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I I I I

Baseball Canada Rule Interpretations

Baseball Canada Development Committee

This document builds upon the Official Rules of Baseball. By providing supplementary explanations to the official rules, as well as multiple case stud ies, this doc ument offers increased clarity and consistency to all officials across Canada.

This document was adapted from the Umpire Manual, with permission from the Office of the . Baseball Canada offers it’ s sincere thanks to Major League Baseball for permission to use this contents.

No part of the Official may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any informatio n storage and retrieval system now known or to be invented, without permission in writing from the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball.

RE VISED DECEMBER 6 TH , 2019

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TABLE of CONTENTS

Interp 20 20 Rule Reference(s) ______

1. 3. 03 Jackets

2. 3 . 0 4 Cat c h e r ’ s M itt

3 . 3 . 04 , 3 . 05 , 3 . 06 P r o c ed ur es f or M eas ur i n g F ieldi n g G lo v es

4. 3.05 Firs t Base man ’ s Mitt

5 . 4 . 0 3 Li n e u p Ca r ds

6 . 5 . 01 ( b) , 5.06(c)(7), 5.06 (c) (7) Comment Ball G oi n g i n to Pl a y e r ’ s U n i f o r m

7 . 5 . 0 2 F i r st Baseman Pl a y i n g in F o u l T e rr ito r y

8 . 5 . 04 ( b )( 5 ), 6 . 03 ( a )( 1 ) Batte r ’ s P osition in Batte r ’ s Box

9 . 5 . 05 ( a) Fly Ball S t r i k i n g T op of O u t f ield W all

1 0 5 . 05 ( a )( 2 ) Comme n t Aba n do n i n g Base P ath ( I n c l u di n g A f ter 5 . 09 ( b )( 2 ) Comme n t T h i r d S t r i k e Not Ca u g h t)

11 . 5 . 05 ( b )( 3 ), 5 . 06 ( b )( 3 )(D) , 6 . 0 1 ( g) Cat c h e r ’ s I n te rf e r e n c e

1 2 . 5 . 06 ( a )( 1) R unn er P u s h ed o f f Base

1 3 . 5.06(a)(1) Overrunning a base without touching it

1 4 . 5 . 06 ( a )( 2) T w o R unn e r s in Co n ta c t w ith Base

1 5 . 5 . 06 ( b )( 1) R unn er P assi n g a Base

1 6 . 5 . 06 ( b )( 4 ) (B) & ( C) D eta c h ed Eq u ipme n t T o u c h i n g Pit c h ed or

1 7 . 5.06(b)(4)( F ) Lodged Ball

1 8 . 5 . 06 ( b )( 4 )(G), 5 . 09 ( c ) Pl a y or Attempte d Pl a y

1 9 . 5 . 06 ( b )( 4 )(G ) A w a r di n g Bases on W ild T hr o w s

20 . 5 . 06 ( b )( 4 )(H ) Balls D e f le c ted o u t of Pl a y

21 . 5 . 06 ( c )( 6 ), 6 . 01 ( a )( 11) Batte d Ball St r i k i n g t h e R unn er

2 2 . 5 . 07 ( a) Time of Pit c h

2 3 . 5 . 07 ( a )( 1) W i n d u p P osition

2 4 . 5.07( a)(1 ), 5 .07 (a)(2) Set vs Windup

25. 5.07(b) Restrictions on Pi tchers Warming Up

2 6 . 5.08(b) Comment Regarding Game Ending P lays

2 7 . 5 . 09 ( a )( 1 ) Comme n t F ielder G oi n g i n to - of - Play - Area

28. 5.09(a)(4) /

2 9 . 5 . 0 9 ( a )( 8) T hr o w n Ball St r i k es H elmet or Bat

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30 . 5 . 09 ( a )( 12) I nf ielder I n te n tio n ally Dr ops Fly Ball or Li n e D r ive

31 . 5.09(b)(1) Out of the Basepath

32 . 5.0 1 (b)(1) , 5.09 ( b)(2), Abandonment on 5.09 (b)(1) (6) , 5.09(b) (1) & (2)Comment , 5.09(b)(6)

3 3 5.09(b)(4) Batter Runner Passing First Base

3 4 . 5 . 09 ( b )( 12 ), 5 . 09 ( c )( 2 ) , 5 . 09 ( b )( 5 ) R unn er M isses H ome Plate

3 5 . 5.09(b)(7 ) Runner Touched By Fly

3 6 . 5.09(b)(9) Runners Passing

3 7 . 5 . 09 ( c ) Appeal Pl a y s — App r o v ed R u li n g s

3 8 . 5 . 09 ( c )( 2) Reto u c h i n g Bases W h ile Ball Is D ead

3 9 . 5 . 1 0 S u bstit u tio n s

40 . 5 . 10 ( b ) Comme n t Mu ltiple S u bstit u tio n s a n d D o u ble - S w it c h es

41. 5.10(b), Signal to the Bull pen 5.10(b) Comment

42 . 5 . 10 ( d ) Comme n t , Pit c h er C h a n g i n g D e f e n si v e P ositio n s 5.10(g)

43 . 5 . 10 (k ) On - D e c k Ci r c le

4 4 . 5 . 10 ( l ) T r ips to t h e M o un d

45. 5.10 (l) Trips to the Mou nd – Approved Ru lings

4 6 . 5 . 1 1 D esi g n ated H itter

4 7 . 5.11, 5 .10 (b) P itcher Moving to a Defensi ve Position

4 8 . 5 . 12 ( b )( 2 ) T empo r a r y F ail ur e of Li g h ts

4 9 . 6 . 01 , D e f i n itio n s O ff e n si v e I n te rf e r e n c e

50 . 6 . 01 ( a) I n te rf e r e n c e w ith I n te rv e n i n g Pl a y

51 . 6 . 01 ( a )( 1 ) Batter I n te rf e r es A f ter T h i r d S t r i k e Not Ca u g h t

52 . 6 . 01 ( a )( 2) I n te n tio n ally D e f le c ti n g Co ur se of Ball

53 . 6 . 01 ( a )( 5 - 7 ), 5.09( a)(13) , 5 . 09 ( b )( 3 ) , 6.01(j) W ill fu l a n d D elibe r ate I n te rf e r e n c e

54 . 6.0 1 (a)(10) Fielder Protected While Making a Play

55 . 6 . 01 ( e) & Comment S pe c tator I n te rf e r e n c e

56 . 6 . 01 (h ) O bst ru c tion M e c h a n ic

5 7 . 6 . 01 (h)( 1 ) Batte r - R unn er O bst ru c ted Be f o r e Rea c h i n g F i r st Base

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5 8 . 6 . 01 (h)( 1 ), 6 . 01 (h)( 2 ) , O bst ru c tion a n d I n te rf e r e n c e Pl a ys – Approved Rulings 6 . 01 , 5 . 02 (c )

I I I 5 9 . 6 . 02 ( a) Calli n g “Ti me” A f ter a I

60 . 6 . 02 ( a) Balk Reg u latio n s

61 . 6 . 0 2 ( a) P e n alty f or Balk

62 . 6 . 02 ( a )( 3 ) Steppi n g to a Base

6 3 . 6 . 02 ( a )( 4 ) T hr o w i n g to an U n o cc u pied Base

64 . 6 . 02 (c)( 1) Pit c h er G oi n g to H is M o u th

6 5 . 6 . 02 ( c)( 9) W a rn i n g s A f ter Immediate Eje c tion of Pit c h er

6 6 . 6 . 03 ( a )( 3 ), 6 . 01 ( a )( 1 ) Batter I n te rf e r es w ith Cat c h er

6 7 . 6 . 03 ( a )( 3 ) ( 4 ) & Comm ent Ba c k s w i n g ( F ollo w - T hr o u g h ) H its Cat c h er

6 8 . 6 . 03 ( a )( 3 ) Batter I n te rf e r es w ith Cat c h e r ’ s T hr ow Ba c k to Pit c h er

69. 6.03(a)(4) Inspection of an Illegal Bat

70. 6.03(c) (7) Reference C a rds

71 . 6 . 04 ( d) Eje c tio n s a n d S u spe n sio n s

72 . 7 . 02 ( a) W eat h er T a k i n g P r e c ede n c e

73. 7.02 (c) Lineup Cards from Suspended Games

74 . 7 . 02 ( c ) Li n e u ps a n d S u spe n ded G ames

75. 7.03, 8.03(a)(6) Forfeited Games

76 . 8 . 02 ( c ) C h e c k - S w i n g Appeals

77 . 8.02(c) Comment “ Voluntary Strike ”

78 . D e f i n itio n s Ball S t r i k es Bi r d or A n imal

7 9 . Definitions

80 . Definitions

81. Definitions Foul T ip s

8 2 . D e f i n itio n s I nf ielder I n te rf e r es w ith Co ur se of Ball

8 3 . D e f i n itio n s Le g al Cat c h

8 4. Definitions Tag

8 5 . D e f i n itio n s Touch

8 6 . 5.09(b)(4) Runner Steal ing on Ball Four

8 7 . Balk &

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1. JACKETS R ule 3 . 0 3 : I

A pitc her may wear a jacket while a base runner. A may not wear a jacket wh ile . No other player is permitted to wear a jacket while a base runner, a batter, a defensive player or a coach on the baselines. If worn, the jac ket must be buttoned and is not permitted to have a hood.

2. C A TCH E R ’ S MITT R ule 3 . 0 4: T h e c at c h er m a y n ot s u bstit u te a f ielde r ’ s g lo v e or a f i r st basema n ’ s mitt f or a c a t c h e r ’ s mitt d ur i n g t h e p r o g r ess of t h e g ame or on a n y i n di v id u al pl a y . T h e c at c h er m a y u se a c at c h e r ’ s mitt w ith a v i ny l f l u o r es c e n t pie c e atta c h ed.

3. P R O C E D UR E S F O R M E A S URI N G FI E L D I N G G L O V E S Rul e s 3 . 04 , 3 . 05 , 3 . 0 6: O ff i c ial Baseball R u les 3 . 04, 3 . 05, a n d 3 . 06 des c r ibe p r oper g lo v e meas ur eme n ts a n d s h o u ld be e nf o r c ed f or all g lo v es u sed in M ajor Lea g u e g ame s . T h e k ey meas ur eme n ts a r e “J” a n d “ A ” li n es ( see D ia g r am N u mber 4 in t h e O ff i c ial Baseball R u les ) . T h e “J” li n e fr om t h e top of t h e i n dex f i n g er ( f i r s t f i n g e r ) to t h e bottom ed g e c a nn ot meas ur e mo r e t h an 13 i n c h e s . T h e “ A ” li n e , palm w idt h , meas ur ed fr om t h e i n side seam at t h e base of t h e i n dex or f i r st f i n g er to t h e o u tside ed g e of t h e little f i n g er of t h e g lo v e , c a nn ot be mo r e t h an 7¾ i n c h e s . T h e f i r st basema n ’ s g lo v e or mitt c a nn ot be mo r e t h an 13 i n c h es fr om top to bottom, a n d t h e c at c h e r ’ s mitt c a nn ot be mo r e t h an 15½ i n c h es fr om top to bottom or mo r e t h an 38 i n c h es in c i r c u m f e r e n c e . M eas ur eme n ts s h o u ld be made fr om t h e fr o n t or r e c eivi n g side of t h e glov e , a n d t h e meas ur i n g tape s h o u ld be pla c ed in c o n ta c t w ith t h e glove a n d f ollow all c o n to ur s . T h e u mpi r e m a y meas ur e q u estio n able gloves at h is dis c r etio n , or t h e opposi n g ma n ager m a y r eq u est t h at a glove be meas ur ed. Ea c h ma n ager is limited t o t wo s u c h r eq u ests per gam e . All meas ur eme n ts w ill be ta k en by t h e u mpi r e bet w een i nn i n gs o n l y . If t h e glove is illegal, it w ill be tempo r a r ily c o nf is c ated. A pl a yer r e fu si n g to obey t h e u mpi r e ’ s o r der m a y be e je c ted fr om t h e gam e . Pl a y t h at h as t r a n spi r ed p r io r to t h e meas ur eme n t w ill be allo w ed to sta n d.

4. FIRST BASE MAN ’ S MITT Rule 3.05: The is not permitted to use a first baseman ’ s mitt if, in the umpire ’ s judgment, another fielder is positioned at first base. If the umpire determines on his own or af ter being prompted by the oppo sing that the first baseman is not pos itioned at first base , the umpire sh ould in struct the fielder to change from his first baseman ’ s mitt to a fielder ’ s glove .

5. L I N E U P C A R D S Rule 4.03 : Each manager should write the name of each eligible player on the face of his club’s card in addition to furnishing the starting lineup. However, a manager’s failur e to list an eligible player does not prevent tha t player from entering the game, nor is such failure grounds for protest, as the listing of eligible players is simply a courtesy.

6. B A LL GO I N G I N TO P L A Y E R ’ S U N IF O RM Rule 5 . 01 (b) , 5.06(c)(7) & Comment : If a batted or t hr o w n ball i n ad v e r te n tly g oes i n side a pl a y er or c oa c h ’ s un i f o r m , or lod g es in t h e c at c h e r ’ s f a c e mask or pa r ap h e rn alia, or is intentionally placed inside a player’s uniform (e.g., in a pants pocket), t h e u mpi r e s h all c all “Tim e . ” H e w ill, u si n g c ommon se n se a n d f air pl a y , pla c e all runn e r s in s u c h a ma nn er t h at, in t h e u mpi r e ’ s j u d g me n t, w ill nu lli f y t h e a c tion of t h e ball g oi n g o u t of pl a y . In n o c ase m a y a n y o u ts be r e c o r ded on s u c h pl a y . Note t h at t h is i n te r p r etation does n ot apply to sit u atio n s wh e r e a batted or t hr o w n ball lod g es in a f iel de r ’ s g lo v e . In t h ose c ase s , t h e ball is ali v e a n d in pl a y . A f ielder m a y le g ally t hr ow t h e g lo v e w ith t h e li v e ball lod g ed in t h e g lo v e . A n y f ielder in possession of t h e g lo v e c o n tai n i n g t h e lod g ed ball is c o n side r ed in po s session o f t h e ball f or t h e p ur p ose of t h e R u le s . F or e x ampl e , a f ielder c o u ld le g a l ly tag a runn er or a base wh ile in possession of t h e g lo v e c o n tai n i n g t h e lod g ed ball. See also Official Playin g Rule 5.06 (c) (7) Comment (last paragraph)

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7. FIR S T B A SE M A N P L A YI N G IN F O UL T E RRIT O R Y Rule 5 . 0 2:

I O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 5 . 02 p r o v ides t h at wh en t h e ball is p u t in pl a y at t h e sta r t of or d ur i n g I

a g am e , all f ielde r s ot h er t h an t h e c at c h er s h all be on f air te rr ito r y . In pa r ti c u la r , wh en h oldi n g a runn er on f i r st bas e , t h e f i r st baseman s h all position h imself w ith both f eet in f air te rr ito r y . T h e r e is n o pe n a l ty spe c i f ied f or v iolation ot h er t h an t h e f i r st baseman s h al l be i n st ru c ted to k eep both f eet in f air te rr ito r y if b r o u g h t to t h e atte n tion of t h e u mpi r e , o r — if blata n t or r e c urr i n g v iolatio n — u pon immediate di r e c tion of t h e u mpi r e . If a pl a y e r , a f ter so di r e c ted by t h e u mpi r e , blata n tly r e fu ses to c ompl y , t h e pl a y e r is s u bje c t to eje c tio n .

8. B A TTE R ’ S P O S I T I O N IN B A TTE R ’ S B O X Rules 5.04(b)(5), 6.03(a)(1): When the batter assumes a batting stance in t he batter ’ s box, he shall h a ve both feet enti rely within the batter ’ s box; i . e . , no part of either foot m a y extend beyon d the outer edge of the lines defining the box when the batter assumes a position in the box. There is no penalty spe c ified for violatio n other than the batter shall be instru c ted t o st a y within the batter ’ s box if brought to the attention of the umpir e , o r — if blatant or re c urring violation — upon immediate dire c tion of the umpir e . If a pl a ye r , after so dire c ted by the umpir e , blatantly refu ses to c ompl y , the pl a yer is subje c t to eje c t ion. See O ffi c ial Baseball Rule 5 . 04 ( b )( 5). Under O ffi c ial Baseball Rule 6 . 03 ( a )( 1), if a batter hits a ball ( fai r , foul, or ) with one or both feet on the ground entirely outside the batter ’ s box, the b atter shall be de c lared out. ( See O ffi c ial Ba seball Rule 6 . 03 ( a )( 1) . ) T O C L A RIF Y : There are t w o different rules re g ardi ng the batter ’ s position in the batter ’ s bo x . Rule 5 . 04 ( b )( 5) requires the batter to h a v e both feet w ithin the batter ’ s box w hen assumin g an initial position in the box prior to ting ( no portion of the foot m a y be outside the line under this pro v ision, althou g h no penalty is pres c ribed other than the instru c tions g i v en abo v e ) . Rule 6 . 03 ( a )( 1) pro v ides that the batter be de c lared out if he hits the ball w ith one or both feet on the g round entirely outside the batter ’ s bo x . (S o long as any part of the foot is tou c hing any part of the line w hen the batter hits the ball, he is w ithin the rule s . )

9. F L Y B A LL S TRIKI N G T O P O F O UTFI E LD W A LL Rule 5 . 05 ( a ) : U n less p r o v ided ot h e rw ise by lo c al g r o un d ru l e , a f air f ly ball st r i k i n g t h e top of t h e o u t f ield w all a n d bo un di n g ba c k o n to t h e pl a y i n g f ield s h all be t r eated t h e same as a f air f ly ball t h at st r i k es t h e o u t f ield w all a n d r ebo un ds ba c k o n to t h e pl a y i n g f ield ( in pl a y b u t m a y n ot be c a u g h t f o r t h e p ur poses of an o u t ) . U n less p r o v ided ot h e rw ise by lo c al g r o un d ru l e , a f air f ly ball st r i k i n g t h e top of t h e o u t f ield w all a n d bo un di n g o v er t h e w all s h all be ru led a h ome . U n less p r o v ided ot h e rw ise by a lo c al g r o un d ru l e , a f air f ly ball st r i k i n g t h e top of t h e o u t f ield w all a n d r emai n i n g on t h e top of t h e w all s h all b e deemed a g r o un d - ru le do u bl e .

10. A B ANDON I N G B A S E P A TH (I N CLU D I N G A FT E R THIRD S TRIKE N O T C A U G HT) Rul e s 5 . 05 ( a )( 2 ) Comm e n t , 5 . 09 ( b)( 2 ) Comm e nt : U n der t h e Comme n t to O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 5 . 05 ( a )( 2), a batter w h o s tri kes ou t o n a thir d s tri ke no t c a ugh t i s tr e at ed d i ffe r e ntl y t h an t h e pl a y s r elati n g to aba n do n i n g t h e base pat h s f o un d in t h e Comme n ts to O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 5 . 09 ( b) . Spe c i f i c all y , t h e f ollo w i n g i n te r p r etatio n s s h all gove r n a batter w h o h as st ru c k o u t on a t h i r d st r i k e n ot c a u g h t: A b atter w h o does n ot r ealize h is sit u ation on a t h i r d st r i k e n ot c a u g h t, a n d w h o is n ot in t h e p r o c ess of runn i n g to f i r st bas e , s hal l be dec lar ed ou t on ce th e b att er l e av es th e di r t ci r c l e s urroun di n g ho me p lat e . T h e above ru li n g s h all also apply to a batte r wh o st r i k es o u t on t h i r d st r i k e n ot c a u g h t a n d wh o ma k es n o e ff o r t to adva n c e to f i r st base w it h i n , in t h e u mpi r e ’ s j u dgme n t, a r easo n able amo un t of tim e . F or exampl e , a batter wh o “li n ge r s” at h ome plat e , r emovi n g a s h in g u a r d, a n d t h en ta k es o f f f or f i r st base s h all also be de c la r ed o u t. Du e t o t h e var i a ti o n i n s i z e an d s ha p e o f di r t c i r c l e s s urroun di n g ho m e pl a t e i n di fferen t ba llp ark s , i n t h e u mpi re ’ s ju d g m en t whe n t h e ba tt e r - r unne r ha s s how n n o effor t t o a d van c e t o f i r s t ba s e o n a t h i r d s t r i k e no t c a u g h t s u c h ba tt e r m a y b e d e c l are d ou t . I n an y c a s e , s hou l d t h e ba tt e r l e a v e t h e di r t c i r c l e s urroun di n g ho m e pl a t e befor e a tt e mpti n g t o a d van c e t o f i r s t ba s e , t h e ba tt e r s ha l l b e d e c l are d ou t . Umpi r es m u st be ale r t to time - pl a y sit u atio n s wh en a runn er aba n do n s an e ff o r t to to u c h t h e n e x t bas e , as demo n st r ated in t h e f ollo w i n g pl a y :

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Play : Bases loaded, t w o o u t, s c o r e tied in t h e bottom of t h e n i n th i nn i n g . Batter h its a h ome ru n o u t of t h e ballpa rk . R unn er on f i r st, t h i nk i n g t h e h ome ru n a u tomati c ally w i n s t h e g am e , le a v es t h e baseli n e a n d h eads to w a r d t h e d u g o u t. T h e runn er on f i r st is de c la r ed o u t be f o r e t h e runn er fr om t h i r d r ea c h es h ome plat e . O t h er I runn e r s c o n ti nu e a r o un d t h e bas es a n d e v e n t u ally to u c h h om e . R uling : No run s s c o r e; t h e t h i r d o u t w as made be f o r e t h e runn er fr om t h i r d to u c h ed h ome plat e . G ame c o n ti nu es in t h e top of t h e te n th i nn i n g w ith t h e s c o r e still tied. N O TE: If t h e r e w e r e less t h an t w o o u t, t h e g ame w o u ld e n d t h e mome n t t h e w i nn i n g ru n to u c h ed h ome plat e . S ee also O ff i c ial Baseball R u les 5 . 08 ( b) a n d 7 . 01 (g)( 3).

11. C A TCH E R ’ S I N T E RF E R E N CE Rul e s 5 . 05 (b)( 3 ), 5 . 06 (b)( 3 )( D ), 6 . 01 (g): U n der O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 5 . 05 ( b )( 3), if c at c h e r ’ s i n te rf e r e n c e is c alled w ith a pl a y in p r o g r es s , t h e u mpi r e w ill allow t h e pl a y to c o n ti nu e be c a u se t h e ma n a g er m a y ele c t to ta k e t h e pl a y — unl e s s t h e batter r ea c h es f i r st base a n d a l l ot h er runn e r s ad v a n c e o n e bas e , in wh i c h e v e n t t h e pl a y sta n ds a n d t h e ma n a g er h as n o option to ta k e t h e i n te rf e r e n c e pe n alt y . T h e u mpi r e s h o u ld i n di c ate c at c h e r ’ s i n te rf e r e n c e by poi n ti n g at a n d c alli n g t h e i nfr a c tio n . T h e ma n a g er s h all ma k e t h e ele c tion to ta k e t h e pl a y or ta k e t h e i n te rf e r e n c e pe n alty by ad v isi n g t h e plate u mpi r e immediately f ollo w i n g t h e pl a y , a n d o n c e mad e , s u c h ele c tion c a nn ot be c h a n g ed. If t h e batte r - runn er misses f i r st bas e , or a runn er misses h is n e x t bas e , h e s h all be c o n side r ed as h a vi n g r ea c h ed t h e n ext bas e , as r e f e rr ed to in t h e Note to O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 5 . 06 ( b )( 3 )(D ) a n d a s stated in t h e App r oved R u li n g of O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 6 . 02 ( a): A runn er wh o misses t h e f i r st base to wh i c h h e is adva n c i n g a n d wh o is c alled o u t on appeal s h all be c o n side r ed as h a vi n g adva n c ed o n e base f or t h e p ur pose of t h is ru l e . If a runn er is atte mpti n g to steal a base wh en t h e c at c h er i n te rf e r es w ith t h e batte r , t h e run n er is a w a r ded t h e base on t h e i n te rf e r e n c e . R unn e r s n ot attempti n g to steal or n ot f o r c ed to adva n c e r emain on t h e base t h ey o cc u pied at t h e time of t h e i n te rf e r e n c e un less O ff i c i al Baseball R u le 6 . 01 ( g) applie s . U n der O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 6 . 01 ( g), if a runn er is s t e al i n g ho me wh en t h e c at c h er i n te rf e r es w ith t h e batte r , t h e additio n al pe n alty of a b al k is i n vo k ed, wh i c h e n ables al l ru nn e r s on base to adva n c e ( wh et h er or n ot t h ey w e r e steali n g ) . S ee also Off i c ial Baseball R u les 5 . 05 ( b )( 3 ) , 5 . 06 ( b )( 3 )(D ) , a n d 6 . 01 ( g ).

12. RU NN E R P U S H E D O FF B A S E Rule 5 . 06 ( a )( 1 ): If in t h e j u d g me n t of an u mpi r e , a runn er is p u s h ed or f o r c ed o f f a base by a f ielde r , i n te n tio n ally or un i n te n tio n all y , at wh i c h t h e runn er w o u ld h a v e ot h e rw ise been c alled sa f e , t h e u mpi r e h as t h e a u t h o r ity a n d dis c r etion un der t h e c i r c um sta n c es to r et ur n t h e runn er to t h e base h e w as f o r c ed o f f f ollo w i n g t h e c o n c l u sion of t h e pl a y .

13. OVERRUNNING A BASE WITHOUT TOUCHING IT R ule 5.06(a)(1) A runner does not acquire the right to an unoccupied base on an attempt to retire the runner until he touches it before he is put out. This is true regardless of whether the umpire’s act of not making a call signifies to the defensive team that the runner failed to touch the base for purposes of an . S ee Rule 5.09(c)(3).

14. TWO RU NN E RS IN C ON T A CT WITH B A S E Rule 5 . 06 ( a )( 2 ): U n der O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 5 . 06 ( a )( 2), if t w o runn e r s a r e to u c h i n g a base at t h e same tim e , t h e f ollo w i n g r unn er is o u t wh en ta gg ed ( un les s , of c o ur s e , t h e lead runn er is f o r c ed ) . I t is s u gg ested t h at t h e u mpi r e c lea r ly i n di c ate by poi n ti n g wh i c h runn er h as been de c la r ed o u t in s u c h sit u atio n s . S ee O ff i c ial Basebal l R u les 5 . 06 ( a )( 2) a n d 5 . 06 ( b )( 2).

15. RU NN E R P A SS I N G A B A S E Rule 5 . 06 (b)( 1 ): A runn er is c o n side r ed to h a v e passed a b ase if h e h as both f eet on t h e g r o un d be y o n d t h e ba c k ed g e of t h e base or be y o n d t h e ed g e of t h e base in t h e di r e c tion in wh i c h h e i s ad v a n c i n g . T h e di r e c tion t h e runn er is ad v a n c i n g dete r mi n es t h e ed g es of t h e base wh en de f i n i n g wh en a runn er h as pas sed a bas e .

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16. D E T A C H E D E QU I P M E N T T OU C H I N G P I T C H E D O R B A TTE D B A L L Rule 5.0 6(b)(4)( B& C) :

I Any defensive player deliberately touching a ba tted ball over foul territory that, in the umpi re’s I I judgment, has an opportunity to become a fair ball with detachedI equ ipment will entitle all runners — including the batter - runner — to advance three bases from the time the ball was touched without liability to be put out. The ball is in play, and runne rs may advance beyond the awarded base at their own risk. If a defensive player deliberately touches a batted ball over foul territory that, in the umpire’s judgment, clearly has no opportunity to become a fai r ball, the umpire shall rule a foul ball. See also Official Baseball Rule 5. 06(b)(4)( B& C) .

17. LODG E D BALL Rule 5.06(b)(4)(F) : A ball is considered lodged if, in the judgment of the umpire, the natur al tra jectory of the flight of the ball is inte rrupted long enough to affect further play. A batted ball that sti c ks in a fenc e , scoreboard, shrubbery or vines located on the pl a ying field should be considered a lodged ball. Likewi s e , a ball that goes behind a field tarp or w all padding without le a vin g the pl a ying field should also be considered to be lodged and the same two base a w ard a pplie s .

18. P L A Y O R A TT E M P T E D P L A Y Rul e s 5 . 06 (b)( 4 )( G ), 5 . 09 (c): T h e f ollo w i n g i n te r p r etation of “ p la y o r att emp t ed p lay ” applies to both a w ar d in g o f b a ses (O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 5 . 06 ( b )( 4 )(G )) a n d a ppe a l p lay s (O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 5 . 09 (c ) ) : A p la y o r att emp t ed p la y is i n te r p r eted as a le g itimate e ff o r t by a de f e n si v e pl a y er w h o h as possession of t h e ball to a c t u ally r eti r e a runn e r . T h is m a y i n c l u de an a c t u al attempt to tag a runn e r , a f ielder runn i n g to w a r d a base w ith t h e ball in an attempt to f o r c e or tag a runn e r , or a c t u ally t hr o w i n g to a n ot h er de f e n si v e pl a yer i n an attempt to r eti r e a runn e r . ( T h e f a c t t h at t h e runn er is n ot o u t is n o t r ele v a n t . ) A f a k e or a f ei n t to t hr ow s h all n ot be deemed a pl a y or an attempted pl a y . E X A M P L E S : A p la y o r att emp t ed p lay : (1) R unn e r s on f i r st a n d se c o n d, g r o un d ball to t h e s h o r tsto p , wh o ma k es a s w ipe at t h e runn er fr om se c o n d b u t misses a n d t h en t hr o w s be y o n d f i r st base i n to t h e sta n d s . R uling : T h e s w ipe by t h e s h o r tstop is an attempted pl a y ; t hu s t h e t hr ow to f i r st is n ot t h e f i r st pl a y by an i nf ielder ( e v en t h o u g h it is t h e f i r st t hr o w) , a n d t h e p r oper a w a r d of bases w o u ld be fr om t h e time of t h e t hr o w . (2) R unn e r on f i r st a n d g r o un d ball to se c o n d baseman wh o f lips ball to s h o r t to g et runn er fr om f i r st b u t wh o is s a fe . S h o r tstop t hr o w s be y o n d f i r st i n to t h e sta n d s . R ul i ng : T h e f lip by t h e se c o n d baseman to t h e s h o r tstop is an attempted pl a y , even t h o u gh un s u cc es s fu l. T h e t hr ow to f i r st is n ot t h e f i r st pl a y by an i nf ielder a n d t hu s runn er s h o u ld be pla c ed fr om t h e time of t h e t hr o w . R unn er wh o w as on f i r st w o u ld s c o r e a n d b atte r - runn er w o u ld be pla c ed at se c o n d. N o t a p la y o r att emp t ed p la y : (1) A f a k e or a f ei n t to a base b u t n ot a c t u ally t hr o w i n g , even t h o u gh t h e f ielder d r a w s an a r m ba c k to f ei n t a t hr o w . (2) A pit c h er f ei n ti n g a t hr ow to w a r d a base to h old or c h e c k a runn e r ’ s p r og r ess in o r der to c omplete an appeal pl a y at a n ot h er bas e . (3) R unn er on f i r st, g r o un d ball to t h e s h o r tsto p , wh o sta r ts to f lip t h e ball to t h e se c o n d baseman b u t does n ot a n d t hr o w s t h e ball beyo n d f i r st a n d o u t of pl a y . R ul i ng : T h e f ei n t to t h e se c o n d baseman is n ot c o n side r ed a pl a y or attempt - ed pl a y , a n d a w a r d of bases is fr om t h e time of t h e pit c h . (4) R unn e r s on f i r st a n d t h i r d, runn er on f i r st steali n g as g r o un d ball is h it to s h o r tsto p . T h e s h o r tstop f ei n ts a t hr ow h ome b u t does n ot t hr o w — i n stead t hr o w s to f i r st a n d i n to t h e sta n ds; d ur i n g t h is time t h e runn er fr om f i r st h as r o un ded se c o n d bas e . R uling : T h e f ei n t by t h e s h o r tstop to w a r d h ome is n ot c o n side r ed a pl a y or attempted pl a y ; t hu s t h e t hr ow be y o n d f i r st is t h e f i r st pl a y by an i nf ielder a n d a w a r ds s h o u ld be made fr om t h e time of t h e pit c h .

19. A W A R D I N G B A SE S O N WILD THR O WS Rule 5 . 06 (b)( 4 )( G ): S ee O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 5 . 06 ( b )( 4 )(G ) r e g a r di n g a w a r di n g of bases on balls t h at a r e t hr o w n o u t of pl a y . In ma k i n g s u c h a w a r d s , k eep t h e f ollo w i n g poi n ts in mi n d:

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(1) If t h e t hr ow is t h e f i r st pl a y by an i nf ielder a n d t h e batte r - runn er h as n ot r ea c h ed f i r st base w h en t h e t hr ow w as mad e , a w a r d all runn e r s f ro m ti me o f p it c h .

I (2) If t h e t h r ow is t h e f i r st pl a y by an i n f ield er a n d all r unn e r s i n c l u di n g t h e batte r - I runn er h a v e ad v a n c ed a base w h en t h e t hr ow w as mad e , a w a r d al l runn e r s fr om th e i r p o s ition s a t th e ti me o f th e thro w . (3) If t h e t h r ow is n ot t h e f i r st pl a y by an i n f ielder or t h e t h r ow is made by an o u t f ielde r , a w a r d all r unn e r s fr om th e i r p o s ition s a t th e ti me o f th e thro w . T h e App r o v ed R u li n g of O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 5 . 06 ( b )( 4 )(G ) p r o v ides t h at w h en t h e f i r st t hr ow is by an i nf ielder a f t er runn e r s a n d batter h a v e ad v a n c ed o n e bas e , t h en runn e r s a r e a w a r ded t w o bas es fr om t h eir position w h en t h e t hr ow w as mad e . (S ee item ( 2) abo v e . ) T h is c an h appen on a h i g h f ly t h at an i nf ielder g oes ba c k to c at c h b u t d r op s , d ur i n g w h i c h time t h e ba t ter a n d runn e r s h a v e c lea r ly ad v a n c ed o n e base; t h e n , in an attempt to p u t o u t t h e batte r - runn e r , w h o h as al r eady passed f i r st bas e , t h e f ielder t hr o w s t h e ba ll i n to t h e sta n d s . W h ile it is t h e f i r st t hr ow by an i nf ielde r , t h e runn e r s , i n c l u di n g t h e batte r - runn e r , h ad adva n c ed o n e base be f o r e t h e t hr ow a n d a cc o r di n gly a r e a w a r d ed t w o bas es fr om t h e base t h ey last to u c h ed w h en t h e t hr ow w as mad e . Be f o r e a w a r di n g t w o bases fr om t h e base l ast to u c h ed by t h e runn e r s , t h e u mpi r e m u st j udg e t ha t a l l t h e r unne r s — i n cl ud i n g t h e ba tt e r - r unne r — h a v e de fi n it e l y adva n c ed to t h e n ext base be f o r e t h e t hr ow w as mad e . T h e te r m “ w h en th e wi l d thro w w a s m a de ” mea n s w h en t h e t hr ow a c tually le f t t h e pl a ye r ’ s h a n d a n d n ot w h en t h e t hr o w n ball h it t h e g r o un d, passed a r e c eivi n g f ielde r , or w e n t o u t of pl a y i n to t h e sta n d s . W h en a runn er is a w a r ded bases w it h o u t l iability to be p u t o u t be c a u se t h e ball h as go n e o u t of pl a y , t h e runn er is n ot r elieved of t h e r espo n sibility to to u c h t h e a w a r ded base a n d all i n te r ve n i n g base s . In awarding of bases, crews should have the benefit of input of their partners. If there is any question as to the proper award, it is suggested the umpires confer as a crew.

20. B A LLS D E FL E CT E D O UT O F P L A Y Rule 5 . 06 (b)( 4 )(H): T h e App r o v ed R u li n g of O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 5 . 06 ( b )( 4 )( H ) p r o v ides t h at wh en a p it c h ed ball de f le c ts o f f t h e c at c h er a n d g oes d ir ec tl y o u t of pl a y , t h e a w a r d is on e b a se fr om t h e time of t h e pit c h . Li k e w is e , wh en a t hr ow fr om t h e pit c h er wh ile in c o n ta c t w ith t h e ru bber de f le c ts o f f a f ielder a n d g oes d ir ec tl y o u t of pl a y , t h e a w a r d is also o n e bas e . H o w e v e r , t h e App r o v ed R u li n g also p r o v ides t h at if t h e p it c h ed b al l ( or ball t hr o w n by t h e pit c h e r w h ile in c o n ta c t w ith t h e ru bbe r ) g oes t hr o u g h or by t h e c at c h er ( or f ielde r ) , r emai n s on t h e pl a y i n g f ield, a n d is s u bseq u e ntl y k i cked o r def l ec t ed ou t o f p la y , t h e a w a r d is t wo b a ses fr om t h e ti me o f th e p it c h . T h e abo v e ru li n g s apply if t h e de f le c tion is un i n te n tio n al on t h e p a r t of t h e f ielde r . I f , in t h e j u d g me n t of t h e u mpi r e s , a f ielder int e ntionall y k i c k s or de f le c ts a n y batted or t hr o w n ball o u t of pl a y , t h e a w a r d is t wo b a ses fr om t h e ti me th e b al l w a s k i cked o r def l ec t ed. The following list hel ps summarize a w ards when a ball is deflected out of pl a y:  If a pit c h ed ball de f le c ts o f f t h e c at c h er a n d g oes d ir ec tl y o u t of pl a y , t h e a w a r d is on e b a se f ro m th e ti me o f th e p it c h .  If a ball t h r o w n by t h e pit c h er wh ile in c o n ta c t w ith t h e r u bber de f le c ts o f f a f ielder a n d g oes d ir ec tl y o u t of pl a y , t h e a w a r d is on e b a se f ro m th e ti me o f th e thro w .  If a pit c h ed ball ( or a ball t hr o w n by t h e pit c h er w h ile in c o n ta c t w ith t h e ru bbe r ) g oes t hr o u g h or by t h e c at c h er ( or f ielde r ) , r emai n s on t h e pl a y i n g f ield, a n d is s u bseq u e ntl y k i cked o r def l ec t ed o u t of pl a y ( un i n te n tio n ally in eit h er c ase ) , t h e a w a r d is t wo b a ses fr om t h e time of t h e p it c h . T hi s rulin g app li e s with o u t r eg a r d t o wh e th e r or n ot th e ba l l w o ul d h a v e g o n e o u t of p l ay h ad i t n ot b ee n k i c k e d or d e fl ec t e d . (S ee t h e App r o v ed R u li n g to O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 5 . 06 ( b )( 4 )( H ) . )  If a t hr o w n ball de f le c ts o f f a f ielder a n d goes di r ec tl y o u t of pl a y , t h e a w a r d is t w o bases fr om t h e time of t h e pit c h if it is t h e f i r st pl a y by an i nf ielde r ; ot h e r w ise t h e a w a r d is t w o bases fr om t h e time of t h e t hr o w .  If a t hr o w n ball goes t hr o u gh or by a f ielde r , r emai n s on t h e pl a yi n g f ield, a n d is s u bseq u e ntl y kicked o r def l ec t ed o u t of pl a y ( un i n te n tio n ally in eit h er c ase ) , t h e a w a r d is t w o bases fr om t h e time of t h e t hr o w .  I f a f air f ly ball is de f le c ted in f lig h t by a f ielder a n d t h en goes o u t of t h e pl a yi n g f ield in f lig h t over f air te rr ito r y , it is a h ome run .  If a f air f ly ball is de f le c ted in f lig h t by a f ielder a n d t h en goes o u t of pl a y o u tside t h e f o u l li n e s , t h e a w a r d is t w o bases fr om t h e tim e of t h e pit c h .  If a f air ball n ot in f lig h t is de f le c ted by a f ielder a n d t h en goes o u t of pl a y , t h e a w a r d is t w o bases fr om t h e time of t h e pit c h .

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 If a f ielder h as c o mp l e t e p o ssessi o n of a batted or t hr o w n ball a n d s u bseq u e n tly de f le c ts or k i c k s t h e ball o u t of pl a y , t h e a w a r d is t w o bases fr om t h e position of t h e runn e r s at

I t h e time t h e ball w as k i c k ed or de f le c ted. I I  If a f ielder h as c o mp l e t e p o ssess io n o f a batted or t h r o I w n ball a n d d r ops t h e ball wh ile h e is o u t of pl a y , or if t h e f ielder d r ops s u c h a ball a n d it t h en g oes o u t of pl a y , t h e a w a r d is t w o bases fr om t h e position of t h e r unn e r s at t h e time t h e ball w as d r opped.  I f , in t h e j u d g me n t of t h e u mp i r e , a f ielder int e ntionall y k i cks o r def l ec t s a batted or t h r o w n ball o u t of pl a y , t h e a w a r d is t wo b a ses fr om t h e ti me th e b al l w a s k i cked o r def l ec t ed.

21. B A TT E D B A LL S TRIKI N G THE RU NN E R Rul e s 5 . 06 (c)( 6 ) a nd 6 . 01 ( a )( 11 ): T h e c o n c ept of t h e runn er bei n g in jeopa r dy a f ter t h e ball g oes past an i nf iel d er a n d st r i k es t h e runn er in a sit u ation w h e r e a n ot h er i nf ielder still h as a c h a n c e to ma k e a pl a y on t h e ball applies O N L Y w h en t h e ball P A SS E S t h e f i r st i nf ielder w it h o u t bei n g to u c h ed or de f le c ted by h im. T h is c o n c ept D O E S N O T A PP L Y if t h e ball is tou c h ed or def l ec t ed by t h e f i r st i nf ielde r , e v en thoug h an oth er in f i e l der ha s a c han ce t o m a ke a p la y o n th e b all . In ot h er w o r d s , a f ter a ball h as been to u c h ed ( de f le c ted) by a n y i nf ielder ( i n c l u di n g t h e pit c h e r ) , if t h e ball t h en st r i k es a runn er ( un i n te n tio n ally on t h e pa r t of t h e run n e r ) , t h e ball is ali v e a n d in pl a y e v en if a n ot h er i nf ielder m a y be in position to f ield t h e ball. (S ee O ff i c ial Baseball R u les 5 . 06 (c)( 6) a n d 6 . 01 ( a )( 11) . ) T h e r easo n i n g f or t h e a bo v e c o n c ept is t h at a runn er c a nn ot be e x pe c ted to a v oid a de f le c ted ball w h ile runn i n g a n d s h o u ld n ot, t h e r e f o r e , be in jeopa r dy of bei n g c alled o u t f or bei n g st ru c k by s u c h a de f le c ted ball. O f c o ur s e , a runn er m a y still be g u ilty of i n te n tio n al i n te rf e r e n c e e v en a f ter an i nf ielder de f le c ts t h e ball if t h e runn er delibe r ately de f le c ts t h e ball or allo w s it to st r i k e h im w h en h e c o u ld h a v e r easo n ably a v oided it. T h e f a c t t h at t h e ball h as been de f le c ted by an i nf ielder s h o u ld n ot be ta k en as a li c e n se f or a runn er to i n te rf e r e i n te n tio n all y . (S ee O ff i c ial Baseball R u les 6 . 01 ( a )( 6) a n d 6 . 01 ( a )( 7) . ) A f ter a batted ball h as been to u c h ed ( de f le c ted) by an i nf ielde r , if t h e ball t h en st r i k es a runn er ( un i n te n tio n ally on t h e pa r t of t h e runn e r ) , it is alive a n d in pl a y despite t h e f a c t t h at a n ot h er i nf ielder m a y be in position to f ield t h e ball. T h is is no t t h e c ase if a f ielder is m a ki n g a p la y o n th e b all . Spe c i f i c all y , if a batted ball is de f le c ted by an i nf ielder a n d a n ot h er i nf ielder h as a pl a y on t h e ball, t h e runn er m u st a void t h e f ielde r . If t h e runn er i n te rf e r es w ith t h e f ielde r ma k i n g a pl a y — even t h o u g h t h e ball h as been to u c h ed by a n ot h er f ielde r — t h e runn er is de c la r ed o u t. U n der t h e ru le s , a f ielder ma k i n g a pl a y on a batted ball ta k es p ri o r it y . O n t h e ot h er h a n d, if a batted ball goes t hr o u gh or by an i nf ielder ( ot h er t h an t h e pit c h e r ) with o u t t o u c hi n g th e fi e ld e r a n d t h en st r i k es a runn er immediately be h i n d t h e i nf ielde r , t h e u mpi r e m u st t h en dete r mi n e if a n ot h er i nf ielder h as a c h a n c e to ma k e a pl a y on t h e ball. If t h e u mpi r e dete r mi n es a n ot h er i nf ielder d o es h a ve a c h a n c e , t h e runn er is out . If t h e u mpi r e dete r mi n es a n ot h er i nf ielder d o es no t h a ve a c h a n c e , t h e ball is alive a n d in p la y .

T h e i n te r p r etation to be made w ith r ega r d to t h e p hr ase “a f air ball goes t hr o u g h , or b y , an i nf ielde r , a n d to u c h es a runn er immediat ely ba c k of h im” (O ff i c ial Ba seball R u les 6 . 01 ( a )( 11) a n d 5 . 06 (c)( 6)) is t h at t h is r e f e r s to a ball t h at passes t hr o u g h t h e i nf ielde r ’ s le g s , or by h is immediate v i c i n it y , a n d st r i k es a runn er di r e c tly be h i n d t h e i nf ielde r .

E X A M P L E S : (1) R unn er on se c o n d bas e , o n e o u t. T h e batter h it s a ball on t h e g r o un d to w a r d t h e h ol e . T h e t h i r d baseman c h a r g es in on t h e g r ass to t r y to c u t t h e ball o f f as t h e s h o r tstop b r ea k s deep to w a r d t h e h ole w h ile t h e runn er is ad v a n c i n g . T h e ball g ets past t h e t h i r d baseman w i t h o u t t h e t h i r d baseman h a v i n g t o u c h ed it a n d st r i k es t h e runn er in t h e base pat h . T h e s h o r tstop h ad a pl a y on t h e ball. R uling : R unn er fr om se c o n d is o u t a n d t h e batte r - runn er is a w a r ded f i r st bas e . T h e ball passed by b u t w as n ot to u c h ed by an i nf ielder o t h er t h an t h e pit c h er be f o r e st r i k i n g t h e runn e r . H o w e v e r , a n ot h er f ielder be h i n d t h e runn er w as dep r i v ed of an oppo r t un ity to f ield t h e ball. (2) Runne r o n se c on d bas e , on e ou t . T h e ba tt e r h it s a g roun d ba l l t o w ar d t h e ho l e . T h e t h i r d base m a n c har g e s i n o n t h e g ras s t o c u t t h e ba l l of f an d t h e shor t s t o p break s dee p t o w ar d t h e ho l e a s t h e runne r advan c e s . T h e ba l l i s def l e c t e d b y t h e t h i r d base m a n i n t h e d i re c ti o n o f t h e shor t s t o p . T h e shor t s t o p wou l d h a v e ha d a p l a y o n t h e ba ll , bu t t h e ba l l s t ru c k t h e run ne r , resu lti n g i n n o p l a y be i n g poss i b l e .

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R uling : R unn er fr om se c o n d is n ot o u t a n d t h e ball is ali v e a n d in pl a y ( ass u mi n g n o i n te n tio n al i n te rf e r e n c e by t h e runn er fr om se c o n d ) . T h e f a c t t h at t h e s h o r tstop w o u ld h a v e

been able to ma k e a pl a y on t h e ball h ad it n ot st ru c k t h e runn er is dis r e g a r ded be c a u se I t h e ball w as de f le c ted by t h e f i r st i nf ielde r . I (3) R unn er on f i r st bas e , o n e o u t. R unn er is steali n g on t h e n e x t pit c h . T h e batte r h its a g r o un d ball ba c k to w a r d t h e pit c h e r . T h e pit c h er de f le c ts t h e ball in t h e di r e c tion of t h e se c o n d basema n , wh o de f i n itely h as a c h a n c e to ma k e a pl a y on it. H o w e v e r , t h e ball st r i k es t h e runn er be f o r e it r ea c h es t h e se c o n d basema n . R uling : R unn er fr om f i r st is no t o u t; t h e ball r emai n s ali v e a n d in pl a y ( ass u mi n g n o i n te n tio n al i n te rf e r e n c e by t h e runn e r ) . Compa r e t h is pl a y w ith t h e f ollo w i n g pl a y . (4) R unn er on f i r st bas e , o n e o u t. R unn er is runn i n g on t h e n ext pit c h . T h e batter h its a g r o un d ball ba c k to w a r d t h e pit c h e r . T h e pit c h er de f le c ts t h e ball in t h e di r e c tion of t h e se c o n d basema n . As t h e runn er is runn i n g di r e c tly to se c o n d bas e , h e un i n te n tio n ally b u mps i n to t h e se c o n d basema n , w h o is attempti n g to f ield t h e de f le c ted ball. R ul i ng : I n te r f e r e n c e is c alled a n d t h e runn er fr om f i r st is de c la r ed o u t. Even t h o u gh de f le c ted, t h is is still a batted ball a n d t h e runn er m u st a void t h e f ielde r . T h e batte r - runn er is a w a r ded f i r st bas e . (5) R unn e r s on f i r st a n d se c o n d, both runn e r s steali n g . Batter s h o w s b un t, t h e f i r st a n d t h i r d basemen move i n , a n d t h e s h o r tstop moves to c over t h i r d. T h e batter s w i n gs a t t h e last mi nu te a n d h its a g r o un d ball in t h e di r e c tion of t h e s h o r tstop positio n . H o w eve r , t h e s h o r tstop h as moved to c over t h i r d bas e , a n d n o o n e is in position to f ield t h e ball. T h e g r o un d ball st r i k es t h e runn er adva n c i n g fr om se c o n d bas e . R uling : R unn er fr om se c o n d is de c la r ed o u t f or bei n g st ru c k by a batted ball. T h e batte r - runn er is pla c ed at f i r st bas e . T h e ball is n ot c o n side r ed to h a v e g o n e t hr o u g h or by an i nf ielder in t h is pl a y . (6) R unn e r s on f i r st a n d se c o n d, f i r st a n d t h i r d basemen in f o r a b un t, both runn e r s steali n g . Batter s h o w s b un t b u t s w i n g s at t h e last mi nu te a n d h its a c h opper o v er t h e h ead of t h e t h i r d baseman wh o h as mo v ed in abo u t 20 f eet. T h e ball st r i k es t h e runn er ad v a n c i n g fr om se c o n d. T w o pa r ts: ( a) Ass u me t h e s h o r t - stop w as in a position to ma k e a pl a y on t h e ball; ( b) Ass u me t h e s h o r tstop w as n ot in position to ma k e a pl a y on t h e ball. R uling : In ( a ) , runn er fr om se c o n d is de c la r ed o u t. T h e ball is c o n side r ed g oi n g by t h e t h i r d basema n , b u t a n ot h er f ielder h ad a c h a n c e t o ma k e a pl a y on t h e ball. In ( b ) , t h e ball is ali v e a n d in pl a y . T h e ball is c o n side r ed g oi n g by t h e t h i r d basema n , b u t n o ot h er i nf ielder h ad a c h a n c e to ma k e a pl a y on t h e ball. (7) R unn er on f i r st bas e , h it - a n d - run . Batt er h its a g r o un d ball to w a r ds t h e se c o n d base position ( wh i c h h as been v a c ated by t h e se c o n d basema n , wh o is c o v e r i n g t h e bag at se c o n d ) . T h e g r o un d ball st r i k es t h e runn er ad v a n c i n g fr om f i r st bas e . R uling : R unn er fr om f i r st is de c la r ed o u t f or bei n g st ru c k by a f air batted ball. Batte r - runn er is a w a r ded f i r st bas e . T h e ball is n ot c o n side r ed h a v i n g passed t hr o u g h or by an i nf ielder in t h is pl a y . (8) R unn er on f i r st bas e , o n e o u t. R unn er is runn i n g on t h e n e x t pit c h . T h e batter h its a g r o un d ball ba c k to w a r d t h e pit c h e r . T h e pit c h er de f l e c ts t h e ball in t h e di r e c tion of t h e se c o n d basema n , w h o de f i n itely h as a c h a n c e to ma k e a pl a y on it. H o w e v e r , t h e ball st r i k es t h e runn er be f o r e i t r ea c h es t h e se c o n d basema n . As a r es u lt of st r i k i n g t h e runn e r , t h e ball c a r oms i n to t h e s h o r tstop ’ s g lo v e , a n d t h e s h o r tstop t hr o w s t h e batte r - runn er o u t at f i r st base w h ile t h e runn er w h o w as st ru c k w ith t h e batted ball g oes to se c o n d. R uling : T h e ball r emai n s ali v e a n d in pl a y ( ass u mi n g n o i n te n tio n al i n te rf e r e n c e by t h e run n er o r i g i n ally on f i r st ) . T h e ba tte r - runn er is o u t, a n d t h e runn er o r igi n ally on f i r st is allo w ed to r emain at se c o n d bas e . (9) R unn er on f i r st bas e , f i r st baseman positio n ed in fr o n t of t h e runn e r . Batter h its a g r o un d ball j u st o u tside t h e r ea c h of t h e f i r st baseman as t h e f i r st basema n dives to h is r ig h t. T h e ball t h en st r i k es t h e runn e r . R ul i ng : In t h is pl a y t h e ball is c o n side r ed h a vi n g passed by an i nf ielde r . T h e u mpi r e m u st n ow j u dge if a n ot h er i nf ielder h as t h e c h a n c e to ma k e a pl a y on t h e ball. If t h e u mpi r e j u dges ye s , t h en t h e runn er is de c la r ed o u t. If t h e u mpi r e j u dges n o , t h e ball is alive a n d in pl a y . (10) Bases loaded, n o o u t. T h e i nf ield is pl a yi n g i n . T h e batter h it s a s h a r p g r o un d ball t h at t h e t h i r d baseman de f le c ts in t h e di r e c tion of t h e s h o r tsto p . R unn er fr om se c o n d , seei n g t h at t h e s h o r tstop de f i n itely w ill h a ve a good c h a n c e of ma k i n g a pl a y on t h e ball, allo w s it to st r i k e t h e runn e r . T h e ball c a r oms i n to le f t f ield a n d all runn e r s ta k e o f f . R ul i ng : R unn er fr om se c o n d h as i n te n tio n ally i n te rf e r ed w ith a batted ba ll to b r eak u p a possible do u ble pl a y . R unn er fr om se c o n d is o u t a n d so is t h e ba t te r - runn e r . R unn e r s r et ur n to f i r st a n d t h i r d. R unn er fr om se c o n d h as v iolated O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 6 . 01 ( a )( 6). (11) R unn er on t h i r d, n o o u t. Batter h its a s h a r p g r o un d b all do w n t h e t h i r d base li n e

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t h at st r i k es t h e runn er on t h i r d base in f air te rr ito r y w h ile t h e runn er is still in c o n ta c t w ith t h i r d bas e . T h e runn er w as n ot attempti n g to i n te rf e r e i n te n tio n all y , a n d t h e t h i r d baseman

is pl a y i n g be h i n d t h e runn e r . I R uling : R unn er is de c la r ed o u t. Ball is dead, a n d batte r - runnI er is a w a r ded f i r st bas e . T h e f a c t t h at t h e runn er h ad c o n ta c t w ith t h e base w h en st ru c k w ith t h e batted ball h as n o bea r i n g on t h e pl a y . ( An e xc eption to t h is is w h en t h e runn er is h it by an I nf ield Fl y w h ile on bas e . ) (12) R unn er on se c o n d bas e , n o o n e o u t. Batter b un ts t h e ball do w n t h e t h i r d base li n e . Pit c h er a n d t h i r d baseman h o v er o v er t h e ba ll a n d let it r oll do w n t h e li n e to w a r ds t h i r d, h opi n g it w ill g o f o u l. T h e ball c o n ti nu es to r oll do w n t h e li n e in f air te rr ito r y w ith t h e pit c h er a n d t h i r d baseman f ollo w i n g it. T h e ball e n ds u p r olli n g to t h i r d bas e , st r i k es t h e bas e , a n d t h en st r i k es t h e runn er fr om se c o n d base w h o is n ow sta n di n g on t h i r d. R uling : E v en t h o u g h t h e ball h as te c hn i c ally n ot p assed a f ielde r , t h e ball is ali v e a n d in pl a y be c a u se t h e f ielde r s h ad an oppo r t un ity to f ield t h e batted ball b u t c h ose n ot t o . T h e runn er is n ot o u t in t h is sit u atio n . ….. TO S U MM A R I Z E : A runn er is o u t w h en st ru c k by a ba tted ball ( un i n te n tio n al on t h e pa r t of t h e runn e r ) un less: (1) T h e ball h as been to u c h ed by an i nf ielde r ; or (2) T h e ball h as passed t hr o u g h or by an i nf ielder AND n o ot h er i nf ield er h as a c h a n c e to ma k e a pl a y on t h e ball. Als o , a runn er m u st attempt to a v oid a f ielder attempti n g to ma k e a pl a y on a batted ball, e v en if t h e ball w as de f le c ted by a n ot h er f ielde r .

22. T IME O F P I T CH Rule 5.07(a ) : T h e time of pit c h is de f i n ed as t h e m ome n t t h e pit c h e r ’ s moveme n ts c ommit t h e pit c h er to deliver t h e ball to t h e b atte r .  In a w i n d u p positio n , t h i s is de f i n ed as t h e mome n t t h e pit c h er begi n s t h e n at ur al moveme n t asso c iated w ith t h e pit c h e r ’ s delive r y of t h e ball to t h e batter ( i . e . , t h e sta r t of h is w i n d u p or delive r y ) .  F r om a set positio n , t h is is de f i n ed as t h e mom e n t t h e pit c h er begi n s t h e n at ur al moveme n t asso c iated w ith t h e pit c h e r ’ s delive r y of t h e ball a f t er t h e pit c h er h as c ome set w ith both h a n ds toget h er in fr o n t of h is bod y . A runn er wh o adva n c es wh ile t h e pit c h er is in c o n ta c t w ith t h e ru bber is c onside r ed to o cc u py t h e base last to u c h ed at t h e time t h e pit c h er i n itiates h is a c t u al pit c h i n g motion to t h e batte r . T h e pit c h i n g motion is de f i n ed as a n y moveme n t t h at c ommits t h e pit c h e r to deliver t h e ball to t h e batte r . So lo n g as t h e pit c h er is n ot c ommitted to pit c h , a runn er m a y adva n c e a n d is c o n side r ed to o cc u py t h e last base to u c h ed at t h e time t h e pit c h er i n itiates h is a c t u al deli v e r y to t h e batte r . T h e p r elimi n a r y motion kn o w n as t h e “st r et c h ” is no t c o n side r ed t h e sta r t of t h e pit c h i n g motio n .

23. WI ND UP P O S ITI O N Rule 5 . 07 ( a )( 1 ): Pit c h e r s ass u me t h e w i n d u p position in o n e of t hr ee w a y s: (1) F a c i n g t h e batte r , han ds tog e th e r , pi v ot f oot in c o n ta c t w ith t h e ru bbe r , ot h er f oot fr e e . T h is is t h e “t r aditio n al” w i n d u p positio n . F r om t h is position ( h a n ds to g et h e r ) , a n y n at ur al mo v eme n t asso c iated w ith h is deli v e r y of t h e ball to t h e batter c ommits t h e pit c h er to pit c h w it h o u t i n te rru ptio n . (2) F a c i n g t h e batte r , han ds a p ar t ( u s u ally at t h e side ) , pi v ot f oot in c o n ta c t w ith t h e ru bbe r , ot h er f oot fr e e . F r om t h is w i n d u p positio n , t h e pit c h er g o es di r e c tly i n to h is deli v e r y to t h e batte r . If t h e pit c h er u ses t h is w i n d u p position ( h a n ds at side ) , t h e f i r st mo v eme n t of h is h a n ds or a r ms or f eet t h at is asso c iated w ith h is deli v e r y c ommits t h e pit c h er to pit c h . (3) F a c i n g t h e batte r , h a n ds apa r t, pi v ot f oot in c o n ta c t w ith t h e ru bbe r , ot h er f oot fr e e . F r om t h is position ( h a n ds apa r t ) , t h e pit c h er r e c ei v es t h e si g n fr om t h e c at c h er a n d t h en b r i n g s h is h a n ds to g et h er in a s tationar y p o s itio n ( “pa u se”) be f o r e be g i nn i n g t h e deli v e r y . O n c e t h e pit c h e r ’ s h a n ds a r e to g et h e r , t h e pit c h er is in t h e “t r aditio n al” w i n d u p positio n . If a pit c h er u ses t h is w i n d u p positio n , t h e a c t of b r i n g i n g h is a r ms u p a n d positio n i n g h is h a n ds in fr o n t of h is body s h all n ot be c o n st ru ed as t h e sta r t of h is a c t u al deli v e r y UNLE S S some ot h er a c tion is i n itiated by a n ot h er pa r t of h is body sim u lta n eo u sly a n d is asso c iated w ith t h e a c t u al deli v e r y .

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A n y of t h e t hr ee positio n s d es c r ibed abo v e is c o n side r ed a le g al w i n d u p posi tio n , and fr om s u c h w i n d u p po sition ( r e g a r dless of wh et h er t h e pit c h e r ’ s h a n ds a r e to g et h er or apa r t ) , t h e

I pit c h er m a y : I (1) deli v er t h e ball to t h e batte r , or (2) step a n d t hr ow to a base in an attempt to pi c k o f f a runn e r , or (3) d i se n gag e th e ru bbe r b y s t epp in g ba c k wit h hi s p iv o t f oo t fir s t . ( D i s en g a g i n g t h e rubb e r b y s t e ppi n g ba c k w it h h i s fre e foo t f i r s t i s a ba l k whe n runner s ar e o n ba s e re g ar dl e s s o f whe t he r t h e pit c her ’ s han d s ar e t o g e t he r o r a p ar t . ) F r om a n y of t h e t hr ee types of w i n d u p positio n s r e f e rr ed to in t h is se c tio n , t h e pit c h er m a y step a n d t hr ow to a base in an attempt to pi c k o f f a runn er ( i . e . , t h e pit c h er is n ot r eq u i r ed f i r st to step o ff ) . Alt h o u gh t h is is n ot fr eq u e n tly see n , it is l egal p rov ided t h e pit c h er does n ot ma k e a n y motion asso c iated w ith h is delive r y to t h e batter be f o r e t h e pit c h er t hr o w s to t h e bas e . Play : Bases loaded, pit c h er in w i n d u p positio n . Be f o r e ma k i n g a n y motion asso c iated w ith h is delive r y of t h e pit c h to t h e b atte r , t h e pit c h er t urn s , step s , a n d t hr o w s to se c o n d ( or to f i r st or to t h i r d) in o n e c o n ti nu o u s motion in an at tempt to pi c k o f f t h e runn e r . R ul i ng : Legal mov e . TO C L A R I F Y : (1) If t h e pit c h e r ’ s h a n ds a r e h eld to g et h er in fr o n t of h is body in a st a ti o n a r y po siti on be f o r e t h e pit c h er deli v e r s to t h e batte r , t h e p r elimi n a r y a c tion of b r i n g i n g h is h a n ds to g et h er is no t i n te r p r eted as t h e sta r t of t h e a c t u al w i n d u p or deli v e r y to t h e batte r . I f , h o w e v e r , t h is p r elimi n a r y a c tion is a cc ompa n ied by a n y ot h er n at ur al mo v eme n t t h at is asso c iated w ith t h e deli v e r y to t h e batte r , t h en t h e pi t c h er is c ommitted to pit c h w it h o u t alte r i n g or i n te rru pti n g h is deli v e r y o n c e s u c h motion is i n itiated. (2) If a pit c h er does no t ass u me a st a ti o n a r y , h a nds - t o ge th e r po siti on p r i or to i n itiati n g h is a c t u al deli v e r y , a n y n at ur al mo v eme n t asso c iated w ith t h e sta r t of t h eir deli v e r y c ommits t h e pit c h er to pit c h .

F r om t h e w i n d u p positio n , t h e pit c h er m a y n ot g o i n to a set or st r et c h positio n — if h e does s o , it is a balk w h en runn e r s a r e on bas e . In t h e w i n d u p position t h e pit c h er m u st h a v e both f eet sq u a r e ly on t h e g r o un d.

In 2006 the Official Playing Rules Committee made a number of changes to the Windup Position. Those changes took effect at the Major League level in 2007. Th e changes allow a pitcher to have only a portion of his pivot foot, rather th an the entire foot, in contact with the rub ber. Furthermore, in the windup position, a pitcher is allowed to have his free foot at either side of the rubber, in front of the rubbe r, on the rubber, or behind the rubber, and to step to either side of the rub ber — all of which are commonly accepted curr ent practices. Previous editions of the Official Baseball Rules prohibited this. Under the rules adopted in 2007 , (a) Only a portion of the pitcher’s pivot foot must be in contact with the rubber (no longer “entir e pivot foot”). This applies to both windup and set positions. Under the new rules, may pitch “off the end” of the rubber, as long as any part of the pivot foot is in con tact with the rubber. (b) In the windup position, the pitcher’s free foot may be on the rubber, in front of the rubber, to the side of the rubber, or behind the rubber. (c) In the windup position, the pitcher is permitted to step to the side during his del ivery (previously prohibited).

24. SET VS. WINDUP POSITION Rule 5.07(2 ) The comment to Rule 5.07(a)(2) state s , in part, that, “ W ith a runner or runners on bas e , a pit c her will be presumed to be pit c h ing from the Set P osition if he stands with his pivot foot in contact with and parallel to the pit c her ’ s p lat e , and his other foot in front of the pi t c her ’ s plat e , unless he notifies the umpire that he will be pit c hing from the W indup P osition under su c h circumstances prior to the beg of an at - bat. A pit c her will be permitted to notify the umpire that he is pit c hing from the W indup P osition withi n an at - bat only in the event of (i) a substitution by the offensive team; or (ii) immediately upon the advancement of one or more runne rs (i. e ., after one or more base runners advance but before the delivery of t he next pit c h) . ” Once the pit c her notifies the home plate umpire of his intention to pit c h from the W indu p , the umpire should call “Time”; the ball is dead; and the umpire should indicate to the other members of the crew and ea c h Club that the pit c her has elected

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to pit c h from the W indu p .

I 25. RESTR ICITIONS ON PITCHERS WA RMING UP I I Rule 5.07(b) I The home club pitcher may not warm up on the mound prior to the start of the game. To do otherwise could give the home club pitcher some advantage, and because pregame practice conditions should be equal for both starting pitchers, both pitchers should warm up where pitchers normally warm up. A game pitcher may return to the between , provided doing so does not delay the game in any manner.

26. COMMENT REGARDING GAME - ENDING PLAYS Rule 5.08(b) When the winning r un is scored in the last half - inning of a regulation game, or in the last half of an extra inning, with the bases full as a result of any play oth er than those set forth in 5.08(b), the ball is in play and runners may be retired. If th e third out is a for ce play, no runs shall score.

27. FI E L D E R GO I N G I N TO OUT - OF - PLAY - AREA Rule 5 . 09 ( a )( 1 ) Comm e nt: T h e Comme n t to O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 5 . 09 ( a )( 1) sti p u lates t h at n o f ielder m a y step i n to or g o i n to a d u g o u t to ma k e a c at c h . H o w e v e r , if a f ielde r , a f ter c at c h i n g a f ly ball on t h e pl a y i n g s urf a c e , steps or f alls into any out - of - play - area at a n y poi n t wh ile in possession of t h e ball, t h e base runn e r s s h al l be e n titled to ad v a n c e o n e base a n d t h e ball s h all be dead. In o r der to ma k e a le g al c at c h , t h e f ielder m u st h a v e o n e or both f eet on or o v er t h e pl a y i n g s urf a c e ( i n c l u di n g t h e lip of t h e d u g o u t) a n d n eit h er f oot on t h e g r o un d i n side t h e d u g o u t or ot h er o u t - o f - pl a y s urf a c e . A f ielder is c o n side r ed to be in t h e d u g o u t — a n d t h e r eby un able to ma k e a v alid c at c h w h en t h e f ielder h as o n e or both f eet on t h e s urf a c e i n side t h e d u g o u t ( f or e x ampl e , on t h e steps or on t h e f loor of t h e d u g o u t) or h as di v ed i n to t h e d u g o u t w ith n eit h er f oot on or abo v e t h e pl a y i n g s urf a c e . T h e lip of a d u g o u t ( i . e . , t h e top of t h e d u g o u t st eps t h at is e v en w ith t h e pl a y i n g s urf a c e , e v en if it is a di ff e r e n t mate r ial t h an t h e pl a y i n g s urf a c e) is c o n side r ed o u tside t h e d u g o u t f or p ur po ses of t h is ru l e . As an e x ampl e , a pl a y er wh o c at c h es a pop - u p w ith o n e f oot on t h e lip a n d t h e ot h er f oot on a step i n side t h e d u g o u t w o u ld be deemed to be i n side t h e d u g o u t, a n d n o c at c h w o u ld be allo w ed. O n t h e ot h er h a n d, a pl a y er wh o c at c h es a pop - u p w ith o n e f oot on t h e lip a n d t h e ot h er f oot in t h e air o v er a step or o v er t h e d u g o u t f loo r w o u ld no t be deeme d to be i n side t h e d u go u t, be c a u se in t h at example o n e f oot is on t h e pl a yi n g s urf a c e a n d n eit h er f oot is on t h e g r o un d i n side t h e d u go u t. N O TE: A ball st r i k i n g eq u ipme n t on t h e lip of t h e d u go u t is dead. Cl u bs s h o u ld ma k e best e ff o r ts to k eep all eq u ipme n t o f f t h e top step ( lip) of t h e d u go u t. E X A M P L E S: (1) Cat c h er c at c h es a f o u l pop - u p on t h e f ield of pl a y , a n d mome n t u m c a rr ies h im i n to t h e d u go u t . R ul i ng : Legal c at c h . “Time” is c alled and all runn e r s a w a r ded o n e base fr om t h e time of t h e pit c h . (2) Ca t c he r c a t c he s a fou l pop - u p o n t h e f i e l d o f p l a y , an d m o m en t u m c arr i e s h i m i n t o t h e du g ou t . Wh il e i n t h e du g ou t t h e c a t c he r fa ll s down , t he n drop s t h e ba ll . R uling : F o u l ball. (3) Cat c h er ma k es a di v i n g c at c h a n d slides i n to t h e d u g o u t a f ter c at c h i n g t h e bal l. T h e c at c h er e n ds u p on t h e f loor of t h e d u g o u t, f a c e - do wn , w ith po sse s sion of t h e ball. R uling : Le g al c at c h . “Time” is c alled and all runn e r s a w a r ded o n e base fr om t h e time of t h e pit c h . ( 4) Bases loaded, o n e o u t. F ielder c at c h es ball a n d mome n t u m c a rr ie s h im i n to t h e sta n d s . M a y t h e f ielder t hr ow f or a pl a y ? R uling : N o . “Time” is c alled, a n d all runn e r s ad v a n c e o n e bas e .

28. BUNT/FOUL B ALL Rule 5.09(a)(4)  A pitched ball striking a bat as the batter is pulling it back after initi ally squaring to bun t is a foul ball (assuming the ball goes into foul territory).  The definition of a bunt is already included in the Official Baseball Rules.

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The purpose of this interpretation is to clarify that with a two - strike count, a pitched ba ll th at strikes a batter’ s bat as the bat is being pulled back after initially squaring to bunt and

I goes into foul territory is a foul ball. The batter must, in the umpire’s judgment, i ntentionally I I I meet the ball with the bat, causing it to become foul on a two - strike count to be c onsidered a third strike.

29. THR O WN B A LL S TRIK E S H E LM E T O R B A T Rule 5 . 09 ( a )( 8 ): If a t hr o w n ball st r i k es a h elmet or bat a cc ide n tally ( n o i n te n t on t h e pa r t of t h e runn er to i n te rf e r e) in f air or f o u l te rr ito r y , t h e ball r emai n s in pl a y t h e same as if it h ad n ot h it t h e h elmet or bat. I f , in t h e u mpi r e ’ s j u d g me n t, t h e r e is i n te n t on t h e pa r t of a runn er to i n te rf e r e w ith a t hr o w n ball by d r oppi n g h is h elmet or bat or by t hr o w i n g eit h er at t h e ball, t h en t h e runn er is o u t, t h e bal l dead , a n d runn e r ( s) r et u r n to t h e last base le g ally to u c h ed.

30. I N FI E L D E R I N T E N TI ONA L L Y D R O P S F L Y B A LL O R LI N E D RIVE Rule 5 . 09 ( a )( 12 ): U n der O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 5 . 09 ( a )( 12) , t h e batter is o u t, t h e ball is dead, a n d runn e r ( s) r et ur n to t h eir o r i g i n al base ( s) wh en an i nf iel d er i n te n tio n ally d r ops a f air f ly ball or li n e d r i v e w ith runn e r s on f i r st, f i r st a n d se c o n d, f i r st a n d t h i r d, or bases loaded ( w ith less t h an t w o o u t ) . N o t e th a t th e ba tt e r i s no t de c l a r e d o u t i n thi s s itu a ti o n i f th e infi e l de r pe r m it s th e ba l l t o d r o p untouc he d t o th e g r o un d excep t w h e n th e Infi e l d Fl y rul e app li e s . W h en an i nf ielder delibe r ately d r ops a f air ball or a li n e d r ive to set u p a do u ble pl a y sit u atio n , runn e r s m a y sa f ely r et ur n to t h e bases t h ey o cc u pied at t h e time of t h e pit c h . T h e same appli c at ion s h all be made if an o u t f ielder h as c ome so c lo se to t h e i nf ield to set u p a do u ble pl a y sit u ation if h e i n te n tio n ally d r ops t h e ball. R unn e r s c a nn ot adva n c e un der t h is ru l e . Umpi r es s h all immediately c all “Tim e , ” w h e n , in t h e ir j u dg me n t, t h e ball is i n te n tio n ally d r opped.

31. OU T O F TH E BAS E P A T H Rule 5.09(b)( 1) When determining whether a base runner should be called out under Rule 5.09(b)(1), so long as the umpire determines that a pl a y is being made on t he runne r and an attempt to tag is occurrin g , i. e . the fielder is moving to t ag the runne r , no physical tag attempt is required to call a runner out for le a ving the basepath.

32. ABANDONMEN T O N A FORC E PL A Y Rule s 5.01(b)(1) , 5.09(b)(2) , 5.09(b)( 1)&(2 ) Comment , 5.09 (b)(6)

A base runner being called out for abando ning his effort to tou c h the next base does not c h ange a force pl a y to a tag or time pl a y on any other runner(s).

33. B A TTER - RUNNER P ASSING FIRST BASE Rule 5.09(b)(4): T he exception to Rule 5.09(b)(4) prohibits the batte r - runner from being tagged out for overrunning or overs liding first base if he immediately returns to the bas e . Howeve r , onc e th e batte r - runne r return s t o firs t bas e safel y after overrunning/oversliding th e bas e , he is no lon ger protect ed from being tagged out if he subsequently loses contact with the bas e

34. R UNN E R MI SSE S HO ME PL A T E Rules 5.09(b)(12), 5.09(c)(2), 5.09(b)(5): Rule 5 . 09 ( b )( 12) states that should a runne r , in s c orin g , fail to tou c h home pla te and c ontinue on t he w a y to the ben c h ( making no effort to return ) , the runner m a y be put out by the fielder tou c hing home plate and appealing to the umpire for a de c ision. Ho w e v e r , this rule applies only w here a runner is on the w a y to the ben c h and th e c at c her w ould be r equired to c hase the runne r . It does not apply to the ordinar y pl a y w here the runner misses the plate and then immediately makes an effort to tou c h the plate before being ta gg ed. In that c as e , the runner must be ta gg ed. In su c h c ase s , b ase path rules still apply to the runner ( i . e . , he m a y not run more than three fe et from the “base path” bet w een him and home plate ) . O n a pl a y at the plat e , should the runner miss home plate and the fielder miss the tag on the runne r , it is preferable tha t the umpire make no signal on the pl a y . As outlined in the

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pre v ious para g raph, t he runner must then be ta gg ed if the runner attempts to return to the plate; if the runner c ontinues on the w a y to the ben c h, the defense m a y make an appeal. A runner m a y no l on g er return to tou c h a missed base — home plate or other - wise — after h a ving entere d the du g out. If two runners arrive at home plate about the same time and the first runner misses home plate but the se c ond runner le g ally tou c hes the plat e , the first runner m a y not return to re tou c h home plate and m a y be put out on appeal. If the appeal on the runner is sustained for the third out of the innin g , neither run s c ore s . S ee O ffi c ial Baseball Rule 5 . 09 (c)( 2) Approved Ruling ( A).

35. RUNNER TOUCHED BY INFIELD FLY Rul e 5.09(b)(7): Rule 5 .09(b)(7) was amended in 2019 to clarify t hat when a runner is touched by an Infield Fly when he is not in contact with his base and before the ball has gone through, or by, an , and no other infielder has a chance to make a pl ay on the ball, both the runner and the batter are out. Howeve r, if the ball is deflected by a fielder prior to touching the runner, the umpire shall not declare the runner out for being touched by a batted ball. See also Official Baseball Rule 5.09(b)(7) (last paragraph).

36. RUNNER S P ASSING Rule 5.09(b)(9) Runners passing are not protected from being called out in accordance with Rule 5.09(b)(9) by time being called or other situation (i. e . ground - rule doubl e , , et c .) if they are still in the act of running the base s .

37. APPEA L PL A YS — APPROVE D RULINGS Rule 5.09(c)

Runner on first, one out. The batter s . Runn er on first rounds the bases and tries for hom e . On the pl a y at the plat e , the cat c her m isses the tag and ru nner misses the plate in sliding b y . As the cat c her begins to c h ase the runner to apply a ta g , the batte r - runner tries for third bas e . Seeing thi s , the cat c her throws to the third baseman, who retires the batte r - runne r . M a y the defensiv e team still appeal at home on the runner originally on first?

Ruling : Y e s . The cat c her ’ s pl a y on the batt e r - runner at third base w as still part of the continuous acti on created by and following the batted ball. Therefor e , the defensive team would not los e its rights to make an appeal by pl a ying on the runner at home or the batte r - runner at third and m a y still appeal at hom e .

(1) R unne r o n firs t bas e , on e out . Th e pit c he r attempt s a pi c k of f bu t throws the ball past the first baseman down the right field lin e . Runner misses secon d bas e bu t trie s fo r third . Th e righ t fielder ’ s thro w t o ge t th e runne r a t thir d bas e i s too lat e , although the runner is tagged by the third basema n. M a y the defense appeal at second base that the runner missed it?

Ruling : Y e s . The th ird baseman ’ s attemp ted pl a y on the runner at third base w as still part of the continuous action created by and following the aborted pi c k - off thro w . Therefor e , the def ensive team does not lose its right to make its appeal by pl a ying on the runner at thir d base and m a y still appeal.

(2) Runners on first and third, two out. The pit c her ’ s next pit c h is a wild pit c h ba c k to the screen. While the ball is being c h ased down, the runner on third crosses the plat e . Runner from first misses second base but tries for t hird. The cat c her ’ s throw to third base gets past the third baseman, and the runner tries to scor e . The shor tsto p , ba c king up third, attempts to throw the runner out at the plat e , but the cat c her ’ s tag is too late and the runner is ruled saf e . M a y the defe nsive team still app eal at second base on the runner originally on first?

Ruling : Y e s . Th e defensiv e team ’ s attempte d pl ay s o n th e runne r originally on first at third a nd home were still part of the continuous action created by and following the wild pit c hed ball. Therefor e , the defensive team does not lose its right to make its appeal by attempting these pl a ys and m a y still appeal at second base on the runner originally on first.

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(3) Runner on first, one out. The batter s . Runner from first misses I seco nd base and advances to third without a pl a y . The ball comes into the infield I I I and is returned to the pit c he r . The pit c her stret c h e s , comes to a set position, and then le gally steps off the rubber to start an appeal at second bas e . The original runner from first (now on third) breaks for home as the defense starts its appeal. The pit c he r , instead of completing th e appeal pl a y , throws home to get the runne r , but the tag is too late and the runner is ruled saf e . M a y the defensive team still appeal at second ba se?

Ruling : N o . Th e defensive team ’ s attempt to retire the original runner at home occurred after a defini te break in the original continuous action that w as created b y and followed the batted ball. Therefor e , the defensive team lost its right to make an y appeals once it ma de the pl a y at home and m a y not appeal at second nor at any other bas e .

(4) Runner on first , one out. Runner from first goes to third on a single but mi sses second bas e . Runner is at third on a sliding tag pl a y . The ball is returned t o the pit c he r , who s teps on the rubbe r , stret c h e s , and comes to a set position. The defense intends to appea l, but the pit c her in stepping off the rubbe r . After th e penalty is enforced, m a y the defense still appeal at second base on the original runn er from first?

Ruli ng : N o . The defense did not lose its right to appeal by pl a ying on the runner originally on first at third base; that pl a y w as still part of the cont inuous action created by and following the batted ball. Howeve r , a balk is considered a pl a y for the purpos e of this section of the appeal rul e . Because the defensive team cannot appeal following a pl a y or attempted pl a y , the pit c her ’ s balk cost the defens ive team its right to make an appeal. N O TE: The pit c her is not required to step off the rubber prior to thr owing to a base to make an appeal (see Official Baseball Rule 5.07(a) ).

(5) Runner on second, one out. Runner from second attempts to score on a singl e bu t misse s thir d bas e . Runne r i s saf e a t hom e o n a slidin g ta g pl a y . O n the throw hom e , t he batte r - runner t ries to take second and is safe there on a sliding tag pl a y , as the cat c her ’ s throw is too late to retire the batte r - runne r . Time is called. The pit c her steps on the rubbe r , stret c h e s , and comes to a set position. The defense intends t o appeal at third on the runner originally on second. The pit c h er legally steps ba c k off th e rubbe r , c h e c ks the runner at second bas e , and steps to thr o w t o thir d fo r th e appeal . Th e pit cher ’ s thro w , howeve r , i s wil d an d goe s ou t of pl a y . The runner on sec on d is properly a w ar ded hom e . M a y the defense still make its intended appeal at third on th e runner originally on second when a new ball is put into pl a y?

Ruling : N o . The attempted pl a ys to retire the runner originally on second at home and the batte r - run ne r at second occurr ed during the continuous action that w as created by and followed the ba tted ball and do not nullify the defensive team ’ s right to m ake an appeal. Howeve r , once the defensive team “errs” (i. e ., throws the ball out of pl a y) in its attempt t o appeal at third on the runner originally on second, it loses its right to make an appea l. Throwing the ball out of pl a y in this situation is consid ered an attempted pl a y that occurred after a definite break in the continuous action pl a y .

(6) No runner s . T he batter doubles bu t misses first bas e . Time is called. The pit c her steps on the rubbe r , s tret c h e s , and comes to a set position. The defense intend s t o appea l a t firs t bas e . Th e pit c he r legall y step s of f th e rubbe r an d c h e c ks the runner at second bas e . Th e pit c her ’ s throw fo r the appeal gets past the first baseman but remains in pl a y . The runne r advances to third as the ball is being retrieved. M a y the defensive team still make its intended appeal at first base?

Ruling : Y e s . Because the ball is live and in pl a y , if the ball is retrieved and thrown ba c k to first base immediately (i. e ., no inter vening pl a y), the appeal is allowed.

(7) Runner on first, one o ut. The batter single s . Runner on first misses sec ond base but is safe at third on sliding tag pl a y . T im e is called. The p it c h er steps on the rubbe r , stret c h e s , and comes to a set position. The defense intends to appeal at

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second bas e . The pit c her legal ly steps off the rubbe r . Seeing thi s , the runner originally on first (now on third) bluffs as if to go ho m e . The pit c h e r , now off the

I rubbe r , steps to w ard third and co c k s his arm as if to throw bu t does not thro w . M a y I the defensive team still make its inte nded appeal at second base on the runner originally on first?

Ruling : Y e s . The attempted pl a y at third o n the runner origina lly on first w as still part of the continuous action created by and fol lowing the batted ball and therefore did not nullify the def ensive team ’ s right to make an appeal. The bluff by the pit c her (step and co c k ed arm) to c h e c k the runner a t third is not con sidered a pl a y or attempted pl a y . Therefor e , the defensive team m a y sti ll attempt its intended appeal at second bas e .

(8) Runner on fi rst, one out. Batter hits a home run out of ballpark. Runner from first misses second and batte r - runner m is ses first. After b oth runners cross the plat e , the umpire puts new ball in pl a y . Pit c her takes a position on the rubbe r , steps of f , and intends to ma ke an appeal at first base on the batte r - runne r . Howeve r , the pit c her ’ s throw is wild and goes into the s ta nd s . The umpire th en puts another ball into pl a y , and the pit c her again takes a position on the rubber and steps of f . This time the pit c her intends t o make an appeal at second base on the runner originally on first. Should the umpire allow the appeal?

R ul ing : N o . If the pi t c her throws the ball out of pl a y when making an appeal, su c h act shall be considered an attempted pl a y . No further appeal will be allowed on any runner at any bas e .

(9) Runners on first and third, one out. Runner from first is stealing on t he pit c h. Batter h its a fly ball to right field that is caught for the second out. Runner on third tags and scores after the cat c h. Runner from first tries to return to first base after the cat c h, but the right fielder ’ s throw beats the runner to the bag a nd the runner is d e c lared out for the third out of the innin g . Runner from third base tou c hed home plate before the third out w as made at first bas e .

Ruling : Run count s . This is a time pl a y , N O T a force pl a y .

(10) M a y a runner who has missed a base return to retou c h the misse d base after h a ving entered the ?

Ruling : N o .

(11) Batte r - runner hits a ground ball and beats the pl a y at first base but misses the ba g .

Ruling : Ruling : Th e prope r me c hani c i s fo r th e umpir e t o mak e n o cal l o n the pl a y becaus e th e b at te r - runne r ha s no t ye t tou c h e d firs t bas e . I f th e defens e appeals b y taggin g th e runn e r (o r base ) an d appealin g tha t th e runne r misse d firs t bas e bef ore th e runne r return s t o firs t bas e , th e batte r - runne r woul d b e de c lare d out . Not e also Officia l Basebal l Rul e 5.09(b)(12 ) C ommen t .

(12) T he f ollowing play occurred in a Major League game and leads to a num be r o f question s regard in g appea l play s . T h e ruling s belo w provid e insigh t int o var ious regulations concerning appeals and award s .

Play : Runner on first, no out s , hit - and - run. B atter hits a line drive whi c h strikes the pit c her in the ba c k, flies into the ai r , and is caught in f light by the third baseman for an out. The runner on first is nearly to second base when the ball is caugh t. The third baseman throws to first, attempting to double the runner off first base; howeve r , his throw is wild and goes into the stand s . At the tim e of the thro w , the runner from first has not quite rea c hed second bas e . When the ball goes out of pl a y , th e runner from first has roun ded second base (tou c h ing second as he rounded it) and is several steps to w ards shortsto p .

(a) What is the proper a w ard?

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Ru ling : Third base — two bases from the time of the pit c h because this is the first pl a y by an infielde r .

(b) What if the runner is beyond se cond base at the tim e of the throw? Is the a w ar d the n home ?

Ruling : N o , th e a w ar d i s stil l thir d becaus e th e thro w w a s t he first pl a y by an infielde r .

(c) In the original pl a y m a y the runner go ba c k and retou c h first base while th e ball is dead?

Ruling : Y e s , provided he does so before tou c hing third base (and pro vided he tou c hes all bases in orde r , both returning and advanci ng). See Official Baseball Rule 5.09(c)(2) Approved Ruling (B) . Th is is a key point. Because the runner left first base too soon, the runner must return a nd retou c h first bas e . Because the ball is dead, the runner m ust return to first base before the runner tou c hes the next bas e . The runner ’ s “next base” is determined by the runner ’ s position at the time the ball went out of pl a y . At the time the ball wen t out of pl a y , the runner w as between second and third. Therefo r e , in this pl a y , the runner must return and retou c h first base before tou c hing third.

(d) M a y the runner retu rn to first base to retou c h after the runner tou c hes third base?

Ruling : N o . (See p receding question and rulin g . )

(e) What if the runner attempts t o return to first base after the runner tou c h - es third base? Should the umpire stop the runner from doing so?

Ruling : N o . The umpire should not intervene in any w a y other t han to realize tha t after the runner has tou c hed third, the runner ’ s retou c h of f irst base is meaningles s . After tou c hing third bas e , if the runner should attempt to retrace his steps whil e the ball is dead (from third, ba c k to second, ba c k to first, then to second, and fin al ly to third), the umpire would not physically stop the runner from doing s o . Howeve r , the runner ’ s retou c h of first base would not correct the fact the runner left too soon because when the ball is dead, the runner must correct his base - running bef or e he tou c hes the next bas e . (Again, see Official Baseball Rul e 5.09(c)(2) Approved Ruling (B) )

(f) In this pl a y , when the ball we nt out of pl a y , the runner w as already past second. Isn’t the runner already a “base b eyond” the base the runn er left too soon? An d therefor e , the ru nner should not be able to return to first base because the runner has already rea c hed second bas e , correct ?

Ruling : N o . The “base beyond” or “next base” is determined by the runner ’ s positio n at the time the ball g oes out of pl a y . In this pl a y , the run ner ’ s “next base” is third bas e .

(g) In this pl a y , how can the runner correct the fact the runner left first b ase too soon?

Ruling : When the ball is dead (out of pl a y), the runner should stop ad vancing to w ards third an d retrace his steps in orde r , tou c hing second and then first (all before tou c hing third base). The runner should then advance to third (his a w arde d base) by tou c hing second and then third, in orde r .

(h) If the runner goes directly to t hird base on the a w ard ( and does not retou c h first base while t he ball is dead), m a y the defense appeal the fact the runner left too soon at first?

Ruling : Y e s , after t he ball is put ba c k in pl a y , the defense m a y appeal by tagging the runner or first bas e . (See Official Basebal l Rule 5.09(c)(1) )

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(i) After the ball is ba c k in pl a y , m a y the defense put the runner out by appealing at second base?

Ruling : N o . The runner m a y b e put out only by tagging the runner or the base the runner left too soon. (See Official Baseball Rule 5.09(c) (1) )

(j) Doesn’t the ac t of the third baseman throwing the ball out of pl a y nullify a succeeding appeal attempt? That i s , hasn’t the defense erred on its first attempt to appeal?

Ruling : N o . Th e wil d thro w b y th e thir d basema n i s par t o f th e con tinuous acti on created by the ba tter hitting the ball and does not nullify a subsequent appeal after the continuous action has ended.

(k) Suppose the defense doe s appeal at second bas e , and the umpire de c lares the runner safe (after ascertaining what the defense is appea ling). M a y the defen se then appeal at first base?

Ruling : Y e s , because an appeal itself is not considered a pl a y or attempted pl a y .

(l) What if the defense appeals at first bas e , but the pi t c her balks in making the appeal?

Ruling : No subsequent appea l wou ld be allowed, becau se a balk is considered a pl a y .

(m) What if the defense appeals at first bas e , but the pit c her throws the ball into the stands?

Ruling : No subsequent appeal would be all owed, as this is considered an attempted pl a y .

(n) Can the second basem an ba c k up the appea l pl a y at first?

Ruling : While the m a y run onto foul territory after the ball is put into pl a y , the umpire m a y not put the ball in pl a y until all field ers (other than the cat c her) are on fair territor y . See Officia l Bas eball Rule 5.02 .

(o) Wh at if the defense appeals at first bas e , but the pit c her throws wildly and the ball rolls down the right - field line?

Ruling : If the wild throw is re trieved and throw n ba c k t o firs t bas e immediatel y (i. e . , n o int ervenin g pl a y ) , th e app ea l would be allowed .

(p) T o begin the appeal, the pit c her steps off the rubbe r , then fakes a throw to third to bluff the runner ba c k. Is this an at tempted pl a y?

Ruling : N o .

(q) When the pit c her steps off the rubber to start the appeal , the runner breaks fo r hom e . Pit c her thro ws to the cat c he r , and the runner gets in a , ending up safely at third bas e . M a y the defense now appeal at first?

Ruli ng : N o .

(13) M a y a runner r eturn to tou c h a missed base after the third out?

Answer: N o . Example : Runne r o n se con d bas e , tw o out . Batte r hit s a base hi t bu t i s throw n ou t attemptin g t o rea c h secon d bas e . Runne r originall y o n secon d crosse d th e plat e befor e t h e thir d ou t bu t misse d th e plat e . Afte r th e thir d out a t secon d bas e , th e runne r wh o misse d th e plat e the n return s an d tou c he s the plat e . Defens e , befor e le a vin g th e infield , the n appeal s a t hom e .

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Ruling : Initially th e ru n score s (runne r rea c he d hom e p lat e befor e th e thir d o ut) . Howeve r , the defense ’ s appea l i s sustaine d an d th e runne r i s calle d ou t becaus e n o

I ru n m a y score aft e r th e thir d ou t i s mad e . Se e Officia l Basebal l Rul e 5.08(a ) . I I I

In addition to the preceding approved rulings regarding appeal pl a y s , the examples and pl a ys found in the Comments to Official Bas eball Rule 5.08 also pertain to appeal pl a y s . In particula r , pl a ys found in that section of the Official Baseball Rules demonstrate the following three concepts: (1) No run shall score during a p l a y in whi c h the third out is made by the batte r - runner before the batte r - runner tou c hes first bas e . (2) No run shall score during a pl a y in whi c h the third out is a force out. (3) F ollowing runners are not affected by an act of a preceding runner unless two are o ut.

38. R ET OU C H I N G B A SE S W H I L E B A L L IS D E A D Rule 5.09( c )(2 ): Whil e th e ba l l i s d ea d , n o runn e r m a y r e tur n t o t o u c h a mi sse d bas e o r o n e h e h a s l e f t t o o soo n a ft e r h e h a s a dv a n ce d t o a n d t o u c h e d a bas e beyon d t h e mi sse d bas e . A runn e r m a y r e tur n t o a mi sse d bas e (o r o n e h e h a s l e f t t o o soo n ) durin g th e tim e th e ba l l i s d ea d i f h e h a s n o t t o u c h e d th e nex t base . A r unn e r m a y , o f co ur s e , r e tur n t o a n y mi sse d bas e (o r o n e h e h a s l e f t t o o soo n ) whil e th e ba l l i s i n p l a y unl es s a f o ll o win g runn e r h a s sco r e d . Se e Ap pr o v e d R ulin g s ( B ) a n d ( A ) t o O ffi c i a l B aseba l l R ul e 5.09(c)(2 ). T h e “ n e x t b a se ” or “ b a se be yon d ” in t h is se c tion r e f e r s to t h e position of t h e runn er at t h e time t h e ball w e n t o u t of pl a y . E X A M P L E S : (1) Batte r h its a h ome ru n o u t of t h e ballpa r k or a g r o un d - ru le do u ble a n d misses f i r st base ( ball is dead ) . R uling : T h e batte r - runn er m a y r et ur n to f i r st base to c o rr e c t t h e mista k e b e f o r e to u c h i n g se c o n d; b u t if t h e batte r - runn er to u c h es se c o n d h e m a y n ot r et ur n to f i r st, a n d if de f e n si v e team appeals t h e bat te r - runn er is de c la r ed o u t at f i r st. (2) Batter h its a ball to s h o r tstop wh o t hr o w s w ild i n to sta n ds ( ball is dead ) ; batte r - runn e r misses f i r st base b u t is a w a r ded se c o n d base on t h e o v e r t hr o w . R uling : E v en t h o u g h t h e u mpi r e h as a w a r ded t h e batte r - runn er se c o n d base on t h e o v e r t hr o w , t h e batte r - runn er m u st to u c h f i r st base be f o r e to u c h i n g se c o n d bas e . If t h e batt e r - runn er does n ot r et ur n to f i r st base be f o r e to u c h i n g se c o n d, t h e batte r - runn er w o u ld be o u t on ap peal at f i r st. (3) Batter h its si n g le to r i g h t f i eld a n d misses f i r st base in r o un di n g it. Ri g h t f ielder ma k es q u i c k t hr ow to f i r st baseman in an attempt to pi c k o f f t h e batte r - runn e r , w h o h as r o un ded t h e bas e . H o w e v e r , t h e r i g h t f ielde r ’ s t hr ow is w ild a n d g oes i n to t h e d u g o u t. R uling : Batte r - runn er is a w a r ded t h i r d ba s e . H o w e v e r , t h e batte r - runn er m u st r et ur n to a n d to u c h f i r st base be f o r e to u c h i n g se c o n d. W h ile t h e ball is de ad, t h e batte r - runn er m a y r et ur n to f i r st base to c o rr e c t t h e e rr or be f o r e to u c h i n g seco n d; b u t if t h e batte r - runn er to u c h es se c o n d h e m a y n ot r e t ur n to f i r st, a n d if t h e de f e n si v e team appeal s , t h e batte r - runn er is de c la r ed o u t at f i r s t. (4) R unn er on se c o n d bas e , n o o u t s . Batter h its f ly ball to r i g h t f ield t h at is c a u g h t f or t h e f i r st o u t. R unn er at se c o n d base le a v es too soo n . R unn er slides i n to t h i r d base sa f el y , b u t t h e r i g h t f ielde r ’ s t hr ow g oes i n to t h e d u g o u t. R uling : R unn er is a w a r ded h om e . H o w e v e r , w h ile t h e ball is dead t h e runn er m u st r et ur n to a n d r eto u c h se c o n d bas e . F ur t h e r mo r e , be c a u se t h e runn er h ad al r eady r ea c h ed t h i r d base be f o r e t h e ball w e n t o u t of pl a y , t h e runn er m u st r et ur n to se c o n d base be f o r e to u c h i n g h ome ( h is n e x t base ) . If t h e runn er to u c h es h om e , t h e runn er m a y n ot r et ur n to se c o n d, a n d if t h e de f e n se app eals t h e runn er is de c la r ed o u t at se c o n d. (5) R u nn e r s on f i r st a n d se c o n d, o n e o u t. Batter h its deep f ly ball t h at is c a u g h t by r i g h t f ielde r . T h e runn er fr om se c o n d w as runn i n g wh en t h e ball w as h it, did n ot tag u p , a n d p r o c eeds to to u c h a n d r o un d t h i r d b as e . A f ter t h e runn er fr om se c o n d h as r o un ded t h i r d bas e , t h e r ig h t f ielder t hr o w s be h i n d t h e runn er fr om f i r st, wh o is r et urn i n g to f i r st bas e . T h e f ielde r ’ s t hr ow is w ild a n d goes o u t of pl a y . T h e u mpi r es c all “Time” a n d a w a r d t h e runn e r s h ome a n d t h i r d. W h en t h e u mpi r es c all “Time” t h e runn er fr om se c o n d is bet w een t h i r d a n d h om e , a n d t h e runn er fr om f i r st is bet w een f i r st a n d se c o n d. At t h is poi n t t h e ma n ager yells to t h e ru nn er fr om se c o n d ( wh o is bet w een t h i r d a n d h ome) to go ba c k a n d tag u p at se c o n d bas e . Is t h is pe r missibl e , or is t h e runn er c o n side r ed a “base b eyo n d” t h e base t h e runn er le f t too soo n ? R ul i ng : It is pe r missible f or t h e runn er to r et ur n to se c o n d base wh i le t h e ball is dead. W h en t h e ball w e n t o u t of pl a y t h e runn er o r igi n ally on se c o n d base w as past t h i r d ( bet w een

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t h i r d a n d h ome ) . T h e runn e r ’ s “ n ext base” is t h e r e f o r e h om e . W h ile t h e ball is dead t h e runn er m a y r et ur n to se c o n d base a n d r eto u c h at a n y tim e p r ior to to u c h i n g h ome plat e .

I H o w eve r , if t h e runn er adva n c es to a n d to u c h es h ome wh ile t h e ball is dead, t h e runn er m a y I I no t r et urn . I (6) R unn er on f i r st, o n e o u t. H it - a n d - run . Batter h its a li n e d r ive to t h e s h o r tsto p , w h o c at c h es t h e ball f or t h e se c o n d o u t. S h o r tstop ’ s t hr ow to f i r st is w ild a n d g oes i n to t h e sta n d s . R unn er o r i g i n ally on f i r st is bet w een f i r st a n d se c o n d wh en t h e w ild t hr ow is made a n d g oes o u t of pl a y . R uling : R unn er is a w a r ded t h i r d. H o w e v e r , wh ile t h e ball is dea d, t h e runn er m u st r et ur n to a n d r eto u c h f i r st base be f o r e to u c h i n g se c o n d on t h e w a y to t h i r d. If t h e runn er to u c h es se c o n d, t h e runn er m a y n ot r et ur n to f i r st, a n d if t h e de f e n si v e team appeals t h e runn er is de c la r ed o u t at f i r st. (7) R unn er on f i r st, h it - a n d - run . Batter h it s a f ly ball to le f t f ield t h at is c a u g h t. T h e runn er to u c h es se c o n d in ad v a n c i n g b u t misses se c o n d on t h e w a y ba c k to f i r st. T h e t hr ow ba c k to f i r st base is w ild a n d g oes i n to t h e sta n d s . W h en t h e w ild t hr ow w as made t h e runn er w as bet w een f i r st a n d se c o n d. R uling : R unn er is a w a r ded t h i r d bas e . If t h e runn er r eto u c h es f i r st a n d t h en se c o n d in ad v a n c i n g to t h e a w a r ded bas e , t h e run n e r ’ s f ail ur e to to u c h se c o n d base in r et urn i n g to f i r st is “ c o rr e c ted” un der t h e t h eo r y t h at to u c h i n g t h e b ase t h e “last time b y ” c o rr e c ts a n y p r e v io u s e rr o r .

39. S UB S TITUTI ON S Rule 5 . 1 0: A pl a y er or pl a y e r s m a y be s u bstit u ted d ur i n g a g ame at a n y time t h e ball is dead. A s u bstit u tion is c ompleted a n d t h e pl a y er is c o n side r ed as h a v i n g e n te r ed t h e g ame wh en t h e ma n a g er or h is desi g n ee n oti f ies t h e plate u mpi r e of t h e s u bstit u tio n . If n o s u c h n oti f i c ation is g i v en to t h e u mpi r e or a f ter n oti f i c ation n o a nn o u n c eme n t is mad e , t h e pl a y er s h all be c o n side r ed as h a v i n g e n te r ed t h e g ame wh e n : (1) If a pit c h e r , h e ta k es h is pla c e on t h e pit c h e r ’ s plate p r ior to deli v e r i n g a pit c h ( p r epa r ato r y or ot h e rw ise ) ; (2) If a batte r , h e ta k es h is pla c e in t h e batte r ’ s b o x ; (3) I f a f ielde r , h e r ea c h es t h e position u s u ally o cc u pied by t h e f ielder h e h as r epla c ed, an d p la y c o mme n ces; (4 ) If a runn e r , h e ta k es t h e pla c e of t h e runn er h e h as r epla c ed. Umpi r es s h o u ld c o nf i r m all s u bstit u tes fr om t h e ma n ager a n d i nf o r m t h e oppos i n g ma n a ger of all s u bstit u te s . N O TE: If a pit c h er h as been b r o u g h t i n to t h e game b u t h as n ot f a c ed o n e batter ( or r eti r ed t h e side) wh e n t h e game is stopped f or w eat h e r , s u c h pit c h er m a y , b u t is n ot r eq u i r ed t o , c o n ti nu e pit c h i n g wh en t h e game is r es u med. Re f er a lso to O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 5 . 10 f or additio n al i nf o r mation c o n c e rn i n g s u bstit u tio n s .

40. MU L T I PL E S U BS T I T U T ION S AN D DOU BLE - S WI TC H E S Rule 5.10(b) C omment : Whe n a manager makes two or more substitutions at the same time, the manager must, at the same m oment , advise the plate umpire of the names of the substitutes, their defensive positions, and in what place each will hit in th e batting order. The manager canno t give notice of one of the substitutions, leave the umpire, come back to the plate umpire, a nd then locate the other player in the lineup. In case the manager fails or refuses to make a decision, the plate umpire is auth orized to decide the necessary batt ing order changes, and the umpire’s decision is final. Play : A m anager goes to the mound and talks with the pitcher. The plate umpire goes out to break up the conference, and while on the mound the ma nager informs the um pire that the manager wishes to mak e a double - switch. Ruling : Legal, provided the manager has not si gnaled to the bullpen prior to informing the umpire of the multiple substitution. A manager may give the umpire a double - switch while de fensive players are entering the playing field. However , in the unlikely event that an unannounced pitcher takes a posit ion on the pitching rubber b efore the manager confers with the umpire, Official Baseball Rule 5.10(j)(1) provides such pitcher to have e ntered the game. In such case, a subsequent attempt by the manager to make a double - switch shall not be allowed. Again, the opposing manager should be informed of multiple substitutions and should be given the proper batting position of each substitution.

41. SIGNAL TO THE BUL LPEN

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Rule s 5 .10 (b) , 5.10(b) Comment The manager must notify the umpiring crew that he is making a pitching change by clearly

I and unambiguously informing the home plate umpire of the pitcher who will be entering the I I game. Additionally , the manag er should be mind ful to signal for I a left - handed pitcher with his left hand, or a right - handed pitcher with his right hand. If there is u ncertainty when bringing a pitcher into the game, the umpire has the discretion to ask the manager to identi fy the su bstitute pi tcher by na me. If the wrong player attempts to enter the game under those circum stances, a correction can be made as long as i t is done immediately.

42. P I T C H E R C HANG I N G D EFE N S I V E P O S I T I ON S Rule s 5.10( d) Comm e nt , 5.10(g) : U n de r th e Co mm e n t t o O ffi c i a l B a seb a l l R ul e 5 . 10 ( d ), a p it c h e r m a y c h a nge to a de f e nsive po siti o n o th e r th a n p it c h e r o nly onc e a n i nn i n g . I n o t he r wo r d s , a p it c he r m a y c han g e t o ano t he r defen s i v e po s iti o n an d t he n r e t u r n t o t h e m oun d du r i n g t h e s a m e i nn i n g , bu t af t e r s o do i n g h e m a y no t l e a v e t h e m oun d a g a i n i n t ha t i nn i n g ( un l e s s , o f c ou r s e , h e i s r e m ove d f r o m t h e g a m e ) . I f s u c h a p it c he r r e t u r n s t o t h e m oun d d u r i n g t h e s a m e i nn i n g t h e ne w p it c he r m a y t ak e a s m an y as 8 war m up pitches.

43. ON - D E CK CIRCLE Ru le 5 . 10 ( k ) : T h e n e x t batter u p m u st be in t h e o n - de c k c i r c l e , a n d t h is is t h e o n ly pl a y er wh o s h o u ld be t h e r e ( i . e . , n ot mo r e t h an o n e pl a y er at a time ) . No ot h er pl a y er of t h e side w ill be pe r mitted on t h e f ield e x c ept t h e batte r , base runn e r s , a n d c oa c h e s .

44. TRI P S TO THE M O U N D Rule 5 . 10 (L): Note regarding translators: a full - time interpreter is permitted to enter the playing field during a game to translate for a coach o r manager on an official visit t o the pitcher as well as for the eva luation of an i njury of a player. An interpreter may ent er the field unaccompanied by a manager or coach during a pitching change at the start of an inning. In such instance, the interpret er must exit the field prior to the pitcher beginning warm - up throws . Other than th is sce nario, inte rpreters are not permitt ed onto the playing field at any time without the presence of a coach, manager, or trainer with the interpreter, including when a ca tcher and/or infielder(s) visit the mound. A se c o n d t r ip to t h e mo un d to t h e same pit c h er in t h e same i nn i n g by a ma n a g er or c oa c h w ill c a u se t h at pit c h e r ’ s r emo v al f ro m th e . ( B a seball Canada Rule) T h e ma n a g er or c oa c h is p r o h ibited fr om ma k i n g a se c o n d v isit to t h e mo un d w h ile t h e same h itter is at bat, b u t if a pi n c h h itter is s u bstit u ted f or t h is batte r , t h e ma n a g er or c oa c h m a y t h en ma k e a se c o n d v isit to t h e mo un d, b u t m u s t t h en r emove t h e pit c h e r . For the purpose of this rule, a batt er ’s time at bat begins the moment the pre ceding batter is put out o r becomes a base runner.

A trip to the mound begins when the manager or c oach crosses the foul line . The trip ends when the m anager or coach leaves the 18 - foot circle surrounding the pitcher ’s rubber .

A c o n seq u e n c e of t h e ru le r ega r di n g t r ips to t h e mo un d is t h at o n c e a ma n ager or c oa c h h as c ompleted a t r ip to t h e mo un d, t h e p it c h er t h en pit c h i n g m u st c onti nu e pit c h i n g to t h e batter t h en at bat ( or r eti r e t h e side) unl ess a pi n c h h itter is s u bstit u ted or u n less o n e of t h e f ollo w i n g sit u atio n s applies: (1) If a game be c omes s u spe n ded d ur i n g a ma n age r ’ s or c oa c h ’ s t r ip to t h e mo un d ( or a f ter t h e t r ip b u t w h ile t h e same batter is s till at bat ) , a n ew pit c h er m a y be s u bstit u ted w h en t h e game is l ater r es u med. (2 ) If a r ain del a y o cc ur s d ur i n g a ma n age r ’ s or c oa c h ’ s t r ip to t h e mo un d ( or a f ter t h e t r ip b u t w h ile t h e same batter is stil l at bat ) , a n ew pit c h er m a y be s u bstit u ted w h en t h e game is r es u med f ollo w i n g t h e r ain del a y . If t h e ma n a g er or c o a c h g oes to t h e c at c h er or an i nf ielder a n d t h at pl a y er t h en g oes to t h e mo un d — or t h e pit c h er g oes to t h at pl a y er at t h e pl a y e r ’ s positio n — b e f o r e t h e r e is an i n te rv e n i n g pl a y ( a pit c h or ot h e r pl a y ) , t h at w ill be t h e same as t h e ma n a g er or c oa c h g oi n g to t h e mo un d. If a c at c h er or ot h er pl a y er g oes to t h e d u g o u t or ma n a g er a n d t h en immediately to t h e mo un d, t h at w ill be deemed a t r i p . If a pit c h er is r emo v ed a n d t h e ma n a g er or c oa c h r emai n s to talk to t h e n ew pit c h e r , t h is is n ot c h a r g ed as a v isit to t h e n ew pit c h e r . If a c oa c h g oes to t h e mo un d a n d r emo v es a pit c h er a n d t h en t h e ma n a g er g oes to t h e

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mo un d to talk w ith t h e n ew pit c h e r , t h at w il l c o n stit u te o n e t r ip to t h at n ew pit c h er t h at i nn i n g .

I If a ma n a g er c h a n g es pit c h e r s a n d le a v es t h e mo un d, h e ( or a c oa c h ) m a y c ome o u t I a g ain to v isit t h e pit c h er w hil e th e s a me b att er i s a t b at , b u t t h is w ill c o n stit u te o n e t r ip to t h at n ew pit c h er t h at i nn i n g . If t h e ma n a g er a n d pit c h er a r e both eje c ted at t h e same tim e , a c oa c h or a c ti n g ma n a g er m a y v isit t h e mo un d t o meet w ith t h e n ew pit c h er p r ior to pl a y r es u mi n g w it h o u t a t r ip bei n g c h a r g ed — p r o v ided t h at t h e ma n a g er w h o h as been eje c ted h as n ot al r ea dy c o nf e rr ed w ith a n d le f t t h e n ew pit c h e r . F or e x a mpl e , if t h e pit c h er a n d ma n a g er a r e both eje c ted a n d a n ew pit c h er ta k es t h e mo u n d alo n e , a c oa c h m a y c ome o u t of t h e d u g o u t a n d g o to t h e mo un d wh ile t h e n ew pit c h er is w a r mi n g u p w it h o u t a t r ip bei n g c h a r g ed. O n t h e ot h er h a n d, if t h e eje c ted ma n a g er r e mai n s on t h e mo un d un til t h e n ew pit c h er a rr i v e s , a s u bseq u e n t v i sit to t h e n ew p it c h er by a member of t h e c oa c h i n g sta f f p r ior to r es u mption of pl a y c o n stit u tes a t r ip to t h e n ew pit c h e r . If a ma n a g er or c oa c h ’ s c o nf e r e n c e w ith t h e pit c h er ta k es pla c e on t h e gra ss ( i . e . , o f f t h e di r t of t h e mo un d ) , t h is c o n stit u tes a t r i p . If a ma n a g e r or c oa c h c o nf e r s w ith t h e pit c h er on t h e g r ass ( or t h e meeti n g “mo v es” fr om t h e di r t to t h e g r ass ) , t h e t r ip e n ds wh en t h e ma n a g er or c oa c h “b r ea k s” fr om t h e meeti n g . H e m u s t t h en k eep g oi n g a n d n ot r et ur n to t h e pit c h e r . A n y attempt — in t h e u mpi r e ’ s j u d g me n t — to c i r c u m v e n t t h is ru le s h all be deemed a t r i p . I n a c as e w her e a mana g e r or coach ha s mad e h i s f i rs t t r i p t o t h e moun d an d t he n a tt emp t s t o re t ur n a se c on d ti m e t o t h e moun d i n t h e sam e i nn i n g w it h t h e sam e p it c he r i n t h e gam e an d th e sam e batte r a t bat , h e sha l l b e warne d b y t h e ump i r e t ha t t h i s i s no t perm itt ed . I f t h e manage r o r c oa c h i gnore s su c h w arn i n g , t h e manage r o r c oa c h sha l l b e remove d fro m t h e gam e an d t h e p i t c he r requ i re d t o p it c h t o t h e ba tt e r t he n a t ba t un ti l su c h ba tt e r i s re ti re d o r ge t s o n bas e ( o r t h e s i d e i s re ti red ) . Af t e r t h e b a tt e r i s re ti red , o r be c ome s a bas e runne r ( o r t h e s i d e i s re ti red ) , t he n t h i s p it c he r mus t b e remove d fro m t h e gam e . T h e ma nage r shou l d b e no ti f i e d t ha t t h e p it c he r w il l b e remove d fro m t h e gam e af t e r p it c h i n g t o on e h itt e r , i n orde r t ha t t h e manage r c a n h a v e a subs tit u t e p it c he r w arme d u p . The new pitcher may take up to eight (8) warm up pitches if he desires prior to the res umption of the game. N O T E : If t hr o u gh u mpi r e ove r sig h t or i n abi lity to w a r n t h e m a n ager or c oa c h , t h e ma n ager or c oa c h is i n adve r te n tly allo w ed to go to t h e mo un d a se c o n d time w h ile t h e same batter is at bat ( wi thou t th e m anag er o r c oa ch bei n g w arn ed t h at h e c a nn ot do so ) , t h e pit c h er t h en pit c h i n g w ill be r eq u i r ed t o pit c h to t h e ba tter t h en at bat un til t h e batter is r eti r ed or g e ts on base ( or t h e side is r eti r ed ) . A f ter t h e batter is r eti r ed or be c ome s a base runn er ( or t h e side is r eti r ed ) , t h is pi t c h er m u st t h en be r emo v ed fr om t h e g am e . Ho we v e r , be c a u se t h e u m pi r e did n ot w ar n t h e ma n a g er or c oa c h t h at a se c o n d t r ip to t h e mo u n d w as n ot pe r mitted w h ile t h e same batter w as at bat, t h e ma n a g er or c oa c h is N O T eje c ted fr om t h e g ame in t h is s it u atio n . It is o n ly w h en t h e ma n a g er or c oa c h i g n o r es t h e u mpi r e ’ s w a rn i n g of n o se c o n d t r i p t h at t h e eje c tion applie s .

T h e ma n a g er m a y r eq u est pe r mission fr om t h e u mpi r e to v isit t h e mo un d in c ase of i n j ur y or ill n ess of t h e pit c h e r , a n d w ith pe r mission g r a n ted it w ill n ot be c o un ted as a v isit to t h e mo un d. T h e plate u mpi r e s h all a cc ompa n y t h e ma n a g er or c oa c h in s u c h sit u atio n s a n d r emain i n t h e v i c i n ity of t h e c o nf e r e n c e to e n s ur e t h is r e g u lation is n ot ab u sed. T h e opposi n g ma n a g er is to be i nf o r med at t h e c o n c l u sion of t h e c o nf e r e n c e t h at t h is w as n ot a t r i p . T h e u mpi r e h as t h e sole a u t h o r i ty to c o un t or “ w a v e o f f ” t h e t r i p . A t r ai n er doe s n ot h a v e to a cc ompa n y t h e ma n - a g er to t h e mo un d f or t h e u mpi r e to “ w a v e o f f ” t h e t r i p . In t h e c ase of a pl a y e r - ma n a g e r , in t h e j u d g me n t of t h e u mpi r e a n y v isit to t h e mo un d w ill c o n st it u te a t r i p . T h e u mpi r e s h all n oti f y t h e pl a y e r - ma n a g er a n d t h e oppo si n g ma n a g er ea c h time a t r ip is c h a r g ed. In t h e c ase of a pl a y e r - c oa c h , w h ile pl a y i n g t h e c oa c h w ill be t r eated as a pl a y er un til h e is c o n side r ed to h a v e ab u sed t h e p r i v ile g e . I f , in t h e j u d g me n t of t h e u mpi r e , t h e p r i v ile g e is ab u sed, t h e pl a y e r - c oa c h a n d h is ma n a g er w ill be ad v ised t h at a n y fu t ur e v isits to t h e mo un d w ill be c h a r g ed as t r ip s .

45. D E S I GN A T E D HIT T E R Rule 5 . 1 1: T h e desi g n ated h itter ru le is c o v e r ed t h o r o u g h ly in O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 5 . 11. Additio n al i n te r p r etatio n s a r e i n c l u ded belo w :  If a de f e n si v e pl a y er g oes to t h e mo un d ( i . e . , r epla c es t h e pit c h e r ) , t h is mo v e s h all te r mi n ate

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t h e de si g n ated h itte r ’ s r ole f or t h e r emai n der of t h e g am e .  T h e des i g n a ted h itter m a y n ot sit in t h e b u llpen un less se rv i n g as a c at c h er in t h e b u llpe n .

I 46. PITCHER MOVING TO A DEFENSIVE POSITION I Rules 5.11, 5.10(b): If a game pitcher is switched from the mound to a defensive position, this move shall ter mina te the ’s role for the remainder of the game. The pitcher just removed from the mound may bat in the designated hitter’s spot in the batting order; or, if more than one defensive change is made, the pitcher may bat in place of any one of t he substituted players (manager shall designate the place in the batting order to the umpire ). EXAMPLE: Home Club relief pitcher Jones pitched the top of the ninth inning. For the top of the tenth inning, Jones moved to first base and relief pitcher S mith entered the game as the pitcher. Jones was placed in the eighth spot in the order where the fir st baseman Carter was hitting and Smith was slotted into the third spot for the designated hitter Anderson.

47. TE M P O R A R Y F A I L U RE O F L I GH T S Rule 5.12( b ) (2 ): T h e Note to O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 5 . 12 ( b) states t h at a leag u e m a y adopt its o w n r eg u latio n s go ve rn i n g games i n te rru pted by lig h t f a il ur e . T h e f ollo w i n g a r e t h e r eg u latio n s to be adopted: In t h e eve n t of a tempo r a r y f ail ur e of lig h ts w h ile a ball is in f l ig h t or a pl a y is in p r og r ess a n d t h e u mpi r es a r e n ot able to f ollow t h e pl a y be c a u se of t h e lig h t f ail ur e , t h e u mpi r es w ill immediat ely c all “Tim e . ” If a pl a y is in p r og r ess w h en s u c h lig h t f ail ur e o cc ur s a n d fur t h er a c tion is possibl e , t h e e n ti r e pl a y s h all be nu lli f ied. W h en t h e lig h ts a r e r esto r ed, pl a y s h all r es u me w ith t h e same sit u ation as exi sted at t h e sta r t of t h e pl a y t h at w a s i n te rru pted by t h e lig h t f ail ur e . N OT E : If runn e r s a r e bei n g a w a r ded bases at t h e time of lig h t f ail ur e , a f ter t h e l ig h ts h a ve been r esto r ed runn e r s a r e allo w ed to ru n bases in a cc o r da n c e w ith base - runn i n g ru le s . Pla y : Batter h its ball o u t of ballpa r k f or h ome run . A f ter t h e ball h as le f t t h e pa r k a n d runn e r s a r e r o un di n g t h e base s , li g h t f ail ur e o cc ur s . R uling : W h en t h e li g h ts a r e r esto r ed, runn e r s a r e allo w e d to ru n bases in a cc o r da n c e w ith base - runn i n g ru le s .

48. O FF E N S IVE I N T E RF E R E N CE Rule 6 . 01 , D ef ini t ions of T er ms (In terfe r e nc e ( a )): W h ile c o n ta c t m a y o cc u r bet w een a f ielder a n d runn er d ur i n g a tag attempt, a r unn er is n ot allo w ed to u se h is h a n ds or a r ms to c ommit an ob v io u sly mali c io u s or un spo r tsma n li k e a c t — s u c h as g r abbi n g , ta c k li n g , i n t e n tio n ally slappi n g at t h e baseball, p un c h i n g , k i c k i n g , f la g r a n tly u si n g h is a r ms or f o r ea r m s , et c . — to c ommit an i n te n tio n a l a c t of i n te rf e r e n c e u nr elated to runn i n g t h e base s . F ur t h e r , if in t h e j u d g me n t of t h e u mpi r e s u c h i n te n tio n al a c t w as to p r e v e n t a do u ble pl a y , t h e u mpi r e w o u ld ru le t h e batte r - runn er o u t as w ell.

49. I N T E RF E R E N CE WITH I N T E R V E N I N G P L A Y Rule 6 . 01 ( a ) : Play : Pl a y at t h e plate on runn er attempti n g to s c o r e; runn er is c alled sa f e . A f ollo w i n g pl a y is ma de on t h e batte r - runn e r , w h o is c alle d o u t f or i n te rf e r e n c e o u tside t h e t hr ee - f oot la n e . R uling : W ith less t h an t w o o u t , t h e ru n s c o r es a n d batte r - runn er is o u t . W ith t w o o u t, t h e ru n does n ot c o un t. T h e r easo n i n g is t h at an i n te rv e n i n g pl a y o cc urr ed be f o r e t h e i n te rf e r e n c e . R unn e r s w o u ld r et ur n to base last le g ally to u c h ed at t h e time of i n te rf e r e n c e . H o w e v e r , w ith t w o o u t, t h e runn er r ea c h ed h ome on a pl a y in w h i c h t h e batte r - runn er w as o u t be f o r e r ea c h i n g f i r st bas e . (S ee also last pa r a g r aph in R u le 6 . 01 ( a) . )

50. B A TTE R I N TE R FE R E S A FTE R T H IR D ST RI K E NO T C AUGH T Rule 6.01(a)(1 ): See Official Baseball Rule 6.01(a)(1) and ass ociated Comment regarding situations wher e the batte r - runne r , after a dropped third strik e , interferes with the attempting to fie ld the ball. Rule 6.01(a)(1) w as chan ged for the 2013 season, and the previous interpretation of this rule is no longer valid. Under the new rul e , it no longer m atters if the batter is in the vicinity of home plate or up the first baseline when the infract ion occur s . I f , in the umpire ’ s judgm ent the batte r - runner “clearly hinders the catcher in his attempt to field the bal l , ” the batte r - runner is declared out, th e ball is dead, and runner(s) return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch. The location of the batte r - runner is no longer re levant.

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51. I N TE N T I ONA L L Y D EFLE C T I N G C OU R S E O F B A L L

I Rule 6.01(a)(2 ): I O ffi c ial Baseb all Rule 6 . 01 ( a )( 2) provides that the bat ter or runner is out for interferen c e if he intentionally “defle c ts the c ourse of a foul ball i n any manne r . ” While pi c king up a fou l ball or other w ise tou c hing it m a y not, by su c h a c t itsel f , a c tually defle c t the c ourse of the ball, an umpire m a y jud g e s u c h a c t as defle c ting the c ourse of the ball i f , in the umpire ’ s jud g ment, the ball mi g ht h a v e b e c ome a fair ball had it not been tou c hed. It would be better if no member of the offensive team pi c ked up or otherwise tou c hed a foul ball. There is no obje c ti o n to a c oa c h returning a foul ball to the umpire after it has passed first or third bas e , but t he c oa c h should not tou c h a ball that possibly m a y g o fai r . (S ee also O ffi c ial Baseball Rule 5 . 09 ( a )( 9) . )

52. WILLFUL AN D D E LIB E R A TE I N T E RF E R E N CE Rul e s 6 . 01 ( a )( 6 ) , 6 . 01 ( a )( 7 ), 6 . 01 ( a )( 5 ), 5 . 09 ( a )( 13 ), 5 . 09 (b)( 3 ), 6.01(j) Rules 6.01(a)(6) and 6.01(a)(7) were added to the Official Baseball Rules to add an additional penalty when a base runner or a batter - runner deliberately a nd intentionally interferes with a batted ball or a fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball to deprive the defensive team of an oppo rtunity to complete a possible . Keep in mind the rules provide that the runner or batter - runner must interf ere with the obvious attempt to break up a double play. Rule 5.09(a)(13) was added to the Official Baseball Rules “to penalize the offens ive team for deliberate, unwarranted, unsportsmanlike action by the runner in leaving the baseline for the obvious purp ose of crashing the pivot man on a double play rather than trying to reach the base.” If, in the judgment of the umpire, a runner willfu lly and deliberately interferes with a fielder attempting to a thrown ball or attempting to throw a ball with the obvious intent to deprive the defense of the opportunity to make a double play, the umpire shall declare the runner out for and shall also declare the batter - ru nner out for the interference of his teammate. NOTE: A runner should not be called out for unintentional interference if he has contact with a legally occupied base when he inadvertently hinders the fielder. See Rule 6. 01(a) Interference Penalty (Comment) for cases when such interference by the runner is intentional while in contact wit h a legally occupied base.

GUIDELINES FO R ENFORCEMENT OF RULE 6.01(j) ( RULE): For the purposes of this rule, the runner’s “pathway ” shall be the direct route from his initial starting position to the next base. A runner who makes a clear and distinct change in his route to the base shall b e judged to have changed his pathway. Conversely, a runner who runs in a straight path or angle s his pathway over the course of his entire route to the base shall not be considered to have changed his pathway. For e xample, a runner who starts from the inf ie ld side of the base and angles his pathway to result on the side of the base shall no t be judged to have changed his pathw ay. A slide shall be deemed appropriate, in the case of a feet first slide, if the runner’s buttocks and legs should hit th e ground before contact with the base. In the case of a head first slide, a runner shall be deem ed to have slid appropriately if his body should hit the ground before contact with the base. These parameters are from Rule 6.01(i)(1) Comment to the Collision s at Home Plate. A runner may slide sideways into a base and extend his legs toward a fielder as part of a bona fide slide described in Rule 6.01(j). When making a determination that a runner violated Rule 6.01(j) by failing to engage in a “bona fide slide ” and making (or attempting to make) contact with a fielder while hindering or impeding him from attempting to turn a double play (at any base), the interference is to be signaled by the umpire pointing laterally at the interference while loudly and clearl y stating, “That’s interference!” The umpires shall allow play to continue until the initial thr ow after the interference. At that mo ment, the umpires shall call “Time” and impose the penalty for interference. If the “initial” throw is not completed the um pi res should call time immediately. EXAMPLES: (1) Bases loaded, no outs, ground ball to shortsto p. Anticipating a double play, runner from second intentionally crashes into the shortstop and grabs him just as the sho rtstop is beginning a throw to second. R ul ing: Runner from second is guilty of willfully and deliberately interfering with a fielder wit h the obvious intent to deprive the d efense of the opportunity to make a double play. The runner from second is declared out and so is the batter - runner. Runner s return to first and third. (2) Runners on first and third, no outs. Runner on first is stealin g as batter hits a ground ball to sho rtstop. Anticipating a double play, runner from first intentionally rolls into and grabs the second baseman who is covering s econd and waiting for the throw from the shortstop.

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Ruling: Runner on first has not made a “bo na fide slide” because of his intenti onal actions to roll into and initiate contact with the fielder by throwing his arm to grab him. This is interference and t he runner from first is declared out and so is the batter - runner. Runner returns to third. (3) B ases loaded, no outs, ground ball to shortstop. The shortstop’s throw to second retires the runner from first. However, anticipating a double play, the runner f ro m first intentionally slides out of the base line and crashes into the second baseman just as the second baseman is beginning a thr ow to first base. Runner is not able to reach second base with his hand or foot. Ru ling: Runner has not made a “bona fide s li de” as he was not about to reach the base with his hand or foot and changed his pathway for th e purpose of initiating contact with the fielder. Batter - runner is declared out for runner’s interference, and runners r eturn to second and third. Note in this ex ample that if the runner had not been ruled out at second (i.e., if the throw pulled the field er off the bag) and the runner had st ill intentionally interfered in the manner described, both such runner and the batt er - runner would be declared out. (4) Run ne r on first, no outs. Batter hits a ground ball to the second baseman, who attempts to tag the runner. However, the runner, in the j udgment of the umpire, intentionally tries to slap the ball out of the fielder’s gl ove, or tackles or grabs hold of the fie ld er so that the fielder is not able to make a play. Ruling: The runner has willfully and delibe rately interfered with a fielder with the obvious intent to prevent a double play. Runner from first is declared out and so is the batter - runner. In interferen ce plays of this nature, the umpire shall be governed by the intent of the base runner. If the u mpire judges that the runner willfull y and deliberately interfered with the obvious intent to deprive the defense of the opportunity to make a double play, the um pire shall declare both the runner and batter - runner out. If this is not the case, the umpire shall declare only the runner out. No te, however, that if the runner has already been put out, then the runner on whom t he defense was attempting to make a play s hall be declared out. See Official Baseball Rule 6.01(a)(5).

53. FIELDER PROTECTED WHILE MAKING A PL A Y Rule 6.01(a)(10) : Note that u nder the Official Baseball Rule s , a fielder is protec ted while in the act of fielding a batted ball. I f , after a pl a yer has fielded a batted ball but before he is able to throw the ball, a runner hinders or impedes su c h fielde r , the runner shall be called out for interferenc e . Furthermor e , a runner who is ju dged to h a ve hindered a fielder who is att empti ng to make a pl a y on a batted ball is out whether the hindrance w as intentional or not.

54. SPEC T A TOR INTERFERE NCE Rule 6.01(e) and Commen t: The umpire shall call spectator i nterference by first signaling and calling “Time” (both hands ov erhead) to halt pl a y and then grasping the left wrist with right hand (held above the head) to indicate spectator inter ferenc e . When there is intentional in terference with a ball in pl a y , eith er by a spectator or by a person permitted on the pl a ying field (as covered in Official Baseball Rule 6.01(d) , the ball is dead the instant the interference occur s . The umpire who cal ls the interference (any umpire m a y c all it) should co nsult with other umpires to determine what reasonably might h a ve happened had the i nterference not occurred. The spectator interference rule states specifically that the umpire shall impose su c h penalty or penalties as in the umpire ’ s judg ment will nullify the act of interferenc e , and the ball is dead the instant the interference occur s . F or the purposes of Rule 6.01(e) : If a spectator tou c hes the ball while beyond the front of a padded w all (regardless of whether the padding rea c hes the to p of the concrete fence; i. e . , o nto the field of pl a y), su c h act shall constitute spectator interfer enc e . The ball becomes dead at the moment of the interference and the umpire shall impose su c h penalties as in his opin ion will nullify the act of interfere nc e . A padded w all atta c hed to a concrete fence shall be considered part of the fence; provided that the padding is designed to rea c h the top of the fenc e . (Howeve r , if su c h padding does not rea c h the top of the fenc e , and instead the top o f th e fenc e i s h ighe r an d recesse d ba c k fro m th e to p o f th e paddin g atta c he d t o it, then the padding shall be consid ered “part of the pl a ying field”). If a batted, thrown or pit c hed ball should land on top of the padded w all it is aliv e and in pl a y . If a pl a yer can rea c h the ball on top of the padded w a ll it st a ys alive and in pl a y . If a pl a yer cannot rea c h the ball, th en it is considered “out of pl a y . ” F air fly balls striking the top of the outfield w all shall continue to be governed b y Rule interpretation #9) U mpire Manu al.

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Note that on non - home run bo undary area s , any batted, thrown or pit c h ed ball that hit s , rolls or stops on the top of the w all or fence (in c luding the padding atta c hed

along the stands) is alive and in pl a y . I f , howe ve r , su c h batted, thrown or pit c hed b all I has not yet entered into the stands and is tou c hed byI a spectato r , it shall be deemed “out of pl a y” and not “spectator interferenc e . ” It is possible to h a ve spectator interference on a ball pit c hed to the batte r . I f a wild pit c h does not go into the s tands but remains in pl a y and is interfered with by a spectato r , the spectator interference penalty shall appl y . The very nature of the game requires different consideration of what m a y at first seem the same pl a y (dime nsions of the ball park, sp eed of run ne r , et c .). The umpires should c onsider all factors in determining penalties for spectator interfere nc e . Refer also to Official Baseball Rule 6.01(e) .

55. O B S TRUCTI O N M E CH AN IC Rule 6 . 01 (h) : T h e r e a r e t w o t y pes of obst r u c tion a n d a di ff e r e n t me c h a n ic is u s ed w ith ea c h typ e . 1 T h e f i r st type of obst ru c tion (O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 6 . 01 ( h )( 1)) deals w ith c a ses w h en th e runn er is o bs tru c t ed WH I LE a p la y is bei n g m a de o n s u ch runn e r . Examples of t h is type of obst ru c tion i n c l u de: (1) R unn er is obst ru c ted d ur i n g a run do wn . (2) R unn er is obst ru c ted as a f ielder is ma k i n g a di r e c t t hr ow to a base in an attempt to r eti r e t h at runn e r . (3) Batte r - runn er is obst ru c ted be f o r e r ea c h i n g f i r st base on a g r o un d ball to an i nf ielde r . (4) A n y o t h er exam ple wh e r e a pl a y is bei n g ma de di r e c tly o n t h e runn er at t h e mome n t t h e runn er is obst ru c ted.

T h is type of obst ru c tion is to be sig n aled by t h e u mpi r e immediately c alli n g “Time” ( both h a n ds ove rh ead) a n d t h en poi n ti n g late r ally at t h e obst ru c tion wh ile c alli n g lo u dly a n d c lea r l y , “ T h at ’ s obst r u c tio n . ” T h e ball is dead immediately un der t h is se c tion of t h e obst ru c tion ru l e , a n d al l runn e r s s h all be a w a r ded bases t h ey w o u ld h a v e r ea c h ed h ad t h e r e been n o obst ru c tio n . F ur t h e r mo r e , t h e obst ru c ted ru nn er s h a ll be a w a r ded at least o n e ba se be y o n d h i s last le g ally to u c h ed base at t h e time of obst ru c tio n . Note t h at t h is se c tion of t h e ob st ru c tion ru le ( i . e . , runn er obst ru c ted w h ile pl a y bei n g made on s u c h runn e r ) also p r o v ides f or c ases w h en a thro wn b al l i s i n f ligh t a t th e m o me n t th e o bs t ru c tio n o cc ur s. In s u c h c ase s , t h e u mpi r e s h all ta k e i n to c o n side r ation t h e r es u lts of t h e t hr ow w h e n ma k i n g t h e a w a r d. As an e x ampl e , if a t hr ow is in f li g h t at t h e mome n t t h e obst ru c tion o cc ur s ( u mpi r e c alls “Time”) a n d if t h e t hr ow t urn s o u t to be w ild a n d g oes o u t of pl a y , all runn e r s w ill be a w a r ded t wo b a ses ( e v en t h o u g h t h e u mpi r e h ad c alled “Time ” be f o r e t h e ball w e n t o u t of pl a y) . In s u c h c ases as t h i s , t h e u mpi r es h a v e t h e r espo n sibility of dete r mi n i n g w h et h er a t hr ow is made bef or e or a f t er t h e o bst ru c tio n . If t h e u mpi r e j u d g es t h at a t hr ow w as made a f t er t h e obst ru c tio n , t h e obst ru c ted runn er w ill be a w a r ded o n ly on e b a se fr om t h e base s u c h runn er last to u c h ed at t h e time of obst ru c tio n . 2 The second type of obstruct ion (Official Baseball Rule 6 .01(h)(2) ) d eals with cases when the runner is obstructed while NO PLAY is being made on such runner . Examples of this type of include: (1) Batte r - runn er is obst ru c ted in r o un di n g f i r st base on a base h it w h i le t h e b all is in t h e o u t f ield. (2) Ba tte r - runn er is obst ru c ted be f o r e r ea c h i n g f i r st base on a ball h it to t h e o u t f ield. (3) R unn er fr om f i r st steals se c o n d; c at c h e r ’ s t hr ow is w ild a n d g oes i n to c e n ter f ield; runn er is obst ru c ted in attempti n g to ad v a n c e t o t h i r d bas e . Ball is loose in t h e o u t f ield wh en obst ru c tion o cc ur s . (4) R unn er fr om se c o n d is obst ru c ted wh ile r o un di n g t h i r d base on a h it to t h e o u t f ield. (5) A n y ot h er example wh e r e n o pl a y is bei n g made di r e c tly on t h e runn er at t h e mome n t h e is obst ru c ted.

U n der t h is se c tion of t h e obs t ru c tion ru l e , t h e obst ru c tion is to be sig n aled by t h e u mpi r e poi n ti n g late r ally at t h e obst ru c tion wh ile c alli n g lo u dly a n d c lea r l y , “T h at ’ s obst ru c tio n . ” T h e ball is n ot dead, h o w eve r , a n d t h e u mpi r e s h all allow pl a y to c o n ti nu e unti l a l l p l ay h as ce a s e d a n d n o fu rth e r a c ti on i s po ssi b l e ( see ex c eption in N O TE ( 1) belo w ) . At t h at mome n t, t h e u mpi r e s h all c all “Time” a n d impose s u c h pe n altie s , if a n y , t h at in t h e u mpi r e ’ s j u dgme n t w ill nu lli f y t h e a c t of obst ru c tio n . I t is im po r ta n t to n ote t h at in c ases o cc urr i n g u n der t h is se c tion of t h e obst ru c tion ru l e , t h e u mpi r e s h all n ot c all “Time” un til all a c t ion h as c eased a n d n o fur t h er pl a y is possibl e .

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N O T E (1) : If a runn e r is ob struct e d un de r this s e c o nd s e cti o n o f the o b struct i o n rul e , p l a y

I is to p r o c ee d t o c omp l e ti o n — e v e n if it r e sults in a p l a y l a t e r be ing mad e o n the runn e r who I I w a s p r e vi o usly ob struct ed . H oweve r , if su c h a p l a y o n a p I r e vi o usly ob struct e d runn e r r es ults in th a t runn e r a ctu a lly be ing t a gg e d out be f o re r ea c hin g the ba se to whi c h su c h runn e r w o uld h a v e bee n a w a r de d be c a use o f the ob structi o n, the u mp ire sh a ll in th a t c a se c a ll “Ti me ” a t t he mome nt the runn e r is tagged out . The u mp ire sh a ll th e n i mpo se su c h pe n a lti e s th a t will nullify the ob structi o n, whi c h will in c lu d e , o f c o urs e , the ob str uct e d runn e r be ing a w a r de d the ba se to whi c h su c h runn e r w o uld b e e ntitl e d be c a use o f the ob structi o n. NOTE (2) : Runner Obstructed While No Play Being Made on Him . In dete r mi n i n g w h at base a runn er w ill be a w a r ded un der t h is s e c o n d se c tion of t h e obst ru c ti on ru l e , it is pe r missible f or t h e u mpi r e to c o n sider t h e position a n d speed of t h e runn e r , ball, a n d f ielder at t h e mome n t t h e obst ru c tion o cc ur s . H o w e v e r , t h e u ltimate de c ision in pla c i n g t h e runn e r s s h all n ot be made un til all pl a y h as c eased a n d s h all be based on t h e p r i n c iple t h at t h e obst ru c ted runn er w ill be e n t i tled to t h e base s u c h runn er w o u ld h a v e r ea c h ed h ad n o obst ru c tion o cc urr ed. N O TE (3) : If a runn er is obst ru c ted w h ile n o pl a y is bei n g made on h im, t h e u mpi r e m a k i n g t h e c all s h o u ld h a v e t h e be n e f it of i n p u t of h is pa r t n e r s in dete r - mi n i n g w h at base s , if a n y , s h all be a w a r ded to t h e obst r u c ted runn e r . In ot h er w o r d s , t h e c r ew m a y c o nf er in o r der to dete r mi n e w h at r easo n ably mi g h t h a v e h appe n ed h ad t h e obs t ru c tio n n ot o cc urr ed.

E X A M P L E : Play : Batte r - r unn er h its a f air ball do w n t h e r i g h t f ield li n e a n d is obst ru c t ed in r o un di n g f i r st bas e . At t h e mome n t t h e obst ru c tion o cc ur s , t h e r i g h t f ielder h as n ot y et f ielded t h e ball, a n d it appea r s at t h at mome n t t h at t h e batte r - runn er w ill e n d u p w ith a sta n d - u p do u bl e . H o w e v e r , as pl a y p r o c eed s , t h e ball g ets by t h e r i g h t f ielde r , a n d t h e batte r - ru nn er c o n ti nu es on to t h i r d. T h e batte r - runn er is t h en t hr o w n o u t at t h i r d base on a v e r y c lose pl a y . R uling : Be c a u se it is pe r missible f or t h e u mpi r e to c o n sider t h e position of t h e runn e r , ball, a n d f ielder at t h e mome n t t h e obst ru c tion o cc ur s , t h e u mpi r e m a y i n itially plan on “p r ote c ti n g ” t h e batte r - runn er as f ar as se c o n d bas e . H o w e v e r , as pl a y c o n ti nu ed, it be c ame appa r e n t t h at h ad t h e batte r - runn er n ot b een obst ru c t ed in r o un di n g f i r st bas e , t h e batte r - runn er w o u ld h a ve r ea c h ed t h i r d sa f el y . T h e r e f o r e , t h e mome n t t h e batte r - runn er is tagged o u t at t h i r d bas e , “Time” is c alled a n d t h e batte r - runn er is a w a r ded t h i r d on t h e obs t ru c tio n . T h is de c ision is made on t h e p r i n c iple t h at t h e u mpi r e , in ma k i n g a w a r ds on t h is type of obst ru c tio n , s h all allow pl a y to c o n ti nu e un til n o fur t h er a c tion is possible a n d t h en s h all ma k e a w a r ds — if a n y — t h at w ill nu lli f y t h e obst ru c tio n . In t h is ex ampl e , if t h e u mpi r e f elt t h at t h e obst ru c tion h ad n o bea r i n g on t h e f a c t t h at t h e batte r - runn er w as t hr o w n o u t at t h i r d, t h e o u t w o u ld sta n d.

56. B A TTE R - R UNN E R O B ST R U C TE D B EF O RE R E A C H I N G F IR S T B A S E Rule 6.01( h )(1 ): W h en t h e batte r - runn er is obst r u c ted be f o r e r ea c h i n g f i r st bas e , it is n ot al w a ys t h e c ase t h at t h e batte r - runn er w ill be a w a r ded f i r st base on t h is type of obst ru c tio n . F or exampl e , if t h e batte r - runn er is obst ru c ted be f o r e r ea c h i n g f i r st base on a f ly ball or li n e d r i v e t h at is c augh t , t h e batte r - runn er is out . T h e r eas o n i n g h e r e is t h at t h e obst ru c tion h ad n o bea r i n g on t h e f a c t t h at t h e batter h it a f ly ball t h at w a s c a u g h t by t h e de f e n s e . S imila r l y , s h o u ld t h e batte r - runn er be obst ru c ted be f o r e r ea c h i n g f i r st base on a f ou l b al l n o t c a u g h t, t h e f ou l b al l p r e v ail s . A g a i n , t h e r e aso n i n g is t h at t h e obst ru c tion h ad n ot h i n g to do w ith t h e f a c t t h at t h e batter h it a f o u l ball. S it u atio n s w h e r e t h e batte r - runn er is obst ru c ted be f o r e r ea c h i n g f i r st base c an g e n e r ally be di v ided i n to t hr ee c ase s . A g ain n ote t h at in t h is t y pe o f obst ru c t io n , it is no t al w a y s t h e c ase t h at “Time” is c alled immediately a n d t h e batte r - runn er a w a r ded f i r st bas e . C a se 1 : Batte r - runn er is obst ru c ted be f o r e r ea c h i n g f i r st base on a groun d b al l to an i nf ielde r . It a ppea r s t h at t h e i nf ielder w ill h a v e a n easy pl a y on t h e ball. R uling : T h is is obst ru c tion un der O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 6 . 01 ( h )( 1). “Time” is c alled immediately a n d batte r - runn er is a w a r ded f i r st bas e . C a se 2 : Batte r - runn er is obst ru c ted be f o r e r ea c h i n g f i r st bas e on a p o p - u p o r lin e d riv e to an i nf ield e r . R uling : Call t h e obst ru c tion by poi n ti n g at t h e obst ru c tion a n d c alli n g , “T h at ’ s obst r u c tio n . ” H o w e v e r , le a v e t h e ball in pl a y . If t h e pop - u p or li n e d r i v e is c a u g h t, batte r - runn er is o u t. H o w e v e r , if t h e pop - u p or li n e d r i v e is d r opped ( a n d is a f air ball) a n d if t h e batte r - runn er h as

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n ot y et r ea c h ed f i r st base wh en t h e ball is d r opped, “T ime” is c alled a n d t h e batte r - runn er is a w a r ded f i r st base un der O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 6 . 01 ( h )( 1). O t h er runn e r s w o u ld be a w a r ded

I bases t h ey w o u ld h a v e r ea c h ed h ad n o obst ru c tion o cc urr ed. ( In t h is c as e , t h e pl a y r e v e r ts I I ba c k to Case 1 abo v e . ) O n t h e ot h e r h a n d, if t h e batte r - runnI er h as c lea r ly r ea c h ed ( or r o un ded) f i r st base wh en t h e f ly ball is d r opped, pl a y is allo w ed to c o n ti nu e un til n o fur t h er a c tion i s possible w ith t h e u mpi r e t h en ma k i n g a w a r ds — if a ny — t h at w ill nu lli f y t h e obst ru c tio n . C a se 3 : Batt e r - runn er is obst ru c ted be f o r e r ea c h i n g f i r st base on a b al l hi t t o th e out f i e l d . R ul i ng : Call t h e obst ru c tion by poi n t i n g at t h e obst ru c tion a n d c alli n g , “ T h at ’ s obs t ru c tio n ”; h o w eve r , le a ve t h e ball in pl a y un til all a c tion h as c eased. T h en c all “Time” a n d impose s u c h pe n altie s , if a n y , t h at w ill nu lli f y t h e a c t of obst ru c tio n . If a f ly ball is c a u g h t in t h is sit u atio n , batte r - runn er is o u t. If t h e bat - ted ball w as a f air ball n ot c a u g h t, t h e batte r - runn er w ill al w a ys be “p r ote c ted” at least to f i r st bas e .

57. O B ST R U C T I O N AN D I N TE R FE R E N CE PL A Y S — A PP R OV E D R U L I NG S Rules 6.01(h)(1), 6.01(h)(2), 6.01, 5.02(c): (1) Runner on first base; batte r - runner gets in run down betwe en home and first. Can obstru c tion be c alled going ba c k to home? Ruling : N o , unless the ob stru c tion is intentional. N O TE : In situations w here the batte r - runner gets in a rundo w n bet w een first and hom e , if the batte r - runner retreats and reaches h ome plat e , the batte r - runner shall be de c lared out. (2) Batte r - runner is obstru c ted before rea c hing f irst base with no pl a y being made on him ( for exampl e , on a ball hit to the outfield ) . Rulin g : Call the obstru c tion by pointi ng at the infra c tion and c allin g , “That ’ s obstru c tion”; ho w e v e r , le a v e the ball in pl a y until the pl a y is o v e r . Then impose su c h pe naltie s , if an y , that w ill nullify the a c t of obstru c tion. If fly ball is c au g ht in this situation, the batte r - runner i s out. If the batted ball w as a fair ball not c au g ht, the batte r - runner w ill al w a y s be “prote c ted” at least to first bas e . (3) Runner is o n se c ond base when the batte r - runner is obstru c ted after rea c hing first bas e . The umpire intends to a w ard the batte r - ru nner s e c ond base on the obstru c tion. What happe ns to the runner on se c ond? Rulin g : Runner on se c ond is a w arded third bas e . (4) W ith bases loaded, batter hits a sharp g round ball that defle c ts off of the shortstop and starts to roll a w a y from him. As the sho rtstop starts to g o after the ball, t he runner from se c ond c ollides with the shortsto p . Rulin g : After the ball defle c ts off the shortsto p , if the ball is w ithin the fiel d er ’ s immediate reach , the runner must a v oid the fielde r , and if c onta c t o cc urs under t hose c ir c umstan c e s , interferen c e shal l be c alle d and the runner de c lared out. ( In this situation the fielder is still c onsidered “in the a c t of fieldin g ” the ball and has not “missed” as des c ribed in the Comment to O ffi c ial Baseball Rule 6 . 01 ( h) . ) Ho w e v e r , if th e ball is not w ithin rea c h of t he fielder after it defle c ts off the fielder ( i . e . , the fielder must c hase after the ball ) , the fiel der must then a v oid the runne r , and if c onta c t o cc urs under those c ir c umstan c e s , obstru c tion shall be c alled under O ffi c ial B aseball Rule 6 . 01 ( h )( 2). (5) W it h a runner on first bas e , the batter hits a line dri v e ba c k to the pit c her that defle c ts off of the pit c her ’ s g lo v e and rolls to w ards the se c ond baseman. As the se c ond baseman is attempting to field the ball, the runner from first c ollides with the se c ond baseman. R uling : In the judgment of the umpir e , if the se c ond baseman has a legitimate pl a y on the b all, the runner from first is c alled out for interferen c e . The ball is dead at the moment of interferen c e , and the batt e r - run ner is pla c ed at first base ( pr ovided the interferen c e w as not intentional; if intentional, both runner and batte r - runner are de c la red out ) . Howeve r , if the umpire rules that the se c ond base - man does not h a ve a legitimate pl a y on the ball ( i . e . , the se c on d baseman w as merely moving in the dire c t ion of a loose ball ) , then obstru c tion is c alled under O ffi c ial Baseball Rule 6 . 01 ( h )( 2). (6) Runner on first bas e , no one out. O n a hit - and - run pl a y , the batter hits a fair ball do w n the right field lin e . In r oundin g se c ond base and heading for t hird, the runner from first c ollides w ith the shortstop and falls do w n. Be c ause of the c ollision, th e runner is not able to advan c e to third base and returns to se c ond as the ball is being thro w n ba c k to the infield. Ha d the runner not c ollided w ith the sh ortsto p , t he runner w ould h a ve easily advan c ed to third bas e . Ruling : O bstru c tion is c alled when the c ollision o cc ur s , but the ball remains in pl a y be c ause no pl a y w as being made on the obstru c ted runner at the moment su c h r unner w as obstru c ted. “Time” is c alled wh en all a c tion has c eased, and the obstru c ted runner is

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a w arded third base be c ause that is the base su c h runner would h a ve rea c hed had no obstru c tion o cc urred. The batte r - runner would also be pla c ed at the base su c h batte r - runner

I would h a ve rea c he d had no o bstru c tion o cc urred ( either first or se c ond, depending on the I umpire ’ s jud g ment ) . N O TE : In this pl a y , if the runner from first had been thro w n out g oing ba c k into se c ond bas e , the umpire w ould c all “Time” the moment the runner is ta gg ed out. The obstru c ted runner w ould then be a w arded third base ( assuming that is the base su c h runner w ould h a v e rea c hed had no obstru c tion o cc urred ) , and the batte r - runner w ould also be pla c ed at the base the batte r - runner w ould h a v e re a c hed, in the umpire ’ s jud g ment , had no o bstru c tion o cc urred. (7) Batter hits a g round ball or pop - up bet w een home and first base th at the pit c her and first baseman both attempt to field. Batte r - runner makes c onta c t w ith one or both fielders in runnin g to f irst bas e . Ruling : Under Offici al Basebal l Rule 6.01(a)(10) , if two or more fielders attempt to field a batted ball, and the runner comes in contact with one or more of them, the umpire shall determine which fielder is entitled to the benefit of the interf erence rule, and shall NOT decl are the ru nner out for coming in contact with a fielder other than the one the umpire determines to be entitled to field such a ball. It is therefore possible for the umpire to make either an interferen c e or obstru c tion c all on this pl a y based upon the ump ire ’ s dete rmination as to w hi c h fielder w as entitled to field the batted ball. If the runner makes c onta c t w ith a fielder other than the one the umpire determines to be entitled to field the ball, su c h a fielder has v er y like ly obstru c ted the runne r . (8) Ru nner on se c ond bas e , no out s . Pit c her attempts a pi c koff at se c ond, and the runner g ets in a rundown between se c ond and third. During the rundown the runner is obstru c ted by the third baseman while a throw is in fli g ht from t he shortsto p . The shortstop ’ s t hrow is wi ld and g oes into the du g out. Ruling : The runner is a w arded home ( two bases from the runner ’ s position at the time of the throw ) . The runner w as obstru c ted while a pl a y w as being made on him ( “Type 1” obstru c ti on ) , a nd the umpire should c all “Time ” at the m oment the obstru c tion o cc ur s . Howeve r , under the Comment to O ffi c ial Baseball Rule 6 . 01 ( h ) ( 1), if a thrown ball is before the obstru c tion is c alled by the umpir e , runners shall be a w arded su c h bases on wil d throws as they would h a ve bee n a w arded had no obstru c tion o cc urred. Therefor e , even though the runner w as obstru c ted while a pl a y w as being made on him, in this situation the runner is a w arded two bases from the time of the throw ( and not the c usto mary “ at least one base beyond the ba se he last legally tou c hed before the obstru c tion” ) . (9) Runner on first bas e , no out s . G round ball u p the first - base lin e . F irst baseman pi c ks up the ball and thro w s to se c ond base for a for c e out. After the out at se c o nd, th e batte r - runner is obstru c ted b y the pit c he r . Ruling : “Time” is c alled and the batte r - runner is a w arded first bas e . The out at se c o nd base stand s . (10) Runner on first bas e , two out. Batter hits a fair ball into the right - field c orne r . Right fielder throws to se c ond to retire the batte r - runne r , w ho is advanc ing on the pl a y . The throw is off - tar g et and g oes into left field. The batte r - runner g ets up and attempts to ad v an c e . The shortstop starts c hasing after the ball and runs into the batte r - runne r . T he bat te r - runner c ontinues to ad v an c e and is th ro w n out on a c lose pl a y at the plat e . Ruling : O bstru c tion is c alled when the c onta c t o cc u rs between the shortstop and the batte r - runne r . Pl a y is allowed to c ontinue be c ause no pl a y is being made on the runner at th e moment su c h runner is obstru c ted. After the runner is out at hom e , if the umpires deem that the runner would h a ve s c ored had su c h runner not been obstru c ted ( i . e . , the obstru c tion c aused the runner to be out ) , “Time” is c alled and the batte r - runner a w ard ed hom e . (11) Runner on third ba s e , one ou t. Batter hits a fly ball to ri g ht - c enter field, and the runner g oes ba c k to third base to tag u p . Third baseman approa c hes the runne r , fa c es him, and jo c keys ba c k and forth, intentionally trying to blo c k the runner ’ s view of the fielder c at c hing the ball. Ruling : This is obstru c tion under O ffi c ial Baseball Rule 6 . 01 ( h )( 2). The umpire should c a ll the infra c tion w hen it o cc urs and a w ard base s , if an y , in the appropriate manne r . (12) W ith a runner on first bas e , t he fir st baseman — rather than holding the runner in the traditional manner — jo c keys ba c k and forth in front of the runne r , several feet to the se c ond base side of the ba g . In the umpire ’ s jud g ment the first baseman is doing this intentionally to blo c k the ru nner ’ s view of the pit c he r . Ruling : W hile O ffi c ial Baseball Rule 5 . 02 (c ) allo w s a fielder to position himself an yw here in fair territor y , if the umpire deems the fielder ’ s a c tions are a deliberate effort to blo c k the runner ’ s v iew of the pit c he r , it is ill e g al a nd c learly not w ithin the spiri t of the R ule s . The first baseman should be w arned to sto p , and if he persist s , he is subje c t to

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eje c tion. (13) Runner on first base is stealin g , no out s , no c ount on the batte r . Pit c her pit c hes out.

I Batte r , observing th e pit c h - out, intentionally throws his bat at th e c at c her in a fei g ned I I swin g , and the bat strikes the c at c her as he is c at c hing the I pit c h or attempting to thro w . Batter remains in the batter ’ s box during this tim e . Ruling : Interferen c e . Batter is de c lared out un less the c at c her ’ s initial thro w retires the runne r , in whi c h c ase the pl a y stand s . (14) Runner on first base is stealin g , three bal ls on the batte r . The next pit c h is a c he c k - swing that the plate umpire initially rules a ball. The batte r - runner takes off f or first base and in so doing i nterferes ( out of the batter ’ s box) with the c at c her ’ s throw to retire the runner attempting to rea c h se c ond. Runner is safe at se c ond. An appeal is made to the base umpire regarding the c he c k - swin g , and the base umpire rules a swin g . Ruling : Batter ’ s in terferen c e . Batter is de c lared out and runner returns to first bas e . Note that if this situation o c c urred w ith t w o strikes on the batte r , then both the batter and runner are de c lared out.

58. C A LL I N G “ T IM E ” A FTE R A B A L K Rule 6.02(a ) : T h e pe n alty f or balk a llo w s t h e pl a y to p r o c eed w it h o u t r e f e r e n c e to t h e balk if t h e batter a n d all runn e r s adva n c e o n e ba se on t h e pit c h f ollo w i n g t h e balk ( i . e . , t h e a c t u al pit c h a n d / or a c tion c a u sed by t h e batter h itti n g t h e ball ) . T h e u mpi r e s h all n ot c all “Time” un til pl a y stops f o llo w i n g t h e bal k . T h e q u estion t h e r e f o r e a r ises as to wh en t h e u mpi r e is to c all “Time” to k ill t h e ball a f ter c alli n g a bal k . T h e f ollo w i n g c ases s h o u ld h elp e x plain wh en pl a y is c o n side r ed “ st opp e d ” a n d at w h at mo me n t t h e u mpi r e s h o u ld c all “Ti me” f ollo w i n g t h e c all of bal k : (1) If t h e pit c h er bal k s a n d does n ot t hr ow t h e ball, c all “T h at ’ s a bal k ; Time!” a n d e nf o r c e t h e bal k . (2) If t h e balk is f ollo w ed by a batted ball, le a v e t h e ball in pl a y un til it is appa r e n t t h at t h e batter a n d all runn e r s w ill n ot a d v a n c e o n e bas e . At t h at mome n t, c all “Time” a n d e nf o r c e t h e bal k . I f , h o w e v e r , t h e batter r ea c h es f i r st base a n d all runn e r s ad v a n c e at least o n e base on pl a y f ollo w i n g t h e bal k , pl a y p r o c eeds w ithou t r efe r e n ce t o th e b al k . E X A M P L E S : (a) If a bat ted ball f ollo w s t h e balk a n d r es u lts in a f ly ball t h at is c a u g h t, c all “Time” t h e mome n t t h e f ly b all is c a u g h t. T h en e nf o r c e t h e bal k . (b ) If a batted ball f ollo w s t h e balk a n d r es u lts in a g r o un d - o u t on a p r e v io u s ru nn er a t t h e base to wh i c h t h e runn er w o u ld be e n titled be c a u se of t h e bal k , c all “Time” t h e mome n t t h e o u t is mad e . T h en e nf o r c e t h e bal k . (3) If t h e balk is f ollo w ed by a pit c h t h at is c augh t by t h e c at c h e r , c all “Time” t h e mome n t t h e c at c h er c at c h es t h e b all. T h en e nf o r c e t h e bal k . ( Note e xc eption in ball f o u r sit u atio n s c o v e r ed in item ( 5) belo w . ) (4) If t h e balk is f ollo w ed by a pi c k o f f t hr ow to a base t h at is c augh t by a f ielde r , c all “Time” t h e mome n t t h e f ielder c at c h es t h e ball. T h en e nf o r c e t h e bal k . (5) If t h e balk is f ollo w ed by ball f o u r deli v e r ed to t h e batter a n d is c a u g h t by t h e c at c h e r , c all “Time” a n d e nf o r c e t h e balk unl ess al l runn e r s ad v a n c e o n e base be c a u se of ball f o u r . In t h at sit u atio n , pl a y p r o c eeds w ithou t r efe r e n ce t o th e b al k . (6) If t h e ba lk is f ollo w ed by a pit c h t h at st r i k es t h e batte r , c all “Time” t h e mome n t t h e pit c h st r i k es t h e batte r . T h en e nf o r c e t h e balk unl es s t h e h it batter f o r c es al l ot h er runn e r s to adva n c e o n e bas e , in w h i c h c ase pl a y p r o c eeds wi thou t r efe r e n ce t o th e b al k . (7) If t h e balk is f ollo w ed by a wi l d thro w t o a bas e , t h e App r oved R u li n g of O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 6 . 02 ( a) p r ovides t h at t h e runn er m a y adva n c e beyo n d t h e base to w h i c h t h e runn er is e n titled at h is o w n r is k . In t h at sit u ation t h e u mpi r e s h all c all t h e balk in t h e u s u al ma nn er b u t s h all n ot c all “ Time” un til al l p la y ha s ce a sed ( runn e r s h a ve stopped t r yi n g to adva n c e a n d a f ielder is i n possession of t h e ball in t h e i nf ield ) . (8) If t h e balk is f ollo w ed by a wi l d pi t c h , t h e App r oved R u li n g of O ff i c ial B asebal l R u le 6 . 02 ( a) p r ovides t h at t h e runn er m a y adva n c e beyo n d t h e base to w h i c h t h e runn er is e n titled at h is o w n r is k . In t h at sit u at io n , t h e u mpi r e s h all c all t h e balk in t h e u s u al ma nn er b u t s h all n ot c all “Time” un til al l p la y ha s ce a sed ( runn e r s h a ve sto pped t r yi n g to adva n c e an d a f i elder is i n possession of t h e ball in t h e i nf ield ) . N ote t h at even if t h e runn er adva n c es to or beyo n d t h e base to wh i c h t h e runn er is e n titled be c a u se of a w ild pit c h f ollo w i n g a bal k , t h e balk is still “a c kn o w l ed g ed . ” T h at i s , t h e pit c h is nu lli f ied a n d t h e batte r w ill r es u me t h e at - bat w ith t h e c o un t t h at e x isted w h en t h e balk o cc urr ed un less: (a) T h e w ild pit c h w as ball f o u r on wh i c h all runn e r s ad v a n c ed o n e base; or

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(b) T h e w ild pit c h w as st r i k e t hr ee on wh i c h t h e ba tter a n d all ot h er runn e r s ad v a n c ed o n e bas e .

I n both sit u atio n s ( a) a n d ( b) abo v e , pl a y p r o c eeds w ithou t r efe r e n ce t o th e b al k , I be c a u se all runn e r s ( i n c l u di n g t h e batte r - runn e r ) ad v a n c ed o n e I base on t h e pit c h f ollo w i n g t h e bal k .

59. B A LK R E G UL A TI ON S Rule 6 . 02 ( a ) : A balk s h all be c alled a u dibl y ( “Bal k !” or “T h at ’ s a bal k !”) a n d by poi n ti n g la t e r ally at t h e pit c h e r . H o w e v e r , t h e ball is n ot d ead a u tomati c ally w h en t h is c all is mad e . T h e ball be c omes dead o n ly w h en t h e u mpi r e c alls “Time” f ollo w i n g t h e c all of bal k , a n d t h e c all of “Time” is to b e made o n l y w h en pl a y stops ( i . e . , w h en it is appa r e n t t h at all runn e r s i n c l u di n g t h e batte r - runn er w ill n ot ad v a n c e o n e base ) . R E G U L A T I O N S: (a) T h e pit c h er s h all be c h a r g ed w ith a balk i f , w h ile in c o n ta c t w ith t h e ru b b e r , h e t hr o w s to a f ielder w h o is eit h er in fr o n t of or be h i n d f i r st or t h i r d base a n d ob v io u sly n ot ma k i n g an attempt at r eti r i n g t h e ru nn er at t h at bas e . H o w e v e r , t h e r e is n o v iolation if t h e pit c h er t hr o w s t h e ball di r e c tly to f i r st or t h i r d base in t h is sit u atio n . ( Also see n e x t pa r a g r ap h in t h is se c tio n . ) (b) T h e r e is n o v iolation if a pit c h er attempts a le g al pi c k o f f at se c o n d base a n d, seei n g n o f ielder c o v e r i n g t h e ba g , t hr o w s to a f ielde r , wh o is n eit h er in t h e v i c i n ity of t h e bag n or ma k i n g an a c t u al at tempt to r eti r e t h e runn e r . (c ) W h en a pi t c h er s w i n g s an y p ar t of h is fr ee f oot past t h e ba c k ed g e of t h e pit c h e r ’ s ru bbe r , it is a balk if h e does n ot pit c h to t h e batte r , un less h e t hr o w s ( or f ei n ts a t hr o w ) to se c o n d base on a pi c k o f f pl a y . ( Note t h at t h is v iolation is in r e f e r e n c e o n ly to t h e pit c h e r ’ s f oot . If t h e k n ee of t h e pit c h e r ’ s fr ee leg passes be h i n d t h e ba c k edge of t h e ru bber b u t h is f oot does n ot, h e m a y legally t hr ow to f i r st base w ith n o violatio n . )

Items (d) through (i) below de al with step balks : (d) O ff i c ial Baseb all R u le 6 . 02 ( a )( 3) r eq u i r es t h e pit c h e r , w h ile to u c h i n g t h e pit c h e r ’ s plat e , to s t ep di r ec tl y to w a r d a base bef or e t hr o w i n g to t h at bas e . If a pit c h er t urn s or spi n s o f f of h is fr ee f oot w it h o u t a c t u ally steppi n g , or i f h e t urn s h is body a n d t hr o w s bef or e ste ppi n g , it is a bal k . NOTE: The pitcher is required to step directly toward a base when feinti ng a throw to a base. ( e) A manager, coach, or player may not come onto the field or leave his position to protest the c all of a balk as defined in Official Base ball Rule 6.02(a)(3) (failure to step directly towards a base before throwing there). If such protest is made, the manager, coach, or player shall be ejected from the game. (f) A ma n a g er m a y c ome o u t a n d q u estion t h e r eason f or a balk c all a n d s h all n ot b e eje c ted f or h is v isit to lea r n wh y t h e balk w as c alled. T h e ma n a g er m a y be eje c ted if h e a r g u e s t h e c all a f ter e x pla n atio n . (g) If a pit c h e r , wh ile to u c h i n g t h e pit c h e r ’ s plat e , j u mps i n to t h e air w ith both f eet si m u lta n eo u sly a n d h is n o n - pi v ot f oot l a n ds in a s t ep to w a r ds f i r st base be f o r e h e t hr o w s to t h at bas e , h e h as made a le g al mo v e . (h) Under the changes made to the Official Baseball Rules for 2013, the pitcher, while in contact with the rubber, may no longer fake a throw to third base (in additi on t o not being allowed to fake to first base). This rule change outlaws the so - called “Third - to - Fir st Move.” The pitcher is still allowed to fake a throw to second base while in contact with the rubber provided that he steps towards second. Note tha t a pitcher, when faking a throw to second base, is not required to have arm motion in the fake, alt hough a legal step is required. The pitcher, of course, may properly disengage the rubber and then fake to any base. The pitcher is considered an infield er a fter he properly disengages the rubber. See Official Baseball Rule 6.02(a)(2) and the Comment s to Official Baseball Rule 6.02(a)(3) . (i) It is legal for a right - handed pitcher to begin a move to first bas e by first moving his pivot foot in t he d irection of third base provided that he makes a legal step toward first base with the non - pivot foot before throwing there and provided that the move is continuous and without interruption. A pitcher who makes such a pickoff move is considered to be in con tact with the rubber when he makes his throw to first base .

(j) When using the set position wit h runners on base, a pitcher must come to a complete stop with his front foot on the ground. (k) It is a balk if the pit cher, while touching the pitching rub b er, accidentally or intentionally drops the ball or if the ball slips or falls out of his hand or g love. However, a pitched ball that slips

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out of the pitcher’s hand and crosses the foul line shall be called a ball; ot herwise it will be called no pitch. I f the ball does not cross the foul line, this would be a balk with men on base.

I (l) If the pitcher st eps off the rubber with his non - pivot foot when pitching from the windup I I position, the pitcher shall be charged with a balk. I (m) If the pitcher places the re s in bag in his glove with, in the umpire’s judgment, the intent of deceiving the runner, it is a bal k. (n) Prior to assuming a legal pitching position (windup or set position) it is permissible for the pitcher to mome nta rily adjust the ball in his glove. In order for this to be allowed, the movement must be momentary in nature. If the pitcher has his hand s together long enough that, in the judgment of the umpire, it appears that he has actually come to a set position o r h as actually assumed the windup positi o n, then should the pitcher separate his hands, a balk shall be called under Official Baseball Rule 6.02(a)(10) . ( o) After coming to a legal pitching position (windup or set), if the pitcher removes one hand from the ba ll other than in an actual pitch or i n throwing to a base, it is a balk. (p) Under Official Basebal l Rule 6.01(g) , if a runner is stealing home when the catcher interferes with t he batter, an additional penal ty of a balk is inv oked which enables all runn ers on base to advance (whether or not t h ey were stealing).

60. PE NA L TY F O R B A LK Rule 6 . 02 ( a ) : U n der O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 6 . 02 ( a), t h e pe n a lty f or a balk s h all be: T h e ball is dead ( w h en p la y s to ps ), a n d ea c h runn er s h all ad v a n c e o n e base w it h o u t liabilit y t o be p u t o u t un less t h e batter r ea c h e s f i r st base on a h it, an e rr o r , a base on ball s , a h it batte r , or ot h e rw ise a n d all ot h er runn e r s a d v a n c e at least o n e bas e , in wh i c h c ase t h e pl a y p r o c eeds w it h o u t r e f e r e n c e to t h e bal k . T h e pe n alty f or a balk p r o v ide s t h at if a batter r ea c h es f i r st base sa f ely on a h it or e rr o r , base on ball s , or ot h e r w ise on a pit c h on w h i c h a balk is c alled, t h e bat ter s h all be e n titled to f i r st base onl y i f al l oth er runn e r s hav e a d van ced on e b a se o r m or e o n th e p la y , in w h i c h c ase t h e balk is dis r e g a r ded. If t h e b att e r - runn er an d all oth er runn e r s do n ot ad v a n c e , t h e balk pe n alty p r e v ail s , t h e batter m u st r et ur n to t h e batte r ’ s box w ith t h e p r e v io u s c o un t, a n d r u n n e r s a d v a n c e o n e b a s e a s p e n a lt y f o r t h e b a l k . A r u n n e r w h o m i s s e s t h e f i r s t b a s e t o w h i c h t h e r u n n e r i s a d v a n c i n g a n d w h o i s c a l l e d o u t o n a p p e a l s h a l l b e c o n s i d e r e d a s h a v i n g a d v a n c e d o n e b a s e f o r t h e p u r p o s e o f t h i s r u l e . W h en a balk is made on a pit c h t h at is a f o ur th ball it s h all be ru led t h e same as wh en t h e batte r h its a balk pit c h a n d is sa f e on a h it or e rr o r , p r o v ided all runn e r s ad v a n c e at least o n e base on t h e pl a y . T h e r e f o r e , w ith a runn er on f i r st, f i r st a n d se c o n d, or f i r st, se c o n d a n d t h i r d, wh en a balk is c alled on t h e f o ur th ball, t h e batter g oes to f i r st base a n d all runn e r s ad v a n c e at least o n e bas e . If t h ey attempt to ad v a n c e mo r e t h an o n e bas e , t h ey do so at t h eir o w n r is k . Howe v e r , i f f i rs t bas e i s no t o cc up i e d an d a l l o t he r runner s d o no t ad v an c e a t l eas t on e bas e o n t h e p l a y , t h e ba l k pena lt y pre v a il s : T h e ba l l i s dead ; t h e ba tt e r re t ur n s t o t h e ba tt er ’ s bo x an d assu m e s t h e sa m e ba l l an d s t r i k e c oun t a s befor e t h e ba l k p it c h ; an d a l l runner s ar e a ll owe d t o ad v an c e on e bas e a s pena lt y fo r t h e ba l k . Note t h at in c ases wh e r e a pit c h er bal k s a n d t hr o w s w i ld, eit h er to a base or to h ome plat e , a runn er m a y adva n c e beyo n d t h e base to wh i c h s u c h runn er is e n titled by t h e bal k , at h is o w n r is k .

61. STEPP I N G T O A B A S E Rule 6.02(a)(3 ): The pitcher, while touching the rubber, must step directly toward a base be for e throwing to that base. If a pitcher turns or spins off his free foot without actually stepping, it is a balk. In stepping to a base, th e pitcher must lift his entire non - pivot foot off the ground and bring it down in a location different from where it st arted and toward the base. The entire non - pivot foot must move in a direction and distance to the base. This will constitute a step. The pitcher is not allowed to lift his non - pivot foot up and bring it back down in the same spot where it started. In s tep ping, the heel of the pitcher’s free f oot may not end up in the same spot it started.

62. THR O WI N G TO A N U NO CCU P I E D B A S E Rule 6 . 02 ( a )( 4 ) : O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 6 . 02 ( a )( 4) p r o v ides t h at t h e pit c h er be c h a r g ed w ith a balk i f , wh ile in c o n ta c t w ith t h e pit c h e r ’ s plat e , h e t hr o w s to an un o cc u pied base e x c ept f or t h e p ur pose of ma k i n g a pl a y . E X A M P L E S : (1) R unn e r s on f i r st a n d se c o n d, pit c h er in set positio n . R unn er b r ea k s f or t h i r d base a n d pit c h er t hr o w s to t h i r d bas e .

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R uling : Le g al pl a y . (2) R unn e r s on f i r s t a n d se c o n d, pit c h er in set positio n . R u nn er bl uff s g oi n g to t h i r d base

I a n d pit c h er t hr o w s to t h i r d bas e . H o w e v e r , runn er did n ot g o . I R uli ng : Bal k , p ur s u a n t to O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 6 . 02 ( a )( 4). T h e k ey to un de r sta n di n g t h e abo v e t w o pl a y s is f or t h e u mp i r e to u se g ood j u d g me n t in de c idi n g wh e t h er or n ot t h e runn er w as ma k i n g an a c t u al attempt to ad v a n c e to t h i r d base or wh et h er t h e runn er w as bl uff i n g . T h ese pl a y s w ill most li k ely h appen w ith a 3 - 2 c o un t a n d t w o o u t. In addition, note that the Comment to Of ficial Baseball Rule 6 .02(a)(4) state s : “ When determining whether the pitcher throws or feints a throw to an unoccupied base for the purp ose of making a play, the umpire should consider whether a runner on the previous base demonstrates or otherwise cre ate s an impression of his intent to adva n ce to such unoccupied base.”

Another interpretation regarding Official Baseball Rule 6.02(a)(4) co ncerns appeal plays: It is N O T a balk f or t h e pit c h e r , w h ile in c o n ta c t w ith t h e ru bbe r , to t hr ow to an un o cc u pied base IF it is f or t h e p ur pose of ma k i n g a n appeal pl a y . ( Note t h at t h e pit c h er does no t h a ve to step ba c k o f f t h e ru bber to ma k e an appeal pl a y . )

63. P I T C H E R GO I N G T O H IS M OU T H Rule 6.02(c)(1): S h o ul d th e pit c h e r g o t o hi s m o ut h whil e o f f th e 18 - f oo t c ir c l e , h e s h o ul d wip e o f f b e f o r e co nta c tin g th e ball , a s t o d o o th e rwi s e co ul d p oss ibl y vi o lat e Rul e 6.02( c )(4 ) .

64. W A R N I NG S A FTE R IMM E D I A T E EJE C T I O N O F P I T C H E R Rule 6.02( c )(9 ): If t h e f i r st i n sta n c e of an i n te n tio n al pit c h bei n g t hr o w n at a batter in a game r es u lts in a pit c h er bei n g immediately e je c ted, t h e u mpi r e s h all iss u e a w a rn i n g to both ma n a g e r s t h at s u bseq u e n t v iolatio n s in t h at g ame w i ll r es u lt in eje c tion of t h e pit c h er a n d ma n a g e r . Ea c h s u bseq u e n t pit c h er s h o u ld be w a rn ed as h e e n te r s t h e g am e .

65. B A TT E R I N T E RF E R E S WITH C A TCH E R Rul e s 6 . 03 ( a )( 3 ), 6 . 01 ( a )( 1 ): If the batter interferes with the catch er ’s throw to retire a runner by steppi ng out of the batter’s box, the plate umpire shall call “Interference.” The batter is out and the ball is dead (provide d the catcher’s initial throw does no t retire the run - ner; see following paragraph). No player may advance on such interference (offen - sive interference), and all runners must return to the last base that was, in the judgment of the umpire, legally touch ed at the time of interference. Excep tion: The batter is no t out if the catcher’s initial throw reti res the runner, or if the run - ner tr ying to score is called out for batter’s interference. If this infraction should occur in a situation where the catcher ’s initial throw directly retires the runner despite the infraction, the play stands the same as if no violation had occurred, as it is to be assumed there was no actual interference and tha t the runner is out — not the batter. In this case, any other runn ers on base at the time may advance, as the ruling is that there is no actual interference if the ru nner is retired. In that case play pr oceeds just as if no violation had been called. If the batter interferes with the catcher’s throw after the batter is out on strike three, the umpire shall call “Time,” and the runner is declared out for the batter’s i nterference. All other runners are re turned to the base they previously occupied. (See al so Play (2) in Interpretation #76 and Play (14) in Interpretation # 58.)

66. B A CK S WI N G (F O LL O W - THR O U G H) HI TS C A TCH E R Rule s 6 . 03 ( a )( 3 ) , 6.03(a)(4), 6.03(a)(3) and (4) C omments: If a batter st r i k es at a bal l a n d misses a n d in t h e u mpi r e ’ s j u d g me n t un i n te n tio n ally h its t h e c at c h er or t h e ball in ba c k of t h e batter on t h e f ollo w - t hr o u g h or ba c k s w i n g w h ile t h e batt er is still in t h e batte r ’ s bo x , it s h all be c alled a st r i k e o n ly ( n o i n te rf e r e n c e ) . T h e ball w ill b e dead, h o w e v e r , a n d n o runn er s h all ad v a n c e on t h e pl a y . If t h is i nfr a c tion s h o u ld o cc u r in a sit u ation w h e r e t h e c at c h e r ’ s i ni tial t hr ow di r e c tly r eti r es a runn er despite t h e i nfr a c tio n , t h e pl a y sta n ds t h e same as if n o v iolation h ad o cc urr ed. If t h is i nfr a c tion s h o u ld o cc u r in a sit u ation w h e r e t h e batter w o u ld n o r mally be c ome a runn er be c a u se of a t h i r d st r i k e n ot c a u g h t, t h e ball s h all be dead a n d t h e b atter de c la r ed o u t regardless of the location of the baseb all at the time the backswing hits the cat cher. T h is i n te r p r etation applies e v en if t h e c at c h er is in t h e a c t of ma k i n g a t hr o w to r eti r e a runn e r . T h at i s , if t h e batter is in t h e batte r ’ s box a n d h is n o r mal ba c k - s w i n g or f ollo w -

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t hr o u g h un i n te n tio n ally st r i k es t h e c at c h er or t h e ball wh ile t h e c a t c h er is in t h e a c t of t hr o w i n g , “Time” is c alled a n d runn e r s r et ur n ( un less t h e c at c h e r ’ s i n itial t hr ow r eti r es t h e

ru nn e r ) . I I 67. B A TT E R I N T E RF E R E S WITH C A TC H E R ’ S THR O W B A CK TO P ITCH ER Rule 6 . 03 ( a )( 3 ): If t h e batter i n te rf e r es w ith t h e c at c h e r ’ s t hr ow ba c k to t h e pit c h er by steppi n g o u t of t h e batte r ’ s box w h ile at bat ( n o runn e r s attempti n g to adva n c e ) , it s h all n ot be c o n side r ed i n te rf e r e n c e un der O ff i c ial B aseball R u le 6 . 03 ( a )( 3) . In s u c h c ase s , t h e u mpi r e s h all c al l “Time” o n ly ( n o i n te rf e r e n c e ) . T h e bal l is dead a n d n o runn er s h all adva n c e on t h e pl a y . T h is i n te r p r etation does n ot, of c o ur s e , give t h e batter li c e n se to i n te rf e r e i n te n tio n ally w ith t h e c at c h e r ’ s t hr ow ba c k to t h e pit c h e r , a n d in s u c h c ases t h e batte r s h all be c alled o u t. If t h e batter be c omes a runn er on ball f o u r a n d t h e c at c h e r ’ s t hr ow st r i k es h im or h is bat, t h e ball r e mai n s alive a n d in pl a y ( p r ovided n o i n te n tio n al i n te rf e r e n c e by t h e b atte r - runn e r ) . If t h e batter i n te rf e r es w ith t h e c at c h e r ’ s t hr ow to r eti r e a runn er by steppi n g o u t of t h e batte r ’ s box, i n te rf e r e n c e s h all be c alled on t h e batter un der O ff i c ial Basebal l R u le 6 . 03 ( a )( 3). H o w eve r , if t h e batter is sta n di n g in t h e batte r ’ s box a n d h e or h is bat is st ru c k by t h e c at c h e r ’ s t hr ow ba c k to t h e pit c h er ( or t hr ow in attempti n g t o r eti r e a ru n n e r ) a n d, in t h e u mpi r e ’ s j u dgme n t, t h e r e is n o i n te n t on t h e pa r t of t h e batter to i n te rf e r e w ith t h e t h r o w , t h e ball is alive a n d in pl a y .

68. INSPECTION OF AN ILLEGAL BAT Rule 6.03(a)(4) The follo wing policies are in effect in regard to corked, improperly treated, and otherwise altered bats: First, Official Baseball Rules 3.02(a) through (d) and 6.03(a) (4) are in no way changed or affected by the policies set forth herein. These rules, which define the construction of the bat, the use of substances to improve the grip of the bat and the penalty for the use of an illegal bat, remain in effect. Second, the policy regarding one challen ge per g ame for each team of an opposing team’s bat shall remain in effect. Therefore, if a manager suspects an opposing player of using or attempting to use a corked or improperly treated or altered bat, the manager may reques t the umpire crew chief to in spect an d impound the bat. If the umpire’s visual inspection reveals no irregularities, the bat will be furt her examined either in the city where the game is played or at the League President / responsible persons office . Each manager is limited to making this req uest one time per game. The request must be made either just prior to or just after the batter has b atted. The actual process of batting will not be interrupted. Notwithstand ing the manager’s right to one challenge per game, the umpires may at any time dur ing the game or before or after a game inspect and/or impo und a bat or bats for testing. If exercise d during a game, such action by an umpire may be in addition to the challenge rights of a manager. Third, should it be discovered by direct, immediate obser vation by an umpire during play that a player is using or attempting to use an illegal bat, the prov i - sions of Official Baseball Rule 6.03(a)(4) will fully apply and will result in the ejec - tion of the player and in n ullification of any game action immed iately attributable to the use of that bat. Fourth, should it be found that an illegal bat was used in the game, the player using an illegal bat, his manager and perhaps his Club will all be liable to severe discipline, including fines and suspension as th e League President / responsible person may deter - mine.

69. REFE RENCE CARDS Rule 6.03 (c) (7) Pl a yers are permitted to use reference cards during games so long as their use does not cause unnecessary delay to the ga me and there is no attempt made to al ter the baseball using the card.

70. EJE C T I ON S AN D S U SPE N S I ON S Rule 6.04( d) : A ma n age r , pl a ye r , c oa c h or t r ai n er wh o h as been eje c ted fr om a game m a y n ot sta n d in proximity to the dugout .

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A ma n ager wh o h as been s u spe n ded s h all ta k e n o pa r t in t h e di r e c tion of h is team d ur i n g a gam e , eit h er di r e c tly or i n di r e c tl y .

I I 71. W E A T H E R T AK I N G P R E C E D E N CE Rule 7 .02(a ) : T h e Note to O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 7 . 02 states t h at w eat h er a n d similar c o n ditio n s s h all ta k e p r e c ede n c e in dete r mi n i n g wh et h er a c alled g ame s h all be a s u spe n ded g am e . If a g ame is h alted by w eat h e r , a n d s u b seq u e n t li g h t f ail ur e or an i n te r v e n i n g c urf ew or time limit p r e v e n ts its r es u mptio n , it s h all n ot be a s u spe n ded g am e . If a g ame is h alted by li g h t f ail ur e , a n d w ea t h er or f ield c o n ditio n s p r e v e n t its r es u mptio n , it s h all n ot be a s u spe n ded g am e . (S ee Note to O ff i c ial Baseball R u le 7 . 02 ( a) . ) I f pl a y is stopped be c a u se of we ath er a n d d ur i n g t h e del a y ( be f o r e t h e ta r ps h a v e been r emo v ed ) , ligh t f ailur e o cc ur s a n d c a u se s t h e g ame to be te r mi n ated, t h e g ame w ill be c o n side r ed as h a v i n g been te r mi n ated be c a u se of we ath er a n d s h all n ot be a s u spe n ded g am e . If pl a y is stopped be c a u se of we ath er a n d d ur i n g t h e del a y ( be f o r e t h e ta r ps h a v e been r emo v ed) a c ur few o r ti me li m i t p r e v e n ts its r es u mptio n , t h e g ame w il l be c o n side r ed as h a v i n g been te r mi n ated be c a u se of we ath er a n d s h all n ot be a s u spe n ded g am e . H o w e v e r , in g ames t h at h a v e been del a y ed be c a u se of we ath e r , o n c e t h e u mpi r es di r e c t t h e g r o un ds c r ew to r emo v e t h e ta r ps a n d p r epa r e t h e f ield f or pl a y , th e we ath er f a c to r i s th en r em ov ed . In s u c h c ase s , if li g h t f ail ur e t h en o cc ur s or if a c urf ew or t ime lim it is s u bseq u e n tly r ea c h ed, t h e g ame w ill be c o n side r ed a s u spe n ded g am e . If pl a y is stopped be c a u se of ligh t f ailur e a n d r ain s u bseq u e n tly o cc ur s be f o r e pl a y c an be r es u med, t h e u mpi r es s h all t h en dete r mi n e t h e u ltimate r eason f or te r mi n ati n g t h e g am e . E X A M P L E S : (1) G ame stopped be c a u se of li g h t f ail ur e; r ain o cc ur s d ur i n g li g h t f ail ur e; li g h ts c ome ba c k on d ur i n g or a f ter r ai n ; f ield dete r mi n ed to be un pl a y a bl e . R uling : G ame c alled d u e to w eat h e r . Not a s u spe n ded g am e . (2) G ame stopped be c a u se of li g h t f ai l ur e; r ain o cc ur s d ur i n g li g h t f ail ur e; f ield dete r mi n ed to be un pl a y able b u t still n o li g h t s . R uling : G ame c alled d u e to w eat h e r . Not a s u spe n ded g am e . (3 ) G ame stopped be c a u se of li g h t f ail ur e; a li g h t r ain o cc ur s d ur i n g li g h t f ail ur e; r ain stops a n d f ie ld dete r mi n ed to be pl a yable b u t still n o lig h t s . R ul i ng : G ame c alled be c a u se of lig h t f ail ur e . T h is is a s u spe n ded ga m e .

72. LINEUP CARDS FROM SUSPENDED GA MES Rule 7.02(c) In a , the plate umpire must make notation on the lineup cards of the exact situation the moment play was suspended. Included should be the following information: Inning; score; outs; r unners on base (by name); batter; cou nt on the batter; defensive player due to bat first the next i nning; number of trips to the mound (i f any) the defensive team has made during the uncompleted inning; whether or not warnings had bee n issued in the game; and who, if any per sonnel, had been e jected from the game. Any other violations or irregularities that occurred during the game should be reported to the Umpiring Department / Responsible representative by tele - phone. The plate umpire of the game that is suspended shall retain the lineup car ds of the two clubs if the suspended game is to be played in the same . When the suspended gam e is resumed, the Crew Chief shall determine who will work the plate for the completion of the game (it may or may not be the same umpire who worked the pla te when the game was suspended). The plate umpire for the re sumption of the game shall take the umpi re’s copy of the batting order to the plate when the suspended game is resume d, ask both managers to provide their copi es of the batting orders, and be cert ain that the names of all players substituted for in the lin eup shall be written on each manag er’s b atting order card. A manager desiring to make eligible substitutions shall so notify the umpire at this time. The umpir e shall then advise the managers of t he official lineups under which the game will resume, incl uding giving the names of the first batter to bat for the defensive team. The game should not start unless the proper players are in the lineup. (It must be reme mbered that the manager has the right at the time play is resumed to substitute players in the lineup that have not participated in the p reviously played portion of the suspended game.) The umpires do not have th e responsibil ity of checking players inserte d into the lineup

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after the suspended game is in progress. Once the suspended game is resumed , the manager is responsible for ensuring th at players are not inserted into the lineup if they are not eligible to p articipate in the resumed portion of the suspe nded game. If there is any dispute as to the lineup and batting order, the official scorer sh all be consulted. In the event the suspended game is not continued in the same series, the Crew Chief shall forward t he batting order cards of both clubs to the Le ague President / responsible represen tative , along with the following information: Score and inning of the game at the time of suspension ; number of outs; names of runners and what base each was on; name of proper batter and ball and strike count; the name of the proper first batter for the d efensive team; the number of trips made to the mound by the defensive club (if any) during the uncom pleted inning; whether or not warnings had been issued in the game; wh o, if any personnel, had been ejected from the ga me; and any other pertinent informati on. Any other violations or irregularities that occ urred during the game should be reported to the U mpiring Department by telephone. As a safeguard it is suggested that the Crew Chief photocopy the line - up cards and re tain the copy prior to forwarding the originals to the League President / responsible re presentative. See also Official Baseball Rule 7.0 2(c).

73. L I N E U P S AN D S U SPE ND E D GA M E S Rule 7.02( c): T h e Comme n t to R u le 7 . 02 (c ) states t h at if immediately p r ior to a game be c omi n g s u spe n ded, a s u bstit u te pit c h er h as been p u t i n to t h e game b u t h as n ot r eti r ed t h e side or pit c h ed un til t h e batter h as bee n p u t o u t or h as be c ome a base runn e r , wh en t h e game is r es u med s u c h a pit c h er m a y , b u t is no t r eq u i r ed to , sta r t t h e r es u med po r tion of t h e gam e . If s u c h p it c h er does n ot sta r t wh en t h e game is r es u med, h e w ill be c o n side r ed as h a vi n g been s u bstit u ted f or a n d m a y n ot be u sed in t h at gam e . If a game is s u spe n ded d ur i n g a ma n age r ’ s or c oa c h ’ s t r ip to t h e mo un d ( or a f ter t h e t r ip b u t w h ile t h e same batter is st ill at bat ) , a n ew pit c h er m a y be s u bstit u ted w h en t h e game is r es u med. If a pit c h er h as been b r o u g h t i n to t h e game b u t h as n ot f a c ed o n e batter ( or r eti r ed t h e side) wh en t h e g ame is stopped f or w eat h e r , s u c h pit c h er m a y , b u t is n ot r eq u i r ed t o , c o n ti nu e pit c h i n g wh en t h e g ame is r es u med.

74. FORFEITED GAMES Rules 7.03 , 8.03(a)( 6) The Crew Chief shal l telephone the League President or responsible repre se ntative when any game has been forfeited and follow such telepho ne report immediately with a detailed written report. Before declaring a game forfeited, the plate umpire shall consult with the Crew Chi ef and may only declare a game forfeited if the Crew Chief agr ees. Announcements shall be made over the P.A. system tha t a game may be forfeited and again w hen the game is declared forfeited. Anno unce - ment of the possibility of a forfeit must be made to b oth Clubs and the fans prior to a forfeit.

75. CH E CK - S WI N G A PPE A LS Rule 8 . 02 (c): T h e Comme n ts to O ff i c ial Baseba ll R u le 8 . 02 (c ) p r o v ide t h at t h e ma n a g er or c at c h er m a y r eq u est t h e plate u mpi r e to ask a pa r t n er f or h elp on a h al f - s w i n g wh en t h e plate u mpi r e c alls t h e pit c h a ball. T h e ru le fur t h er states t h at appeals on a h al f - s w i n g m a y o n ly be made on a c all of ball a n d wh en as k ed to appeal. T h e p r e f e rr ed me c h a n ic f or as k i n g h elp on a c h e c k s w i n g is f or t h e plate u mpi r e to poi n t asse r ti v ely w i th t h e l eft ar m di r e c tly at t h e app r op r iate base u mpi r e wh ile as k i n g if t h e batter s wun g . T h is me c h a n ic h elps a v oid c o nfu sion bet w een an appeal a n d a st r i k e me c h a n i c . U n d er t h e O ff i c ial Baseball R u le s , t h e plate u mpi r e h as an obli g ation to ask f or h elp wh e n t h e c at c h er or ma n a g er of t h e de f e n si v e team r eq u ests an appeal. Pla y (1) : R unn er on f i r st bas e , 3 - 1 c o un t on t h e batte r . R u nn er is steali n g on t h e pit c h , a n d batter c h e c k s w i n g s . Plate u mpi r e ru les batter did n ot s w i n g ( ball f o ur ) , b u t c at c h er t hr o w s t h e ball to se c o n d base n o n et h eles s , r es u lti n g in t h e ru n n er fr om f i r st bei n g tagged be f o r e s u c h runn er r ea c h es se c o n d. R ul i ng : U mp ir e a t seco n d s h o ul d initi a ll y n o t rul e t h e runn e r sa f e o r o u t s in c e i t i s ba l l f o ur — unl es s appea l e d a n d rul e d a sw in g . I f a n a ppea l i s mad e a n d rul e d a s trik e , u mp ir e a t seco n d s h o ul d th e n ma k e th e ca l l o f “ sa f e ” o r “ o ut , ” depe n d in g u po n th e initi a l p l a y a t s eco n d .

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(Se e O ffi c i a l B aseba l l R ul e 8. 02(c ) . ) Pla y (2) : R unn er on f i r st base is steali n g , t hr ee balls on t h e batte r . T h e n ex t pit c h is a

c h e c k - s w i n g t h at t h e plate u mpi r e i n itially ru les a ball. T h e batte r - runn er ta k es o f f f or f i r st I base a n d in so do i n g i n t e rf e r es ( o u t of t h e batte r ’ s box) w it h t h e I c at c h e r ’ s t hr ow to r eti r e t h e runn er attempti n g to r ea c h se c o n d. R unn er is sa f e at se c o n d. An appeal is made to t h e base u mpi r e r ega r di n g t h e c h e c k - s w i n g , a n d t h e base u mpi r e ru les a s w i n g . R ul i ng : Batte r ’ s i n te rf e r e n c e . Batter is de c la r ed o u t a n d ru nn er r et urn s to f i r st bas e . Note t h at if t h is sit u ation o cc urr ed w ith t w o st r i k es on t h e batte r , t h e n both t h e batter a n d runn er a r e de c la r ed o u t. Also n ote in t h e Comme n ts to R u le 8 . 02 ( c ) t h e impo r ta n t time lim itatio n s i n stit u ted in 2014 r e g a r di n g a r eq u est f or t h e plate u mpi r e to appeal to t h e base u mpi r e on a c h e c k - s w i n g .

76. “VOLUN T A R Y STRIKE” Rule 8.02(c) Comment In the situation where the third strike eludes the cat c her on a half - swing an d th e batte r - runner is entitled to run to first bas e , the appeal should be made to the base umpire instantly (without w aiting for a request fr om the defense); but even if the appeal is not instant, the appropriate base umpire should immediately and volunta ril y make a call of strike I F the base um pire is going to reverse the plate umpire ’ s call. This will give the batter the immediate opportunity to run.

77. B A LL S TRIK E S BIRD O R AN IM A L D efinitions of T erms: If a batted or thro w n ball strikes a bird in fli g ht or o ther animal on the pl a y ing field, the ball is c onsidered ali v e and in pl a y , the same as if it had not tou c hed the bird or anima l. If a pit c hed ball strikes a bird in fli g ht or other animal on the pl a y ing field, the pit c h is nullified and pl a y shall be resu med w ith the pre v ious c ount.

78. B AS E O N B ALLS Definitions of T erms If the defensive team ’ s manager notifies the umpire that he would like to intentionally w alk the batte r , • Prior to the at - bat beginning: As the batter approa c h es the pl at e the umpire will call “Tim e , ” the ba ll is dead, and the umpire shall a w ard the batter first base and advance any other runner(s) forced t o advance by the batter being w alked. • During an at - bat: The ump ire will call “Tim e , ” the ball is dead, and the umpir e shall a w ard the batter first base and advance any other runner(s) forced to advance by the batter being w alked. If a substitute batter is being entered into the gam e , the plate umpire should confirm an d officially signal the batter into the game prior to a ddressing the defensive Club ’ s reques t to intentionally w alk the batte r .

79. FAIR BALL Definition of Terms When in contact with the grou nd, a ball must be in con tact with fair territory and not merely over fair territory in order to be adjudged to be fai r.

80. FOUL TIPS Definition of Ter ms Re g ardi ng the definition of a foul ti p , the prope r interpretation is that a foul tip must be c au g h t by the c at c he r . It is re c ommended that umpires indi c ate foul tips by si g naling foul tip followed by a strike me c hani c , parti c ularly on c he c k - swing foul t ips and fo ul tips that are c au g ht c lose to the g roun d.

81. I N FI E L D E R I N T E RF E R E S WITH C O UR S E O F B A LL D e finitions of T erms: When a batted ball is rolling fair do w n the foul line bet w een home plate and either first or third base and a fiel der stoops do w n o v er the ball and blo w s on it or in any other manner does some a c t that in the jud g ment of the umpire c aus es the ball to roll onto foul territor y , the umpire shall rule a fair ball. The ba ll is ali v e and in pl a y .

82. LE GA L C A T CH

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D efinitions of T erms: The Umpire should find that a le gal catch has occurred p ursuant to Definitions of Terms,

I “Catch,” or valid force out or tag has occurre d pursuant to Definitions of Terms, “Tag,” if the fielder I had complete control over the ball in his glove, and drops the ball after intentionally opening his glove to make the transfer to his throwing hand. A legal catch does not req uire that the fielder secure possession or control of the ball in his throwing hand when making the transfer . A fielde r m a y not jump o ver any fen c e , railin g , or rope marking th e limits of the pl a ying field in order to c at c h the ball. A fielder m a y ( 1) rea c h over su c h fen c e , railin g , or rope to make a c at c h; ( 2) fall over the same after c ompleting the c at c h; ( 3) jump on to p of a railing o r fen c e marking the b oundary of the field to make a c at c h; or ( 4) c limb onto a fen c e or on a field c anvas and c at c h the ba ll. In all four c ases the c at c h would be legal, as di c tated by the best judgment of the umpir e . The same restri c tions apply to a foul ball des c ending into a stand. A c at c her o r fielder m a y not jump into a stand to c at c h su c h a ball, but rea c hing into the stand and making the pl a y is permitted. Play : Bases loaded, one out. F ielder c at c hes fly ball and momentum c arries him into the stand s . F ielder remains st andin g . Can the fiel der throw for a pl a y? Ruling : N o . “Time” is c alled and all runners advan c e one bas e . As provided in O ffi c ial Baseball Rule 5 . 09 ( a )( 1) Comment, no fielder m a y step into any out - of - play area to make a c at c h. Howeve r , if a fielde r , after making a legal catch , steps or falls into any out - of - play area at any point while in possession of t he ball, the base runners shall be entitled to advan c e one base and the ball shall be dead.

83. TAG Definition 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 .

84. T OUCH 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 pla ce on his person.

85. RUNNER STEALING ON BALL FOUR Rule 5.09(b)(4) : Play : With a run ner on first, with a 3 - 1 coun t on the batter, the runner attempts to steal s econd on the pitch, and the umpire calls the runner out. Ball four was called on the pitch. The runner, because of being called out, is now off the base is tagged again. Ruling : Be cause the runner was entitled to second base on ball four, and is called out in error, the umpire shall call time, and place the runner back at second.

86. BALK – Baseball C anada If during an at - bat the pitcher balks in his delivery and continues with his delivery and the p itch crosses the foul line, a pitch s hall be charged against the pi tch count.