Question:

Infield is playing in. A ground ball is hit sharply past the first baseman, but he doesn't touch it and hits the runner. Isn't the runner safe since the ball passed a fielder other than the pitcher?   (Rick from Van Buren, AR)

Answer:

Yes. - J.R.

Question:

In bad weather an umpire can suspend play and/or call the game. Can an umpire call the game, telling everyone that's it go home and then a few minutes later change his mind. If so, how long after he called the game can he then decide the teams should unpack and start again?   (Jen from London)

Answer:

The league representitive or the home team has control of the field until play starts. Then the umpire has control. In any weather situation, safety of the players is the overiding concern. When weather moves in the umpire can suspend play for however long he sees fit, within reason of course to see if the weather clears and the field made playable. MLB has waited up to 3 hrs before calling the game. Once the game is called by the umpire, if 4.5 or 5 innings have been completed depending on who is ahead, the game is offical and we have a winner. If we have not reached that point, the game will start over.

Once called, the game is over. - J.R.

Question:

The score is tied with two out in the bottom of the ninth inning. The bases are loaded and the count is 3 balls and two strikes. The batter swings and misses at strike three but the catcher misses the ball. Can the runners advance, permitting the runner from third to score? Or is the batter out because first base is occupied?   (Tom from Plainview, NY)

Answer:

All codes agree, with two out the batter can run to first even though it is occupied. - J.R.

Question:

Tampering with a bat is illegal and doing so subjects the batter to being called out and ejected. In the Sosa incident, his bat cracked open and the evidence was there for all to see. My question is what if a player hits a home run and the opposing manager challenges the bat? Does the umpire have an obligation to examine the bat at that time? By examine I mean X-ray or saw it open. Does the umpire have the discretion to do this? Does he have the option to hold up the game, saw open a bat, declare the hitter out and take the homer off the board? Thanks for your help.   (Steve from Grinnell, IA)

Answer:

If a manager challenges the bat as illegal, the umpire may examine the bat for obvious tampering. X-rays, sawing the bat are impractical during a game. - J.R.

Question:

Runners on 1st & 2nd, less than two outs, infield fly rule is in effect.

On a high pop fly to the infield, the umpire calls 'Infield Fly, Batter is Out'. If the runners are standing on their bases when that call is made, can they try to advance to the next base BEFORE the ball drops to the fielder since, technically, the batter has now been ruled out and the play would be similar to a tag-up? Or, can they advance only when the ball has reached the ground?

On that same note, WHEN is the correct time for the umpire to make the infield fly call - on the batted ball's rise, its apex, or its descent?   (Joe from Cherry Hill, NJ)

Answer:

An infield fly is like any other and the obligation of the runners are the same. They can advance at own risk if ball is not caught or leave the base after tagging up.

Depends on the situation as to when call it. Usually it done at the apex of the ball's flight. One may delay in making the call on windy days, etc. - J.R.

Question:

A pitched ball bounces before reaching batter, the batter swings and hits the ball over the outfield fence in fair territory, is it ruled a homerun?  (Chris from Egg Harbor Twp., NJ)

Answer:

Yes. - J.R.

Question:

In high school softball, A batter hits the ball, it goes stright down hits the plate, goes over the batters head with the batter still in the batters box the ball comes down and hits the bat again. Is this a foul ball?   (Allan from Bergenfield, NJ)

Answer:

As long as there is no obvious attempt by the batter to hit the ball a second time, it could be, in the umps judgement a foul ball. - J.R.

Question:

If the pitcher throws ball four to the batter with no one on base and the pitch gets by the catcher and goes out of play what base do you put the batter on. Does he get first for the ball four walk, and second for the ball going out of play? Or does he just get first base? If so then there is no punishment for throwing the ball out of play. Please let me know this is driving some of us local umpires crazy.   (Wayne from Johnstown, PA)

Answer:

Ball is now dead, place batter runner on first base only. - J.R.

Question:

2 out, R3, deep fly ball to leftfield, R3 crosses the plate before the catch is made. Does the run score and why can't the team appeal using the 4th out advantage rule if they throw to third base?

Also if a ball (either fouled or called strike) comes off the cathers mitt and then hits the umpire can the ball be caught?   (Conor from Sydney, Australia)

Answer:

No run can score on the third out int his play. This also negates the 4th out advantage, in this example.

In your second example if the ball is struk by the batter and goes directly to the catchers glove and is caught, this is a foul tip, ball is alive. Any other stuck ball that hits the catcher, ground, umpire is just a foul ball and is dead. A called strike that hits the glove and then the umpire is just a live ball. - J.R.

Question:

We recently played a game (9-10) in which the opposing pitcher was quick pitching our kids. Soon as they got one foot into the box, the pitcher was coming to set position. And as soon the the second foot went in, the pitch was on its way. It some instances, the pitch came across the plate as the second foot was getting in the box. We then counciled with our kids to hold up their hand to call time while they were getting in the box. The pitcher still pitched while hand was up. Umpire would not give our kids time, and gave a strikes while hand was calling time. What is the rule for batters and pitchers in this situation?   (DH from Rexburg, ID)

Answer:

The pitcher must allow the batter to get set before pitching. If not the umpire should say something to the pitcher. If the hand is up that means not to pitch and should be a no pitch. By the same token, once both feet are in the box by the batter he is assumed ready for the pitch. - J.R.

Question:

If a Pitcher is substituted, with a count on the batter, is he allowed any warm up pitch's and how many? NB. Our pitcher's here don't always come from a bull pen. Sometimes they're either a player on the diamond or from the dugout. Thank you.   (Raymond from Durban, South Africa)

Answer:

They are by rule allowed 8 pitches. Unless there is an injury then the umpire may grant more. - J.R.

Question:

MLB Rule 4.03 - "When the ball is put in play at the start of, or during a game, all fielders other than the catcher shall be on fair territory". If the first or third baseman has one foot outside and one foot inside (as when holding a runner on) the foul line are they in fair or foul territory? Is this a Balk penalty or not?   (Ken from Lynchburg, VA)

Answer:

By the book, yes it is a balk, but rarely enforced. The balk rules are there to prevent deception. A first baseman with his foot over the line is not intended to deceive the runner. - J.R.

Question:

I was the plate umpire in an American legion game when this play occured. Runners at 2nd & 3rd 1out. 0-2 on the batter who swing at a curveball in the dirt for strike 3. The catcher blocks the ball which then begins rollin in foul territory up the 1st base line. The batter is now running to 1st and drops his bat which then makes contact with the ball. The catcher fields the ball cleanly & fires to 1st but the runner clearly beats the throw & is clalled safe by my partner. The defense now wants interference called on the batter-runner & for the out to be called. My ruling was that there was no intentional interfence on a pitched ball and allowed the runner to remain at first. Can you comment & please reference to the specific rule which would cover this play? Thanks for your consideration.   (Frank from Brattleboro, VT)

Answer:

Let's break it down. The ball is no longer a pitched ball, it is a ball that is now loose. Keep in mind that this is a judgement call. If you deem that the batter purposely threw the bat to hit the ball and did so to prevent a play, you are within the spirit of the game to call batter interference. Let's keep in mind one thing, a right handed batter will either drop his bat and it will usually end up to the left of the catcher or around the plate area. It is rare that the batter will carry the bat some distance up the line and then drop it. Conversely the lefty will drop the bat and it will tend to sty to the right of the catcher, generally speaking. The lefty will also in some cases be more apt to have the bat near the right foul line. Also did the bat strike the ball or did the ball roll into the bat? Once down the bat is part of the field. - J.R.

Question:

Is there any stated rule or policy governing what the catcher is suppose to do with the ball, when the third out of the inning is a stickout? Is he suppose to throw/roll it back to the mound, drop it at the plate, hand it to the ump or can he keep it?   (Thomas from Atlanta, GA)

Answer:

Nope. Usually the catcher will roll it to the mound or give it to the ump. - J.R.

Question:

As an amateur ump in a girls ASA fast pitch softball game I had the following situation:

As part of a play, the ball was thrown to third base, the fielder missed the ball and it bounced to the opening of the third base dugout (the offensive teams dugout). The dugout is fenced, with an average opening to enter the field. However, a person (non-player, probably a manager) was standing "in the dug out" (feet were on the cement that defines the dugout) but leaning against the edge of the opening and leaning out past the fence a bit.

While in play, the over thrown ball hit the person standing in the opening of the dug out and stayed in play. Had that person not been standing there, the ball would have entered the dugout and the call would have been straight forward: dead ball, out of play, 1 1 from time of throw.

What should the call have been? Interference, Dead ball, return to last touched base? Or, Dead ball, out of play, 1 1?

Does it make any difference that it was the offensive teams dugout? Does it make any difference that it was a non coach/player that the ball hit? I have looked up the rules on interference, but the fact that the person was standing on the border of the dugout really confuses the issue for me. Is there any rule that specifically relates to this case?   (Rodney from Orem, UT)

Answer:

You have stated that you read the rule in the ASA book. Ok, the defense threw the ball away and with a manager/coach/player standing in dead ball territory the ball struck him. I have a dead ball. Award the base accordingly. - J.R.

Question:

The pitched ball one hops to the catcher who catches it on the hop, the batter swings at the pitch, strike three is called. The batter advances to first and is awarded first by the umpire because the ball hit the dirt before the catcher caught it ruling it a dropped third strike. The rule states "a third strike not caught by the catcher." This pitch was not dropped by the catcher. Is a third strike that hits dirt before the catcher catches it considered a dropped third strike? Thanks for your help.   (Jeff from Olathe, KS)

Answer:

This is considered a dropped third strike. See OBR 6.05b and notes. Key word is legally caught i.e. in the catcher's glove before the ball hits the ground. Keep in mind the umpire does not award a base here, the batter must earn it by running and beating the throw, tag or any other runner put out by means of a force. - J.R.

Question:

Obstruction or Not? Little League BB game, runners on 2nd and 3rd. R3 runs home on a ball hit up the middle as he scores and crosses the plate he runs into the catcher who is out of position 1b line extended. R2 attempts to score from 2nd and as the throw comes into the plate the catcher is still tied up with R3. What would you call?   (Sean from Whitefish Bay, WI)

Answer:

All judgement on the part of the umpire. Question is why was the catcher there? Was he in the act of fielding the ball? Was the throw on line? All of these factors wll weigh in the decision. If the ump rules interference the ball is dead, someone is out and the the runners return. In this play, the run counts, runner closest to home would be out and place the batter on the last base touched at the time of the interference call. Obstruction is the defense preventing a runner from doing something. Interference is the runner or batter preventing the defense from making a play.

Based on what I have read and not knowing the situation with the throw and why the catcher is on the first base side and in line with the runner crossing the plate, I have no call. - J.R.

Question:

Bases loaded. 2 Outs. Ground ball to third. Instead of stepping on third to force runner, fielder tags runner, but the run from third scores before the tag is made. QUESTION: Does the run count, or is the presumption of a force still apply?   (Rob from Reno, NV)

Answer:

Force play is still in effect here. No run. - J.R.

Question:

Had a strange play in district championship game today. Have gotten 3 different answers. Can you help? Here it is: Nobody out, runners on first and second. Batter bunts. Batter runs in fair territory and is hit by the thrown ball...Ump calls interference. Ball bounces away. The runners move up to second and third. Where would you place the runners? At second and third where they ended up or do they have to return to first and second because the batter interfered with the play? Thank you.   (Rich from Pequannock, NJ)

Answer:

On any interference call the ball is dead immediately. Someone is out and the runners return to the last base legally occupied. In this play it would be the time of pitch base since the interference occured prior to the batter runner gaining first base.

Place runners back on 1st and second. - J.R.

Question:

Major league rules, 3-0 count on batter, runner on second. Pitcher balks as he delivers ball 4 to batter. What is the ruling? Also same situation, but runner is on first. Thanks.   (Arthur from Highland, NY)

Answer:

If the pitch is not thrown, the balk is enforced and the count remains the same the runner just moves up a base. Unless the following occurs, the batter reaches first base on a hit, base on balls, error, or otherwise AND all runers move at least one base, the balk is not enforced. See Rule 8.05 of the OBR and penalty. - J.R.

Question:

Does the home team have to hit in the bottom of the 7th inning to make a complete game? We were ahead 4-2 after scoring 3 runs in the top of the 7th in a 7 inning game. The rains came and the game was called and the umps said the home team won because they were ahead 2-1 going into the last inning and did not get their last at bat in the bottom of the 7th. Is this a correct call?   (Dale from Minneapolis, MN)

Answer:

Depends under which rules govern the league. Under the OBR, this is a suspended game and must be finished at a later date. Under rules such as American Legion and High School, the score will revert back to the last complete inning. - J.R.

Question:

Is there a rule against stealing signs from the catcher by a baserunner and passing them on to the batter? If so, where in the baseball rulebook is this addressed?   (Jerry from Philadelphia, PA)

Answer:

No, there is no such rule. - J.R.

Question:

Are there any rules governing the verbal actions of a defensive player? Example: Runner taking his lead at 2nd with SS holding runner. As pitch is delivered the SS takes his gloves and free hand and "whacks" them together directly over the runners shoulder within inches of the runners ear. Is there a penalty for such actions or do you just use "baseball justice" to make your point?   (Steve from Santa Clarita, CA)

Answer:

In major league rules, the short answer is no. However, if in the umpire's judgement this altered a play it can be obstruction. At the pro level this sort of thing rarely if ever happens.

In Federation rules, this can be a form of taunting or again obstruction, if it alters the play. - J.R.

Question:

I was watching "The Natural" on TV last night, and I was wondering about the scene where Roy Hobbs hits the ball to the outfield with runners on base and tears the cover off of the ball. The cover lands near the pitcher. The center of the ball starts to unravel in flight, and by the time the fielders get the remains to the infield, Roy is standing on third after clearing the bases. If this had really happened, what would the ruling have been?   (Gary from Howell, NJ)

Answer:

That is hollywood for you. I don't think anyone has ever seen that happen. But under Rule 5.02, it is in play until the play is completed. - J.R.

Question:

With a man on first, the pitcher comes into his set position, steps back off the rubber, turns completely around and throws to second base. Is this considered a balk?

Also, in a recent 11 year-old all-star game, we had a runner at first base. The pitcher attempted to pick him off without leaving the rubber. The umpire insited this was not a balk, and called our runner out, costing us the game. I protested this call. Was the call correct, or do we have a valid protest?   (Mike from Lockport, IL)

Answer:

A. If the pitcher thows to an unoccupied base this can be a balk, unless the pitcher is making a play. Example: runner breaks for second and the pitcher turns and throws, (Base is unoccupied) and there is a play (Second baseman tags runner).

B. This could be a legal move to first provided that the pitcher stepped ahead of the throw to first base. Was the pitcher a lefty or righty? The jump turn and throw is also a legal move. This is where the right hand pitcher removes his pivot foot at the same time jumps and turns. Once the pivot foot is off the rubber legally, the pitcher is now an infielder. More information is required. - J.R.

Question:

Is it true that if a player is ejected from a 13-15 year old league game because of unsportsmanlike conduct (throwing a helmet) that for the rest of the game every time he was to bat there is an out charged to his team?   (D.W. from Jamestown, NY)

Answer:

Depends on the league. Usually if a person is ejected, he is replaced by a substitute. Most leagues play by pro rules or some derivation and if you drop below 9 players the game is over. - J.R.

Question:

First and third, one out the batter hits the ball on the ground up the middle, the ball hits the ump, standing between the pither and second base, the pither chases down the ball throw to first too late safe at first, runner on third scores. One coach said that once it hits the ump it is a dead ball, runners that are forced advance one base non forced runners retain their base, the runner should return to third. This based on the fact that the ball never passed an infielder. Me, being the other coach say that the ump is in play and is part of the field like a base and the ball is live and the run scores, what's the rule?   (Tony from Brooklyn, NY)

Answer:

Look under pro rules 6.08 and 6.09 for the answer. You will find that the ball that strikes an umpire before passing any infielder other than the pitcher is considered umpire interference. The ball is dead, the batter gets first base, all runners return to the last base touched at the time of the pitch. Only runners forced move up.

In your play you still have 1 out and bases are now loaded. - J.R.

Question:

This played happened during a 12-under baseball tournament. The pitcher issued a wild pitch with a runner on third. The runner ran home and umpire signaled safe. Runner goes to dugout. Other team appeals that runner missed homeplate. Umpire reverses decision and calls batter out. What should the call be? Can an umpire call a runner safe, then call him out? The runner has gone back to the dugout believing he was safe only to find out he missed the plate. I would appreciate your expertise on this matter. Thanks.   (Dan from Reno, NV)

Answer:

This is a proper appeal by the defense. The runner is out. It is the responsibility of the runner to be sure he/she has touched the plate. Once the runner enters the dugout, he/she can no longer come back and retouch.

Mechanically, if a play occurs at the plate and if the runner misses AND there is no tag attempt, the umpire should hesitate momentarily and then rule safe. Runner is assumed safe until an appeal is made. - J.R.

Question:

Runner on first base. The pitcher is touching his plate but has not come set. Can he turn his shoulders to look at the runner at first base before coming set? This happens quite often in youth baseball games. I've seen a balk called in a few instances and not called in many others.   (Mark from Chesterfield, MO)

Answer:

Under pro rules, this is not necessarily a balk. However under high school Federation rules, this is a balk.

Umpires who do more than one type of baseball sometimes get a bit overwhelmed by the small differences in the rules. - J.R.

Question:

Runner on 1st attempts to steal 2nd base on the next batter 1st pitch. The batter swings and tips the ball, the catcher catches the tip cleanly. Question - Does the runner who attempted to steal have to go back to 1st because it was a foul ball?   (Karen)

Answer:

This is a foul tip, not a foul ball. See Rule 2.00 of the OBR. The ball is live and in play, any advancement by the runner is legal.

A tip is any ball that strikes the bat and goes directly and sharply into the catchers glove or hand (Other codes have wording similar to this effect). - J.R.

Question:

Explain the rule for the designated hitter when the DH is used defensively. The player for whom the DH is batting can be moved in the line-up is this right? But it does say the DH is locked in the batting order? Can you help make the rule more clear to me?   (Tony from Johnstown, PA)

Answer:

In pro rules, there is no thinking about the rule. The DH bats for the pitcher and that is it. If the DH goes into the field, the position is eliminated.

In high school the DH can be for any player. The DH can be substituted for, just like any player. The DH can re-enter once, just like any player. Hoever if the DH goes in on defense, the position is eliminated.

As far as I understand it. - J.R.

Question:

If a fielder jumps to catch a fly ball and falls over the fence before coming down is it a homerun or an out?   (Dennis from Neosho, MO)

Answer:

This is an out. - J.R.

Question:

I was hit by a pitch today and I had no real chance to move and the umpire made me stay and take my AB. He said I never made an attempt to get out of the way. I was in the box well off the plate. What is the ruling on this? Thank You.   (Steve from Whitby, ON)

Answer:

Hate to say it, this is umpire's judgement. - J.R.

Question:

Man on first and man on second, none out. Batter hits ball on ground to shortstop. Shortstop picks it up, but runner from second doesn't move off the base. Shortstop runs over touches runner standing on second base, touches second base before the runner from first gets there and then throws the ball to first base for force play on batter/runner. Is the correct call all 3 are out or is the runner at second that didn't risk coming off the bag, safe because he didn't leave the bag?

Another question is if a runner is standing on a base and a ball hit by a batter, that is in fair territory, unintentionally hits the runner is the runner out even though he didn't intentionally interfere and was standing on the base? Thanks   (Tim from Collingwood)

Answer:

Runner is forced and must move, the tag is out one, the step on base is out 2, and the throw to first if in time is out 3.

In baseball, the runner is out even if he is on the base. - J.R.

Question:

The penalty for a pitcher going to his mouth on the mound is that a ball will be called by the ump. On an intentional walk, why doesn't a pitcher just go to his mouth four times instead of throwing four pitches? It's easier and safer.   (Bob from Bismarck, ND)

Answer:

Not really. Look under 8.02, the penalty is indeed a ball.....and a warning. Ejection is not far behind. So he will do it once, be warned, do it again he leaves the game. - J.R.

Question:

Runner on third base stealing home, catcher catches the ball. The runner jumps over the catcher. Does not the rules state that a runner stealing home, must slide?   (Carolyn from Trenton, MI)

Answer:

Under all codes there is no "Must slide" rule. That is a local league "Slide or Veer" to protect the players. In high school there are rules addressing what is a legal and illegal slide. The slide must be toward the base and not toward the runner. There is also a form of this rule in NCAA. Further in high school, they do address hurdling to avoid a tag. In pro rules there is no such provision. - J.R.

Question:

9 yr old game in Marlboro on 7/31/03. Batter hits fly ball to center field. He thinks ball is caught and runs into dugout. He never touches first. Ball is missed and other runners on base advance, coaches send him back out to first while other runners are running bases. After time out is called I request ruling on runner at first thinking he left baseline and field of play. What do you say?   (Anthony from East Brunswick, NJ)

Answer:

Under all codes, the batter has given up his right to run the bases once he enters the dugout. He is out. If this is the third out no runs score. - J.R.

Question:

An outfielder leaps to catch a home run and leaves his feet. He makes the catch and lands over the fence in home run territory. Is this and out or a home run?   (Charlie from Valley Stream, NY)

Answer:

This is an out! - J.R.

Question:

Here's the situation. In a little league game. the winning team's pitcher kept lifting his foot off of the mound then setting it back down while in the windup position. The team won the game and goes on to the championship. The losing coach files a protest, saying the umpire should have penalized the player/team for doing this repeatedly. Someone told me that the umpire warned the player a few times, but never penalized the player/team. My question is...what should an umpire do to a pitcher who is doing that? Also, should that team win their protest or do you have to stay with what the umpire did or didn't do? Thank you for your time.   (Tony from Cleveland, OH)

Answer:

Your qustion is rather vague for an answer. At some point during the windup position the non pivot foot will come up in the air and must land after the push off the rubber. This is legal. Please clarify the move so I can better help you. - J.R.

Question:

Runner on 1st, nobody out. Pop fly to the first baseman, runner holds the bag. In his attempt to field the ball, the first baseman bumps into the runner, who maintains contact with the bag, the first baseman misplays the ball. Runner advances to 2nd base, batter reaches 1st base because defense if arguing for interference call. My interpretation would be that the runner on first is entitled to the bag since he isn't being forced (has to be tagged up on a fly ball).

The umpire made no call, which I believe is the correct call, can you provide some insight please? Thanks   (Paul from Moscow, PA)

Answer:

Umpire judgement as to interference on a play like this. By rule the runner must allow the fielder an opportunity to play the ball. If in the judgement the umpire the is runner is allowing the defense an opportunity to play, and on the fly ball is dropped, the runner on first can move off the bag for second at first touch. The force play is still on.

Ok, another twist: was the ball intentionally dropped by the defense? If so, in the umpire's judgement the runner is out and batter will take first base. - J.R.

Question:

There are runners on second and third with one out. The batter hits a deep fly ball which is caught(2nd out). Both runners tag up and score. The opposing team appeals that the runner left second too early and is called out. Does the run that scored from third count?   (John from Wyckoff, NJ)

Answer:

No run can score on the third out. If the appeal at 2nd is upheld, no run will score. - J.R.

Question:

Count is 1 ball and 1 strike. Runner on 1st and 1 out. Runner attempts to steal. Batter swings and foul tips. Catcher catches foul tip. Is this a "live ball?" Does the runner get to stay at second or does he have to return to 1st?   (Chris from Harrisburg, PA)

Answer:

The foul tip is a live ball, thus the runner stays at second. - J.R.

Question:

2 Outs runner at third. The batter strikes out swinging and the catcher misses the ball. The runner on third goes home and touches home plate before the catcher throws to first to get the batter out. Does the run score?   (Artie from Miami, FL)

Answer:

Nope. No run can score on the third out unless the third out is made on a time play. While this appears to be a time play it is not. - J.R.

Question:

Is it a homerun if the ball hits the top of the outfield wall and kicks back to the outfield? What is the offical rule of a homerun?   (Michael from Concord, CA)

Answer:

If you notice most major league parks and most high schools have a yellow line painted or covering the top of the fence. This is the home run line. Any ball that hits this line or above is a dinger. So the top of the fence is considered a homer. Even if the ball kicks back into the field of play.

Rule 2 defines a homerun as a batted ball that leaves the confines of the field in fair territory, is a home run. - J.R.

Question:

A pitcher is on the rubber but has not come to a set position. Gnats are hovering around the pitcher¹s head. While remaining on the rubber, he attempts to swat away the bugs with his pitching hand while still holding the ball. Is this a balk?   (Joe from Silver Spring, MD)

Answer:

Well with no runners on this is not a balk. With runners on in pro rules, he can do almost anything until he comes set. The critical point here is that the umpire must judge if the pitcher was trying to deliberately fool the runner. - J.R.

Question:

In a high school game a catcher gets a base hit. His coach makes a substitution and enters a runner. At the conclusion of the inning, the catcher reenters the game on defense but the umpire is never notified of the reentry. The opposing coach brings this to the attention of the umpire and the substitution is noted and the game moves on.

The question is what would have happened if the opposing coach had said nothing and waited until after the catcher hit again and then protested that the team batted out of order? My take on this is that an unannounced substitution is still a substitution and that the catcher in effect had reentered the game legally. Therefore his at bat would have been legal. However, in a discussion after the game, the plate umpire was the one who suggested to the coach if he'd waited he'd had an out of order situation. Is this correct?

By the way, I doubt if the coach would have protested this anyway, but he and I are both curious as to what the rule is. Thanks.   (Leo from Binghamton, NY)

Answer:

In your play you forget that in high school the coach can insert a courtesy runner for the pitcher and catcher at any time. Why would he use a substitution and rentry when it is not to his advantage?

However, again in your play the original player is now back in the game, in the same spot. This is not batting out of oder. Once the player reenters the game, he is in. Here is an interseting scenario for you if he is considered an unannounced reentry.

The catcher fields a pop foul ball retiring a batter. The coach now protests the play. Can he and have batting out of order, I think not.

My understanding is that the orignal player can re-enter the game at any time. The coach should let the umpire know. However let's not over officate the game. - J.R.

Question:

Two outs, bases loaded, strike three called but catcher drops the ball. Batter takes off to first plate. Can the catcher simply step on home plate for the final out or does he have to get the batter?   (Tena from Baxter, TN)

Answer:

This is a force. Just step on the plate for the out. - J.R.

Question:

Baseball: Is a runner standing on a base and is hit by a battered ball - Is he out or safe?   (Harry from Stoneham, MA)

Answer:

In baseball the base is not sanctuary unless it is an infield fly. Runner is out otherwise. - J.R.

Question:

What is a walk off home run?   (Terry from Belleville, IL)

Answer:

Bottom of any last inning withthe score tie. Batt hits one out, circles bases, everone walks off the field. - J.R.

Question:

While this question has nothing to do wth a call during a game, we are curious just the same. Why does an umpire go in front of home plate to brush it off, instead of just sweeping it off from behind? Is there an official rule of action for this? Is it just for safety? Thanks for your time.   (Debbie from Matawan, NJ)

Answer:

This way the catcher does not have to move. - J.R.

Question:

I understand that two runners may not occupy a base. So once the players are standing on the base, what happens? Is the first runner or the second runner out. What if before being tagged, the 2nd runner goes back to 1st before he passes the 1st runner, is he still out? Thank you.   (Barry from Clinton, NC)

Answer:

Only the proper runner entitled to the base is safe. If you have two runners on second, in this case the lead runner would be entitled to the bag, the following runner would not.

If a following runner passes the lead runner, the out is registered immediately. - J.R.

Question:

Am I correct in thinking that a runner can tag up when the fielder first touches a fly ball and does not have to wait until the fielder catches or has control of the ball?   (Rick from Rome, NY)

Answer:

That is correct. The runner can leave at first touch by the fielder on a fly ball. - J.R.

Question:

A fly ball is caught by the second baseball, however, the force of the ball takes his glove off. The glove hits the dirt with the ball still firmly inside. The ball never touches the dirt. Is it a out?   (Scott from Coral Springs, FL)

Answer:

Yes, this is an out. - J.R.

Question:

My question is concerning a Major League Baseball fair/foul ball disagreement. Say a batter hits a line drive down the third baseline. It passes third in fair territory. It does not hit anything and lands in foul territory in the outfield. What is the call here?   (Steve from St. Louis, MO)

Answer:

Any fly ball or line drive that first touches the ground in foul territory, even if it was a fair ball in flight is a foul ball. - J.R.

Question:

If a batter swings and misses but the ball hits him after the swing is he awarded 1st base or is it just a strike?   (Bruce from Emmaus, PA)

Answer:

This is a swinging strike and the ball is dead. So if anyone is on base, they cannot move. - J.R.

Question:

In Little League: The runner goes past second and dares the pitcher to try throwing him out as he walks back up the mound. When the pitcher steps on the rubber he throws to the second baseman who is standing on the base. The runner is still a few feet off the base. Since the runner must return to the base before the pitch, is he out at that point, or must he be tagged?   (Joe from Los Lunas, NM)

Answer:

Pro rules do not have a provision that the runner must return to the base per se. The only rule is after a foul ball, but that is rarely enforced. It is enough for the runner to return to the immediate vicinity of the base before the ump puts the ball back in play.

In your play the ball is still alive. The runner is at risk of being put out if tagged off the base. - J.R.

Question:

Situation: Second game of championship series. Top of the first inning. Lead off batter is ejected from game for arguing balls and strikes. Game called a "No Game" in the top of the third inning due to rain. The game will be replayed as a new game. Is the ejected player eligible to participate or does he have to sit out one game? Would really appreciate an answer as the game is set for October 1, 2003. Thank you.   (Hector from Eagle Pass, TX)

Answer:

Depends on what rules the game is played under. Local league rules may state the player cannot play for any number of games after the ejection. Pro rules the player can be in the next game. Even if the game is called due to rain and the like the discipline should be enforced. - J.R.

Question:

Several times during my son's little league games, batters have been hit with pitches that bounced into the dirt first before hitting the batter. I have always thought this is a hit batter whether or not the pitch hits the dirt before hitting the batter. In fact, I believe a batter can hit a ball which bounces in the dirt and it would still count. The umpires in these situations have ruled that it IS NOT a hit batter because the ball hit the dirt before hitting the batter. What is the correct ruling?   (Stephen from Wayne, IL)

Answer:

This is indeed a hit batsman and the batter is entitled to first base. The batter may also offer at the pitch as well and can take the result of the action, i.e., strike, base hit, out, etc. In the case of a batter swinging at the pitch and then it strikes him the hit batter is not entitled to a base and a strike is recorded. The ball is dead in this case. - J.R.

Question:

A ground ball bounces in the air over first base, but lands foul. Is the "fair or foul" decision based on where the ball lands (in this case it landed in foul territory) or where the ball was while in the air passing first base?   (Joel from Chicago, IL)

Answer:

If the bounding ball passes over any part of the base, it is a fair ball regardless of where it lands. - J.R.

Question:

If the batter swings for a pitch and misses and the catcher (MLB) drops the ball. The batter can run to first but is he out but still able to run the bases or not out according to MLB rules?   (Sandor from Wilmington, DE)

Answer:

The pitcher is given the strike out, however no out is recorded if the runner advances to the base safely. - J.R.

Question:

Is their a rule about how many times a pitcher can unintentionally hit a batter in one inning or in a game and then has to be removed? I'm talking about Major League Baseball. Also, if a right handed pitcher (with a runner on first) sets and then lifts his left leg and spins to first without breaking his foot from the rubber, is this a balk? Thank you for your help.   (Michael from Scottsdale, AZ)

Answer:

As to the first point, no there is not any rule governing the number of hit batters unintentionally.

As for the second point, once the none pivot foot is lifted and breaks the plane of the rubber, the pitcher is committed to the plate. If the pitcher "Hangs" the kick leg (Non-pivot) foot, this is a balk, the motion to home must be smooth and continuous. The pitcher is allowed to jump turn or step back off the rubber or step and then throw to first. - J.R.

Question:

Last night, in the Cubs game, a fan seemed to interfere with Moises Alou catching a ball. What is the rule on this?   (Adonna from Houston, TX)

Answer:

If, in the judgment of the umpire, fan interference has occurred the batter is out. Keep in mind the fan, in order to interfere must somehow be over the playing surface. A player reaching into the stands and a fan somehow dislodges a ball from his grasp is not interference. The stands belong to the fans, the field to the players. - J.R.

Question:

A ball is hit by the batter which first hits ground in foul territory between home and third base, then enters fair territory, fielded by the third baseman. Is this a fair ball?   (Ron from New Hope, PA)

Answer:

Fair ball. - J.R.

Question:

There is one out with men on first and third. A fly ball in the outfield is caught and the man on first was already on third base when the ball was thrown in to the infield and the infielder stepped on first for the third out. The question is: Since the man on third had tagged and crossed home plate before the runner on first was doubled off for the third out, does the run count? And why?   (Les from San Antonio, TX)

Answer:

This is a time play. If the run crosses the plate before the out is made at first, count the run. If not, then the run does not count. - J.R.

Question:

In fall ball there is man on first, batter hits line drive to oulfielder, who makes diving ? catch but second base ump doesn't make any call, man on first was running and outfielder threw to first for ? game-ending double play everyone is yelling now and plate ump says he can't make call and second base ump says "I could't see if outfielder caught ball or scooped it." So they say the ball is dead and bring runners back to first and second. Is this right?   (Frank from South River)

Answer:

In fall or any ball this is a blown play. Most umpire mechanics for two man state that this is the base umpire call since it is within what umpires call the "V". The plate umpire with a runner on first is moving up the 3rd base line AFTER he reads the play to cover the base runner's advance and possible play at 3rd.

If no call is made, one must assume ball down and trap. And if the umpire is wrong, so be it...keep everyone moving and let the defense make a play somewhere. One cannot guess a runner out. The umpire may have to hear some choice words if he did not get the call right, but the players need to be aware of situations.

As far as the umpire's decision to call a dead ball and return the runners to where they were, while trying to be fair, this is a wrong call. - J.R.

Question:

Hello, My cousin and I were talking and came up with a question. Say a batter hits a home run and is unable to cross homeplate ( he's gets hurt and cant move under his own power ), what's the call?   (Derek from Port Charlotte, FL)

Answer:

If unable to run, a pinch runner can be called in to to run for him. - J.R.

Question:

Is there a rule that covers a pitcher wearing sunglasses on the mound? We ran into this in a tournament and the umps allowed it. It would seem to give the pitcher an advantage, especially with runners on first or third who would be unable to read the eyes of the pitcher.   (Phil from Deerfield, IL)

Answer:

There is no rule to prevent this. The restrictions that there are on the pitcher wearing a batting glove on the glove hand, any thing on the pitching arm such as a sweat band and depending upon level any jewelry that is considered distracting. - J.R.

Question:

What is up with the APPROVED RULING on rule 6.05(l)? As I read it man on 1st and 3rd defense intentionally drops a pop fly the ball is dead runners return to original bases and the batter is not out. What? Is it a ball a strike what?   (Mike from Derby, KS)

Answer:

If in the judgement of the umpire the ball is intentinally dropped, the ball is dead, all runners return to the last base occupied at the time of the pitch and the batter/runner is out. - J.R.

Question:

What umpire can call a balk?   (Kevin from Ashland, KY)            

Answer:

Any umpire can call a balk. - J.R.            

Official Baseball Rules - Major League Baseball

NFHS Baseball Rules

NFHS Softball Rules