see it too often. There are 5 steps to get this right:

1. Focus on the last 2 batters who have had pitches thrown to them.
2. Forget about the last batter who has had a pitch thrown to him and focus on the batter who has completed his atbat immediatly before him.
3. Realize this batter is legal, (Batter X).
4. The next batter should have been the person who follows Batter X in the batting order.
5. If not and the batter has completed his at-bat and with the proper appeal by the defense, the man who follows Batter X on the line-up card is declared out, and the correct next batter would be the guy who follows the person who has just been declared out. He is the guy two players down the batting order from Batter X.

Question:

How can a pitcher get a WIN without ever throwing a pitch?   (Susan from Mount Laurel, NJ)

Answer:

Here is one situation, of many, where a pitcher can earn a win without throwing a pitch. In the top of the last inning, with the score tied, and a runner on first with two outs, a new pitcher comes into the game. Prior to delivering a pitch to a batter, he picks the runner off of first base for the last out in the inning. In the bottom of the inning, the home team scores a run to win the game. - T.W.

Question:

I am a fastpitch softball pitcher. Please define "crowhopping" for me. Umpires in our area are seriously uninformed.   (Janessa from Rockingham, NC)

Answer:

The "crow hop" occurs when the pitcher's pivot foot leaves the rubber and re-plants prior to the pitch leaving the pitcher's hand to gain a second impetus, thus releasing the ball closer to the batter. - J.R.

Question:

Tigers at Yankees (high school baseball 5A texas). Bases loaded one out Yankees at bat. Base hit to left runners advance one base. play looks like it has stopped. Pitcher walks to the area within five feet of the mound. Base umpire notices that the pitcher may not have the ball. Tiger coach walks slowly out to the field and asks for time. Plate umpire grants time out. Base umpire, unable to hear time due to a very strong wind coming from left field sees the 2nd baseman has the ball and calls a balk. Base umpire discusses the balk with plate umpire. You make the call?

Base ump sees balk and has made the call in his mind upon finding the ball. Coach asks for time which is granted. Base umpire calls balk. Umpires discuss the play and make a descision.   (Mark from Fertile, MN)

Answer:

This play illustrates a couple of glaring mistakes that the umpires made. First, we all know that the most important thing in baseball is to keep your eye on the baseball. So, the plate umpire (who granted the timeout request) should not have granted this request until such time as he determined that playing action had ceased since it was apparent that the defense was intending to make some sort of play. (Had the ball still been in play, the base umpire's balk call would have been the correct call here.) The second mistake made was by the base umpire. It was stated that the umpire could not hear the time out call because of the wind. The fundamental mistake here is that this "time out" call is more than just a verbal call. The correct mechanic for time out is the verbalization as well as the umpire throwing his arms in the air (similar to a touchdown signal). The base umpire should have recognized this signal (if it was given) and realized that time out was called to try and prevent this balk. In conclusion, it is apparent that the umpires knew the balk rule, but proper mechanics and communication may have saved them a lot of grief. A good umpire not only knows the rules, but has good mechanics and communication with his partner when administering the rules as well. - T.W.

Question:

What is the call? Runner on third trys to steal home. The batter does not move and the pitch hits the runner as he crosses the plate. The count was 3 and 2. Interference of the pitch? Runner scores? Dead ball? Cannot find the answer. Thanks.   (Randy from Newport Beach, CA)

Answer:

The batter must vacate a congested area, i.e. an area that a play is being made. However, there may be other factors at work, such as where the catcher was in relation to the pitch, in front of the plate or not. It could almost be argued, in your case, that the runner interfered with the pitch or the catcher's attempt at the pitch, or that the pitch may have been a wild pitch. Also, the number of outs has a bearing on who is deemed out, the runner or the batter. One other thing comes to mind, was the batter left or right handed? Because if a right hand batter, the runner would almost have to collide with the batter if he did not move out of the way. The left hand batter would be away from the play and possibly not a real factor.

To be honest, I would need to see the play to make a ruling. - J.R.

Question:

In High School Baseball in Texas, courtesy runners can be used for the pitcher and the catcher. Is the courtesy runner, who has already ran for the pitcher or the catcher, allowed to enter the game as a pinch runner for another player?   (Wildman from Arlington, TX)

Answer:

Under Federation Speed-up rules, those players used as courtesy runners cannot be used as a pinch runner in that half inning. The exception being no other runners available and an injury has occured. - J.R.

Question:

What is the limit on offensive conferences in pro rules? Also the rule number that goes with it. Thanks.   (Kent from Harvey, LA)

Answer:

In pro rules there is no provision for a conference (at least that I have found and I have looked in the pro rule book, the rules index and the umpire manual). The umpire may grant time for the batter to confer with the coach. I will talk with Tom Wajda who is also part of this site and see if there is a precedent set elsewhere. - J.R.

There is no limit to the number of offensive conferences that a manager can request to talk to his batter or runners under the OBR code. - T.W.

Question:

In high school baseball, how many times may a coach approach the mound before he must remove his pitcher? per inning? per game?   (Cheryl from Aberdeen, MS)

Answer:

Federation conference rules are pretty easy to remember - on defense the coach gets three free per game and then every subsequent trip to the mound results in the removal of the pitcher. On offense, a coach is permitted to confer with his players once per inning. All subsequent requests are denied. If the game goes into extra innings, one additional offensive and defensive conference is granted per inning per team. - T.W.

Question:

Runner on first. Batter hits a one hopper to first baseman. Runner on first thinks fielder caught it on the fly and retuns to first. First baseman tags the runner while the runner is standing on first. At that moment, is the runner on first out? Two arguments:

1. The runner is out because the batter hit a ground ball and the runner HAD to run.
2. The runner is safe. He is safe on the base until the batter reaches first, thus forcing him off the base.

This situation happened to my team, except the bases were loaded and the play in question happened at third. The third baseman caught the ball, tagged the runner who was standing ON third, and threw the batter out at first. Double play?

I would really appreciate a response to this question. No one has ever answered it for me sufficiently.   (Mark from Danville, VA)

Answer:

The runner on first is forced to run on this play. Therefore, he can not legally occupy first base until either first base or the batter runner is tagged. Since the first baseman tagged the runner first, this runner is declared out. Had the first sacker tagged the base first, then the force on the runner would be removed and he could then legally occupy first base. - T.W.

Clarification: You will find the answer you are looking for in OBR 7.01 thru 7.03. 7.01 states that a runner is entitled to a base until he is forced to vacate for another runner legally entitled to that base. In the play described, the succeeding runner does not have entitlement to that base since he was put out, so the preceeding runner (as long as he has not advanced beyond the next base) can legally return to that base. - T.W.

Question:

Please knock the cobwebs from my baseball mind. In a recent youth game, the batter swung, made contact, ball hits batter on inner thigh, runs down leg , kicks off plate into fair territory, ump calls ball "fair" batter thrown out. Is this correct? Under what circumstances is a batted ball off the hitter considered foul? I noticed in your Q/A discussion that you said a portion of the batter box is fair, is that the front 90 degree part of the box, inches that extend before the plate? Thanks   (Skipper from Miami, FL)

Answer:

Any batted ball that contacts the batter (whether fair or foul) would result in a dead ball. If the batter is still in the batters box, then the batter would just be assessed a strike. (Some umpires use the mechanic of calling the ball "foul" in this play. If the batter was completely out of the box, the ball would be dead, and the batter would be declared out. - T.W.

Question:

What is the ruling if a batter swings at a pitched ball and misses, but the ball hits him? Last night I ruled the batter out (because it was the 3rd strike), and then a dead ball, no runners can advance.

What is the ruling regarding blocking a base? For instance, during a throw over to first base the first baseman was blocking the rear of the bag with his foot. Is this legal?   (Brian from Murfreesboro, TN)

Answer:

Your ruling for the batter being hit by a pitched ball that he swung at for strike three was right on. FYI - the correct mechanic is "Time, dead ball, the batter is out" and all runners must return to the base that they occupied at the time of the pitch.

No fielder can block the base without the ball. This would be obstruction and the runner would be awarded second base. However, if in your judgement, a play was imminent, then the fielder can legally position himself between the runner and the base. - T.W.

Question:

How many offensive conferences per inning are allowed and where does it state this in the rule book? Is it a balk if the first or third baseman has one foot in foul territory as the pitcher begins his delivery, whether to the bag or the plate? Can the first or third baseman "block" the bag with his leg or any other part of his body as the pick-off throw is coming to the bag? (catch being imminent) Has the pitcher committed to the plate by simply raising his free foot straight up or can he pivot and throw to first, stepping towards the bag before he throws? This being a right-handed pitcher.   (Bruce from Jacksonville, FL)

Answer:

Lets take these one at a time....

1. In OBR, the second trip to the same pitcher in the same inning will cause automatic removal of the pitcher. 8.06(a). In Federation rules, a team is permitted three free defensive conferences before the pitcher must be removed. 3.4.1
2. My interpretation is that if a player (other than the catcher) is not completely in foul territory when the pitcher delivers the ball, then this would not be a balk.
3. No, just because the pitcher lifted his non-pivot foot, he is not committed to pitch. The pitcher must step to the base that he wishes to throw to (in this case first). - T.W.

Question:

We have had many discussions on this topic...Batter interference while a steal attempt is made to home plate. What is the batter required to do? In one instance the batter tried to get out of the way of a play but unintentionally ran into the catcher trying to field the wild pitch...etc. Thanks.   (Jim from Toledo, WA)

Answer:

See OBR 6.06 C for this answer. Any movement while in the batter's box that hinders the catcher's fielding or throwing is considered interference. In my mind, with the catcher behind the batter and a throw in the dirt inside, the only way for this to happen is that the batter is avoiding a pitch and literaly falls on the catcher. Avoiding the pitch in such an instance is not interference.

It is interference if as the catcher is trying to make a play and the batter decides to swing very late to hinder the throw or steps across the plate to hinder the throw. This is a delayed dead ball call. If the out is made at 2nd despite the interference, the out stands. If he is safe at second, time is called, the runner goes back to first and the batter is out.

If the batter swings so hard and the momentum carries his swing all the way around and hits the catcher or ball, and if the catcher did not field it cleanly, the ball is dead and a strike called. The runner cannot advance. - J.R.

Question:

Runners at 2nd & 3rd, 1 out. Ball is batted to 3rd baseman who attempts to field the ball, and the two runners attempt to advance. The ball hits off the 3rd baseman's glove and then strikes the runner going from 2nd to 3rd on the play. The umpire called the runner out for being struck with the ball, and sends the man who ran from 3rd to home back to 3rd because the ball is called dead. His rational is that after the ball hit the runner, the short stop picked up the ball and could have made a play. While this doesn't seem possible to me, I don't think it matters anyway. Once an infielder has made the attempt at the ball, the runner being hit with the ball doesn't matter, and the ball stays in play. Who's right?   (Bruce from Venice, FL)

Answer:

Ok, let's look at OBR 7.08f. It states that the runner must be touched by a fair batted ball. Once the infielder touches and deflects the ball, this rule is not in effect. The runner cannot be expectedto avoid a deflected ball. See NAPBL Umpire Manual, section 4.5. The key here is the ball must be touched. If the fielder misses the ball and it hits the runner, I still have an out, provided another infielder has a reasonable chance for the ball. One thing to note, that if the runner intentionally deflects the ball, i.e. kicks it away or allows it to hit him (runner stops, etc), he may be guilty of interference, see OBR 7.09g and h. - J.R.

Question:

If a batter hits a fly ball which hits the home run fence, but does not go over; it rebounds back into the field of play and a fielder catches it (never hitting the ground), what is the call?   (Jim from Fort Wayne, IN)

Answer:

Ball is live and in play. Batter can advance as far as he wants with liability to be put out. - J.R.

Question:

Third baseman is standing in fair territory when the ball was hit foul. He reaches to catch the ball (while standing in fair territory) touching it before it lands in foul territory. Is this ball foul or fair?   (Luann from Port Clinton, OH)

Answer:

It is the position of the ball that makes it fair or foul. In this case the ball was still over foul ground even though the fielder was in fair terratory. This is still a foul ball. - J.R.

Question:

In high school baseball, batter hits or bunts the ball up the 3rd base line. The 3rd baseman fields the ball and makes an off balanced throw to the 1st baseman. The bad throw hits the batter/runner's body while running to 1st base, but before he touches the base, consequently the ball never gets to the 1st baseman and the runner proceeds to tag 1st base. What is the fate of this batter/runner?   (Vinny from Cranston, RI)

Answer:

This question is not a Federation specific question. You basically have one major thing to watch out for here. As the plate umpire, I am watching so see if the batter runner is in the 45' running lane. If he is completely inside the lane when the ball contacts him, then the ball remains alive and the play continues. If he is outside the lane, and in your judgement, this prohibited the ball from reaching the first baseman,then I would call interference and declare the batter runner out. In the latter case, all runners must return to the base they occupied at the time of the pitch. - T.W.

Question:

A line drive hits the pitching rubber then carooms into foul territory without touching any fielder including the pitcher. Is this a fair ball or foul ball and why?   (Tyler from New Bern, NC)

Answer:

See OBR 2.00, definition of a foul ball. This qualifies as a ground ball. - J.R.

Question:

Question #1:   Runners at first and second. One out. Pitcher pitches the ball. Batter drills is straight back at him. He ducks and the ball strikes the umpire who is standing behind him. Does the pitch count and if so, where do the runners get placed?

Question #2:   Pitcher delivers the ball to the hitter who promptly sends it back through the mound. Runner, who was at first is struck by the ball on his way to 2nd. Is this interference? If so, when does the pitcher become a fielder?   (Mark from Cronulla, AU)

Answer:

Answer #1:   See OBR 5.09f, 6.08d, 6.09c. This is umpire interference. A fair ball touching an umpire before it has passed an infielder other than the pitcher, is an interference call. The ball is dead, the runners advance one base and the batter gets first.

Answer #2:   This is interference. The ball is dead. The runner is out and the batter gets first base. See the above reference. The pitcher becomes a fielder if he steps back off the rubber prior to a pitch with his pivot foot and after he releases the ball. - J.R.

Question:

In major league baseball what is the lifespan (how many pitches) of the ball?   (Shana from Chicago, IL)

Answer:

This forum is intended for the discussion of common situations that a baseball or softball umpire would encounter while umpiring a game. Umpires while going about their job do not concern themselves with the statistics that you are interested in. However, there are a great many sites on the Web that deal with baseball statistics. You may want to check out www.baseball-links.com. - T.W.

Question:

If a game is called by rain after 4 and a half innings with the home team leading.. is it a complete game or must you play five complete?   (Jim from Louisville, KY)

Answer:

OBR 4.10 (c) give us the answer for this one. If the home team is ahead in 4 or 4 and a fraction innings, this constitutes a regulation game. - J.R.

Question:

What are all of the specifications for a pitchers mound?   (Peter from Huntington, NY)

Answer:

Specifications for the pitcher's mound differ according to the age level of play. Each governing rule book contains field dimensions (including mound specifications) and the such in its opening chapter. - T.W.

Under OBR (see OBR 1.04), pitcher's plate shall be 10" above home plate, that the degree of slope from a point 6" in front of the pitcher's plate to a point 6 feet toward home plate shall be 1" to 1' and the slope shall be uniform. The mound is an 18' dia. circle. The front edge of the rubber is 18" behind the center of the mound. Slope starts 6" from the edge of the rubber. - J.R.

Question:

Many new fielder's gloves are now two-toned (brown or tan back with a black web and black palm). Under the rules of baseball and specifically PONY baseball rules, can a pitcher use this type of glove to pitch in?   (Tom from Carrollton, TX)

Answer:

I can only comment on major league rules and federation rules. I do not have the PONY rule book. I would venture to say they would, for the most part, base their rules on major league rules with modifications being for safety and age appropriate.

Under OBR 1.15 the glove must be uniform in color, the glove may not be white or grey. Under major league and high school Federation rules, two-tone brown/tan is used and is considered legal. - J.R.

Under most codes that I know of, a pitcher's glove/mitt must be uniform in color and neither white nor gray. I interpret uniform in color to mean dark brown and light brown, but not red and white. I would allow a glove where the two different colors are close in shade such as dark brown fingers and a black web. - T.W.

Question:

If an outfielder catches a fly ball with his hat is the batter out? Thank you.   (Robert from Glen Burnie, MD)

Answer:

Nope. This is considered detached equipment. The ball is dead and the batter will get a three base award in baseball, see rule 7.05 a to c. It is also a three base award in softball. - J.R.

Question:

Hello, I was wondering when is the only time a manager can over rule an umpire? Thanks.   (Steve from Seattle, WA)

Answer:

Only with regard to personal contact, i.e. talking to his players. The manager may say to you , "Don't talk to him, talk to me," or "I am the coach, not you." Other than that, never. - J.R.

Question:

Rules question.........in approved ruling 7.08(a)(1), it says any runner is out when a defense tags him or 1st base BEFORE he touches 1st base. Here's my question....if you see a runner touch 1st at the same time the ball reaches the glove (i.e., force play)....are you calling him out or safe?   (Ted from Las Vegas, NV)

Answer:

In my opinion there is no such thing as a tie. While the difference in time for which arrived first may be undetectable by the human eye sometimes, I would call the batter runner out on a play that close. By the way, if you have seen a play in which the runner touched first at the same time that the ball arrived, then you have remarkable, almost unbelieveable, eyesight. Put it to good use! - T.W.

Question:

First a comment, and then two questions (OBR Rules):

I was surprised to read in my OBR of the majors that the bottom of the strike zone is a line at the hollow "below" the knees.

1. This applies to a slow bunt rolling down first or third base lines. Can you confirm that the foul lines are "in" and that if most of the ball is outside the foul lines, but any of the ball lies over the outer edge of the foul line, the ball is fair?
2. Do forced runners have to advance after a force is removed? Runner leading off first with no outs when the batter hits a hard ground ball to the first baseman. The first baseman steps on first removing the force and throws to second. The runner who was leading off first slips or is asleep or whatever, but sees he'll never make it to second. Since the force is removed, can he return to first base?   (Rod from Jakarta)

Answer:

1. In baseball, the foul lines are in the field of play. In order for a ball to be ruled foul, the ball must be completely outside the field of play.
2. Once a force is removed, the runner is not required to touch the next base. Therefore, in your question, the runner can return to first base once the force has been removed. - T.W.

Official Baseball Rules - Major League Baseball

NFHS Baseball Rules

NFHS Softball Rules