5.06 Running the Bases
(a) Occupying the Base (1) A runner acquires the right to an unoccupied base when he touches it before he is out. He is then entitled to it until he is put out, or forced to vacate it for another runner legally entitled to that base. Rule 5.06(a)/5.06 (c) Comment: If a runner legally acquires…
5.06 (b) Advancing Bases
(1) (7.02) In advancing, a runner shall touch first, second, third and home base in order. If forced to return, he shall retouch all bases in reverse order, unless the ball is dead under any provision of Rule 5.06(c) (Rule 5.09). In such cases, the runner may go directly to his original base. (2) (7.03(b)) If…
5.06 (c) Dead Balls
The ball becomes dead and runners advance one base, or return to their bases, without liability to be put out, when: (1) A pitched ball touches a batter, or his clothing, while in his legal batting position; runners, if forced, advance; (2) The plate umpire interferes with the catcher’s throw attempting to prevent a stolen base…
5.07 Pitching
(a) Legal Pitching Delivery There are two legal pitching positions, the Windup Position and the Set Position, and either position may be used at any time. Pitchers shall take signs from the catcher while in contact with the pitcher’s plate. Rule 5.07(a) Comment: Pitchers may disengage the rubber after taking their signs but may not…
5.07 (b) (8.03) Warm-Up Pitches
When a pitcher takes his position at the beginning of each inning, or when he relieves another pitcher, he shall be permitted to pitch not to exceed eight preparatory pitches to his catcher during which play shall be suspended. A league by its own action may limit the number of preparatory pitches to less than…
5.07 (c) (8.04) Pitcher Delays
When the bases are unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball to the batter within 12 seconds after he receives the ball. Each time the pitcher delays the game by violating this rule, the umpire shall call “Ball.” The 12-second timing starts when the pitcher is in possession of the ball and the batter is…
5.07 (d) (8.01) (c)) Throwing to the Bases
At any time during the pitcher’s preliminary movements and until his natural pitching motion commits him to the pitch, he may throw to any base provided he steps directly toward such base before making the throw. Rule 5.07(d) Comment (Rule 8.01(c) Comment): The pitcher shall step “ahead of the throw.” A snap throw followed by…
