|
|
|

Dedicated to good sportsmanship and fair play.
|
Think You
Know Baseball?
[See Quiz Below]
|
Baseball
|
|
|
2010 NFHS
Rules
Changes
|
2010 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.
|
2010 NFHS Baseball Rules Changes
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 6,
2009) — The clarification of baseball bat specifications was among four
rules adjusted by the National Federation of State High School Associations
(NFHS) Baseball Rules Committee at its annual meeting June 7-9 in
Indianapolis. The rules changes subsequently were approved by the NFHS
Board of Directors.
A change to Rule 1-3-2
regarding bat specifications was made in the hope it will clarify bat
compliance. The rule, which will be effective January 1, 2012, specifies
that the bat should be a “smooth cylinder implement from the top of the cap
to the top of the knob.”
“The committee was looking to
clarify the rule and make the purchase of bats an easier process,” said
Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of educational services and liaison to the
Baseball Rules Committee. “We want to make sure that kids and parents know
what is permissible.”
The change will also require
that all non-wood bats meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution
(BBCOR) performance standard, which is the standard used by the National
Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Formerly, non-wood bats had to meet
the Ball Exit Speed Ratio (BESR) standard.
The new rule also states that
non-wood bats must be labeled with a rectangular certification mark “a
minimum of a half-inch on each side and located on the barrel of the bat in
any contrasting color.” The new standard ensures that performances by
non-wood bats are more comparable to those of wood bats. It’s also expected
to minimize risk, improve play and increase teaching opportunities.
“After working with the NCAA
and having access to its research, we’ve concluded it’s in our best
interest to make this change,” Hopkins said. “BBCOR includes the BESR
standard, so we’re actually expanding upon our current standard, which will
be more appropriate for our age and skill level.”
Another major rule addition
applies to assistant coaches and their behavior during the game. Rule
3-3-1g6 prohibits any member of the coaching staff who is not the head
coach from leaving “the vicinity of the dugout or coaching box to dispute a
judgment call by an umpire.” The penalty for this infraction is that both
the head coach and the offending coach will be restricted to the dugout for
the remainder of the game. If severe enough, the umpire also has the
authority to eject the offending coach and/or the head coach.
The intention of this change
is to cut down on the disruptive and counterproductive behavior of
assistant coaches. It also reinforces to head coaches that they are
responsible for their staff and players.
“The committee found that
assistant coaches were taking license with their roles and becoming
disruptive,” Hopkins said. “By doing that, they’re sending the wrong
message to their players. It’s one thing to ask the official for a
clarification, but it’s another to challenge and charge an umpire. We
cannot and will not allow that.”
A clarification was made to
Rule 1-2-4 concerning the temporary extension of dugouts. The modified rule
explains that when the dugout is to be temporarily extended, it shall be
extended toward the outfield and not toward home plate.
The final adjustment was made
to Rule 7-4-1f, concerning the instances when a batter will be declared
out. The change reads that the batter is out if “any member of the
offensive team or coach other than the runner interferes with a fielder who
is attempting to field a foul fly ball.” The addition of the phrase “other
than the runner” clarifies the responsibility of the runner and that the
runner — not the batter — will be declared out for the runner’s
interference.
“Previously, it just wasn’t fair
to the batter,” Hopkins explained. “If the runner interferes with the
defense, it’s not the batter’s fault. It was the runner who created the
infraction, so the runner will be called out.”
Baseball is the fourth-most
popular sport among boys at the high school level with 478,029 participants
during the 2007-08 season, according to the High School Athletics
Participation Survey conducted by the NFHS. It also ranks third in school
sponsorship across the nation with 15,720 participating schools.
|
|

2010 NFHS 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 © 2010
SITUATION 1: While in the set position, F1 has his
pitching hand hanging straight down in front of his body, stationary, as he
gets the sign from the catcher. RULING: The use of the
“gorilla” stance in the set position is legal provided the arm is not
moving. The batter, runner(s) on base, and coaches are able to view the
pitcher and the ball and are not placed at a disadvantage. (6-1-3)
SITUATION 2: While in the set position, F1 has his
pitching hand hanging straight down in front of his body, swinging back and
forth, as he gets the sign from the catcher. RULING: This
is not legal and is an illegal pitch or a balk if there are runners on
base. While this “gorilla” stance is legal if the pitching hand is
stationary, it is illegal if the arm is swinging back and forth. (6-1-3)
SITUATION 3: While in the set position, F1 has his
pitching arm resting on his thigh and his pitching hand is at rest in his
lower abdominal area. RULING: This is illegal. Having his
pitching hand at rest in this area gives the offense little to no
visibility of the baseball and action by the pitcher. (6-1-3)
SITUATION 4: R1 is at third base and is taking his
lead a few feet down the line in foul ground. B2 hits a sharp ground ball
that hits third base and caroms off the base and (a) hits R1 accidentally,
or (b) R1 intentionally moves so that he is hit by the fair ball. RULING:
In (a), the ball remains live and in play. In (b), the ball is
dead, R1 is out for his interference and other runner(s) are returned to
the base they occupied at the time of the interference. B2 is awarded first
base. (8-4-2k, 2-5-1e)
SITUATION 5: R1, with one out, is on second base
and is off with the pitch as B2 hits a high foul fly ball near third base.
As F5 moves in foul territory in an attempt to catch the foul fly, (a) R1
runs into him or (b) the head coach does not vacate his position in the
coaching box and F5 contacts him in his attempt. RULING:
In both situations this is interference and the ball is immediately dead.
In (a), R1 is declared out and in (b), B2 is declared out and R1 is
returned to second base. (7-4-1f)
SITUATION 6: R1, on second base, rounds third and
runs into F5 as he attempts to field a foul fly ball. This action occurred
with (a) a count of 1-1; (b) a count of 1-2; or (c) two outs. RULING:
In all three instances, R1 is out for his interference. In (a), the batter
returns to bat with a count of 1-2 and in (b), the batter returns to bat
with a count of 1-2 as the pitch is treated as a foul for the batter’s
count. In (c), B4 will lead off in his team’s next offensive half-inning.
(7-4-1f)
SITUATION 7: B1 lays down a bunt that is fielded by
F2 in fair territory a few feet in front of home plate. As B1 is 60 feet
from home base, he is running outside the running lane with one foot
completely in fair ground and not touching the lines of the running lane.
F2 fields the ball and (a) attempts to throw to first but throws high into
right field as he tries not to hit B1, or (b) does not attempt a throw. RULING:
B1 is required to be in the running lane the last 45 feet to first base
when the ball is fielded and thrown from an area behind him. In (a), this
is interference and B1 is out and the ball is declared dead. In (b), since
there was no throw, there is no interference. F2 is not required to hit B1
to demonstrate that B1 is out of the running lane, but a throw must be made
for the interference to be declared. (8-4-1g)
SITUATION 8: F1, while on the pitcher’s plate in
either the windup or set position, (a) adjusts his cap, or (b) shakes off
the signal with his glove, or (c) shakes off the signal with his head. RULING:
In (a), (b) and (c) these are legal actions, provided these movements of
the arms and legs were not associated with the pitch. (6-1-1, 6.1.2D case
book)
SITUATION 9: R1, on third base, attempts to score
on a squeeze play. B4 attempts to bunt, but misses the pitch and F2 comes
up with the ball and gets R1 in a rundown between third and home. F2
eventually attempts to throw R1 out at third, but makes a bad throw into
left field. R1 steps on third, but his momentum takes him several steps
down the foul line behind third base. R1, seeing the bad throw, turns,
misses third base as he advances to home. After R1 has touched home plate
and enters the dugout, the defense calls “Time” and verbally appeals R1
missing third. RULING: R1 is out on the valid defensive
appeal. R1 must touch third base again on his way to home plate. (8-2-1,
8-2-6c)
SITUATION 10: The visiting team is wearing
“quarterback-style” wristbands that have defensive plays listed under a Velcro
flap. The pitcher is wearing a black wristband down near his fielding
glove. The home coach claims that the wristbands are illegal, and all
players must take them off. RULING: Provided the
wristbands are not dangerous, they are legal. If the plate umpire judges
the wristband worn by the pitcher to be distracting, he would need to
remove it. Otherwise, it is legal for the pitcher as well. (1-5-9, 6-2-1f,
penalty)
SITUATION 11: R1 is on third and R2 on first with
one out. B4 hits a sinking line drive to center field. R1 tags properly and
goes home, while R2 is off with the hit. F8 makes a great catch. R2 is
beyond second base as F8 throws back to first in an attempt to double up
R2. The ball goes into the dugout with R2 still between second base and third
base. R2 touches second base and goes back to touch first base. RULING:
The ball is dead and R1’s run will count. R2 will be awarded two bases from
the base he had at the time of the pitch (first base), so he will be
awarded third base. If the defense properly appeals R2 being beyond second
base at the time the ball went dead, R2 will be declared out. R1’s run
would still count. (5-1-1g-3, 8-2-5, 8-2-6d-1, 8-4-2q)
SITUATION 12: With no outs, B1 has a 2-1 count when
his nose begins to bleed. He is not able to get it stopped and as a result
cannot finish his at-bat. The team has no substitutes available. His coach
believes that the batter next up in the order can assume his count. RULING:
B2 cannot assume B1’s count. With no substitutes available, B1 is declared
out and B2 will come to bat with one out. An out will be called each time
that spot in the batting order comes to bat. When an eligible substitute
becomes available, the team may return to playing with nine players.
(4-4-1f, Note 1, Note 2)
SITUATION 13: R1 is on third and R2 is on second
with no outs. Both runners attempt a double steal. As R1 gets into a
rundown between home and third, R2 advances and stays on third base. With
R2 on third base, R1 commits interference during the rundown. RULING:
The ball is dead immediately. R1 is declared out for the interference. R2
will be kept at third base since he had legally reached third at the time
of the interference. (8-2-9, 8-2-8)
SITUATION 14: With R1 on third base and no outs, B2
hits a pop fly in fair territory in front of home plate. The catcher misses
the ball completely, never touching it, and the backspin on the ball causes
it to move back toward home where it strikes R1 in fair territory. The ball
continues to move into foul ground, where it comes to rest. The offensive
head coach claims R1 is not out since the batted ball “passed” an
infielder. RULING: The ball is dead immediately and R1 is
declared out for being contacted by a fair batted ball. B2 is awarded first
base. The action of the ball in this situation is not considered to be
“passing” an infielder. Had the ball contacted R1 in foul ground, the ball
would be dead immediately, R1 would be returned to third and B2 would
remain at bat. (8-4-2k, 5-1-1f-1)
SITUATION 15: With one out, R1 is on third base and
R2 is at second base when B4 misses the sign for the squeeze bunt. B4 hits
a high chopper near first base as R1 touches home plate. F3 fields the
ball, touches first to retire B4 and sets to throw to third in an attempt
to put out R2 who got a late start going to third base. As F3 releases the
throw, B4 intentionally reaches out and hits his arm for obvious
interference. RULING: R2 is declared out for the third out
due to B4’s interference. R1’s run will count as he had legally acquired
home before the interference occurred. (8-4-2g, 8-2-9, 5-1-1e)
SITUATION 16: The head coach requests “Time” and
goes to the mound for a visit. He removes F1 and brings in S1 to pitch from
the bullpen. The coach remains at the mound talking with S1 as he takes his
eight warm-up throws. The opposing head coach claims that this is a charged
conference because the defensive coach stayed at the mound until S1 had
completed his warm-up throws. RULING: There is no charged
conference to be recorded on the defensive team since F1 was removed as the
pitcher. As long as the head coach leaves when S1 completes his warm-up
throws and does not delay the game, no defensive conference will be
charged. (3-4-1)
SITUATION 17: With R1 on first attempting to steal
second base, B2 swings and misses as the ball hits the catcher’s mitt and
pops up in the air. B2’s follow-through hits the ball to the backstop. RULING:
This is batter interference and the ball is declared dead. B2 is out and R1
is returned to first base. (7-3-5c penalty)
SITUATION 18: With R1 on first, a pitch hits the
catcher’s shin guards and is deflected toward the dugout. R1 had left first
base headed for second as F1 released the pitch and is standing on second
base when the deflected pitch rolls into the dugout. R1’s head coach argues
that R1 should be awarded third base. RULING: R1 is
awarded one base from where he was at the time of the pitch. R1’s award is
second base and he will remain at second, and not be advanced to third
base. (8-3-3d, 8-3-5b)
SITUATION 19: Bases are loaded with two outs and a
1-1 count on B6. The scoreboard has a 0-2 count. The plate umpire gives the
correct count and verbally states “1-1.” B6 swings and misses the next
pitch to make the count 1-2, but F2, thinking it is strike three, tosses
the ball toward the mound as the infield players begin to leave the
diamond. The third-base coach has his runners running and all of them cross
home plate. The visiting defensive head coach protests that
the runs should not score since the scoreboard was in error and it put them
at a disadvantage. RULING: The umpires did not err on the
play and both teams are responsible to know the count and the number of
outs. The play stands and all three runs count. (10-2-3g)
SITUATION 20: Two outs, R3 at second base. On a 1-2
pitch, R3 attempts to steal third base as the batter attempts to check his
swing. R3 is thrown out at third base for the third out. The defense now
wants to appeal the check-swing on B4 so that if he went around, he struck
out and would not come back to bat in the next half-inning. U1 checks with
the base umpire and U2 confirms that B4 did indeed swing at strike three. RULING:
Since B4’s out is a “fourth” out, the defense may select the out
which is most to its advantage. B4 is out for out No. 3 and the batter
following him in the lineup will bat first in the next half-inning.
(2-20-2, 9-1-1d)
|
|
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.
|
|