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Think You
Know Baseball?
[See Quiz Below]

Baseball

 

2008 NFHS 
 Rules 
Changes
  

 2008 NFHS
Rules
Interpretations

Southern Tier
Teener League

Adult Baseball:
If you are umpiring or playing adult baseball there are some special rules for those games.  Please go to:
WWW.MSBLNATIONAL.COM to makes sure you are aware of all rules that are specific to this level.

 


2008 NFHS Baseball Rules Changes  


Obstruction to Bases Prohibited in 2008 Baseball Rules

    INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 9, 2007) -- Beginning with the 2008 high school baseball season, fielders without possession of the ball will not be allowed to deny access to the base that a runner is attempting to achieve.
    This change in Rule 2-22-3 is one of numerous rules revisions approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Baseball Rules Committee at its annual meeting June 12-14 in Indianapolis. The rules changes subsequently were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.  
    "This rules revision will be very beneficial because it will minimize the risk of injury for both offensive and defensive players," said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of educational services and liaison to the Baseball Rules Committee.
    A revision to Rule 3-2-1 rescinds the previous rule that stated a coach or player occupying the coaches' boxes shall remain there upon the batter entering the batter's box until the release of the ball by the pitcher if requested by the opposing coach. Beginning with the 2008 season, one player or coach may occupy each coach's box while his or her team is at bat.
    "This rule was virtually impossible to enforce in the past," Hopkins said. "The umpire does not normally focus on the coach in the box, and shouldn't have to split his or her focus between the coach and the game. In addition, a lot of fields are not properly lined with coaches' boxes, and it's tough to say where the coach should be if the marks are not clear."
    Along with the previous rule, multiple rules changes were made regarding head coaches. Rule 3-2-4 requires the head coach to be in attendance at the pregame conference if available. If he or she is not present, the head coach will be restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game unless he or she must attend to a sick or injured player.
    Another rule, Rule 1-1-2, suggests the importance of both the captain and the head coach being in communication with the umpires. Both must be present at the pregame conference, and the head coach is responsible for ensuring that his or her team is in compliance and will adhere to good sportsmanship. The rule also requires the name, shirt number, position and batting order of each starter to be placed on the lineup card. The name and shirt number of each eligible substitute should also be placed on the card, but are not required.
    "It is important and necessary to require lineup cards to be filled out correctly," Hopkins said. "We looked at the vocabulary for the requirements for substitutions and changed “shall” to “should” in the section concerning eligible substitutions because there is no violation or penalty outlined if the eligible substitute's name is not listed on the card."
    Two final rules changes deal with equipment and apparel. Rule 1-3-6 will require a pitcher's glove to be removed from the game if it includes the colors of white and/or gray and is noticed by the umpire or opposing team.
    "It is the coach's responsibility to make sure his team is properly equipped, and it is the umpire's responsibility to enforce the rules," Hopkins said. "Instead of penalizing the opposing team with a multi-base award, the glove will only be required to be removed."
    According to Rule 10-1-9, it is necessary that umpires dress alike in heather gray slacks and either a navy pullover shirt or a state association-adopted shirt. They are not required to supply a wide variety of shirts beyond what is necessary.

2008 Baseball Rules Interpretations 

 

Publisher's Note: The National Federation of State High School Associations is the only source of official high school interpretations. They do not set aside nor modify any rule. They are made and published by the NFHS in response to situations presented.
Robert F. Kanaby, Publisher, NFHS Publications © 2008

SITUATION 1: With runners on first and second and no outs, the batter bunts a slow roller down the third-base line. The third baseman, seeing that he has no play on any of the runners, starts blowing on the ball from his hands and knees, trying to make the ball go foul. The ball eventually rolls into foul territory where it comes to rest. RULING: This is a fair ball. The fielder is using artificial means to induce the ball to become foul. As soon as a fielder blew on the ball, it would be judged to be the same as if he had touched it. So, if the ball was on fair ground when he blew on it, the ball is fair; if the ball was over foul ground when he blew on it, it would be foul. (2-5-1, 2-16-1)

SITUATION 2: A sharp line drive is hit to the second baseman. The impact of the ball takes the glove off the second baseman's hand, and the glove lands on the ground with the ball still in the pocket of the glove. The second baseman retrieves the glove and takes the ball out of the pocket. Is this a catch or must the ball be thrown to first base in an attempt to record the out? RULING: This is not a catch. To record the out on the batter-runner, the second baseman would need to throw the ball to first in an attempt to obtain the force out. A catch is an act of a fielder gaining secure possession in his hand or glove of a live ball in flight and firmly holding it. (2-9-1)

SITUATION 3: A fly ball hit deep to right field along the foul line hits the right fielder on the head. The ball then bounces off his head and, in flight, goes over the outfield fence, but does so on the foul side of the foul pole. Is this a home run? RULING: No, this is a ground-rule double. A home run is a fair ball that goes over a fence in flight in fair territory. (8-3-4a)

SITUATION 4: With the bases loaded and two outs and a 3-2 count, the runners are off with the pitch. The pitch is ball four, but the runner from first slides into second and his momentum carries him over and past the base. The catcher makes a quick throw to second base and the tag is applied for the third out before the runner from third trots home and touches the plate. Does the run count? RULING: Yes, the run does count. Each runner may, without liability to be put out, advance one base when he is forced to vacate his position on the bases due to the batter being awarded a base-on-balls. The runners advance past the bases to which they are entitled at their own risk. All runners are awarded one base, and as long as all the bases are touched appropriately, the run would count. (8-1-2a, 8-1-1c, Awards Table)

SITUATION 5: With runners on second and third, the batter receives ball four on a pitch that bounces in the dirt. The ball caroms off the catcher's shin guards and goes into the visiting team's dugout. What bases are to be awarded? RULING: The batter is awarded first base due to the base-on-balls, and the runners are awarded one base due to the pitch entering a dead-ball area. At the end of the awards, the batter-runner will be on first base, the runner from second will be on third, and the runner from third will have scored. (8-1-2a, 8-1-1c, 8-3-3d)

SITUATION 6: While on the pitcher's plate in the windup position, the pitcher has both hands at his side or both hands together in front of his body. He brings his pitching hand to his mouth and then distinctly wipes it off. RULING: This is an illegal pitch. Each runner on base would be awarded one base. If the bases were empty, a ball would be awarded to the batter. (6-1-2 Penalty)

SITUATION 7: While on the pitching plate in the stretch position, the pitcher has the ball in his glove hand and his pitching hand is at his side or has hands together in front of his body. He brings his pitching hand to his mouth, distinctly wipes it off and returns it to his side. RULING: This is an illegal pitch by the pitcher. A balk will be called if there are runners on base. If the bases are empty, a ball will be awarded to the batter. (6-1-3 Penalty)

SITUATION 8: While off the pitcher's plate, the pitcher goes to his mouth with his pitching hand, distinctly wipes it off and then legally engages the pitcher's plate. RULING: This is legal. (6-1, 6-2-1e)

SITUATION 9: With (a) the bases empty, or (b) runners on first base and second base, the pitcher goes to his mouth with his pitching hand while off the pitcher's plate, but does not wipe it off. He next places his pitching hand on the ball. RULING: In both (a) and (b), while off the pitching plate, the pitcher may request to have a new ball from the plate umpire with no penalty. If the pitcher, without having received a new ball from the plate umpire subsequently engages the pitcher's plate, a ball would be awarded to the batter. (6-2-1e Penalty)

SITUATION 10: The lineup submitted by the visiting team does not have any substitutes listed. In the second inning, the visiting team coach attempts to substitute for the center fielder. The coach of the home team complains that there were no substitutes listed, this is illegal. RULING: This is legal. While it is encouraged and a benefit to both teams to have all substitutes listed on the line-up card, it is not mandatory. There is no penalty. The umpire-in-chief will allow the substitution and notify the opposing team and the official scorekeeper. (1-1-2, 10-2-3d, j)

SITUATION 11: Baker, who is not listed on the lineup card as a starter or as a substitute, comes in to play left field but does not report. When he comes to bat in the next half-inning, the opposing team argues that since he was not listed on the lineup and that since he did not report, he is an illegal substitute and cannot participate. RULING: There is no penalty for not listing the substitutes and Baker may participate. As an unreported substitute, the umpire-in-chief will enter him on his lineup card and notify both teams and the official scorer. (1-1-2, 2-36-2, 3-1-1)

SITUATION 12: As the pitcher moves to attempt a pickoff at first base, the first baseman drops his knee and entirely blocks the runner from getting back to first base. RULING: This is obstruction. A fielder who is not in possession of the ball must provide the runner access to the base he is attempting to reach. The runner will be awarded second base for the obstruction. (2-22-3, 8-3-2)

SITUATION 13: Without the ball in possession, the catcher sets up in the base path, but does allow access to part of home plate. As the ball and the runner converge at home simultaneously, the runner contacts the catcher. RULING: As long as the umpire judges that the catcher provided access to the plate for the runner, this is not obstruction. With the play in motion and the timing such that it is about to occur, a fielder may be in the base path without the ball, provided he allows the runner access to the base or home plate. (2-22-3)

SITUATION 14: With a lazy, one-hop single to the right fielder, the batter rounds first base with no intention or action of advancing to second base. As he takes a few easy strides past first base, he contacts the first baseman who is partially in his path. RULING: Since the batter was making no attempt to advance to second base, the first baseman did not hinder him or change the pattern of the play. As a result, obstruction would not be called. Any benefit of the doubt would be given to the batter-runner if there was a question in the covering umpire's mind. (3-22-1)

SITUATION 15: With the pregame conference ready to begin, the home team head coach is in the bullpen and refuses to attend. He sends his assistant coach and a captain to be present. The assistant coach provides his team's lineup and verifies to the umpire-in-chief that his team is properly equipped. RULING: The umpire-in-chief will accept the assistant coach's verification and conclude all needed activity at the pregame conference. The head coach will be restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game. (3-2-4 Penalty, 4-1-3a)

SITUATION 16: With the game time at hand, the head coach of the visiting team is caught in traffic and is not present at the field. The assistant coach represents the team at the pregame conference. RULING: This is permissible. When the head coach arrives at the game, he may resume normal coaching activity. (3-2-4)

SITUATION 17: In the third inning, a substitute pitcher comes to relieve the starting pitcher. After a couple of pitches have been delivered, the umpire-in-chief notices that the reliever's glove has white on it. RULING: The umpire shall have the pitcher remove the glove and obtain a legal one before he continues to pitch. (1-3-6)

SITUATION 18: With runners on second and third, the pitcher makes a great catch of a line drive hit back up the middle. The opposing coach notices that his glove has a large manufacturer's logo that is white. He complains to the umpire-in-chief. RULING: Upon discovery, the glove used by the pitcher that includes the colors white and/or gray shall be removed. The out stands and there are no subsequent base awards. (1-3-6)

SITUATION 19: The umpire-in-chief notices that the head coach coaching at third base is not in the coach's box. The coach is not gaining an advantage or causing any problems. RULING: There is no violation. If the umpire believes that the coach was gaining an advantage for his team, he would require the coach to be within the confines of the coach's box. (3-2-1)

SITUATION 20: With the bases empty, the visiting team is at bat and the assistant coach in the first base coach's box is wearing a dual flap helmet while the head coach in the third base coach's box is wearing a hard liner under his team cap. The home team coach complains to the umpire-in-chief that both coaches must wear the same type of protective helmet in accordance with MLB rules. RULING: The NFHS has not mandated that adult coaches shall wear protective head gear while occupying a coach's box. It is the prerogative of the respective coach to wear such protective equipment. The NFHS is conducting research to determine if protective head gear should be required and, if so, which type (hard liner, flapless, one-flap, dual flap) would be most effective. However, it is mandatory that when occupying a coach's box, a coach shall wear the team cap and that players/students wear a batting helmet that meets the NOCSAE standard and has dual ear flaps. (3-2-1, 1-5-1, 1-4-1)

Southern Tier Teener

Baseball League

 

 

The Southern Tier Teener League plays their games in Vestal,
Endicott, Newark Valley, Owego, Ithaca, Cortland, JC, Port Dick, and NYSEG.

 

The league follows High School rules with the following exceptions:

 

ü      There is no DH allowed.  However, each team may use up to 2 Extra Hitters (EH).  If they start the game with 11 hitters in the line-up and if for any reason they fall below 11 hitters, with no legal substitute, an out will be called for each time that spot comes up in the batting order.

 

ü     A team must have 8 players to start the game.  If they start the game with only 8 players they have two options.  [1] They may present a line-up card with 9 players.  Each time that spot comes up in the batting order an out will be called.  If a player shows up he may enter the game immediately filling the 9th spot in the batting order.   [2] If they present a line-up with only 8 players they can only play with 8 players no matter if others show up after the start of the game (players that show up after the start of the game can be used as substitutes only).  Under any circumstance any time a team only has 7 eligible players the game cannot continue and the team will forfeit.   The umpire has sole discretion on the amount of time to wait to start the game to have the legal number of players there (general guideline 15 minutes).

ü     Starting players may re-enter the game once (substitutes are not eligible for re-entry) as long as their substitute has had one at-bat and played for six defensive outs.

ü     Pitchers removed may continue to play in the game but may not return to pitch for the remainder of the game.

 

ü     No inning may begin 2½ hours after the beginning of the game.  However, ties will be played to completion.

 

A Mercy Rule of 10 runs after 5 innings will be in effect.

THINK YOU KNOW BASEBALL?

 

This quiz contains questions regarding the most
frequently misinterpreted rules.
See if you know the correct ruling for the
following situations

1. ARE THE HANDS CONSIDERED PART OF THE BAT?
Answer: No. See rule 2.00 Ball, Person, Touch, Strike(e)(f). 6.08(b). If the batter is hit anywhere on his body, including the hands, it is a strike if he is swinging at the pitch or is hit by a pitch that is in the strike zone. He gets first base if he did not swing and attempted to avoid the pitch. Being hit on the hands is an immediate dead ball, and is NEVER a foul ball. It is a strike. If it is strike three, the batter is out.

2. IF A BATTED BALL HITS THE PLATE FIRST, IS IT A FOUL BALL?
Answer: No. The plate is in fair territory and is treated the same as the ground. Rule 2.00 Fair, Foul. If it settles on the plate it is also a fair ball.

3. IS THE BALL ALWAYS IMMEDIATELY DEAD WHEN THE UMPIRE CALLS "BALK!"?
Answer: In high school baseball (NFHS) the answer is Yes.  In adult baseball (Major League Rules) the answer is No. If the pitcher throws a pitch or throws to a base after the call, the ball is live (delayed dead). At the end of the play, the balk will be enforced or ignored depending on what happened. Rule 8.05 PENALTY. If ALL runners advance on the play, the balk is ignored. If ANY runner is put out, or does not advance on the play, the balk is enforced from the time of the balk.

4. IF A PITCH HITS THE GROUND, THEN HITS THE BATTER, AND THE BATTER DID NOT SWING; IS THE BATTER ENTITLED TO FIRST BASE?
Answer: Yes. A pitch is a ball delivered to the batter by the pitcher. It doesn't have to be in-flight to be a pitch. The batter can hit a ball off the ground and it is a legal hit. The ball is dead when it hits the batter. The batter is awarded first. Rule 2.00 Pitch, 5.09(a), 6.08(b).

5. MUST THE BATTER TURN TO HIS RIGHT WHEN RETURNING TO FIRST BASE AFTER A SAFE HIT?
Answer: No. The runner is out when tagged, only if the umpire judges that he made an attempt to go to second base after he reached first. Rule 7.08(c) EXCEPTION and 7.10(c). An attempt is a judgment call. Usually an attempt is judged when the runner takes a step toward second with thoughts of going and lifts the other foot off the ground and moves it toward second. 

 

6. WHEN A FIELDER THROWS THE BALL OUT-OF-PLAY, ARE THE RUNNERS AWARDED THE BASE THEY WERE GOING TO, PLUS ONE?
Answer: No. If the wild throw is the first play by an infielder, runners are awarded 2 bases from the bases they held at the time of the pitch. If it is the second play by an infielder, or any throw from an outfielder, it is 2 bases from where they were physically positioned when the wild throw was released by the fielder. Not from the time it went out-of-play. It makes no difference which direction they were running at the time of the throw. If all runners have advanced at least one base before the release of the wild throw that was the first by an infielder, all runners are awarded 2 bases from where they were positioned at the time of the release. Rule 7.05(g) & APPROVED RULING. If the pitcher steps off the rubber before making a pick-off attempt, he is considered a fielder and runners are awarded two bases if the throw goes into dead ball area.

7. AT ALL LEVELS OF PLAY; SENIOR, JUNIOR, & MAJOR, THE RUNNER MUST SLIDE IF THE DEFENSIVE PLAYER IS FIELDING THE BALL ON A CLOSE PLAY, OR HAS THE BALL. TRUE OR FALSE?|
Answer: False. There is no must slide rule. The runner must slide, OR attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball waiting to make a tag. The runner may NEVER deliberately crash into the defender, with or without the ball. However, if an unavoidable collision occurs on a close play, the runner is NOT out. In an attempt to get around the fielder, the runner may not go more than three feet from the baseline. Rule 7.08(a)(3).

8. IF A FIELDER IS BLOCKING THE BASE PATH BEFORE HE CATCHES A THROW, IS THIS ALWAYS INTERFERENCE?
Answer: No. First, interference is something the offense does illegally. A fielder who does not have the ball and is not in the act of fielding, is guilty of OBSTRUCTION. If the throw is in flight and CLOSE to the fielder, he has a right to move wherever it is necessary to catch the ball. Otherwise, he must get out of the way. It is the umpire's judgment as to whether or not the fielder is in the "act of fielding". Rule 2.00 Obstruction. Rule 7.06(a)(b).

9. THE SHORTSTOP HAS THE BALL MUCH TOO FAR FROM THE RUNNER ADVANCING FROM SECOND BASE TO TAG HIM. THE RUNNER ZIG-ZAGS 6 FEET TO EACH SIDE OF THE BASE LINE AS HE RETREATS TO SECOND. IS HE OUT FOR RUNNING OUT OF THE BASELINE?
Answer: No. Rule 7.08(a)(1) applies at the time the runner moves out of the base line "to avoid a tag", not before. Also, the interpretation of base line for purposes of this rule is that the base line is the line from the runner to the base. Not the line between the bases. 

 

10. AN OUTFIELDER MAKES A RUNNING CATCH, TAKES 4 STEPS AFTER CATCHING THE BALL, FALLS DOWN, ROLLS OVER AND STANDS UP, THEN DROPS THE BALL. IS THE BATTER OUT?
Answer: No. This is not a legal catch. The release of the ball must be voluntary and intentional. The length of time the ball is held is irrelevant, unless the fielder has complete control of his body and the umpire judges he has complete control of the ball. Rule 2.00 Catch.

11. WHEN THE INFIELD-FLY RULE IS IN EFFECT, IS THE BATTER AUTOMATICALLY OUT IF HE HITS A POP-FLY IN THE INFIELD?
Answer: Yes, IF the ball can be caught with ordinary effort. This is a judgment call. If the umpire believes it required more than ordinary effort, the batter is not out. Rule 2.00 Infield-fly. It is not an infield-fly simply because it is hit within the infield. The ball must be judged to be able to be caught with ORDINARY EFFORT. The ball may also be caught in the outfield and still be an infield-fly, IF it could be caught with ordinary effort by a fielder who was stationed in the infield at the time of the pitch.

12. IF THE UMPIRES DECLARE "INFIELD-FLY THE BATTER'S OUT" BUT THE FIELDER DROPS THE BALL, CAN THE RUNNERS ADVANCE?
Answer: Yes. The ball is live and runners may advance at the risk of being put out. The only difference between an infield-fly and an outfield-fly is; the batter is out whether the ball is caught or not. Runners may tag-up after a catch or run if no-catch. Since the batter is out all forces are removed. Rule 2.00 Infield-fly.

13. IF THE BASE COACH SLAPS HANDS WITH A RUNNER AS HE PASSES WHILE THE BALL IS ALIVE, IS THE RUNNER OUT?
Answer: No. This is a judgment call. If the base coach, by touching or holding the runner, physically assists that runner in returning to or leaving the base, the runner is out. Merely a hand slap or pat on the back is not grounds for an out. Rule 7.09(I).

14. AS THE BATTER ROUNDS THIRD AFTER HITTING A HOME RUN, HIS TEAMMATES HUG HIM AND PAT HIM ON THE BACK AND SLAP HANDS. SHOULD THE BATTER BE CALLED OUT?
Answer: No. The ball is dead after the ball leaves the field and all runners may advance without liability to be put out. Rule 5.02, 7.09(a). If any runner misses a base, that runner may be put out on appeal only after the ball is put back in play. The ball is put in play when the pitcher has the ball while standing on the rubber and the umpire says "Play." 

 

15. A RUNNER ADVANCES A BASE ON A PITCH THAT WAS TIPPED BY THE BATTER AND CAUGHT BY THE CATCHER. MUST THE RUNNER RETURN TO HIS ORIGINAL BASE?
Answer: No. The ball is live on a foul-tip. If the tip is not caught it is a foul-ball and the ball is dead. If it is caught, it is a strike and the ball is live. Rule 2.00 Foul-tip. This applies for strike 1, 2 or 3. It is not a foul-tip by definition, unless it is caught. If it is not caught, it is by definition, a foul ball.

THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS DESCRIBE PLAYS:

 

16. Two out, runners on first and second base. Batter hits single, runner on second scores, runner on first base missed second but reaches third. The defense properly appeals that he missed second. Does the run which scored count?
Answer: No. Because the runner started at first this is a force-out. Rule 2.00 Force-play, Rule 4.09(a) EXCEPTIONS: (2). No run can score if the third out is a force-out.

17. One out, runners on first and second. Batter hits a pop fly between third and home, the umpire calls "infield fly if fair", the fielder under the ball, lets the ball strike the ground untouched in foul territory, the ball then then rolls into fair territory. The umpire rules an infield fly and declares the batter out. Right or wrong?
Answer: Right. This is a fair ball, therefore it is an infield fly. Rule 2.00 Fair ball, Infield fly (NOTE:), 6.05(e).

18. Bases full, two out, batter walks. Catcher throws ball to first baseman, ball gets by him into right field. All runners on base score with the batter reaching second. The defense appeals that the batter-runner missed first. The umpire agrees and calls him out. How many runs score?
Answer: None. Rule 4.09(a) EXCEPTIONS(1). No run can score if the batter is put out before touching first. Runners must touch all bases including those they are awarded. If the runner attempts to advance to the next base, or reaches the next base, he is considered to have "reached" the base he was awarded. If he did not touch the base he was awarded, he is liable to be put out on appeal.

19. Runner goes far out of the base line to avoid a fielder trying to field a fair batted ball. Umpire declares the runner out. Right or wrong?
Answer: Wrong. The runner must avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball and is not out for running out of the base line. Rule 7.08(b) and 7.09(l) makes him out if he does not avoid the fielder.

20. Runners on second and third, two out, batter hits a clean double and is thrown out attempting to stretch hit into a triple. However, the runner who started on second left before the ball reached the plate. How many runs count? (Little League only)
Answer: None. Whenever any runner leaves early, all runners are affected. When the play is over all runners are put back to their original bases if possible. Since the batter was put out, bases would be available. Since he was the third out the runs do not count. Rule 7.13. (Major & Minors only).

21. Runner going from second to third bumps into the shortstop who was standing in the base path without the ball. The third baseman, who fielded the ball, comes over and tags the runner with the ball. Is the runner out?
Answer: No. This is Obstruction. Rule 2.00, 7.06.

22. A batter with two strikes is hit on his fist while swinging at the pitch. Is he out, or is he awarded first base, or is it a foul ball.
Answer: He is out. Rule 2.00 Strike(e), Person and Touch. The hands are NOT part of the bat. See answer to question #1 above.

23. The player listed third in the batting order bats when the number two batter should have been up. He gets a double. The defense appeals that he was the wrong batter. The umpire calls number two out and puts number three back up. Is this correct?
Answer: Yes. When batting out of order occurs, the PROPER batter is out, hits and/or advances that occur when the improper batter becomes a runner are nullified. The next batter up is the spot following the spot that was called out. In this case two is out, three's hit is nullified and because he is the one after the person called out, he bats again. Any advances by runners while the improper batter is at bat, such as steals, are legal. If the batter who is due to bat after an appeal is made, is on base, you skip that spot and the following player bats.