Question:

Bases loaded, ball is hit, throw goes to home plate. Can the catcher touch home plate for the forced out or does he have to tag the runner to get him out? Thanks.   (John from Crystal River, FL)

Answer:

This is a force play and no tag is needed. A tag is needed if the play is not a force. - J.R.

Question:

The batter hit a grounder towards the first basemen. The first basemen fielded the grounder with his hand. He had the ball firmly in his hand and stretched over to the base and touched it with his glove right before the batter stepped on it. The umpire called the batter safe because the first basemen did not touch the ball on the base. When you get a force out all you need to do is step on the base. What is the difference between your cleat touching the base or your glove touching it with the ball in your other hand?   (Emed from North Hollywood, CA)

Answer:

This situation has been debated for a bit here and in umpire circles for some time. The actual truth is that the runner is out. There is no difference whether the ball is caught inthe glove and the foot is on the base. HOWEVER, if it is a tag play and the ball is in the bare hand and the runner is touched with the glove, the runner is safe. This is a different play.

In the play you saw, the out should have been recorded. - J.R.

Question:

I've some troubles in determining what a pitcher on his mound is permitted to do.

1. The runner on 3d base tries to steal home plate. When the pitcher "gives" the ball to the catcher, does he throw or pitch? I believe that on OBR nothing is cleary said: so is it a judgement of the umpire? and what I must evalue? Or it's enough calling the same action always in the same way (always a pitch, for example)?
2. The pitcher throws the ball to a base from the rubber and then ask the umpire for an appeal play. Did the pitcher do the right mechanic or must the umpire refuse his request, for I may think that defence tried a pick off indeed?

Answer:

1. I do not understand the question. "Gives", dose that mean "Handing the ball" to the catcher? A pitch must be a thrown ball by the pitcher. See Rule 2.00 of the OBR for the definition of a pitch. A pitch is a thrown ball.
2. For a proper appeal, the pitcher must step off the rubber and throw to the base he wishes to make an appeal. If he steps from the rubber and throws, this is not a legal appeal. - J.R.

Question:

No runners on. You're in BU position A. B1 grounds to short and the throw pulls F3 off the base toward the homeplate side. You try to adjust, but you just don't get a good look at the swipe tag attempt. What would you call?   (Jason from Waterbury)

Answer:

In this case, if you are out of position and could not adjust (Shame on you) you can go to your partner for some help before you make a ruling. Point and ask "Do you have a tag?" and if he says no, rule safe. If there is a tag, then there is an out. If he tells you that he did not see and you did not see the tag, then the runner is safe. - J.R.

Question:

There are 2 outs with a man on 2nd and 3rd base. The batter has 3 balls. A 4th ball is pitched and the runner on 3rd attempts to steal home. The catcher makes the tag and the runner is called out. Does the batter taking the 4th ball bat again at the start of the following inning?   (Mike from Arlington, TX)

Answer:

Nope, his turn at bat has ended when the 4th ball was called. Next batter is the one that follows. - J.R.

Question:

Is there a limit as to how many time-outs a coach or players may call in a major league baseball game, and what information do you have about why the majors don't challenge calls like football does on certain calls?   (Courtney from Denton)

Answer:

The short answer is no, there is no limit. However umpire judgement needs to be used. A player may request time, it is not given automatically. If the umpire feels he wants to grant it, so be it. Most umpires try to keep the ball alive as much as possible, this makes the game go faster.

As to video replay in the majors, well baseball is a game of tradition, tnough there has been debate on this and so far it has not been used. If you wish more information with regard to MLB feelings on video replay, contact the MLB directly. - J.R.

Question:

Nobody on, no outs, two strikes, batter swings at pitch, misses, catcher misses/drops ball. Batter beats catchers throw to first. Next batter hits into a double play, does that end the inning? Since the first batter, even thought he reached, was technically a strike out.   (J.W. from Baltimore, MD)

Answer:

No out is recorded on the advance to first on the strike out (Dropped third strike) if the runner beats the throw. However the pitcher will get the K. So in your play there are only 2 outs, no one on after the double play. - J.R.

Question:

Scenario: Runner on first takes a small lead. Pitcher attempts pick-off. Runner gets his foot back on the base. First baseman catches the ball and tags the runner. In doing so, this nudges the runner off balance and his foot leaves the base, thus now being tagged off the base and given out. What's the correct ruling on this - the baseman in reality pushed (accidentally) the runner off the base? Thanks.   (David from Sydney, Australia)

Answer:

Runner is safe. The fielder cannot push the runner off the base either on purpose or accidently. - J.R.

Question:

I have always been under the impression that a righthanded pitcher had to remove his pivot foot from rubber - either by stepping behind rubber or in front of rubber during a jump pivot move - to make pickoff attempt to first. A friend insists that it is not a balk for right hander to simply turn and step directly towards first with his free foot (pivot foot still on rubber) and make a throw. Surely this is not correct. Along those same lines - can a right hander from the stretch position STEP OFF the rubber and FAKE a throw to first? I was also under the impression that the rules state a fake throw to first is never allowed, even if off the rubber. Lastly, if such a fake is allowable, if men are at first and third, can pitcher in stretch step off rubber, fake throw to first, then immeidately wheel to make play on man at third? A lot of balk questions, I know. Thanks.   (D.C. from Cincinnati, OH)

Answer:

The rules are quite clear on what is a balk move and what is not. A pitcher must step ahead of the throw or remove his pivot foot by stepping off the rubber. A right handed pitcher will have a very difficult time throwing to first without stepping in the direction, therefore he almost has to, physically, remove the pivot foot from the rubber in order to twist. However, you friend is correct if he just steps ahead of the throw, this is a legal move.

Once the pitcher removes his foot from the rubber he is an infielder. He therefore remove his foot first and then is free to do just about anything he wants. If he is in contact with the rubber and fakes a throw to first with a runner there, it is a balk.

The pitcher while off the rubber can fake to first and throw to third if a runner is there or a play is being made on an advancing runner. - J.R.

Question:

Man on first goes on pitch. Ground ball to second baseman, who is charging and about to field ball in basepath. Runner sees that he might hit fielder so goes out of basepath (behind fielder) to avoid contact. 2Bman fields ball cleanly and tries to quickly tag runner, but runner is now out of reach (2Bman could have gotten runner were he not out of basepath). He then makes poor throw to 1B and batter is safe. Should runner have been out for leaving base path or was he justified in doing so? In talking with the runner afterwards, he didn't even know ball was hit towards 2Bman, he only knew that fielder was in his path. Ump called him out.   (Dan from Union, KY)

Answer:

The runner is allowed to avoid contact with the fielder while fielding the ball. If this means taking a step either in front of or in back of the fielder making the play, so be it. In your play the umpire seems to have made the wrong call, but it is umpire judgement in this case. - J.R.

Question:

Pick off question. Bases loaded. Pitcher addresses plate from full windup position with ball in hand down to his side. On a planned play with shortstop, he lifts ball to small of his back, waits 2 seconds, then steps off mound and fires to second base (surprising the heck out of the runner). Does pitcher's motion to start pickoff (movement of ball handing at side to small of back) constitute any type of balk?   (Dan from Union, KY)

Answer:

What you have to ask yourself is when does the pitching motion of the pitcher start? Also you must ask is the movment/motion purposly deceiving the runner. See Rule 8.01. Any natural motion in the windup commits him to pitch to the batter. If you deem the first movment to the small of the back and is not associated with his natural movment, this is a balk. - J.R.

Question:

Man on first and third, no outs. Runner on first takes huge lead attempting to draw throw from pitcher. Pitcher steps off, looks back runner to third, and heads towards runner between first and second. Meantime, the second baseman has come into basepath between runner and second base. As pitcher throws ball to second baseman, runner takes off and plows (inadvertantly) into fielder, who misses ball and run scores. Clearly there is interference on play, but on whom? Runner had no way of guessing fielder would be standing a few feet from him in the basepath as he quickly turned and took off to 2B, yet I assume fielder has right to be in basepath to field ball. Thanks.   (Dan from Union, KY)

Answer:

If the fielder is in the act of fielding the thrown ball (Umpire Judgement) then there is interference on this play, the runner must avoid the fielder in this situation. If the ball is not inflight or the fielder is not in the act of fielding the ball the obstruction is on the fielder. By your description I read it as the ball has yet to be inflight when this happens, so I read it as obsruction, let the play continue and see what happens. You can make any awards as necessary after playing action ceases. - J.R.

Question:

When a batter is swinging through the strike zone and the ball hits him on the hand, is this considered being hit by the pitch?   (Trevor from Lake Arrowhead, CA)

Answer:

No this is not considered hit by a pitched ball. This is a swinging strike. Also, since this struck the batter the ball is dead so nothing else can happen such as a stolen base. On strike three the batter is out, even if the ball is dropped by the catcher. - J.R.

Question:

A batter may switch sides of the plate at any Ball-Strike Count, but must stay on whichever side of the plate he is on once the pitcher is "on the mound". Does this same rule apply to a Pitcher with the capability of throwing Right or Left, or may the pitcher throw whichever way he wants per pitch? Of course the pitcher must make up his/her mind before starting the wind-up/stretch to avoid a balk.   (Kurt from North Springfield, VT)

Answer:

There is no rule about an ambidextrous pitcher under rule 8.00. However, looking at the practical things like a glove that is fitted for a right or left hander, is the pitcher going to keep two gloves out on the mound? He can't. - J.R.

Question:

I saw this called in a game with the New York Mets but I need to find the official ruling. Bases loaded....firstbaseman in playing on the infield grass way in front of the runner at first not holding him on. The pitcher comes to his set correctly and throws to first base surprising the firstbaseman who is not making any play at the runner, watching the batter with no chance to make a play at first. There is no play made at first, he is not covering the base nor making any intent to go to the base or towards the runner.

I told the umpire it was a balk, (just like I saw it called a couple of times this year on MLB because the pitcher threw the ball to a base where there was NO play intended or possible. The umpire unaware of the rule told me that it was not a balk because there was a runner on first base. The rule says there must be a possibility of a play or an intent...There was neither, it was not possible, he was too far away....

Considering he was in front of the runner/base and had no intention of moving towards the runner, am I correct? If not, then the Mets and Cardinals got "screwed" and it's hard to believe that Valentine or LaRussa let them get away with it......Valentine as a matter a fact appealed the ruling to the league and the league agreed with the balk ruling. Please clarify and if possible, what and where is the correct ruling?   (David from Henderson, NV)

Answer:

Look at OBR 8.05d. This states basically that a pitcher cannot throw to or fake a throw to an unoccupied base. Keep in mind the balk rule is there so that the runner is protected from a pitcher trying to deliberately deceive a runner.

In your play the base was occupied therefore no balk. - J.R.

Question:

I've read the 2.0 definitions on fair and foul balls, but I'm still not sure about this one. A ball is popped up between home and 1st. The pitcher, who is in fair territory, drops the ball into foul territory. Is it a fair ball if the ball is fair when it pops out and then flys over the foul line into foul territory? Thanks.   (Mark from Libertyville, IL)

Answer:

The position of the ball is where you judge fair or foul when it is touched. Remeber the definition, a foul ball is a ball that settles, is touched (sic) over foul ground. In your play the ball was first touched in fair ground, hence fair ball. - J.R.

Question:

If while umpiring you must call "Infield Fly, Batter's out, if fair"...what if the following occurs...early season game in NJ at the end of April (note: a windy day/night) runners at 1st and 2nd with one out, batter hits major league pop up just behide infield (say five yards) between first and second, at the apex of its flight the infielder is position under the ball - umpires calls "Infield Fly, Batter's out, if fair" however, the ball carries to fence in fair grounds and a) caught and not caught by infield/outfield or b) carries over fence in fair grounds (Home Run, of course, however, we did call the runner out at the proper time!!!). HELP!   (Doug from Springfield, NJ)

Answer:

Had to do a bit of practical research on this one. One has to remember that an infield fly is one that can be caught with reasoanble effort. During games when there is a wind condition it is best to wait a bit longer to call it. I wait until the fielder is actually camped out underneath the ball and will catch it before I envoke the rule. In your play, the umpire should wait and make the call since it is possible that reasonable effort portion of the rule may not come to pass. If the umpire rules at the apex and did invoke the infield fly and the ball did carry due to wind over the fence in fair territory, the batter is out, runners will move one base on the dead ball. - J.R.

Question:

I am aware of the Infield Fly Rule and how it works. What I don't know is the purpose of the rule, why not just let everything play out and make the infielders field the ball?   (Justin from Orillia, ON)

Answer:

It exisits because it can put the offensive team at a disadvantage with runners on. What this does is eliminate the possibility of a double play by having an infielder purposly drop the ball. - J.R.

Question:

I was pitching out of the stretch with a runner on 1B and came to the set position while holding the runner on. After delivering the pitch, the base umpire informed me that my front (left) shoulder was slightly open and not pointing directly toward home plate. Therefore, I was gaining an unfair advantage on the baserunner and could be called for a balk. I was unaware of such a rule. I assumed that as long as the shoulders remained still in the set position until the pitch was delivered home, it was a legal delivery. Must the shoulders be pointing directly towards home while in the set position with runners on base? Thanks.   (Joe from Silver Spring, MD)

Answer:

Things are always open to umpire's judgement. However, one must also seek as to which set of rules the game is played under. Under pro rules, 8.01 this is not a balk. However, if the ump deems you are intentinally trying to deceive the runner, it is a balk. Once you come set, tho, you cannot move unless your motion is to the plate, set toward the base ahead of the throw or remove your pivot foot.

Under federation (HS rules) after you come set, and if you move your torso (Twist) toward first base, this is a balk. - J.R.

Question:

NO runners on, lazy pop fly behind 1st base, 1st baseman standing with both feet in foul ground. Ball hits off his glove in fair territory. Is this ball fair or foul? Thanks.   (Nick from Topeka, KS)

Answer:

It is not where the player is but the ball in relation to the line. This is a fair ball. - J.R.

Question:

A difficult situation occured in a baseball game last summer and I would like your advice as to what should have happened. With two outs, runner at third, and a 2-0 count on the batter, the pitcher delivers strike one. The plate ump calls out a count of 2-2. On the next pitch, the ump rings up the batter with a very deliberate call, he removes his mask, and walks up the first base line. The catcher rolls the ball toward the mound and leaves the field. The third base coach holds his runner until the field is clear, then sends the runner home. The umps get together and count the run giving the reason that they caused the screw up and cannot penalize the offensive team (also the home team) for their mistake. It was my contention that they could not penalize the defensive team either, but they stayed with the initial call of counting the run. HELP!   (Kevin from Billings, MT)

Answer:

Hmmm, very touchie indeed. My spin and this is my opinion only. This is a correctable mistake at the time the umpire gives the count when the batter is at bat. I try to give the count on every third and fith pitch or when there is the possibility of a significant change in the count. I also contend that the coaches, manager and batter should keep the count and question it if they feel it is wrong. Hey, we all lose it every now and again. So when the ump gave the 2-2 count and his partner at the time did not dispute the count or anyone else question it, we go with that count. The next pitch is strike 3 batter is out. When the coach comes to me and says hey blue, the count was this and you lost the count, I would gently remind him the count was given and not disputed by both my partner and himself at the time before the pitch, the call stands, end of inning we go from there. He had an oppertunity to correct the mistake at the proper time. - J.R.

Question:

With runners at first and second the pitcher from set position and foot in contact with the pitchers plate steps and turns toward first base and fakes a throw as he akwardly continues towards second base. Umpire does not call a balk. The pitcher contends he was making a pick off play to second. What would the call be?   (Phil from Soquel, CA)

Answer:

Let's look at rule 8.05 of the OBR and see what we can come up with. First, this is indeed an awkward move, the pitcher has stepped toward first and has faked a throw and then continues to second base with his motion. You cannot fake a throw to first base and any motion that is in the judgement of the umpire an attempt to decive the runner is a balk. In your play it sounds like the umpire missed the call. - J.R.

Question:

Federation softball - With two strikes, the batter hits a foul tip that hits the tip of the catcher's glove, deflects to her chest protector, then rebounds into the catcher's glove. Strike three or foul ball?   (Kevin from Billings, MT)

Answer:

A tip must go directly to the glove or the hands of the catcher and caught. In your play this is only a foul ball. - J.R.

Question:

Batter at the plate with 2 outs, runner on third, the batter swings and hits a fly ball, the runner charges to the plate and gets home before the fly ball is caught for the final out.....Does the run count ? Thanks.   (John from Glasgow, Scotland)

Answer:

No runs can score on the third out. Therefore, even though the runner crossed the plate before the catch, the run does not count. - J.R.

Question:

A fly ball to left field. The ball hits the left fielder's glove in fair territory and then goes over the fence in foul territory. Homerun? Ground rule Double?   (Peter from Poughkeepsie, NY)

Answer:

Under pro rules, 6.09 (h), the batted fly ball deflected by a fielder while in fair territory and then leaves the playing field over the fence in foul territory is entittled to second base. - J.R.

Question:

I am unclear on how much of the rear foot a right-handed pitcher must move off the pitching rubber to make a pickoff attempt to first base. A friend says the entire foot must be off the plate, but I thought only the heel had to be lifted to begin the turn and throw. Any insight would be appreciated. Also, is there any way at all a balk can be made to second base?   (Dan from Union, KY)

Answer:

Look at the how the right handed pitcher must pick off, he literally has to turn 180 degrees around in order to throw to first. The requirements by the rules are he must disengage the rubber to do so. Disengage means the whole foot. A jump turn should be judged as disengaging the rubber.

A balk is any move that in the umpire's judgment, is purposely trying to deceive the runner on base out side the scope of the rules. It is therefore possible to balk with a runner on second, however it is very unlikely that will happen. Consider if a pitcher is on the rubber with a runner on and he drops the ball which does not cross the foul line. This is a balk. - J.R.

Question:

If a legally batted ball hits the pitching rubber and then crosses the foul line without touching any player or umpire, is this a foul or fair ball.   (Kelly from Canton, TX)

Answer:

This is a foul ball. - J.R.

Question:

My son plays Cal Ripkin baseball. I asked his coach why he didn't have his infielders call time after a play stopped with runners on base (runners were on the bases, infielder was holding the ball, action had stopped.) He told me the league required the pitcher to have the ball on the mound in order for time to be granted. I asked the league president if this was a local rule. He informed me it was a rule at all levels of baseball. I disagree. Who is correct?   (Kevin from Lexington, KY)

Answer:

In all levels, "Time" can only be requested by a player and then granted by the umpire. The umpire DOES NOT have to grant time.

Keep in mind, most umpires would like to keep the ball alive and in play. Most infielders will ask for time and then throw to the pitcher. If time is granted, this freezes the runners, they cannot advance thus giving an advantage to the defense should the throw go out of play or it is over thrown. The only time I grant time is if there is a purpose to it such as a player dusting himself off, base out of position, etc. Hope this helps. - J.R.

Question:

In little league baseball 14/15 year old or high school baseball, does the pitcher need to wear a certain kind of glove on the mound?   (Ralph from Old Bridge, NJ)

Answer:

High school rules: rule 1 Article 6 states the pitchers glove must be uniform in color, neither white nor gray. - J.R.

Question:

Once a batter has hit the ball, must he keep the batting helmet on until he is put out or comes home? Can he take it off?   (Elise from San Diego, CA)

Answer:

In high school ball both base and softball, the helmet must remain on unless it falls off during the course of play. The runner or batter/runner may not purpously remove the helmet. If they do, it is an out. In pro ball, there is no such rule other than the batter and runners must wear a helmet. - J.R.

Question:

Minor League - Bottom of the eighth, two outs, runner on third, score is 7 (home) to 1 (visitors). Batter hits a home run over right field wall. Play stops, teams change sides, no runs count. What happened?   (Shawn from Lemoyne, PA)

Answer:

This could only be that the batter has stepped on the plate the moment he struck the ball. This is an out. Or it sounds like an incomplete play description. I would suggest that you look to review the particulars. - J.R.

Question:

I have a question regarding suspended games and would appreciate your help. Here's what happened. A regular nine inning game had to be stopped due to rain in the bottom of the sixth inning, 2 outs and the home team trailing 6-2. Actually the visitors always were ahead and the home team never tied the game. Is this a suspended game, which needs to be resumed? If yes, the resumed game should then be played until 9 innings are complete? If no, what score would count? The one after completion of the fifth inning, when the game has becom regular? Thank you very much for your help.   (Stephan from Switzerland)

Answer:

Suspended game rules require some thought to know when the game is suspended or completed. See the OBR 4.11 and 4.12 for rules with regards to suspended games. A game is official after 4.5 innings or 5 innings depending on the status of the home team, i.e. if they are ahead or not. In the example you give this is a suspended game. Here is why: Under 4.12, (5) weather has caused the game to become suspended however, the visiting team is ahead and the home team is batting and has yet to finish its turn at bat.

The game will resume from the point it was stopped at the next scheduled game between the two clubs.

If the home team finished its at bat and the game was called, it would be complete game. - J.R.

Question:

Situation: Runner on first, two outs, slow grounder hit to second baseman, batter beats the throw to first base. Meanwhile the runner heading toward second slowly jogs infering the runner at first will be 3rd out. After being called safe at first must the team tag the runner going to second or can they just touch the base?   (Ron from Maumee, OH)

Answer:

This is a force play all the way. All the team has to do is touch the 2nd base bag for the force. - J.R.

Question:

After the offensive team gets three outs, leaves the dugout to take their position as defense. A fielder not the pitcher, enroute to their defensive position, sees the ball on the mound (18 foot circle) stops picks up the ball and steps on the rubber (holding the ball), waiting for the pitcher to arrive. Does this action change the pitching order?   (Robert from Thousand Oaks, CA)

Answer:

Nope. - J.R.

Question:

Fast Pitch Men's Softball. 2 strikes on the batter. The batter swings and the ball hits his hand (which is on the bat) and then hits off his foot which was still in the batters box. The umpires called him out. I always thought the hand was part of the bat so it should be a foul ball off his foot. What is the correct call?   (Corey from Alton, IL)

Answer:

The same as in baseball, if the hands were part of the bat, then when the bat was thrown after a hit, the hands would go with it. The hands are NOT part of the bat. In this case the umpire had it right. The swing consitutes an attempt at hitting the ball. The ball then strikes the hands, ball is dead, strike is assessed on the batter. - J.R.

Question:

If there's a runner on 1st base and the batter hits it to the 2nd baseman, if the runner stalls between him and 1st base and the 2nd baseman throws to first. Is the force off and can the runner return to 1st base?   (Jamie from London, ON)

Answer:

In a word, yes, the force is removed and the runner on first base can return to first. - J.R.

Question:

Is there a fourth out in baseball?   (Jerry from Los Angeles, CA)

Answer:

Yes and no. Only 3 are recognized to retire the side. However during a time play a 4th out can be recognized on appeal in order to cancel a run. Case in point, bases loaded 2 outs. Ball is hit and the runners on second and 3rd score. Runner on first moves to third but misses second base and is taged at third. The runner who was on second crosses the plate before the tag. Run scores, three outs....now the defense appeals the runner missed 2nd going to third. The out is now at second, runner did not cross the plate before the out so no run counts. - J.R.

Question:

One out with a runner on 3rd base. A high fly ball is hit in foul territory along the 3rd base line near the dug out. It is unclear if the ball will remain in play or carry over the fence. The runner on 3rd base, off the bag when the ball was hit realizes it could be cought by the 3rd baseman, turns to return to the bag. At this time the runner and 3rd baseman bump into each other, but does not hinder the 3rd baseman from setting up to make the catch. However, the 3rd baseman over ran the ball, which was difficult to judge, and failed to make the catch. Should interference have been called in this situation on the 3rd base runner? What should the end result have been? In this case, interference was not called and the runner remained on 3rd base.   (Marc from Evansville, IN)

Answer:

This is a judgement call by the umpire. If there was clearly a legitimate shot by the third baseman, you might have interference. but since there was no hinderance, no call. - J.R.

Question:

if the batter swings on a strike three and the ball hits the ground but the catcher catches the ball off the ground and if first base is not occupied can the batter make an advance to first base?   (Don from New Baltimore, MI)

Answer:

Yes. The ball must be caught/fielded cleanly. - J.R.

Question:

This concerns a balk ruling in a Junior League division (Age 13). Under Section 8.03 of the rules, it does not specifically address the widely-known issue of the pitcher (most commonly a left-hander with a runner on first) breaking the "plane" of his back leg with his front leg - once he does so he is supposed to be committed to deliver the pitch. Is this not so at the Junior/Senior league level? Do you know if it generally applies to interscholastic ball in the US as well? If that rule is not in place at this level, a smart lefty can basically keep a runner anchored to the base, if he is allowed to break the plane and still throw to first. Thanks.   (Jim from East Greenwich, RI)

Answer:

We only comment on Federation (High School) Official Rules of Baseball and in some cases NCAA baseball, ASA softball, NCAA Softball rules. Most leagues play using a derivation of these rules.

If your Junior League division does not have it listed in the rule book then you are correct, the lefty has a distinct advantage. However, an umpire may also call the balk by stating that the move is "Deceiving the runner" and is illegal. I suspect it is buried in the book somewhere

For the most part, Federation rules on the balk are the same as in pro baseball except for some minor differences as to the time of the pitch, going to the mouth on the mound, when the ball is dead on the balk, glove above chin and shoulder turning when in the set position after the strech is made. - J.R.

Question:

Men on 1st and 3rd. Catcher receives the pitch and the runner at 1st bluffs a steal. The catcher throws to the short stop in the hope the man on third thinks the play is at 2nd and he can steal home. Both runners figure out what's happening and don't move. Is this a catcher's balk? Thanks.   (Jim from Ancaster, ON)

Answer:

No this is not a catcher's balk. A catcher's balk is actually the catcher recieving the pitch before it crosses the plate and the batter has a chance to hit the ball. Or the catcher is outside the catcher's box prior to the pitch being released. - J.R.

Question:

Okay, an outfielder is playing the outfield and then a baseball is hit to him in the air and his shoe is loose and then his shoe flies off and then the shoe catches the ball in the air and then before the shoe hits the ground the outfielder catches the shoe and then holds on to the shoe with the ball inside the shoe and then what is the correct call?   (Steve from Red Lane)

Answer:

Other than a "Dream Play" we have here, this is detached equipment and constitutes a 3 base award. - J.R.

Question:

This happened at a little league game. Bases loaded, 2 outs, the batter hits the ball down the third base line, he ends up on third base with a triple. An appeal is asked for at first base and the umpire calls the batter out for missing the bag. Now the argument begins, Do the runs count?   (Ted from New London, WI)

Answer:

No they do not. The third out, even on appeal was made at first base. - J.R.

Question:

Runners are at second and third, one out. Fly ball hit to fairly deep right field. Runner at third sees he has plenty of time, tags up properly, and runs home. Runner at second leaves before the catch and makes it to third. Relay throw is off line, and by the time the infielder gets the ball and steps on second base (doubling up the runner there for the third out) the runner from third has already touched home plate. Does that run count?   (Dave from Medicine Hat, AB)

Answer:

This is a time play. The catch is the second out. The runner tags and scores before the runner on second is doubled off. Count the run. The third out was made after the run scored. - J.R.

Question:

A runner on third, fly ball to left field. The runner goes to the bag to tag and leaves the base to advance as soon as the ball touches the left fielders glove. The left fielder bobbles the ball before finally "catching" it. Can the runner be called out for leaving before the catch or can he leave as soon as the ball touches the fielders glove? Thanks for your response.   (Paul from Lincoln, RI)

Answer:

The runner can leave at "First touch". He does not have to wait until the ball is caught. - J.R.

Question:

We recently began playing some serious pickup games and a situation occurred where a runner was advancing home and the catcher lowered his shoulder and "took out" the runner. The question is can the catcher block the plate even if the ball is not on its way in and can he intentionaly "kill" a runner just cause? Thanks.   (Cory from North Port, FL)

Answer:

No. The catcher must have the ball or inthe act of fielding the ball to have any right to be in the runner's baseline. This is called obstuction. The call is "That's obstruction." And then wait for the play(s) to be completed before making any awards. - J.R.

Question:

Adult Softball- Runner is on first in the bottom of the seventh inning. The home team is down by one run,(3-2) the next guy up hits a homerun, what is the final score?   (Ken from Beloit, WI)

Answer:

Home team is batting with a runner on and the batter hits a dinger.....score is now 4-3, game over unless there is more to this question. - J.R.

Question:

My son pitched four complete innings at which time the score was the other team 1 and us 0. The top of the fifth our team scored 2 runs to go ahead 2 to 1. Then my son did not pitch the bottom of the fifth inning another pitcher came in and finished. My question, since my son was relieved after the team went ahead, is he the winning pitcher of record or is the second pitcher. The game ended after 5 innings with us winning 2 to 1. Thanks.   (Dale from Lakeland, TN)

Answer:

This is a scoring question and not within the scope of this site. However, consult Rule 10 of the OBR for all scoring answers. - J.R.

Question:

Runner on 3rd, ball hit to short outfield, runner advances to home, the outfielder throws home and the catcher gets the ball but does not tag the runner because he thinks that the runner already reached home plate. The runner misses the plate but has no idea that he missed it and proceds to the dugout. The umpire makes no call as no tag has been made and the runner missed the plate, on every other run that scored the umpire pointed at the plate to inform the official scorer that a run has scored, on this play the umpire makes no such movement. This is a Little League game and the age is 11-12. My question is, once the runner has entered the dugout should the umpire declare him out for base abandonment? Since the defensive team did not see him miss the plate there will not be an appeal and since no one on the offensive team saw the runner miss the plate, the umpire is the only one that saw the whole play. What call should the umpire make?   (J.G. from C.S.)

Answer:

Old adage of no ball, no call can come into play here. Since the runner is already in the bench area he has "Abandond his effort to run the bases" but this only would come into play if the catcher was going after him to tag for the out, as per the PBUC manual. The onus is on the defense here to make an appeal before the next pitch or play on the runner who missed the base. If they appeal, the ump will make the proper ruling. No appeal, count the run and play on. - J.R.

Question:

My friends and I are wondering what the rules are as far as pitchers are concerned in the Triple A PCL & the IHL leagues. Obviously, both leagues are comprised of teams from the A.L & the N.L. Do the pitchers hit, a la the normal N.L. rules, or do they sit out a la the D.H. rule in the A.L.? There is a case of beer riding on the answer, please help a few die-hard baseball fans with nothing better to talk about! Thanks.   (Jack from Phoenix, AZ)

Answer:

All minor league teams follow the Official Rules of Baseball as followed by the major leagues. The DH is believe it or not optional. As you know, only the AL uses it which leads me to think that those minor league teams affiliated with American League will use the DH. Those affiliated with the National League will bat. However, I will confirm this. - J.R.

Question:

Runner at 2nd, brakes for 3rd on attempted steal, catcher throws and tag is late. However, the runner overruns 3rd continuing directly past his coach and on a straight line ends his overrun approx. 12ft past the 3rd base at the field's side fence. Player (3rd baseman) has to walk past the coach to attempt a tag, but runner starts his run from the fence and in a diagonal run to the plate, there is a bad throw and the runner scores. What is the ruling and why? I thought the runner should be out for overrunning the base by over 3ft. Umpire in chief after the game, said the runner is safe due to an assumed baseline that comes into play? Also, is coaches position between the runner and the baseman after the overrun not deemed interference or obstruction? Thanks.   (Brad from Kitchener, ON)

Answer:

Good question. Again, judgement by the umpire is necessary in cases like this. By your play the runner did not slide and misjudged his speed and attempt at stopping. Also it seems that the fence/wall on the third base side is rather close. So things like this do have an effect on the game.

Let's deal with the coach. First he cannot intentionally hinder the defense in making the play, nor can he assist the runner by touching him. From all indications in your play, neither was the case.

Base line: there are two definitions of "Base Line." First is the book definition of the distance under Rule 2 of the OBR, which is the measurement of the distance. Next is the practical definition of the runners base line he himself establishes going from base to base. In your play, the base runner overran third and then proceeded in a direct and straight line toward home. He established this line. Had he run out of his established line to avoid a tag or play then the runner would be out. - J.R.

Question:

What are the official dimensions of home plate?   (David from Houston, TX)

Answer:

Rule 1.05 of the OBR: Home plate is 5 sided slab of whitened rubber. It is 17" square with two of the corners removed so that one edge is 17 inches long, two adjacent sides are 8.5" and the remaiining two sides are 12" and stay at an angle to make a point. The 17" edge faces the pitcher's plate and the two 12" edges coincide withthe first and third base lines. - J.R.

Question:

Runners on first and third with one out. The batter swings at strike three and the pitch hits the batter. This causes the the ball to go past the cather. I then sent the runner on third home to score and the runner on first moved over to third. The umpire called the batter out and then called the ball dead and had the runners return to first and third. Was this the right call from the umpire? *note* Our league uses American League Baseball rules.   (Ryan from New Richmond, WI)

Answer:

Once the ball strikes the batter the ball is dead, nothing can happen. Since the batter offered at the pitch, it is a strike. Being the third strike, the batter is out. Now the ball is dead, no runners may advance. The umpire did the correct thing in sending everyone back. - J.R.

Question:

There's a runner at second base. The batter hits a low liner that the second baseman traps. The runner sees this and heads for third. The base umpire does not and says the batter is out. Thus, the second baseman flips the ball to the shortstop for the assumed double play. However, the plate umpire sees the trap and calls the batter --- and the runner now on third --- safe. The fielding team's manager argues that his second baseman acted according to the call he heard from the base umpire. The plate umpire says the play stands as per his ruling. Was that correct?   (Alan from Seattle, WA)

Answer:

Hmm, we do have a problem when one umpire has a different call than the other umpire. This is where a good pregame between umpires comes in. What should happen at the pregame is a discussion about who takes what play in the infield.

Typically, the plate umpire will take all line drives and pop-ups to the infield. Some crews will work so that the umpire with the best angle will take the call.

What now has to happen is a discussion between the two umpires and one coach is not going to be happy. Mechanically it is the plate umpire's call and the object is to get it right. If the coach asks the base umpire to go for help and he does, the plate umpire will give him his opinion on the play and leave the base umpire to make the final call. In some cases where the error is glaring, the plate umpire will talk to the base umpire without a coach asking for help.

It is not uncommon for the base umpire after all said and done, is to say to the coach, it was the plate umpire's call, it stands and I was wrong to make the call.

Long and short of it, it is a judgement call, what was called stands, let's play ball. - J.R.

Question:

I umpired a youth game 11-12 (Cal Ripkin) the other day. They basically use the same rule as MLB.

It was the bottom of the sixth inning. two outs, and a man on base. The score was tied. The batter hits a home run. As the batter approaches first base he is jumping up and down. He jumps right over first base and then proceeds to touch 2nd, 3rd and home. Lucky for me the defensive team did not see the missed base. But I was thinking about this and was wondering what is the correct procedure for making the appeal of a missed base if it is in the scenario mention above?. As I understand it that the ball becomes dead after it goes over the fence. And since there is not next batter because the home team hit in the winning run.

What is the correct way to appeal the missed base? and can you reference that in the rule book? I have not found any type of scenario in the rule book when it comes to ending the game in this fashion.   (Floyd from Sandy, UT)

Answer:

This appeal is handled like any other dead ball appeal. A new ball has to be thrown in by the umpire, the umpire must make the ball live and the appeal must be properly executed from the rubber. This appeal must take place before all of the defensive team leaves the field. Team in this case is defined as infielders and pitcher cross the foul line. See Rule 7.10 OBR. - J.R.

Question:

A friend of mine was telling me in little league baseball, at the junior level, 13-14 year olds, that a pitcher can re-enter the game as many times as he wants, as long as he does not leave the field. In other words, the coach can take him out, and he goes to play first base, then a couple hitters latter, he returns to the mound. Then, in his theory, the player can then go back to first base after a hitter or so, then return to the mound later. I told him that was not the case, but I don't know for sure. Thank You.   (Derek from Lincoln, CA)

Answer:

Under Major League rules this is not possible. However, local league rules may differ. Under Federation rules (high school) the pitcher may be moved from pitching to another position and then back to the pitching position once per innning. See Article 3-2 of the NFHS rule book for more information. - J.R.

Question:

This happened once in a local game and has sparked a long (not heated, but good) discussion. Bases Loaded, no out. Batter hits a sharp grounder down the line that the third baseman fields cleanly. Before the runner on third can leave the base he is tagged by the third baseman. Then the third baseman steps on the base for the force out. The umpire ruled two outs (first a tag saying the runner on third had to leave and go home) and then the force. The discussion is over when the runner on third loses the "safety" of standing on the base. I'm wondering about this call, what rules in the rule book would effect this ruling? Your help would be greatly appreciated.   (Bob from Green Bay, WI)

Answer:

This is a force play. See Rule 2.00 of the OBR for the definition. The runner on third looses the right to occupy third due to the batter becoming a batter/runner and thus forcing all runners to advance. It is generally agreed the right to occupy a base when a force condition exists, is when the ball is struck and judged fair. The force is removed when a fly ball is caught, or when a base runner is tagged. In this case the force would be removed if the runner from second or first were tagged or the ball went to that base first.

Now what happens when the runner does not move and you have two runners on the base? Well, the runner who has the right to the base is safe, the runner who has lost his right to occupy the base is out when tagged or the base he is going to is tagged. One sees more than one runner on base in rundown situations mostly. - J.R.

Question:

I was reading some of the questions below and I noticed one situation that I'm pretty sure you were wrong about. A guy named Craig metioned the hidden ball play, and the pitcher remained off the slab, but the umpire called it a balk, because he was on the mound. I have checked the book several times in regards to this rule, and it states that the pitcher can be on the mound, but must remain off the slab. Maybe there's a different ruling in the states than in Canada?   (Steve from Moncton, NB)

Answer:

It is a balk if the pitcher is on or astride the pitching rubber without the ball. He can be on the mound, dirt area only. Think of it this way, it is a balk if the pitcher trys to deceive the runner purposely. - J.R.

Question:

Batter fake bunts and steps in front of the plate with both feet, while man on first attempts to steal. The catcher has to double pump to get the trow off around the hitter. I truly believe this is interference. THe umpire behind the plate told me that a batter can step in front of the plate.   (Tim from Hudson, WI)

Answer:

Judgement call by the plate umpire. If he felt that the batter interfered with the throw, then enforce the penalty. If not, the play stands. - J.R.

Question:

When the coach makes a second visit to the mound in the same inning he must remove the pitcher. Does remove mean from the game or can he make a double change and put the pitcher at another position? If the pitcher is allowed to play another position can he then come back to pitch later in the game?   (Jim from Philadelphia, PA)

Answer:

Under 8.06 of the OBR the pitcher is removed from the game, also see the PBUC umpire manual, since "From game" is not listed in rule 8.06. So there is no moving the pitcher to another position in "Real" baseball. Local leagues may have an adaptation to this rule.

In high school ball (Federation) the pitcher can leave the pitching position, see Rule 3-1 Art. 2 and 3, may be moved and returned as a pitcher once per inning provided no other pitching rules are violated. - J.R.

Question:

I have heard that only the starting pitcher of a game can reenter a ballgame. Is this true at all levels?   (Scott from Chicago, IL)

Answer:

No. Under OBR 3.03, once taken out of the game, he cannot return. - J.R.

Question:

I recently umpired a game where a ball bounced in the dirt and hit the catcher in the groin. He had to leave the game. I have taken some hard shots behind the plate and still not flinch when the ball comes. However, I have never been hit in the groin and now when the ball is in the dirt I flinch and think it's gonna hit me in the groin. Have you been hit in the groin during a game and is it as painful as I think? How did you regain your composure and not flinch after being hit in such a sensitive part of the body?   (Dale from Detroit, MI)

Answer:

Most all umpires have been hit in various parts of the body, arms, shoulder, mask and yes the groin too. I have been hit there and even with a cup, it does hurt. One must concentrate on the ball after it happens. Flinching is a natural reaction and takes time to overcome this. One just has to bear down and concentrate. - J.R.

Question:

Another dropped third strike question. Runners on second and third. Right handed batter swings at a third strike in the dirt that hits the catcher and bounces down the first base line. While running down the line the batter/runner is hit in the leg by the ball causing it to get further away and not be fielded by the catcher in time to make a play on the runner at first or on the runners stealing their respective bases. The call was batter was safe and runners allowed to advance. Was this the proper call?   (Kevin from Louisville, KY)

Answer:

So long as the runner is not trying to intentionally kick the ball away from the catcher or other fielder, in my opinion this is a no call. If he is trying to prevent the defense from making a play, this is interference. - J.R.

Question:

Bases loaded, no outs. Batter pops the ball up to the infield. The umpires fails to call Infield Fly, so the 3rd Baseman allows the ball to fall. He then picks it up, tags the runner on 3rd, steps on 3rd, and throws to second. Triple Play, or is it?   (Chet from Marietta, GA)

Answer:

The infield fly rule is there to prevent such an occurance. The batter is automatically out when an infield fly is declared, thus taking the force off the runners. In your play, no triple play, only one out, bases loaded. - J.R.

Question:

1. Bases are loaded - 2 outs. Batter hits a home run. Runner on second fails to touch third base and is ruled out after an appeal is made. Do any runs count? If so how many?

2. Bases are loaded - 1 out. Batter hits a home run. Runner on second fails to touch third and is ruled out after an appeal. What happens to the runners and how many runs count?   (Warren from Natchitoches, LA)

Answer:

One must remember no runs count on the third out.

In play A: Once the runner at second base is declared out on appeal at third, any runs after the out is made are not valid. So count one run in from third, since he scored prior to the appeal.

In play B: Count only 3 runs, the runner from third is one run, the runner from first and the batter-runner who hit the shot. The runner from second is declared out on appeal and since only 2 out, the other runs score. - J.R.

Question:

Is using a softball bat for a 11 year old boys little league game legal? Isn't there a limit on the length of barrel of the bat? The sweet spot and barrel are about twice the size of a regular little league bat. Thank you.   (Clint from Seattle, WA)

Answer:

We only comment on the Major League rules for baseball and Federation rules for baseball, as well as the ASA, Federation and NCAA rules for softball. Local leagues for baseball will usually use the OBR with modifications that are age and safety appropriate.

I would look at the local league rules in this case. Both softball and baseball have bat rules regarding length, diameter, construction, finish and weight, etc., but this is for adults. - J.R.

Question:

I am an American Legion Baseball coach. During a recent game the opposing teams pitcher used a black glove with red colored laces. I know this is illegal but I have not been able to find the rule covering this. Please help.   (Leon from Lynn, MA)

Answer:

Under the OBR, look at 1.15 and 1.14. While 1.14 states that the glove must be uniform in color, i.e red laces and black glove, the only real restriction is having the glove either white or gray. The rule does not state that the laces must be the same color as the glove. So long as the glove is not white or gray, we play. - J.R.

Question:

In Major League Baseball, how far is the pitcher's mound from home plate?   (A.L. from Salt Lake City, UT)

Answer:

Field dimensions are under OBR rule 1.04. The dimension from the rubber to the plate is 60 feet 6 inches. - J.R.

Question:

N.J. High School rules: A pitcher is on the rubber but has not come to a set position. Can he turn his front shoulder to get a better look at the runner? Where can I get a copy of N.J. High School rules? Thanks.   (Russ from Verona, NJ)

Answer:

If he is not yet set, i.e. the hands together in front of the body, he can turn his shoulders. Once set he cannot.

You can get a copy of the Federation Rules from the NJSIAA on Route 130, Robbinsville, NJ. - J.R.