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(Ok, and maybe a rant now and again)
Case in point: earlier this year I worked a high school game
for a small rural school. With the runner on first stealing, the batter swung
through the pitch and hit the catcher with his backswing. What is the correct
rule?
Backswing Interference in Professional Baseball and College
Baseball
When a batter swings through a pitch and makes contact with
the catcher (his mitt or his person) during his backswing, the ball is delayed
dead. If the catcher throws and the throw directly retires the runner, the
interference is disregarded. Otherwise, the ball is dead and runners return to
TOP bases. [OBR Rule 6.06(c) CMT]; [NCAA Rule 6-2d-2]
If the batter swings, the ball is not caught, and the backswing
hits the catcher, the ball is dead and the batter is out. [PBUC]; [NCAA Rule 6-2d-1).
In this video example, R1 is stealing. The batter hits the catcher
with his backswing and the catcher does not throw. This is backswing
interference and R1 is returned to 1B.
In this video example, R1 is stealing. The batter strikes
out and his backswing hits the catcher. The catcher’s throw does not retire R1,
so the batter is out and R1 must return to 1B.
In this video example, R1 is stealing. The batter hits the catcher
with his backswing and the catcher’s throw does not retire R1. Since the
initial throw did not retire R1, he must return to 1B even though R1 is out on
subsequent play.
Inexplicably, the National Federation of High Schools rule
on backswing interference is an immediate dead ball, the batter is out for interference,
and all runners must return to TOP bases.
I kicked the call by enforcing the pro rule at a high school
game. Of course, no one in the ball park (including my partner) knew I had made
the mistake. Heck, I spoke with a state rules interpreter later in the year that didn't know the high school rule off the top of his head (he is also a college official). But that's our job, right? This is one of those plays that occur from time to time, and you
need to be aware of the rules differences at the various levels.
Don't listen to the announcers. Just because a pitch is "tipped foul" doesn't mean it's a Foul Tip. A Foul Tip is specifically defined in Rule 2.00 of the Official Baseball Rules:
A FOUL TIP is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher’s hands and is legally caught. It is not a foul tip unless caught and any foul tip that is caught is a strike, and the ball is in play. It is not a catch if it is a rebound, unless the ball has first touched the catcher’s glove or hand.
The basics of a Foul Tip are:
1.A batted ball;
2.That first strikes the catcher’s hand or glove;
3.That is caught (by the catcher).
The most common occurrence of a Foul Tip is when the batter nicks a pitch, and the ball goes directly into the catcher’s glove, and is caught for a strike.Here is a video example of a batter striking out on a foul tip.
The status of the ball for a Foul Tip never changes.A Foul Tip remains a live ball, is not dead, and is not delayed dead. Here is a video example of a foul tip followed by a throw out a second. The Comment to Rule 7.08(e) states:
Runners need not “tag up” on a foul tip. They may steal on a foul tip. If a so-called tip is not caught, it becomes an ordinary foul. Runners then return to their bases.
A Foul Tip must go sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher’s glove or bare hand. Here is a video example of a pitched ball that is nicked, but that does not go sharp and direct to the catcher’s hands. This is a Foul Ball that is caught for an out, and is not a Foul Tip caught for a strike.
A Foul Tip must touch the catcher's hand or glove first. Here is a video example of a pitched ball that is nicked. The ball travels sharp and direct to the catcher’s hands, but then ricochets into the air. The catcher then catches the ball before it touches the ground. The batter in this video is out because it is strike three, not because it is a caught foul ball. Had the not touched the catcher's glove (or hand) first, this ball would be a foul ball and immediately dead since it touched the catcher's body.
The PBUC MLBUM interpretations state that only the catcher may catch a foul tip. This interpretation is the same for NFHS and NCAA.
A Foul Tip must be legally caught. The Comment to Rule 6.05(b) states:
“Legally caught” means in the catcher’s glove before the ball touches the ground. It is not legal if the ball lodges in his clothing or paraphernalia; or if it touches the umpire and is caught by the catcher on the rebound.
Furthermore, the Comment to Rule 5.09(g) states:
If a foul tip hits the umpire and is caught by a fielder on the rebound, the ball is “dead” and the batsman cannot be called out. The same shall apply where such foul tip lodges in the umpire’s mask or other paraphernalia.
In this video example a pitched ball is nicked, goes sharp and direct to the catcher’s glove, but the catcher does not catch the ball. The ball is stuck in the catcher’s mask and cannot be caught according to the Comment to Rule 6.05(b). Therefore, this is a Foul Ball.
The Comment to Rule 6.05(b) also states:
If a foul tip first strikes the catcher’s glove and then goes on through and is caught by both hands against his body or protector, before the ball touches the ground, it is a strike, and if third strike, batter is out. If smothered against his body or protector, it is a catch provided the ball struck the catcher’s glove or hand first.
In this video example the pitched ball is nicked, hits the catcher’s glove, then passes through the catcher’s chest protector. Is this a ball that can be legally caught for a strike? Sometimes it is difficult to apply general rules to unique situations.
A nicked pitch cannot be caught for a Foul Tip if it first hits the ground. Sometimes it is very difficult to know if the ball hits the ground first, as in this video. A nicked pitch that hits the ground first is a Foul Ball.
The Official Baseball Rules defines a Force Play: A FORCE PLAY is a play in which a runner legally loses his right to occupy a base by reason of the batter becoming a runner.
Simple, right?
Well, a force play rule can cause a great deal of confusion because the term “force play” is commonly misunderstood to mean any play in which the defense tags the base for an out. For example, the batter hits a line drive at F4 who then throws to F3 to double up R1. An announcer may say that R1 was forced out at first. But that is incorrect, since R1 did not legally lose his right to occupy first base due to F4 catching the ball and retiring the batter runner.
The force out is so called because the runner is forced to advance when the batter becomes a runner. Another example: bases loaded, two outs. The batter grounds the ball to the third baseman who tags R2 after R3 has crossed the plate. This is a force out and the run does not count because R2 is forced to advance when the batter becomes a runner. Rule 7.08(e) states that a runner or his next base may be tagged when the runner is forced to advance.
A force play cannot occur when a batted ball is caught for an out. The batter is out and no runner legally loses his right to occupy a base by reason of the batter becoming a runner. A batted ball caught for an out often creates a time play situation. Example: R3, R1 stealing, one out. The batter hits a fly ball to F8 who catches it for the second out. R3 tags and crosses the plate, before F8 throws to F3 to double up R1 for the third out when he failed to tag. This third out is a time play, not a force play. Since R3 crossed the plate before the defense doubled up R1, R3’s run counts. Here is a video example. [Unfortunately, the MLB umpire crew misapplied the rule in this case and discounted the run. Then, realizing their mistake three innings later, placed the run back on the board. Read about what happened here.]
A force play can be removed when the runner is no longer forced to advance. Rule 7.08(e). For instance, bases loaded, no outs. The batter hits a line drive to F5 who drops the ball. F5 then steps on third base to force out R2 and throws home. F2 tags home plate. However, R3 is not forced to advance and must be tagged. Since F2 did not tag R3, he scores. Here is the video of this play.
A force play can also be reinstated if the runner advanced past a base, and then retreats back by retouching the base. Rule 7.08(e). For example, in this video clip R1 is stealing and acquires second base. The batter hits a base hit to right, but R1 believes the ball is caught, retouches second and retreats to first base. By retouching, R1 has reinstated the force play and is forced out a second base.
A force may be removed when a following runner passes a lead runner, as in this video clip. The lead runner must now be tagged once the force is removed.
Once an infield fly is called, the batter is out and there is no force play. Runners may advance at their own peril and must be tagged. Here is a video example of this situation.
Next to the enigmatic balk, the infield fly is about as mysterious as the rules of baseball get to managers, announcers, players, the average fan, and, sometimes, even umpires. The infield fly is so commonly misunderstood that it has been the subject of a law review article at the University of Pennsylvania.
Purpose of the Rule
The purpose of the infield fly rule is to prevent the defense from dropping fly balls in order to turn a double or triple play. Before the rule was implemented in 1894, an infielder could allow a fly ball to fall, and runners had to risk guessing whether the ball would be caught. The typical example is: R2, R1, fly ball to F6. F6 allows the ball to drop, quickly throws to F4 who tags R2 (one out) and then F4 tags second to force out R1. The infield fly is meant to protect the offense and prevent the defense from turning these easy double plays by immediately declaring the batter out and removing the force play.
The Rules
The infield fly rule is actually found in three places in the rulebook: 2.00 definitions, 6.05(e, l), and 7.08(f). Rule 2.00 describes the conditions of the infield fly, Rule 6.05(e) states that the batter is out when an infield fly is declared, and Rules 6.05(l) and 7.08(f) discuss exceptional circumstances.
Situation
Not every fly ball in the infield is an infield fly. There are two situations that must occur for an infield fly: (1) the infield fly cannot be applied unless there are runners on first and second; or first, second, and third; and (2) there must be less than two outs. If these two “situational” conditions are not met, the infield fly cannot be applied. If an umpire erroneously declares an infield fly, when it cannot apply, the batter is not out. The players must know that the situation is not an infield fly, despite the umpire’s declaration. See J/R; see NFHS 10.2.3f; see BRD, 265.
Judgment
An infield fly must also meet the umpire’s judgment criteria:
The batted ball must be a fly ball. A fly ball is defined in Rule 2.00 as “a batted ball that goes high in the air in flight.” Therefore, a line drive (“a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to a fielder without touching the ground,” Rule 2.00) cannot be an infield fly. A bunted ball cannot be an infield fly.
Whether the ball goes “high in the air” is a judgment call. In some cases reasonable minds can differ on matters of judgment. For instance, in this play the umpires determined that the ball did not go high into the air. A double play resulted when the fielder allowed the ball to drop.
The batted ball must be able to be caught by an infielder using ordinary effort. By rule, “the pitcher, catcher, and any outfielder who stations himself in the infield shall be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule.” But what about the first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, and third baseman? They’re infielders, right? According to Rule 2.00, an infielder is a fielder who occupies a position in the infield. "Infield" is not defined in Rule 2.00, but is described in Rules 1.04 and 1.06. The infield is a 90 foot square. First and third bases are entirely within the infield, but second base is only partially within the infield. So are players who are stationed outside of the 90 foot square “infield” infielders? The OBR strikes again!
The rule does not require that an infielder catch the infield fly, only that an infielder is able to catch it using ordinary effort. Therefore, an outfielder can catch an infield fly.
Ordinary effort is also defined for us in Rule 2.00 as “the effort a fielder of average skill at a position in the league or classification of leagues should exhibit on a play, with due consideration given to the condition of the field and weather conditions. The umpire must also assess the skill required to catch the ball with ordinary effort, and the playing conditions. Wind and precipitation are factors that are considered, sun and natural darkness are not. See the Jaksa/Roder Manual for more information.
Fair Ball
An infield fly must be a fair ball. If all of the conditions of an infield fly are met, except the ball is not fair, it is not an infield fly. Rule 2.00 and proper umpire mechanics require the umpire to declare, “Infield fly, if fair!” when there is doubt whether the ball will land fair or foul. An infield fly that meets all the criteria and is declared by the umpire, but lands foul and then rolls untouched into fair territory before passing a base is a fair ball and is also an infield fly, and the batter is out.
Special Circumstances
The rulebook addresses a couple special circumstances when dealing with infield flies. First, Rule 7.08(f) states that if a runner is hit with an infield fly while touching his base, the ball is dead, the batter is out, but the runner is not out. If the runner is hit with an infield fly while not on base, the ball is dead, and both the runner and batter are out.
Rule 6.05(l) states that if an infield fly is intentionally dropped (e.g. guided to the ground), the infield fly rule supersedes the penalty for an intentionally dropped ball. The intentional drop is ignored, the batter is out, and the ball remains alive. However, if the infield fly is allowed to drop (as opposed to intentionally dropped), the batter is out and the ball is live.
Runners advance at their own risk when the infield fly is declared. If the ball is caught, the runners must retouch, or be in jeopardy of being out on appeal. If the ball is not caught, the batter is still out, and the runners may advance without retouching. Below is a video example of runners advancing after an infield fly is dropped. Since the batter is out, there is no force out for other runners.
Unannounced substitutions give some inexperienced umpires fits. The reason? It seems like something sneaky or illegal is going on. Generally this is not the case. Usually an unannounced substitute occurs late in the game on defense only; when there is an obvious pitching change at the beginning of the inning; or when the manager simply “forgets.”
The umpire should not be concerned about keeping track of batting lineups and substitutions. Those areas are team responsibilities. The umpire is required to announce each substitutions, when he is notified.
Rule 3.06 requires that the manager notify the umpire in chief of any substitution. However, there is no penalty for the manager’s failure to do so. On the contrary, Rule 3.08(a) tells us that an unannounced substitute has entered the game when:
(1)If a pitcher, he takes his place on the pitcher’s plate;
(2)If a batter, he takes his place in the batter’s box;
(3)If a fielder, he reaches the position usually occupied by the fielder he has replaced, and play commences;
(4)If a runner, he takes the place of the runner he has replaced.
Rule 3.08(b) tells us that “[a]ny play made by, or on, any of the above mentioned unannounced substitutes shall be legal.” So an unannounced substitution, by itself, is legal. I say “by itself” because an unannounced substitute may also be illegal.
When a manager announces multiple substitutes, he gets to choose the spot the substitutes will occupy in the lineup. See Rule 3.03. When the manager fails to immediately designate this information, the umpire in chief has the authority to choose the places in the batting order. “Immediately” is generally interpreted as “before the player takes his position.” See Wendelstedt Umpire Manual, p. 48. Rule 3.03 states that “[a] substitute player shall bat in the replaced player’s position in the team’s batting order,” which means the default is a one-for-one switch.
Failure to immediately notify the umpire in chief of multiple substitutions can mean the loss of the opportunity to double switch. Note Rule 3.06 (above) states that a pitcher has entered the game when he toes the rubber to begin his warm up pitches. However, a fielder has not entered the game until play commences. Take, for example, a manager brings in a relief pitcher and another player to play second base. Once the pitcher takes his place and begins his warm up pitches, by rule it is too late to switch the players’ positions in the batting order since the pitcher has already entered the game and second baseman has not yet entered the game.
Good game management would call for the umpire to ask if anyone else is coming in when a new pitcher is called. However, umpires are not required to babysit managers and managers are expected to know the rules. Ignore them at your own peril, skip.
Poor communication can lead to serious problems, as the Padres discovered on August 7, 2008. In the top of the eighth inning, Padres Manager Bud Black pinch hit Edgar Gonzalez for reliever Cla Meredith in the nine hole, and Brian Giles pinch hit for second baseman Tadahito Iguchi in the two hole. During the middle of the inning Black motions to plate umpire Tim Tichenor with two fingers and a chopping motion. Tichenor interprets this motion as an indication that Black wants his new reliever, Bryan Corey, to replace Gonzales and annotates the lineup card. Black intends that Gonzales will remain in the game at second base and Corey will bat in the two hole. After Corey takes the mound and begins his warm-up tosses, Tichenor and Black discuss the situation.
Since Corey has entered the game, he is locked into the nine spot and has replaced Gonzales under the Rules. Unfortunately for the Padres, this confusion caused them to lose their only remaining second baseman (Gonzales). It also resulted in Black and one of his coaches to be ejected. Ambiguous gesturing to the umpire led to this confusion. See story and video at:
Putting the ball in play is perhaps the simplest game management tool, but it is also one of the most useful. According to the Jaksa/Roder Manual, there are 13 situations when the ball is dead (foul; overthrow; lodged ball; home run; ground rule double; batter or runner hit by pitch; intentionally dropped ball; illegally batted ball; interference by runner, offensive teammate, spectator, or authorized person; umpire interference on a batted ball; obstruction and concurrent play on the obstructed runner; fielder falls on dead ball territory after a catch; and umpire calls time). Additionally, there are five situations when the ball may be called dead (a balk or illegal pitch; batter interference; catcher interference; umpire interference on a thrown ball; and obstruction without a concurrent play on the obstructed runner). A plate umpire will put the ball in play dozens of times during an average game.
When Does the Umpire Put the Ball Back in Play?
Rule 5.11 states that play shall be resumed after a dead ball when the pitcher is on the pitcher’s plate and the umpire calls “Play.” The PBUC Manual adds that the umpire calls play “as soon as the pitcher takes his place on the rubber with the ball and the batter has taken his position in the batter’s box.” NFHS and NCAA rules are similar. The umpire should also employ common sense with putting the ball in play. For instance, waiting for a coach or manager to enter the dugout, or waiting for a player to return to his position is prudent.
Why is Putting the Ball in Play a Good Habit?
Some umpires do not put the ball back in play, which can create confusion for his partner(s) as well as for the teams. Putting the ball in play lets the participants know when the ball is live. Without a good practice of putting the ball back into play, a pitcher may try to pickoff a runner, or a runner may try to steal a base before the ball is live.
Never happens you say? Here is a video clip of a pitcher trying to pickoff a runner while the ball is dead. The pitcher never took his place on the rubber, consequently the plate umpire never made the ball live. While the ball is dead the shortstop attempts a hidden ball trick. Still dead, guys.
Because MLB umpires know and utilize the putting the ball in play rule, all the umpires on this field knew the ball was dead. Make putting the ball in play part of your game.
