Stump The Ump http://www.StumpTheUmp.com You have baseball questions, we have baseball answers. en-us <![CDATA[Fly Ball Hitting The Foul Pole]]> Jim from Warren, MI, asks:

A fly ball hits the foul pole, is it foul?

If a ball hits the foul pole it is actually fair and, if it hits it above the wall, it is a home ru...]]> <![CDATA[Pine Tar Limit]]> Zach Montgomery asks:

How far up the barrel of a bat can you put pine tar?

The batter is allowed to put pine tar up to 18 inches up the handle from the bat's knob.

On...]]> <![CDATA[Tagging Up On A Bobbled Ball]]> Roger from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands asks:

Situation: Runner on 1st. He takes a lead. The batter hits a fly ball to the outfield. The ball hits off the fielders glove and he bobbles it...]]> <![CDATA[Fielder Intentionally Dropping A Fly Ball]]> Bill Owen from Marathon, FL asks:

I am a runner on first nobody out. Batter pops up to infield. Can I advance without fear of infielder intentionally dropping ball for force out at second...]]> <![CDATA[Runner Hindering A Fielder Getting A Batted Ball While On Base]]> John Ross from Shippensburg, PA asks:

High School baseball game in PA. One out with runners on 2nd and 3rd. Batter hits a popup to 3rd. Base runner on 3rd sees the ball is coming down nea...]]> <![CDATA[The Hidden Ball Trick]]> Shane Davis from Winter Haven, FL asks:

Can a pitcher go to mound without the ball as long as he doesn't step on the pitching rubber? The 1st baseman would be holding the ball to try to t...]]> <![CDATA[Umpire Signaling Without Any Play Being Made On The Runner]]> Rich Wisner from Central Illinois asks:

The batter bunts a pitch so the second baseman covers first, but falls across 1st base while missing the throw. Runner leaps over outstretched 2nd ...]]> <![CDATA[Bunted Ball Making Contact With The Bat Twice]]> Kevin Porter from Pennsylvania asks:

What is the ruling when a batter bunts the ball that is then contacted by the bat in fair territory?

The ruling on this situation varies ...]]> <![CDATA[Calling A Ball Foul And Then Fair]]> Armond Yusi from Port Chester, NY asks:

Can the ump call the ball foul and then three seconds later call it fair?

There is no rule stating that an umpire cannot change his ca...]]> <![CDATA[Base Awards From A Fly Ball Thrown Out Of Play]]> Bob asks:

The runner on 1st leads off and the batter bunts the ball. The pitcher catches it in the air and throws to 1st but the ball goes out of play. At the time of the throw the runner...]]> <![CDATA[Changing Pitchers In The Middle Of an At Bat]]> Kat Steckler from Kansas asks:

Can the manager change pitchers in the middle of an at bat?

Yes. A manager can change pitchers in the middle of an at bat as long as the previo...]]> <![CDATA[Sliding Head First In High School]]> Carl Sharpe from New Jersey asks:

Can you slide head first into a base while stealing in high school baseball?

Yes. There is no rule in high school baseball that says you can...]]> <![CDATA[Appealing After A Mound Visit]]> Dwight Robinson from Arizona asks:

Runner misses third base and scores. Opposing coach calls time and goes to the mound. While on the mound one of his players tells the coach the runner m...]]> <![CDATA[Advancing A Strike Three Passed Ball]]> Bob Fontaine from Silver Spring, MD asks:

If the catcher misses a pitched ball on strike three and there are runners on second or third, is/are the runner(s) allowed to advance? If not, c...]]> <![CDATA[Designated Hitter Playing In The Field]]> Walter Middleton from Texas asks:

What happens if the DH is made to play in the field during a game?

According to the major league rule book, if a designated hitter plays in ...]]> <![CDATA[Dead Ball on an Appealed Third Strike?]]> Paul from Bellingham asks:

Does an appealed 3rd strike constitute a dead ball?

No, the ball stays live on all strike appeals unless the ball hit the batter and he swung at it...]]> <![CDATA[Pitching With A Bandage]]> Steve Carreiro from Dartmouth, MA asks:

I don't think a pitcher can wear a band aid on his throwing hand but cannot find it in the rule book. Is it a rule?

There is no rule i...]]> <![CDATA[Umpires Leaving The Field]]> Charles Mangan asks:

When the umpires leave the field of play at what they consider to be a complete game is the game over? Can the umpires return and resume the game?

The um...]]> <![CDATA[Scoring When Leaving Early]]> Don Schramm from Auburn, NY asks:

In Little League, the bases are loaded with no outs and the runner on third leaves early but the batter gets a base hit. What is the ruling?

 <![CDATA[Ground Rule Double Off A Base]]> Lance Salmi from Saugerties, NY asks:

There are runners on second and third when a batted ball hits third base and goes out of play. Where do runners and batter end up?

This ...]]> <![CDATA[Line Drive Over The Bag]]> Tommy Charles from Lake Tahoe, CA asks:

If a line drive goes over 1st or 3rd base and lands foul after going over the bag, is it a fair or foul ball?

This ball is foul becaus...]]> <![CDATA[Scoring Before Retiring Third Out On Past Third Strike]]> Bernie from Canada asks:

Two out and a runner on third. The batter strikes out but the catcher allows passed ball and the runner scores from third before batter is thrown out at first bas...]]> <![CDATA[Walk Off Ground Rule Double For A Single]]> Don Malen from Avon, CT asks:

Bottom of the 9th with the game tied 0 to 0 and runners on 2nd and 3rd the batter hits a ground rule double. Does he get credit for a single or double and w...]]> <![CDATA[Umpiring From Behind The Pitcher]]> M.V. Basye from Virginia asks:

Has the baseball umpire ever stood behind the pitcher

Although it is unclear as to when they did and when they stopped, the umpire used umpire ...]]> <![CDATA[Pitcher Warming Up In The Bullpen In Between Innings]]> Kellen Gillooley from California asks:

If a pitcher is brought into a game cold,(i.e. the starter suddenly gives up several hits or can't hit the strike zone, NOT due to an injury or ejec...]]> <![CDATA[Pitcher Loses Hat During The Delivery]]> George Haskett from Richmond, IN asks:

The pitcher keeps losing his hat during his delivery. Is there a ruling about this?

There is no rule that covers a pitcher losing...]]> <![CDATA[Passing Notes From The Stands]]> Eric from New York asks:

Can scouts pass notes to the dugout during a AAA ball game?

According to rule 3.09, "No manager, coach or playershall address any spectator before or...]]> <![CDATA[Out For Not Tagging Up On A Foul Ball]]> Chuck Weaver from Florida High School asks:

If a base runner leads off then attempts to steal but the batter fouls off the pitch, is the base runner required to retag the bag after the ba...]]> <![CDATA[Opposing Coach Distracting A Pitcher]]> William Bryant from Albuquerque, New Mexico asks:

When a picture is distracted (and stops) by the offense (base coach, bench personnel) is there penalty called against  the pitcher? IE i...]]> <![CDATA[Pine Tar In High School]]> Tyler Pierce from Oklahoma asks:

What is Oklahoma's high school rules on pine tar?

The maximum height of pine tar on a player's bat for most high school leagues is 18 inches....]]> <![CDATA[Does The Batter Get A Single On A Runner's Interference]]> Duke Sallustio from Pompano Beach, Florida asks:

On the third out the runner on base gets hit by the batters ground ball. Does the batter who is running to first get credit for a single?<...]]> <![CDATA[Height Requirement In Major League Baseball]]> Shortround asks:

Is there a minimum height requirement to play minor league or major league baseball? I recently heard there was at one time... is it still in effect?

No, the...]]> <![CDATA[Triple Play On A Line Drive]]> Peter Beratta from Syracuse, NY asks:

Runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs. A line drive is hit to the 1st basemen who catches it in the air, steps on 1st to force that runner out, and the...]]> <![CDATA[Catcher Blocking The Plate In Little League Without The Ball]]> Sam from New York asks:

In a Little League game with runners on 1st and 2nd and no outs, the batter hits a single up the middle and the runner on 2nd rounds 3rd on his way home. The throw...]]> <![CDATA[Getting Off The Base And Out Of The Way On A Popup]]> Cabby from Plymouth, MA asks:

Runner on 1st base and there is a pop fly hit in foul territory next to 1st base, does the runner have to get out of the way for the fielder trying to catch...]]> <![CDATA[Runner Hit By A Thrown Ball]]> Dan Allaria from Illinois asks:

When is a base runner out because he was hit by a thrown ball?

A base runner is out because he was hit by a thrown ball only when he intention...]]> <![CDATA[Little League Pitcher's Pivot Foot]]> Rodd from Maine asks:

What is the Little League rule concerning the pitcher's foot remaining in contact with the pitching rubber during delivery?

Any time a pitcher makes a p...]]> <![CDATA[Ball Deflected Off The Catcher And Hitting The Batter]]> Mike Kelly from Swansea, MA asks:

A pitched ball is in the dirt, blocked by the catcher's shinguard and is knocked up and hits the batters bat while he is in the batters box and then is d...]]> <![CDATA[Dropping The Ball On The Transition]]> Sam M from Arlington, WA asks:

On a force to second, the shortstop covers second and they throw him the ball. In one continuous motion the SS gets the ball and bobbles it during his trans...]]> <![CDATA[Stealing On A Foul Tip]]> Herb Hansen from Gurnee, IL asks:

Why is a runner leading off a base allowed to steal a base on a foul tip into the catcher's glove without first going back to the base like he would have...]]> <![CDATA[Lights Going Out In A Babe Ruth League Game]]> C Pappis from California asks:

Lights go out at a night game, Babe Ruth League, bottom 6, home team leads 4-1. Lead at end of 5 3-1. What happens?

A game in Babe Ruth is regu...]]> <![CDATA[Failing To Tag Up On A Sacrafice Fly And Causing The Third Out]]> Mark from Cole Harbour asks:

Runners on first and third with one out. Pop fly to right field which is caught for the 2nd out. The runner on first gets thrown out going back to first for t...]]> <![CDATA[Stopping Before Throwing To A Base]]> Jerry Maset from Johnstown, PA asks:

Is there any time a pitcher must pause before throwing to a base? Balk called on left handed pitcher for not pausing before throwing to first. <![CDATA[Run Scoring Before The Batter Is Tagged Out]]> Scott from Michigan asks:

Runner on third touches home before batter is tagged out by first baseman does the run count?

Assuming that the batter has not yet touched first bas...]]> <![CDATA[Sacrafic Fly On A Batter's Average]]> Larry from Texas asks:

Does a sacrifice fly count on the batter's average?

No, this does not count against a batter's batting average. Since no sacrifices, bunts or flys, cou...]]> <![CDATA[Run Scoring on Dropped Third Strike?]]> Robert Dexter from Tupelo, MS asks:

Bases loaded with 2 outs. Batter strikes out and catcher misses 3rd strike. The runner on 3rd crosses the plate before the batter is throw out at first...]]> <![CDATA[Deflecting A Ball Fair]]> Jim from Salisbury, PA asks:

If a pop fly goes foul of 1st base and the first baseman tries to catch it but it bounces out of his glove and lands fair is it still foul?

Yes. ...]]> <![CDATA[Ball Passing An Infielder And Then Hitting A Runner]]> Mark from Glenview, IL asks:

In a Little League game the ball has passed the second baseman and then hits the runner going from first to second. Is the runner safe because the ball has pa...]]> <![CDATA[Kicking The Ball]]> Judy Morse from Billings, MT asks:

A ball is hit to the second baseman, he bobbles it, and the runner from first is running to second base and kicks the ball, what is the call?

...]]> <![CDATA[Deflecting A Ball Foul]]> Murray from Collingwood, Ontario asks:

If the batter pops the ball straight up to the catcher and the catchers feet are in fair play and the catcher hits the ball foul is it foul or fair?...]]> <![CDATA[Blowing A Ball Foul]]> Crystal from Pittsburgh, PA asks:

If a ball is hit fair can the pitcher blow the ball foul?

Even though there is no written rule against a pitcher doing this, most umpires ar...]]> <![CDATA[Dropped Infield Fly]]> Brad Gettle from Regina, SK asks:

Infield fly rule with the bases loaded. The ball falls in and the runner on second advances to third and touches third base. Can he retreat to second if...]]> <![CDATA[Swinging On A Hit By Pitch]]> Nick from Michigan asks:

There is a 1-2 count on the batter and he swings on the 3rd strike but the ball hits the batter. Would that be a foul ball or just a 3rd strike?

In a...]]> <![CDATA[Stopping Mid-Windup]]> Lawrence Siedenburg from Las Vegas, NV asks:

If a pitcher is in his wind-up and ready to pitch the but stops before the pitch with no runners on base is it called a ball?

No....]]> <![CDATA[When Does A Run Score On A Third Out]]> Ed Schiffer from Atlanta, GA asks:

When does a run count when runner scores on last out of inning?

This question would best be answered by when a run is not scored w...]]> <![CDATA[Bounces Infront Of Third]]> John asks:

If a ball hits in front if 3rd base and bounces foul is it foul or fair?

As long as this ball did not hit the base or bounce over the base after hitting infront o...]]> <![CDATA[Hit Off Home]]> Jamie from Georgia asks:

If a ball is hit and it bounces off of home plate is it fair or foul?

Home plate is in fair territory but it does not matter if the batter hits the b...]]> <![CDATA[Composite Bats]]> Larry from North Carolina asks:

Can a bat with a composite handle and an alloy barrel be used?

The best thing to use to answer this question would be the On rule 6.09(b), when did the rule change for the batter-runner on a dropped third strike being out if he left the batters circle without attempting ...]]> <![CDATA[Walk off Home run Touch Requirements]]> Lynda Waller from Ontario, Canada asks:

We had a situation where we, being the home team, were down by 5 runs at the bottom of the 7th inning. To keep it simple, we scored 3 runs and then...]]> <![CDATA[Wild Throw On An Appeal]]> Brett from Oswego, IL asks:

There is a runner on second. The play before, the runner on 3rd left early on a sacrifice fly. Hence, there is an appeal throw to 3rd, but it goes into left. T...]]> <![CDATA[Tie Goes To The Runner?]]> Mike from California asks:

If a runner touches the bag at the same time the ball is caught on a force, is the runner safe?

This question displays the same scenerio as the inc...]]> <![CDATA[Runner Being Knocked Down Because Of A Tag]]> Tim from USA asks:

Our left handed batter hit a slow ground ball down the line. The pitcher fields the ball, and, while going to tag the runner, the pitcher knocks him over and injures th...]]> <![CDATA[Holding The Ball On A Grounder]]> Gene Cragg from Lorton, VA asks:

With no base runners on base, the batter grounds an easily fielded one hop grounder to the 2nd baseman, who fields the ball cleanly but does not throw the...]]> <![CDATA[Hitting The Ball Out Of The Batter's Box]]> Jim Phelps from Pendleton, OR asks:

In little league what does the hitter have to do to "step out of the box" when hitting a pitch? Does his foot have to be completely out of the lines? <![CDATA[Run Taken Away By Appeal]]> Dave Deatherage from Lenexa, KS asks:

With a runner on 3rd base and 2 outs the batter hits a triple and the runner scores. On appeal the batter is found to be out because he failed to tou...]]> <![CDATA[What Happens To The Batter On Interference?]]> Elton Jones from St. Maarten, Dutch West Indies asks:

With bases loaded the ball is lined to short and strikes runner off second. I know the runner is out what is the rule on the batter?<...]]> <![CDATA[Who's Out?]]> John Malone from Hawkins, TX asks:

Runners are were on 1st and 2nd when the shortstop juggles a line drive and drops it. He steps on second then tags the runner. The umpire calls both out...]]> <![CDATA[Picked Off On A Dropped Third Strike]]> Woody Reed from Pocatello, ID asks:

With a runner on first the batter is called out on a third strike that the catcher drops. The runner is encouraged to run to first thinking he's free t...]]> <![CDATA[Juggled Line Drive]]> John Malone from Hawkins, TX asks:

With runners on 2nd and 3rd and no outs, a line drive is hit up the middle. The shortstop juggles and drops the ball. He then steps on second, then touc...]]> <![CDATA[Turning Left While Over Running First]]> Robin Hood from Prince Edward Island, Canada asks:

When running over 1st base, can you get tagged out if you turn left but not make an attempt to run to second?

As long as th...]]> <![CDATA[Ball Getting Lodged Under Base]]> David from Charlotte, NC asks:

A ball lodges under 1st base when the first baseman is attempting to receive throw from pitcher. Whats the call?

 This situation should ne...]]> <![CDATA[The Founders Of The Major League Umpire's Association]]> Chester Simerly from St. Louis, MO asks:

Who were the founding fathers of the Major League Baseball Umpire Association?

The Major League Baseball Umpire's Association was fi...]]> <![CDATA[Leaving A Base Early In Little League]]> Dave Mangin from Fortuna, CA asks:

In little league, if a runner leaves the base early, are the umpires supposed to have a flag to drop to signal that runner left to soon?

Ye...]]> <![CDATA[Running Down The Line With The Pitch]]> Dan Courtney from Baltimore, MD asks:

With bases loaded and two outs and a count of 3 and 2 on the batter, does the runner from third have to stay in the baseline when running towards the...]]> <![CDATA[Throwing A Glove At A Live Ball]]> Dave Mangin from Fortuna, CA asks:

What is the call if a fielder removes his glove and throws it at a batted ball and makes contact with the live ball?

If a fielder throws hi...]]> <![CDATA[Hit By a Pitch On The Bounce]]> Robin Hood from Prince Edward Island, Canada asks:

When the pitcher throws a ball in the dirt and it bounces and hits the batter does he still get the base?

Yes! The ball is ...]]> <![CDATA[Tagging The Third Out In The Basepath]]> Dondie Ergonis from Dearborn, MI asks:

With bases loaded and two outs a ground ball is hit to the pitcher who then tags the runner going from second to third. Does the runner on third sco...]]> <![CDATA[Umpire Colliding With a Player]]> Gene Gueniot asks:

With a runner on third a batted ball is hit to the shortstop toward second base. The base umpire and shortstop collide causing batter to be safe at first. What is rulin...]]> <![CDATA[Throwing The Bat]]> Trey Lamb from Melbourne, AR asks:

Babe ruth baseball league inc. sanctioned game. A player swings and the bat is slung behind the umpire and catcher, ground ball to second, batter out 4-...]]> <![CDATA[What Size Barrel?]]> Eric from San Antonio, TX asks:

My son is about to start coach pitch baseball for ages 7-8. What is the lagest barrel bat that he can use?

The best way to get an absolute ans...]]> <![CDATA[Running Over The First Baseman]]> Diane Kluesner from Washington, MO asks:

My grandsons both play baseball, one is 7 years old and the other is 14 years old. My question is, lately the first baseman on the opposing team i...]]> <![CDATA[Visits To The Mound]]> Frank from California asks:

When there is a conference on the mound, is there a rule about how long they can take or is it up to the umpire to give them whatever time he feels he wants to...]]> <![CDATA[Bounced Third Strike]]> Steven Baird from Sterling Heights, MI asks:

A batter swings and misses on the third strike. The pitch hits the ground and the catcher catches the ball on the bounce. The runner can not a...]]> <![CDATA[Blocking A Base]]> Rufus from Indiana asks:

While sliding into 3rd base, the baseman's foot is blocking the base. The runner slides and is called out because 3rd baseman's foot is between base and base runn...]]> <![CDATA[Forgetting The Count]]> Eugene from Alabama asks:

An umpire lost track of the count and gave the batter an extra strike. The umpire realized the error and gave the next batter 1 strike to start the next at bat. ...]]> <![CDATA[Not Avoiding A Hit By Pitch]]> Angie from Oregon High School asks:

When a batter gets hit by a pitch, does he have to attempt to avoid the pitch or does he still get a base if he doesn't avoid it?

 If...]]> <![CDATA[Necklaces and Mouths]]> William Fabian from Berlin, CT asks:

Did the commissioner tell all of the players not to wear necklaces? Since when have the pitchers been allowed to go to their mouths while on the mound...]]> <![CDATA[Throwing To The Third Baseman While On The Rubber]]> Paul Cohen from Los Angeles, CA asks:

With a runner at third and a right handed pitcher the third baseman is very far back from 3rd base. The pitcher throws (without stepping off the rubb...]]> <![CDATA[Picking Off To First]]> James Shaw from Saratoga Springs, NY asks:

Does the pitcher have to step off the rubber before throwing to first on a pick off move?

 No although the pitcher needs to st...]]> <![CDATA[How Many Outs?]]> Paul Kinnes from Denver, CO asks:

With a man on 3rd the umpire believes that there are 2 outs in the inning.  The batter misses 3rd strike and the catcher does not catch the ball. Th...]]> <![CDATA[Receiving Signs From The Dugout]]> Richard Cannette from Pascagoula, MS asks:

Can the pitcher receive the pitching signals from the dugout without going through the catcher?

 There is quite a bit of contr...]]> <![CDATA[Intentional Walk]]> Scott from Chicago, IL asks:

A batter gets intentionally walked where the pitcher didn't have to throw a pitch. While the batter is on his way to first, the runner on second had his foot off...]]> <![CDATA[Are The Hands Part Of The Bat?]]> Danny Larson from Salt Lake City, UT asks:

A batter is hit in the hands while holding the bat in the batter box. Is the hands part of the bat and is this pitch called a foul ball? <![CDATA[Running On A Line Drive]]> Kin asks:

A line drive is hit to third with runners on 2nd and 3rd. The third baseman catches the line drive and the runner on third runs down base line. Do you have to tag the runner or ...]]> <![CDATA[Foul Tip Steal]]> Rod from Wisconsin asks:

With one out a hit and run is on but the batter foul tips into the catchers glove. Can the runner steal second base?

Yes, the runner can steal second...]]> <![CDATA[Warming Up The Ball]]> Nicole from Tacoma, WA asks:

While between innings, if someone goes up to the mound to warm the ball up for the pitcher, does that mean the person who had touched the ball HAS to pitch? A...]]> <![CDATA[Reversing A Call]]> John Wilson from Nappanee, IN asks:

Can a umpire reverse their own call after they make the call?

Yes. There is no rule against an umpire reversing his call and he should if ...]]> <![CDATA[Taking a Bat Out Of The Game]]> Robbie Northcutt from Estill Springs, TN asks:

Can an ump take a bat out of a game that he says has a crack without showing the coach of the team the crack?

There is no rule ...]]> <![CDATA[Tag Without The Ball]]> Richard Adams from Nebraska asks:

In baseball can you tag out a guy without the ball being in the mitt?

When a fielder tags a runnner he must tag him with t...]]> <![CDATA[Ball Off The Rubber]]> Brian McMartin from Sartell, MN asks:

Batter hits a line drive up the middle which strikes the pitching rubber and shoot into foul territory BEFORE 1st base. No player has touched the bal...]]> <![CDATA[Subing for an Injured Player]]> William Bennett from Michigan asks:

A substitution is made for three players. After one inning our pitcher is hurt and unable to play. Since the subs have already been made they can only ...]]> <![CDATA[Runner's Interference]]> Karen from Indianapolis asks:

A player has just swung his bat, hit the ball and it is in the air between first and second base. Is the player that is running to second base out if the bal...]]> <![CDATA[Fair or Foul Line Drive?]]> Ross from Tucson, AZ asks:

If a line drive is caught while the ball is in foul territory and the players is standing in fair territory is the ball fair or foul?

The fact if a...]]> <![CDATA[Diving Out]]> Bob Hennings from Iowa asks:

The batter hits a ground ball to the first baseman. The first baseman bobbles the ball and goes to his knees to get the ball. He dives to first base and touch...]]> <![CDATA[Hey Blue!]]> Ed asks:

Why do they call umpires "blue"?

Umpires are called blue because of their traditional powder blue uniforms. However, nowadays umpire uniforms come from every color f...]]> <![CDATA[Pitcher Getting A Win]]> Jeff from Illinois asks:

How many innings must a pitcher pitch in order to earn a win or loss and not be a no decision. Example: a pitcher pitches five innings and leaves the game ahead 7...]]> <![CDATA[Pitching With Sunglasses]]> Larry Spurr from Cedar Lake, IN asks:

Is there a MLB rules that states the pitcher can not wear sunglasses on the mound unless they are prescription sunglasses?

There is no r...]]> <![CDATA[Retouching on an Overthrow]]> Al from Buffalo, NY asks:

Runner on 1st when the ball is hit to center. The fielder makes the catch with the runner on 1st 1/2 way to 2nd and the fielder throws to 1st but throws ball out...]]> <![CDATA[Batter Runner Interference?]]> Paul Cohen from Los Angeles, CA asks:

With a runner at first (R1) a fly ball is hit to right field. The batter runs up the line and tags and rounds first base without over-running R1.The ...]]> <![CDATA[Bases Awarded From the Outfield]]> Darrell jones from Nicholasville, KY asks:

Do you get two bases on an overthrow from the outfield?

Yes. On a wild throw from any fielder the runner recieves two bases from th...]]> <![CDATA[Strikeout Balk?]]> Rich Golden from Connecticut asks:

When a balk is called and the pitch is still delivered I understand that the ball is live until the catcher is in possession of the ball. If the balked ...]]> <![CDATA[Bat Size]]> Bryar from La Junta, CO asks:

What size (width, length, and weight) should a 12 year old kid be using in the Babe Ruth League, he is 5 ft. 5 inches about 90 pounds.

This is ...]]> <![CDATA[A Coaching Umpire]]> STACEY from Pennsylvania asks:

Can a regular season umpire coach or assistant coach all-stars?

I see no reason why an umpire can't coach an all-star team as long as he isn't ...]]> <![CDATA[Hook Slides]]> Richard T Elmer from Port Angeles, WA asks:

On a hook slide does the player have to stay in the boundary lines on third base.

When a runner slides into a base in attempt to...]]> <![CDATA[Scoring Without Tagging Up]]> Jay from San Carlos, CA asks:

With 1 out and the bases loaded a fly ball is hit to center field. The runners advance at the time of contact so the runner at 3rd scores and the runner at 2...]]> <![CDATA[Head First Slides in Little League]]> Max Kowalski from Pennsylvania asks:

Why can't we slide head first in Little League?

The reason why head first sliding in some Little Leagues is against the...]]> <![CDATA[Head First at the Plate in High School]]> Mandy asks:

Playing with OHSAA rules are you allowed to slide head first into home plate or if you do is it an out?

I am not sure if it is against the rules but I can find no...]]> <![CDATA[Picking Off Away From the Base]]> Ballpark Bob from Philly asks:

Pitcher steps back off the rubber to attempt to pick off the runner at second.  The second baseman or shortstop, however, are not covering so he throws...]]> <![CDATA[Sliding In High School]]> Gary Groom from Michigan asks:

If there is a close play at the plate in high school baseball is the runner required to slide?

 Yes. In high school the runner is required...]]> <![CDATA[Restarting from Scratch]]> Dave Mangin from Fortuna, CA asks:

A batter asks for timeout but it is not granted by the umpire. He steps out of batters box and, in result, the pitcher stops his delivery. Is this a bal...]]> <![CDATA[New Ball]]> Ray Tabacchi from Nashville, IL asks:

The umpire throws a ball out of the game when a pitcher throws it in the dirt. Why don't they throw the ball out after a ground ball base hit.<...]]> <![CDATA[Dead Before the Plate?]]> Jim from Michigan asks:

A pitch is in the dirt and the batter offers but holds up his swing. It is a called strike but the batter says it was a dead ball before it got to plate. What's th...]]> <![CDATA[Playing With Eight]]> Mike Komorowski from Pennsylvania asks:

Where in the rule book does it say that when you finish a game with 8 players that you have to take an out for that missing player?

Th...]]> <![CDATA[Switching Jerseys]]> Billie from Whiteriver, AZ asks:

A coach takes a jersey off of one of his players and has another player put it on and pitch the remainder of the game under the original jersey number and...]]> <![CDATA[Confusion At First ]]> Jeff Lester asks:

With 2 outs and runners on 1st and third the batter runs through first and is called safe; however, thinks he is out and returns towards dugout but the runners on first ...]]> <![CDATA[Staying on Second]]> Dwight Turnipseed from Trussville, AL asks:

You have runners on 1st and 2nd with less than 2 outs. A ball is hit to the 2nd baseman and he tags 2nd base. Does the runner on second have to...]]> <![CDATA[Fan on the Field]]> Henry from San Carlos, CA asks:

Are there any circumstances in which a fan can be on the field during play and not be charged with spectator's interference, excluding falling onto it? <![CDATA[Foul at the Pitch]]> Dave Mangin from Fortuna, CA asks:

What are the rules if first baseman has one foot entirely in foul terratory while holding a runner on first base?

All fielders must be comp...]]> <![CDATA[Umpire Interference]]> Tom from Chicago asks:

Is there a such call as umpire interference?

Yes. The first type of umpires interference occurs when a batted ball hits the umpire without first going...]]> <![CDATA[Injured Ump]]> Kellen from San Carlos, CA asks:

Besides an injury, for what reasons can an umpire be removed from a game?

The only reason an umpire should be removed from the game is becaus...]]> <![CDATA[Out or Run?]]> Dary Adway from Los Angeles, CA asks:

When the ball is hit over the wall, and the outfielder catches the ball and falls over the wall with the ball is it a out or a home run?

 <![CDATA[Teamwork]]> Fred from Soquel, CA asks:

Do umpires work as a team through out the entire baseball season or are they rotated?

Major League umpires stay with the same crew throughout the y...]]> <![CDATA[Switch Hitting]]> Terry from La Porte, IN asks:

How many times may a switch hitter change sides of the plate during his time at bat?

Once a batter takes his position with both feet in the batt...]]> <![CDATA[Finishing With 8]]> Scott from Vermont asks:

Can you finish a game with 8 players in American legion baseball ?

In Major League Baseball if a team is not able to or refuses to place nin...]]> <![CDATA[Switching Positions]]> Melanie from Johnstown, PA asks:

When a team is on defense may you switch a players position during the inning?

A player may play anywhere he wants on the field as long as he...]]> <![CDATA[Facing the Crowd]]> Jeanne Messier from Massachusetts asks:

Why does the umpire face the fans when cleaning off home plate?

There is no rule requiring the umpire to face the crowd when cleaning ...]]> <![CDATA[Hitting Your Own Teammate]]> Mareia from Iron River, MI asks:

When a batter hits the ball and the ball hits his teammate what happens to the batter?

Assuming that the ball didn't hit the runner after th...]]> <![CDATA[Coach's Interference]]> Hank Fenbert from Federal Way, WA asks:

What rules apply if a base coach interferes(intentionally/unintentionally) with a thrown ball, batted ball or a defensive player?

The ...]]> <![CDATA[Infield Fly]]> Doug asks:

What does the Infield Fly rule mean?

The Infield Fly rule takes into effect when there are runners at first and second or first, second and third with less th...]]> <![CDATA[Fielder's Positions During an Intentional Walk]]> Marcus Ranaldi from Bristol, CT asks:

Can a team move a player behind the catcher during an intentional walk?

No, a fielder can not be behind the catcher during an intention...]]> <![CDATA[Occupying a Base]]> John from Indiana asks:

Runners on second and third base with two outs. Ground ball hit to second base and batter beats the throw to first. Runner on third takes two steps towards home a...]]> <![CDATA[Pitcher Removing and Replacing the Ball in His Glove]]> Tom Baxter from Penfield, NY asks:

Once the pitcher takes the ball from his glove during his/her wind up, can he/she return the ball to the glove prior to delivering the pitch?

...]]> <![CDATA[Arguing With the Umpire]]> Rosa from Staten Island, NJ asks:

If a team goes against an umpire, could the umpire suspend the game and what will happen to the game if the umpire stops it?

If a team attac...]]> <![CDATA[Coaching Two Teams]]> Ed Lee from Rhode Island asks:

Can a coach coach Junior Little League and also coach a Majors all-star team?

The best way to find this answer would be to contact your local ...]]> <![CDATA[Outside the Box]]> Eugene from New York asks:

Will an umpire call a ball or strike if the batter has 1 foot outside of the batters box

The answer to this question really depends on the league t...]]> <![CDATA[Screened]]> Sam Di Benedetto from New Jersey asks:

Only one field umpire. Batter hits a grounder to short. The throw to first cannot be seen by the umpire. His vision is blocked. It's a very close pl...]]> <![CDATA[Out of Play]]> Mike Kresovich from Centre County, PA asks:

Can a Defensive Player, step out of play, then establish himself back in play and make a catch?

Yes. There is no rule prohibiting...]]> <![CDATA[Pinch Hitting]]> Dave from PNC Park asks:

If you pinch hit for someone, does the player you pinch hit for have to come out of the game?

Yes. Once a player is removed for any reason from the g...]]> <![CDATA[Picked Off]]> RJ from Casper asks:

Runners are on first and third. One out. Runner at first attempts to steal second. Pitcher pivots and throws to second and gets the runner out. The coach for the team...]]> <![CDATA[From Mound to Plate]]> Harriett Gemmell from Orchard Park, NY asks:

How far is it from the pitchers mound to home plate in baseball and can it vary?

In Major League Baseball the pitcher's rubber is...]]> <![CDATA[Which Bat?]]> Danny Strande from South Dakota asks:

Can you swing an -8.5 bat in vfw teeners?

I am not sure about the answer for this question and the best way to get the answer would be t...]]> <![CDATA[Who Loses?]]> Karen from Left Field asks:

Does the loss (on a walkoff or otherwise) go to the pitcher that allowed the walkoff hit or the pitcher that was responsible for the runner on base that scored...]]> <![CDATA[Catch in the Stands]]> George Tuetken from Smithfield, RI asks:

Is there a rule that specifically prohibits a fielder from jumping into the stands to make a catch, if he starts in fair territory?

&...]]> <![CDATA[Homerun?]]> Sophia asks:

A home run is hit over the fence. The batter, as he is rounding the bases, misses a base. Can the defensive team do anything? Would the batter be out if they took the ball, b...]]> <![CDATA[Fair or Foul]]> Little League Dad asks:

A line drive goes over first base in fair territory but lands on the foul side of the first base line. Is that ball fair or foul?

In this scenerio the...]]>