TWO RUNNERS IN CONTACT WITH BASE
Rule 5.06(a)(2): Under Official Baseball Rule 5.06(a)(2), if two runners are touching a base at the same time, the following runner is out when tagged (unless, of course, the lead runner is forced). It is suggested that the umpire clearly indicate by pointing which runner has been declared out in such situations. See Official Baseball…
BATTER INTERFERES WITH CATCHER
Rules 6.03(a)(3), 6.01(a)(1): If the batter interferes with the catcher’s throw to retire a runner by stepping out of the batter’s box, the plate umpire shall call “Interference.” The batter is out and the ball is dead (provided the catcher’s initial throw does not retire the runner; see following paragraph). No player may advance on…
BACKSWING (FOLLOW-THROUGH) HITS CATCHER
Rules 6.03(a)(3), 6.03(a)(4), 6.03(a)(3) and (4) Comments: If a batter strikes at a ball and misses and in the umpire’s judgment unintentionally hits the catcher or the ball in back of the batter on the follow-through or backswing while the batter is still in the batter’s box, it shall be called a strike only (no…
4.01 Umpire Duties
Before the game begins the umpire shall: (a) Require strict observance of all rules governing implements of play and equipment of players; (b) Be sure that all playing lines (heavy lines on Appendices No. 1 and No. 2) are marked with lime, chalk or other white material easily distinguishable from the ground or grass; (c)…
SET VS. WINDUP POSITION
Rules 5.07(a)(1), 5.07(a)(2): The comment to Official Baseball Rule 5.07(a)(2) states, in part, that, “With a runner or runners on base, a pitcher will be presumed to be pitching from the Set Position if he stands with his pivot foot in contact with and parallel to the pitcher’s plate, and his other foot in front…
FIELDER GOING INTO OUT-OF-PLAY AREA
Rule 5.09(a)(1) Comment: The Comment to Official Baseball Rule 5.09(a)(1) stipulates that no fielder may step into or go into a dugout to make a catch. However, if a fielder, after making a legal catch on the playing surface, steps or falls into any out-of-play area at any point while in possession of the ball,…
BUNT/FOUL BALL
Rule 5.09(a)(4): • A pitched ball striking a bat as the batter is pulling it back after initially squaring to bunt is a foul ball (assuming the ball goes into foul territory). • The definition of a bunt is already included in the Official Baseball Rules. The purpose of this interpretation is to clarify that…
ABANDONMENT ON A FORCE PLAY
Rules 5.01(b)(1), 5.09(b)(2), 5.09(b)(1) and (2) Comment, 5.09(b)(6): A base runner being called out for abandoning his effort to touch the next base does not change a force play to a tag or time play on any other runner(s).
APPEAL PLAYS—APPROVED RULINGS
Rule 5.09(c): (1) Runner on first base, one out. The batter doubles. Runner on first rounds the bases and tries for home. On the play at the plate, the catcher misses the tag and runner misses the plate in sliding by. As the catcher begins to chase the runner to apply a tag, the batter-runner…
SIGNAL TO THE BULLPEN
Rules 5.10(b), 5.10(b) Comment: The manager must notify the umpiring crew that he is making a pitching change by clearly and unambiguously informing the home plate umpire of the pitcher who will be entering the game. Additionally, the manager should be mindful to signal for a left-handed pitcher with his left hand, or a right-handed…
