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The following are some general perceptions about the rules of baseball and they are all WRONG!!
The following are some general perceptions about the rules of baseball and they are all WRONG!!
The hands are part of the bat
The hands are part of the bat
In Australia, where Cricket reigns supreme, this is a common misconception.
In baseball, if a batter is hit on the hands, he or she has been hit by a pitched ball and is entitled to first base. Where the confusion exists, is if a batter is hit (ANYWHERE) while swinging at a pitch. Then the ball is dead and it is a STRIKE.
Tie goes to the runner
Tie goes to the runner
The Official Baseball Rules state:
The Runner is Out When...
The runner fails to reach the next base before a fielder tags the runner or the base, after having been forced to advance by reason of the batter becoming a runner.
The key to this misbelief is the fact the rule says the word "before". This means that if during a force play (e.g. at 1st base) the ball and the runner get there at the same time (i.e. a Tie), the runner is to be called OUT because he didn't reach the base before the ball arrived.
On overthrows, out of play, the runner gets the base he’s going for plus one
On overthrows, out of play, the runner gets the base he’s going for plus one
The rules on this are simple. The runner will receive a two base award from his last legally touched base either at the time of the pitch, or at the time of the throw, depending on the situation. The direction a runner is heading, (i.e. towards the next base or back to previous base) is irrelevant. Remember a pitch or an "in contact" (with the rubber) throw by a pitcher will result in a ONE base award only.
The runner who beats the throw to first must turn right after overrunning the base. Otherwise they are out or can be put out
The runner who beats the throw to first must turn right after overrunning the base. Otherwise they are out or can be put out
There is no compulsion for a runner to run on one side or another of the foul line after passing first base.
If however the runner makes an attempt to go to 2nd base then he or she is at risk of being tagged out.
The batter cannot hit a pitch that bounces
The batter cannot hit a pitch that bounces
Of course they can, it is just difficult!
This misbelief refers to the fact that a pitched ball that bounces and then passes through the Strike Zone cannot be called a strike unless the batter swings and misses it.
Fielders must get out of the way of runners
Fielders must get out of the way of runners
A fielder who is the act of fielding the ball is entitled to be there. Therefore the runner must avoid the fielder, provided they are just about to field the ball.
If a ball is held “long enough”, it is a legal catch
If a ball is held “long enough”, it is a legal catch
Whilst the rule book does say that “the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove that he has complete control” it continues to add that “the release of the ball is voluntary and intentional”. A fielder must meet both criteria to be allowed a catch. This means that just because someone runs a few steps with the ball, it does not allow them a legal catch. They must intentionally mean to take the ball out of their glove and if it falls out because they subsequently fall over or collide with someone or something, then it is not a catch.
Interference must be intentional
Interference must be intentional
No. A runner getting hit by a batted ball is interference and is usually unintentional. Intentional or not, interference is interference.
If a batted ball hits the plate first it is foul, or dead.
If a batted ball hits the plate first it is foul, or dead.
Home plate is situated in the corner of fair territory and so a ball resting on home plate will be a fair ball.
In the case of the ball hitting the home plate and going somewhere else, where the ball settles or is first touched is what is important. Further detail is provided in Fair and Foul.
Runners cannot advance on an infield fly.
Runners cannot advance on an infield fly.
Yes they can. Runners however are still governed by the normal "tag up" rules which apply if the ball is caught.
If a base coach touches a runner in any way or at any time, the runner is called out.
If a base coach touches a runner in any way or at any time, the runner is called out.
If this was true there would be lots of high fives on home runs getting runners called out. What the base coach cannot do is physically assist a runner in advancing or returning to a base.
Runners cannot run backwards on the bases.
Runners cannot run backwards on the bases.
This refers to running the bases in reverse order.
There are a number of instances where this may need to happen so a runner can fulfil their obligations on bases.
What a runner cannot do is run in reverse order to try and confuse the fielding team.
A batter who is standing in the batter’s box cannot be called out on interference.
A batter who is standing in the batter’s box cannot be called out on interference.
Whilst it's true a batter is generally safe if he/she stays in the box, this does not protect them from an intentional act. Standing in the box and deliberately interfering with the catchers throw is still interference.
The defence must touch the base they are appealing with the ball in possession to make an appeal.
The defence must touch the base they are appealing with the ball in possession to make an appeal.
True, but they can also tag the runner they are appealing on.
Runners who were stealing must return to their base if the batter hits a foul tip.
Runners who were stealing must return to their base if the batter hits a foul tip.
No. A foul tip is a ball that is pitched and goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher’s hand or glove and is legally caught. It is a strike and the ball is alive and in play.
A Balk with no runners on base is a BALL
A Balk with no runners on base is a BALL
This is often confused with the Illegal Pitch Rule. The pitcher CANNOT balk with the bases empty.
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