TOUCH
Definitions of Terms: Regarding the definition of a touch, equipment intentionally placed somewhere by a player should be considered worn in its intended place. EXAMPLE: Batting gloves placed in a player’s back pocket are in the intended place on his person.
TAG
Definitions of Terms: If the fielder has the ball in his bare hand pressed against his glove while the tag is applied, it should be viewed as a legal tag.
LEGAL CATCH
Definitions of Terms: The Umpire should find that a legal catch has occurred pursuant to Definitions of Terms, “Catch,” or valid force out or tag has occurred pursuant to Definitions of Terms, “Tag,” if the fielder had complete control over the ball in his glove, and drops the ball after intentionally opening his glove to…
INFIELDER INTERFERES WITH COURSE OF BALL
Definitions of Terms: When a batted ball is rolling fair down the foul line between home plate and either first or third base and a fielder stoops down over the ball and blows on it or in any other manner does some act that in the judgment of the umpire causes the ball to roll…
FOUL TIPS
Definitions of Terms: Regarding the definition of a foul tip, the proper interpretation is that a foul tip must be caught by the catcher. It is recommended that umpires indicate foul tips by signaling foul tip followed by a strike mechanic, particularly on check-swing foul tips and foul tips that are caught close to the…
FAIR BALL
Definitions of Terms: When in contact with the ground, a ball must be in contact with fair territory and not merely over fair territory in order to be adjudged to be fair.
BASE ON BALLS
Definitions of Terms: If the defensive team’s manager notifies the umpire that he would like to intentionally walk the batter— • Prior to the start of an at-bat: As the batter approaches the plate, the umpire will call “Time,” the ball is dead, and the umpire shall award the batter first base and advance any…
BALL STRIKES BIRD OR ANIMAL
Definitions of Terms: If a batted or thrown ball strikes a bird in flight or other animal on the playing field, the ball is considered alive and in play, the same as if it had not touched the bird or animal. If a pitched ball strikes a bird in flight or other animal on the…
“VOLUNTARY STRIKE”
Rule 8.02(c) Comment: In the situation where the third strike eludes the catcher on a half-swing and the batter-runner is entitled to run to first base, the appeal should be made to the base umpire instantly (without waiting for a request from the defense); but even if the appeal is not instant, the appropriate base…
CHECK-SWING APPEALS
Rule 8.02(c): The Comments to Official Baseball Rule 8.02(c) provide that the manager or catcher may request the plate umpire to ask a partner for help on a half-swing when the plate umpire calls the pitch a ball. The rule further states that appeals on a half-swing may only be made on a call of…
