Off the top of my head, based on your facts, I would say the umpires made the proper call, the batted ball should be a home run. If it is further determined that the runner retreated and hence was passed by the batter due to the improper initial call, that call should also be reversed. The main objective is to get the call(s) right. I would deny the protest, again based on the facts as presented. Various persons have a variety of qualifications to apply the rules. In my experience, it is a rare occasion for a coach or player to be on that list for situations such as this one.

Under some circumstances, a fourth out may be recognized when an appeal takes precedence. See rule 7.10 End Notes. What you are referring to is a possible 4th strikeout.

The force is off. The runner may retreat to first.

Yes, it is. All defensive players, with the exception of the catcher, must be in fair territory. See rule 4.03

If a batter is hit anywhere by a pitch that is in the strike zone, it is a strike, the ball is dead and the batter does not get first. If it is not in the strike zone, the ball is dead and he is awarded first.

If it cross the first base bag fair, it is a fair ball. Where the fielder is standing has no bearing.

The runner from second is out. The force play is then removed and the runner from third may retreat safely to third. If the fielder initially tagged the runner from third and then steps on the bag, they are both out, on the tag and on the force. In your example, the run scores.

A runner is never out when hit by a thrown ball in playing action in which he has not interfered. The ball is live.

Yes, yes and yes. The only restriction is that a ball the bounces into the plate cannot be a called strike, even if it passes through the strike zone. See rule 2.00 (ball).

No. The force play is off after the batter-runner is out at first. The runners now must be tagged to be out. The only time a runner is out for re-tracing his base path is if the batter-runner retreats and touches home plate.

This is something that should not and technically can not occur. After a time out, action is not again live until the batter is in the batter's box, the pitcher is on the rubber with the ball and the plate umpire again puts time in. If time had never been called, it is a balk if the pitcher "stands on or astride the pitcher's plate..." (rubber) without the ball.

If all the runners, including the batter-runner advance at least one base, the balk is ignored. If the batter-runner is out at first on appeal for the third out, the run does not score, as the batter did not reach first safely. This sounds contradictory, but a runner that misses a base is assumed safe pending appeal, hence the balk is nullified. He is then out on appeal, nullifying the run. If there were less than two outs, the batter-runner is out on appeal and the run would score. The umpires should not stop any playing action.

If the ball passes an infielder, other than the pitcher, regardless of where he is positioned (i.e.-infield in), the runner is not out. The ball is live.

The ball cannot contact the with the ground "through" the glove. A ball cannot pass through a glove, unless it has a hole in it.
The catch is valid.

Absolutely not. No one can call time except an umpire. Others may request time, but there is no requirement that it be granted. It is the responsibility of the coach and runner to know if time has been called.

If a batter hits a ball (fair or foul) with one or both feet on the ground entirely out of the batter's box (the lines are part of the box), he is out. The plate umpire has all the responsibility. If the batter is stepping in outside of the box, he should be told to get in it. If he gets in the box and then moves a foot out, I'd wait for contact with the ball, and I'd be watching him like a hawk. This is a bit difficult to do, as the pitch is the plate umpire's primary responsibility and should have his eyes on the ball. In this type of situation, you have to look at his feet.
If a batter made contact with the catcher's mitt but not the ball while out of the box, I would not give him first. I'd call him out for batters interference, since he has hindered the catchers ability to properly field the pitch. This would immediately correct the situation.

I did not see the play to which you are referring. I am assuming you are referring to the obstruction rules 7.06 a & b. Only one of these rules applies in any given situation. Type a obstruction applies to a batter-runner who is obstructed before reaching first base or to a runner who is obstructed while a play is being made on him. The ball is immediately dead. The obstructed runner gets at least one base beyond the last one legally touched . Other awards are possible, if warranted. i.e..- no force, runner from second obstructed by third baseman going into third while being chased by the shortstop with the ball. Ball is dead, runner gets third.
Type b obstruction applies in all other situations. The play(s) is allowed to continue to completion, time is called and any awards are made. An award to a base runner will be given only if, in the umpires judgment, it is warranted. i.e..- batted ball in outfield, a runner obstructed going into second continues and makes third. If the umpire determines that third is as far as he would have gotten had there been no obstruction, there is no award.

Unless it is an infield fly situation, a runner standing on a base who is hit by a batted ball is out. Contact with the base does not protect the runner.

If there is a change in infielders, 5 warm up throws are allowed for that infielder (3.03 notes). If no infielders have been substituted, this should not be allowed.

This is not a force play. Technically it is an appeal play. If the runner from third crosses the plate before the runner is doubled off first, the run scores. Unfortunately this is a common misconception. A force play can only be caused directly by the batter. The fact that there is no tag required does not make it a force play.

Yes. A base on balls is a 1 base award. The award and the protection from being put out end when the runner attains the awarded base.

This is not a double play. The batter-runner is out on the line drive. He is no longer entitled to the base; the force play is removed. The runner is safe on first. If the 1st baseman is standing on the bag, the batter-runner is out on the line drive and the runner is liable to be put out if tagged before returning to first or getting to second.

As soon as the umpire handles the ball, it is dead. The runner goes back to third.

Should the defense request an appeal, you give the pitcher a 'new' ball. He toes the rubber with the catcher in the catching position. The Plate umpire puts the ball in play. The pitcher must then make a proper appeal of the missed first base, in which case the runner who hit the home run is out. Because it was the third out and the batter-runner did not reach first safely, the runner on second does not score. The defensive team can make the appeal if at least one of the infielders, including the pitcher, has not left the field and is still in fair territory. (5.11, 7.10b)

Yes. This is simply a time play. If the batter NEVER touches 1B at all, the defense could appeal and then the run could be wiped out, but otherwise the run counts.

With these calls, the umpire does not make a decision that the defensive player could or could not have made the play. If the collision took place before the ball passes the shortstop, it is interference.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: Keep in mind that these are general answers to questions concerning plays I have not seen. As suggested by a reader, does this mean a fielder can "run into" a runner to get a call? Of course not. If the ball is hit to the third baseman, and the shortstop makes contact with the runner before the ball clears the infield, it is most likely obstruction. Also, the defense must have some possible chance of making a play. These are judgment calls. Use some common sense, folks. It could be interference, obstruction or nothing depending on what you actually see.

There is no "general rule" to which you refer. The position of official scorer relies heavily on the personal objective opinion of the official scorer when evaluating a play such as you describe. The direct answer to your question is; No, it is not an error simply because it hits leather. What the scorer determines is based on his/her opinion of what has been seen. Depending on the level of play, replays are often available to assist.

You are correct, he is not. The runner is not forced and goes back to third. The references you are looking for are 7.04(b) and 7.08(f). Also 6.08(d) and 7.09(m).

They can and often will do whatever they are allowed to. I will not permit a coach to approach me during a game with the rule book. I will offer to discuss a rule after the game, but simply give an explanation of my ruling and move on with the game.

If time was not out, the batter-runner is out on the tag. The runner from second is out on appeal. No run scores, the game continues.

Force or tag is not relevant in this case, but it is still a force play. In order for any run to score in this situation, the batter-runner must reach first safely. Since this did not occur, no run scores. This is not a time play.

The batter-runner is out with no chance to safely get to first because first base is occupied at the time of the pitch. That is the rule.

Play can only continue on a balk if all runners, including the batter-runner advance at least one base. When the plate umpire determines that the batter-runner cannot possibly reach first safely, time should be called before any interference occurs and the balk enforced. Same thing with two outs.

Yes. The ball must be caught "in flight" by the catcher. See rule 6.05(b) notes

Runners who cross a base without touching it are considered safe pending appeal. The batter-runner must reach 1st safely for any runs to count.  If the defense appeals first, he is out, the inning is over and no runs score.

The first baseman must have both feet in fair territory.  The foul line is fair territory, so his feet must at least be touching the line.  The remedy is to tell the first baseman to get into fair territory, not a balk.  If he continues, he should be ejected. Be careful with this one.  If the first baseman is slightly off the line and no one is complaining, let it go.  I will usually only bring it up if he is in foul ground with both feet, which rarely occurs.  If the opposition brings it up, enforce the rule.

Neither. Since the ball deflected off a defensive player, the runner is not out and the ball is live.  The infielders possibly having a play is not relevant.

This is interference on the part of the runner.  He must allow the 3rd baseman to field the ball unimpeded.

The NAPBL Umpire Manuel,  Section 1.16 states "No pitcher shall wear a golf glove while pitching."  (They were called golf gloves before they became batting gloves)

It is a balk, interference, the batter is awarded 1st base on the interference and the ball is dead. (7.07)

The batter is out is he steps from one batter's box to the other while the pitcher is in position ready to pitch. 6.06(b)

At the plate, the plate umpire simply gives no signal as to the outcome.  They usually quickly figure it out.  As to your bag question, a runner is considered safe if he has crossed the bag without touching it, pending appeal.

A batter's hands are not part of the bat.  When was the last time you bought a bat and it came with hands?  Unless the batter is swinging or the pitch is a strike, it is a hit by pitch.

No.  This is a two base award.

If the runner is hit by a fair batted ball, he is out.  No matter what.  If he is standing with his foot on the base and is hit by a fair batted ball, he is still out.

This is strike 3 and the ball is dead.  No runners may advance.

If the pitch hits the ground it can not be caught "in flight" by the catcher. The batter can attempt to reach first safely.

Batter is hit by the pitch and awarded 1st base. The ball is dead.

If, in fact, the ball is on the way to the fielder, he has a right to be there.  If this is not the case and the umpires are unwilling to call obstruction, there is really nothing you can do on the field other than make your opinion known.  Perhaps you can take it up with the authorities in your league who can pass down a directive to the umpires to consider those circumstances as obstruction, when warranted.  Also, keep in mind that all that an obstruction call guarantees is that the runner cannot be put out at the base to which he is being obstructed.  Any further award is at the discretion of the umpire if he feels the runner would have advanced further had he not been obstructed.

Firstly, the plate umpire should never permit this to occur. If you are not taking lineup cards prior to the game, keeping track of subs and having each coach report any changes to you, you should start doing so yesterday. Any player re-entering the game must do so in the same position in the batting order. Since these two players can not both occupy the same spot in the order, the player who re-entered the game is considered an illegal sub, since the other player was still in the game. The illegal sub is ejected from the game and replaced immediately upon discovery. If that player was involved in a play, and there has not been another pitch thrown after that play, the team at bat has the option to let the play stand, or to let the batter bat again. This includes a play that ended an inning, as long as the first pitch of the next half inning has not yet been thrown.  I presume that if the illegal sub was involved in a play involving something other than the batter, like a caught stealing or a pickoff, that the offensive team would have the option to negate that play, as long as the next pitch has not been thrown.

The run cannot score.  The batter-runner must reach first base safely for the run to score [4.09(a)].  He is out the moment he steps into the dugout.  The run scoring is not a time play, he must reach first safely.  The batter would not lead off the next inning as his time at bat is over.  He is struck out with the possibility of reaching first safely.  The strikeout is the third out, but the tag would end the inning, since the batter-runner then could not reach first safely under any circumstance.

The ball is fair or foul based on the location of the ball when it is touched by the defense.

The obstruction is still valid. The responsible umpire should point to the obstruction when it occurs, stating "That's obstruction" and allow the play to continue.  Time should not be called until all action has ceased.  The batter runner is, in this case, protected from liability to be put out at second if he continues to second. In cases of obstruction, the umpire may award the offended runner the base that he feels he would have gotten to had the obstruction not taken place. An award need not be given if the umpire feels the runner would not have advanced had the obstruction not occurred.  In your example, the runner is not out and would be awarded second.

Intent is a judgment call by the corresponding umpire. Generally, if the batter-runner takes a definitive step toward second, even a quick split-second step, he is liable to be put out.  Angling into fair territory is OK, assuming it is within reason and no step toward second is taken.  In the event your judgment is questioned, state what you saw (no step toward second was taken by the batter-runner) and walk away.

Yes.  If the batter-runner does return to home plate, he is then out.

You would never simply call a runner out if he has missed 1st and he or the bag was not tagged or touched by a defensive player with the ball. He is safe pending appeal even though he has not touched the bag.  If someone with the ball tags the batter-runner or steps on 1st after the b-r has crossed the bag but without touching - that is considered an appeal play and he is out.  When the batter-runner gets back to the bag, assuming no one has tagged him or the base as above, he is safe.

As described, you made the correct call. 6.06 (c) is the relevant rule. However, the runner should be placed back on 2nd, since he had not reached 3rd at the time of the interference.

It is not necessary for the pitcher to step off the pitcher's plate before attempting a pick-off to first base.  If he does step off and attempt a pick-off to first and throws the ball out-of-play, he is considered an infielder (8.01e) and any award to the base runners is based on an errant throw by an infielder.
Rules 8.02 (a-d) addresses forbidden items and 8.05(a-m) addresses balks.

Rule 7.10 (end notes) states "If a pitcher balks when making an appeal, such act shall be a play...." A valid appeal must be made before the next pitch or play (6.07b).  In both cases, the appeal in invalid. Since the ball is live, the runners are awarded the proper bases based on the infraction committed.

Assuming that the runner is safe on the play or the pitch is hit, it is interference on the batter. "Thinking" it is a pitch is not a valid exception.  The runner is out and any other runners return unless there are two outs, in which case the batter is out and the inning is over (7.08g, 7.09d).

Yes, in the situation you site, the runner is out. The throw, however, must be a true throw (able to get the runner out). The fielder cannot simply see the runner out of the lane and hit him with the ball.

There is no "tie" in baseball.

Yes, you were correct.  The base was occupied at the time of the pitch.

It is foul.  It is not where the ball lands, but where it is touched.

Sorry, but you blew it. This is not a force play. Technically it is an appeal play. If the runner from third crosses the plate before the runner is doubled off first, the run scores. Unfortunately this is a common misconception. A force play can only be caused directly by the batter. The fact that there is no tag required does not make it a force play.

You are absolutely right. Every reference to consequences of a runner being hit by a batted ball refers to a fair batted ball. In this case, the runner was hit by a foul ball.

This is interference on the runner. He must allow the first fielder attempting to make a play on the ball to do so.  The runner is out.  If appropriate, the batter-runner may also be called out.   See 7.09 (l).

No, it is not correct.  If an infielder lets a ball fall untouched, it's a live ball.  Play continues.  This is NOT an intentionally dropped ball.

John,
The guest on Hollywood Squares is mostly correct. The batter-runner gets third with the ball remaining live.
Rule 7.05(b): "Three bases, if a fielder deliberately touches a fair ball with his cap, mask or any part of his uniform detached from its proper place on his person. The ball is in play and the batter may advance to home at his peril;"

Robert,
Yes, he is. This is analogous to the first baseman catching the ball in his glove while his foot is on the base.

Double play. When the ball is hit, the runner on first is no longer entitled to first base. Tagging him, even though he is standing on the base, is an out. Stepping on first puts out the batter-runner.

Off the rubber only.  Of course, time must be in.  If time was granted for the conference, it should not be placed back in until the batter is in the box and the pitcher is on the rubber with the ball.

Yes, the call is right, the ball is immediately dead.  The way it was handled was wrong.  Right or wrong it is the plate umpires' call (umpire-in-chief).  No umpire has the authority to overrule another umpire.  If there is a crew chief, it would be up to him to decide which ruling is correct.  The base umpire should have gotten together with the plate umpire alone and discussed it.  If the plate umpire did not see it as stated, the base umpire should explain what he saw.   Had the plate umpire not agreed to correct his call (hard to believe this would occur), the call should stand and a protest logged by the offended team, if permitted.

Nobody.

This is very unusual and not addressed anywhere in the rule book that I know of.  Obviously, as you describe it, the umpire interfered.  The play produced catcher's interference, by it was due to the umpire's action.  To me, this falls into the category of 9.01(c) which gives the umpire authority to make rulings on items not specifically covered in the rules.  I would call no pitch.  It's not fair to the defense to call catchers interference and cause them to lose the game, and it's not fair to the offense to let the pitch stand as a strike.

You are correct.  It is a force play.  The runner on first is forced to second by the action allowing the batter-runner to attempt to get to first safely.  This is why in the same situation with the bases loaded, the catcher can step on the plate for the third out.

The batter can never call time out.  He may only ask the plate umpire to give him time, which is granted at his discretion based on the circumstances and when requested.

Yes, the runner is out.  Contact with the base does not protect the runner when hit with a fair batted ball, with the exception of an infield fly situation.

No, it is not a balk. This is permitted on a pick-off to second or third. The pitcher may throw to a fielder off the base or not throw at all in the circumstance you described.

Technically yes, the runner must retouch.  In reality, no.  Rule 5.09e states: "A foul ball is not caught: runners return.  The umpire shall not put the ball in play until all runners have retouched their bases;"  What this means is there can be no further play until the runners retouch.  Since time can not be "in" without a retouch, the runner can not be called out under any circumstances.   This however, is not how it is done.  When the pitcher is on the rubber with the ball and the batter is in the box after the foul, the plate umpire takes a look around and puts the ball in play.  He would not do so if the runner is still heading back to his base or for some other reason is obviously not ready to go, but once the runner is back to where he is going, he becomes liable to be put out when "Play" is called or indicated , regardless of the fact that there was no  retouch.  This is one of the primary reasons the plate umpire MUST put the ball back in play after EVERY foul ball with runners on base.  Also, there is no reference to this situation under rule 7.10, "A runner shall be called out on appeal when..."

I don't believe that they HAD to rule it fair.  There is no rule that supports this position.  In a case like this, it's a best guess situation with a 50-50, or close to it,  chance of being correct.  I had the same thing happen to me in a American Legion NJ state championship game last year when a base runner blocked my view just as the ball reached 3rd base.  I ruled it fair because I thought it was, and was told later by an umpire that I knew with a view who was watching the game that I was incorrect.  It did not affect the outcome of the game.  The tournament director saw it and knew what happened.  They used three umpires for the balance of the tournament, which is the solution to preventing this situation from occurring.  Had a third umpire been working the game, it would have been his call and he would have been right there.

I am not familiar with LL rules, but I believe an infield fly is the same everywhere.  If you are using 13-14 yr old untrained umpires, keep in mind that you have to go with their calls, for better or worse, and be a gentleman at all times.  You are utilizing children, after all, which I applaud.  Assuming that the fly ball qualified as a genuine infield fly, not a line drive and able to be caught with ordinary effort:  An infield fly is an infield fly without regard to it being called by the umpire.  Some rules books state this directly.  The runners and situation should be placed in the proper positions as if the correct call had been made.  The batter should be declared out, etc.  In general, when it is realized that an incorrect call has been made and it is possible to correct the situation completely after-the-fact, it should be corrected.  In this case, the situation could have been fixed with no adverse consequences to anybody, egos notwithstanding. 

No, in my opinion it was not correct.  
Rule 7.09(d) states that it is interference on a batter or runner when...."Before two are out and a runner on 3rd base, the batter hinders a fielder in making a play at home base; the runner is out;".  Your description notes that the batter did indeed hinder the catcher.  There is no regard as to weather he would be safe or not.  Again, according to your description, the batter knew or should have know that a play at the plate was imminent,  is required to clear the area for the play and had ample time to do so.  This address "before two are out", but the intent is clear.  With two out, 7.09(e) would apply: "...any member of the offensive team stand or gather around any base to which a runner is advancing, to confuse, hinder or add to the difficulty of the fielders.  Such runner shall be declared out...".  Again there is no reference to the potential outcome.  Also, the ruling should not have made based on the potential or perceived possible outcome of the play.
Other batter interferes with catcher rules: 6.06(c), 7.09(a), 7.09(l, notes), 6.06(c), 7.08(g).

Any of the methods you mentioned will complete the play.  They all will result in the third out.

I see you spend some time with a rule book.  I do not know Cal Ripken-specific rules. As you describe the situation, the runner was hit by a fair batted ball.  He is out, the ball is dead.  The pitcher in this instance is not an infielder. Think for a minute, if 7.08(f) applied, no runner would ever be called out between 1st and 3rd for getting hit with a batted ball because the ball would always pass the pitcher first.  According to your description, there was no intent to interfere by the runner, so 7.09(h) would not apply.
7.09(m) protects the runner, but not in this circumstance.

My understanding is that many years ago, small grocery stores would stack canned goods very high.  In order to retrieve a can from the top, a clerk would knock one down with a stick and easily catch it.  Hence the term catching a "can of corn".

Recent Rules Answers

Updated: April 09, 2008
Created: June 17, 2001
Steve Orinick is not liable in any way for any event or situation  whatsoever arising from these responses, including errors and omissions or negative consequences, perceived or otherwise.  All answers are purely his personal opinion.  Proceed at your own risk!  Read your rule book.  Check with your association for local interpretations.
Answers copyright © 2001- 2004 Steve Orinick. All rights reserved.