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April 2008
Q: The batter hits a deep fly to
right. The right fielder gets under the ball at the fence near the foul
pole while standing in foul territory. The fielder jumps and touches the
ball with his glove while the ball is over fair territory. It defects off
his glove and over the fence on the foul side of the foul pole.
What is your ruling?
A: Ground rule double. The ball was fair but traveled over the fence in foul territory.
Extra Credit
Q: Who was the only DH ever to win a gold glove?
A: Rafael Palmiero won the 1999 AL Gold Glove for 1st base, despite playing only 28 games at that position.
The Off Season Features "Classic" Questions
October 2007
Q:
Bases loaded with 2 out.
The batter hits a shot to right, scoring two runners but the runner from 1st is
tagged out in a rundown. The batter-runner had advanced to 2nd, but had
missed 1st. The 1st baseman calls for the ball and appeals at 1st.
What is your
ruling. Do the runs count?
A: No. In an appeal develops during the same play in which the 3rd out is made, the appeal takes precedence. In this case, the appeal play is upheld & the batter become the "4th out." Since he never legally advanced to 1st base, the runs are nullified. (7.10b-"Appeal plays...")
Extra Credit
Q:
On 9/15/07 Alex Rodriquez hit
his 3rd grand slam of the season giving him 16 for his career.
Who are the 7 players with more career grand slams?
A: Lou Gehrig (23), Manny Ramirez (20), Eddie Murray (19), Willie McCovey (18), Robin Ventura (18), Jimmie Foxx (17) & Ted Williams (17).
September
Q:
The batter is in the box when
the pitch breaks sharply inside and hits the batter on his fingers that are
naturally wrapped around the bat. The batter's hands are not in the strike zone.
What is your ruling?
A: The
rules clearly state that should a batter be hit by a pitched ball, the ball is
dead and the batter is awarded 1st base. It does not specify hands, arms,
legs or anything else.
The last time I was in a sporting goods store and looked at bats, they had no
hands attached. The hands are NOT part of the bat.
Extra Credit
Q: Who was the modern eras' youngest player?
A: Joe Nuxhall was only 15 years old when he pitched 2/3 of an inning for Cincinnati on 6/10/44.
August 2007
Q:
With runners on 2nd & 3rd,
a grounder is hit to the 3rd baseman. The runner on 3rd is caught in a
rundown and the man on 2nd advances to 3rd. The ball is thrown to the
3rd baseman who tags the runner from 2nd who is standing on the the bag and tags
the runner sliding back into 3rd.
Who is out?
A: The runner originally on 3rd is out. The runner on 2nd remains remains at 3rd. When 2 runners converge on a base, both must have actual contact with the bag before it loses its status as a sanctuary. (7.03)
Extra Credit
Q: How many stitches are there on a regulation baseball?
A: 108
July
Q:
A runner is on 1st when the batter single to
left. As the runner rounds 2nd, he is struck on the head by the throw from
the outfield and knocked unconscious. The batter-runner
asks the umpire to call time, but he refuses.
Is this correct?
A: Yes. In spite of the injury, the defense has the right to tag the runner before time is called. Umpires cannot rule the ball dead until all action on the play has ended. (5.10h)
Extra Credit
Q: Who were the 3 ML shortstops that debuted at age 18?
A: Tony LaRussa ('63), Robin Yount ('74) and Alex Rodriquez ('94).
June
Q:
With 2 out, the bases loaded
and a 3-2 count, all runners break with the pitch. The batter strikes out,
but the ball gets by the catcher and lodges in the plate umpire's mask.
All 3 runners score before the ball is extracted.
What do you rule?
A: One run scores. The ball is dead as soon as it lodges in the mask. The batter is awarded first base. If this occurred with 1st base occupied and less than 2 outs, the batter would be out. (5.09g, 7.05i, 6.05c)
Extra Credit
Q:
I was told recently that this
year in Sarasota, Florida a triple play was recorded without the defense
touching the ball. There were no outs and runners on 1st & 2nd.
Can you guess the play?
A: Batter hits an infield fly for out #1. The runner on first does not realize this, rounds 2nd and passes the runner on 2nd for out #2. The batted ball then strikes the runner on 2nd who is off the bag for out #3. Triple play without the defense ever touching the ball.
May
Q:
No runners on base. The
batter hits a ball that glances off the pitchers foot and rolls toward the first
base line. The pitcher fields the ball in the runners lane causing the
runner to tumble over the pitchers body and on to the ground. The pitcher
then throws the ball to the first baseman on the bag while the runner is still
on the ground.
What do you rule?
A: This is obstruction on the pitcher. Since he had an opportunity to field the ball when it struck him, he is no longer protected. The batter-runner now has the protection into 1st base and should have been awarded 1st.
Extra Credit
Q: What 2 players have hit home runs in all 4 NY ballparks (Yankee Stadium, Shea Stadium, Polo Grounds & Ebbets Field)?
A: Duke Snyder & Hank Aaron
April
Q: As the umpires approach the
plate to start a game, a light rain is falling. As soon as the managers
hand their lineups to the umpire-in-chief, the rain becomes heavier and the
manager of the home team declares the game postponed.
Is this permitted?
A: No. Once the umpire-in-chief receives the lineup cards, the umpires are in charge. If the umpires delay the start on the game or play is suspended, a 30-minute delay is mandatory before a postponement can be declared. (3.10c, 4.10d)
Extra Credit
Q: What is the total number of regular season ML games?
A: 2,430
The Off Season Features "Classic" Questions
September
2006
Q: Runner of 1st stealing on
the pitch. The batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop who throws to
2nd, but the runner is safe. The 2nd baseman then throws to 1st, but
the ball gets by the 1st baseman and goes in the dugout out of play.
Your ruling?
A: R1 scores and the batter-runner is awarded 2nd.
Extra
Credit
Q: The longest 9-inning game in ML
history took place on August 18, 2006 between New York (14 runs) &
Boston (11 runs) and lasted 4:45. What was the 2nd longest 9-inning
game?
A: The second longest 9-inning game in ML history took place on October 5, 2001 between Los Angeles & San Francisco and lasted 4:27. Jerry Layne was the plate umpire and called 361 pitches.
August 2006
Q: Runner on 3rd, one
out. The batter hits a deep fly to center which is caught. The
runner tags and proceeds to and steps on the plate. Thinking the runner has left too soon,
the 3rd base coaches yells for the runner to return to third. He attempts
to do so but is tagged with the ball by the 3rd baseman before he can return to
third. The runner did not leave early.
What is your ruling?
A: The run scores. Rule 5.06 states "A run legally scored cannot be nullified by subsequent actions of the runner..
Extra
Credit
Q:
Which three players have
the most consecutive 20 homer/20 steal seasons and how many?
A: Barry Bonds (9), Bobby Bonds (7) & Bobby Abreu (7).
July
Q: The batter hits a deep fly
to the right field corner. The right fielder gets under the ball at the
fence, near the foul pole. He is standing in foul territory, jumps and
touches the ball with his glove while the ball is over fair territory. The
ball deflects off his glove and travels over the fence on the foul side of the
foul pole.
What is your ruling?
A: Ground rule double. The ball is fair as it was touched while over fair territory.
Extra
Credit
Q: What player has played the
most games with one team?
A: Carl Yaztremski: 3,308.
June
Q: Runner on 1st. A
line drive is hit to the 1st basemen who dives and traps the ball. The
runner believes the ball has been caught and returns to the bag. The
fielder tags 1st base and then the runner.
What is your ruling?
A: When the bag was touched, the force is removed as the batter-runner is out. R1 was not forced at the time he was tagged and since he is on 1st, he is safe. The fielder should have tagged the runner then 1st for a double play.
Extra
Credit
Q:
How many baseballs does MLB use by all teams per
season?
A: 918,000.
May
Q: The home team, using the 3rd base
dugout, is batting. The batter hits a pop-up near the 3rd base
dugout. It appears that the 3rd baseman will easily catch the ball.
However, he trips over 2 gloves that were left lying in live ball territory by
the home team and fails to catch the ball.
What is your ruling?
A: There is none. The rules do not provide for an out on this play. There are several rules violations with no penalties mandated or even suggested. The umpires should prevent this situation from ever arising by having the offending equipment removes before play begins.
Extra
Credit
Q:
How many baseballs does MLB use per team per
season?
A: 30,600.
9,00 for Spring training & 21,600 for the regular season.
The Off Season Features "Classic" Questions
October
2005
Q: Bases loaded, 1 out. The
2-2 pitch is called a ball. The batter tosses his bat to the dugout and
sprints for 1st base. All 3 runners move toward the next base. By
the time the plate umpire can communicate to the batter that the count is now
3-2, he is standing on 1st as the pitcher receives the ball back from the
catcher. The 2nd baseman realizes that the ball is live and calls for the
ball from the pitcher, who finally gets it and throws to the 2nd baseman.
A mad dash for 1st ensues, resulting in a safe call at first. The runners
originally at 1st & 2nd return to their respective bases safely. The
runner from 3rd is standing on the plate. The defense then throws to 3rd,
where the 3rd baseman catches the ball and steps on 3rd.
What is your call?
A: There is no call. Essentially the runner from 3rd has stolen home. The other two runners should be kicking themselves in the rear for returning to their previous bases.
Extra
Credit
Q:
The longest 9 inning game in
AL history took place on Sept. 5, 1997 between NY & Baltimore and lasted 4
hours 22 minutes.
Who were the starting
pitchers?
A: Andy Petitte & Jimmy Key
September
Q: Runner on 2nd, none out.
The batter hits a ball into right field. The runner on 2nd rounds third
and runs into the plate umpire half way down the line, falling down. He
gets up and makes for the plate where the ball is waiting for him for the out.
What, if anything is your
call?
A: The runner is out. The plate umpire is authorized to be on the field and did not intentionally interfere with the runner. The runner is on his own.
Extra
Credit
Q: What pitcher has had the most
consecutive saves and what year was it?
A: Tom "Flash" Gordon had 43 consecutive saves for the 1998 Boston Red Sox.
August
Q: Runner on first, none out.
Batter bunts a blooper in the air directly to the pitcher's location. The
ball glances off his glove and falls to the ground. The batter has not
moved from the box and the runner of 1st holds the bag expecting the ball to be
caught.
What, if anything should the
plate umpire do?
A: This is an intentionally dropped ball. The play is dead, the batter is out and the runner returns to 1st. To get the DP, the pitcher must let the ball drop untouched. (6.06L)
Extra
Credit
Q: What team has used the most
pitchers in one season, how many did they use and what year was it?
A: The San Diego Padres used 37 pitchers during the 2002 season.
July
Q: Runner on 3rd, 2 outs.
The pitcher is on the rubber as the runner from 3rd heads for the plate.
The pitcher steps off and throws the ball to the plate, which is bunted by the
batter.
What, if anything is your
call?
A: Since 2 are out, the batter is out on the batter's interference and the inning is over. Since the pitcher stepped off, the throw to the plate was a play and not a pitch. The batter has interfered with the play. If less than 2 were out, the runner would be out and the batter would remain at bat. (7.09d)
Extra
Credit
Q: What team has been the only
team to go an entire season without being shutout and what year was it?
A: The 1932 NY Yankees.
June
Q: With no one out and a runner
on third, a batted ball strikes 3rd, bounds up and hits the runner standing in
foul territory.
What is your ruling?
A: The ball remains live. It is a fair ball since it has struck the bag. The runner is not out because the batted ball struck him in foul territory. (2.00-Fair Ball, 7.08f)
Extra
Credit
Q: The 1998 Orioles were the only
team in ML history to have 4 players with 300 home runs.
Who were they?
A: Raphael Palmiero, Cal Ripkin, Joe Carter & Harold Baines
May
Q: A runner is on 1st with 2 out
when the batter slugs a double, putting runners on 2nd & 3rd. Before
the next pitch, the pitcher makes a quick pickoff throw to 2nd, at which point
the 1st baseman asks for the ball and appeals that the batter on 2nd had missed
1st. The umpire saw that he missed the bag.
How should he rule?
A: Though no pitch was thrown since the hit, the appeal should be denied. The rules state that an appeal must be made before the "next pitch or any play or attempted play." The pick-off throw is a play.
Extra
Credit
Q: Which pitcher has the most opening
day appearances?
A: Tom Seaver with 16.
April
Q: Men on 1st & 3rd, one
out. The batter hits a blast deep to centerfield. The runner at third tags
& holds while the runner on 1st takes off, figuring the ball will not be
caught. As he rounds 2nd, the centerfielder makes a spectacular catch, with the
runner on 3rd racing home. The other runner, in a rush to return to first, fails
to re-touch 2nd. The defense tags the bag and appeals. The runner is called out
ending the inning.
Does the run count?
A: Yes. The run counts since the third out is not a force out and the runner had crossed the plate before the double play was completed.
Extra
Credit
Q: Who is the first pitcher in big
league history to appear in at least 80 games over 4 consecutive seasons?
A: Paul
Quantrill. In 2001-2004 he pitched in 80, 86, 89 & 86 games respectively.
The Off Season Features "Classic" Questions
October 2004
Q: 1st & 2nd, one out. While
the runners are attempting a double steal, the batter inadvertently interferes
with the catcher. In spite of the interference, the catcher throws out the
runner at 2nd, while the other base runner pulls up at third.
What is your call?
A: The fact that the interference was inadvertent is not relevant. The batter is usually out when he interferes with the catcher. In this case, the runner was retired, hence the interference is nullified. The play stands: the runner is out at second and safe at third.
Extra
Credit
Q: Who are the only
{2} 3* Mexican born
pitchers with 100 or more ML wins?
A: Fernando
Valenzuela (173) Esteban Loaiza* (123 wins) & Ismael Valdez (104)
*thanks to Jason Stubler from Manassas,
Virginia
September
Q: 1st & 3rd, one out.
The batter hits a long shot to right field. The runner on 3rd tags up, but
the runner on 1st thinks the ball won't be caught and takes off. As he
rounds second, the right fielder makes a sparkling catch, the runner on third
then races home. In his rush to return to first, the other runner missed
the retouch at second. The defense tags the bag and appeals. The
runner is called out, retiring the side.
Does the run count?
A: Yes. The run counts since the 3rd out is not a force out and the runner had crossed the plate before it was completed.
Extra
Credit
Q: What four men have managed both
the NY Yankees & the NY Mets?
A: Casey Stengel, Yogi Berra, Dallas Greene & Joe Torre
July
Q: Runner on 3rd, 1 out. The
pitcher is working from the windup and the runner takes off for home as he
starts his motion. The pitch is delivered legally and the catcher moves out in front of the
plate in anticipation of a play at the plate. The
batter manages to cleanly bunt the ball in fair territory and is thrown out at
first, the runner scores.
Do you have a call?
A: Yes. When the catcher moves out in front of the plate, he has committed a balk. The balk is enforced, the run scores, the batter is awarded first base on the interference and the ball is dead. The balk is charged to the pitcher. (Rule 7.07)
Extra
Credit
Q: Who is the only man in ML
history to wear all four NY uniforms- Giants, Dodgers, Yankees & Mets,
while the teams were in NY?
A: Casey Stengel
May
Q: On
a fly to short center, the runner tags and attempts to score from third, but a
strong throw beats him by several feet. He slides around the catcher,
avoiding the tag and just missing the plate. Thinking he had the plate,
the runner starts for the dugout, but the catcher, seeing no call by the umpire,
starts chasing him. He circles around him in an attempt to return to the
plate.
What is your call and what should the
catcher have done?
A: The
runner has a right to return to the plate. He has not departed from "a
direct line between bases to avoid being tagged," left the playing field or
abandoned running the bases. He is technically safe pending appeal, but
the umpire is correct in not signaling him as safe.
The catcher should have simply stepped on the plate and appealed to the plate
umpire.
Extra
Credit
Q: In
1997, who did Boston trade to Montreal for Pedro Martinez?
A: Carl Pavano & Tony Armus.
April
Q: With runners on
2nd & 3rd, a groundball is hit to the 3rd baseman. The runner on 3rd
is caught in a rundown while the man on 2nd advances to third. The ball is
thrown to the 3rd baseman who tags the runner from 2nd who is standing on the
bag and then tags the runner sliding back into third.
Who is out?
A: The runner originally on third is out, and the second runner remains at third. When two runners converge on a base, both must have actual contact with the bag before it loses its status as a sanctuary.
Extra
Credit
Q: Who was the first right-handed
batter to have 200 or more hits in 5 consecutive years in the American League?
A: Al
Simmons, 1929 - 1933
The Off Season Features "Classic" Questions
October
2003
Q:
A runner is on 1st when the
batter hits a line shot to right field. Believing the ball will go for
extra bases, the runner barrels around 2nd as the outfielder makes a sparkling
catch. While hurrying to return to first, the runner misses the re-touch
of 2nd base. The outfielder's throw gets past the 1st baseman and bounds
into the dugout as the runner returns to 1st.
What happens with the runner?
A: The ball has left the playing field and normally would entitle the runner to 3rd base. However, once the ball is out of play, he cannot return to properly touch the base, since he has already legally advanced past 2nd. He should be awarded third . An appeal would then be valid even if he touched 2nd while advancing to 3rd on the award. The defense can appeal the missed base when the ball is put back in play. If they do not appeal, the runner remains at 3rd.
Extra
Credit
Q: Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia
has seen its last ML game. Who had the first hit when it opened on April
10, 1971?
A: Phillies manager Larry Bowa.
September
Q:
There are two outs, a 3-1
count and a runner on third when an steal of home is attempted. The pitch
is called a ball and the runner is tagged out.
What happens to the batter?
A: The pitch is a legal delivery & takes precedence. It is called a ball & the batter walks. However, the out on the base runner immediately ends the inning.
Extra
Credit
Q: Who are the only players to have
3,000 hits, 300 home runs & 200 stolen bases?
A: Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Dave Winfield & George Brett.
August
Q:
At the pre-game conference at
a wet plate, a light rain continues to fall. After the managers present
their lineups, the rain becomes torrential and the manager of the home team
declares the game postponed.
Is the game postponed?
A: No, it is not. Once the Umpire-in-Chief receives the lineups, the umpires become the sole authority concerning the starting of play. The umpires may delay the start of the game, but a 30-minute minimum delay is mandatory before a postponement can be declared. (3.10c, 4.01d)
Extra
Credit
Q: Which players have 3000 hits
& 500 home runs?
A: Willie Mays, Hank Aaron & Eddie Murray.
July
Q:
The clean-up hitting catcher
slightly injures his ankle. In order to keep him in the lineup, the
manager has the catcher switch positions with the first baseman without
informing the umpires.
What is the penalty?
A: There is no penalty. Players already in the lineup may switch positions without notifying the umpires, though it is traditional for the plate umpire to be informed of position changes.
Extra
Credit
Q: Which current player has the
most pinch hits?
A: Lenny Harris of the Chicago Cubs.
All-Star
Game Question
Who had the first All-Star game RBI?
Lefty Grove in the 2nd inning of the 1933 All-Star game. Babe Ruth hit the first HR in the 3rd.
June
Q:
The manager visits the mound
to talk to the pitcher who has just completed his
warm-ups. He then returns to the dugout. While the plate umpire is replenishing
his supply of baseballs, the manager starts back out to the mound to again talk
to his pitcher and crosses
the foul line.
Is this a situation?
A: Yes it is. The plate umpire should prevent this from occurring if at all possible. Since the manager has crossed the foul line for the second time, the pitcher must be removed from the game. However, he must pitch to the first batter. He is then out of the ball game.
Extra
Credit
Q: Which two umpires have worked
the most All-Star games & how many games?
A: Al Barlick & Bill Summers at 7 each.
May
Q:
After a close play at the
plate, the catcher argues with the plate umpire, neglecting the base runner at
2nd. The catcher says a magic word and is ejected by the umpire and
continues to argue. The runner crosses the plate while the argument
continues.
Does the run score?
A: The run scores. If a participant is ejected during the course of a play, the disqualification does not take effect until all playing action has ended (5.10h, 9.01d).
Extra
Credit
Q: Who are the three managers with the most
ML wins?
A: Connie Mack, John McGraw & Sparky Anderson.
April
Q: The runner on 1st steals second base. The throw is much too high to handle. As the runner slides into the bag, the second baseman throws his glove and stops the ball.
Where do you place the runner?
A: If the runner had obtained 2nd base, or in the umpire's judgment had the base stolen when the glove was thrown, the award is made from 2nd. The runner scores. (7.05e)
Extra Credit
Q: Which team was the first in history to come back from a 3-1 World Series deficit in games and win the series?
A: The 1903 Boston Red Sox (best of 9) & The 1925 Pittsburgh Pirates (best of 7).
The Off Season Features "Classic" Questions
September 2002
Q: The defensive team's pitching coach makes a trip to the mound. He returns to the dugout, but before any further play has taken place, the manager exits the dugout on his way to the mound.
What should the plate umpire do?
A: The plate umpire should make every effort to stop the manager before he gets on the field. The pitcher must face the current batter before another trip can take place. Should the manager cross onto the field, he should be returned to the dugout, the pitcher should face the next batter & then be removed from the game.
Extra Credit
Q: Who was the first player ever to be drafted, by which team and in what year?
A: Outfielder Rick Monday was drafted by the Athletics in 1965. His signing bonus was a then hefty $104,000.
August
Q: First and third, none out. All infielders are playing up on the grass to cut off the winning run at third. The ball is hit just by the first baseman on the grass and strikes the runner from first on the foot.
What is your call?
A: There is no call. The base umpire should come up with a safe mechanic and state "That's nothing". The ball remains live. Since the ball has passed an infielder, the runner is not out for being struck with the batted ball. 5.09(f)
Extra Credit
Q: Who played the most seasons between All-Star game selections?
A: Burt Blyleven: 12 (1973 & 1985)
July
Q: No outs, runner on first, the defense is expecting a bunt. The pitcher comes set while the first baseman is charging. The first baseman then reverses his direction and the pitcher throws to first. The throw is caught by the first baseman before he reaches the bag, and he tags the runner before he can safely return to first.
Is this a balk?
A: No. The runner is out. The pitcher has thrown to the base and the first baseman is moving toward the base in a legitimate attempt to get back and field the throw in order to retire the runner.
Extra Credit
Q: How many stitches are there on a regulation baseball?
A:108
June
Q: Bases loaded, no outs. The plate umpire calls a balk on the pitcher, who delivers the pitch. The batter hits a long fly to deep center field, which is caught at the wall. The runners from 2nd and 3rd tag and advance. However, the cut-off man throws the ball into the stands while attempting to throw out the runner advancing to 3rd, who trots home.
What do you rule?
A: All runners including the batter-runner must advance at least one base in order for the pitch to be valid. Since the batter is out on the fly ball, the play is dead and the balk enforced.
Extra Credit
Q: Roger Clemens is rapidly advancing on the all-time strikeout list. Which player has he struck out the most, and how many times?
A: The Rocket has struck out Chili Davis 30 times in his career.
May
Q: The batter hits a swinging bunt in front of the mound. The backspin causes the ball to roll back toward the plate, where it unintentionally hits the bat which inadvertently settled in fair territory after being dropped by the batter. The ball then stops on fair ground. Had the ball not contacted the bat, it would have rolled foul. The batter-runner reaches first safely.
What do you rule?
A: Since the batter-runner simply dropped the bat with no intent to interfere, the ball is live and in play and he is safe at first. The fact that the ball would have rolled foul is not relevant.
Extra Credit
Q: Which 3 catchers played in 4 different decades?
A: Tim McCarver, Carlton Fisk & Rick Dempsey
April
Q: The batter hits a line shot which amazingly hits the pitching rubber and bounces directly to the catcher, who fields it without having moved from his original position behind the plate. He then tags the batter, who has not had time to leave the batter's box.
What do you rule?
A: This is a foul ball, since it did not pass 1st or 3rd fair and did not settle on fair ground. The catcher is in foul territory behind the plate. (2.0: A fair ball. I actually saw this occur in 2000.)
Extra Credit
Q: Who holds the longest Yankee World Series hitting streak and how many games does it cover?
A: Hank Bauer: 17 consecutive games.
March
Q: The home manager turns in two lineup cards which are not identical. The plate umpire's copy shows the shortstop batting eighth and the pitcher batting ninth. The visitor's manager has a lineup listing the pitcher eighth and the shortstop ninth. The scoreboard lists the lineup held by the visiting manager, with the shortstop ninth. In the home second when the eighth spot comes up and the shortstop homers, the visiting manager charges to the plate and properly requests a batting out of order ruling.
What do you rule?
A: This is a correctable error that the Umpire-in-Chief should have picked up during the pre-game exchange of lineup cards. That not having been done, the plate umpire has the official copy of the lineups. That is the official lineup of the game, regardless of what the scoreboard or other copies might show. There is no batting out of order in this case.
Extra Credit
Q: Who was the first native of Puerto Rico to win 20 games in a season in the majors?
A: Ed Figueroa
February
Q: The batter walks. While he is removing his shin protector, the catcher throws the ball to the 1st baseman, who holds it in his glove. After touching 1st and without time being granted, the batter steps past the bag and is tagged by the 1st baseman while off the bag.
Is he out?
A: Yes. A base-on-balls is an award of first base (Rule 2.00). The award and subsequent protection against liability to be put out end when the batter-runner reaches first.
Extra Credit
Q: Who was the first manager of the Texas Rangers?
A:
Ted Williams
The Off-Season Features "Classic" Questions
October 2001
Q: Runners on first and second when the batter singles to left. When the runner from second rounds third, he is caught in a rundown, but the catcher throws the ball into left field. As he starts for the plate, the runner slips and falls to the ground. The runner from first comes up behind him, helps him to his feet and both cross the plate.
Is this legal? Do the runs score?
A: Yes. A runner who assists a teammate on the base paths is not subject to penalty, provided that he does not pass the preceding runner.
Extra Credit
Q: Who was the last player to win a batting title without hitting a homerun in that season?
A: Rod Carew (1972)
September
Q: Two outs, runner on first and second. The batter hits a ball over the center field wall. As the next batter approaches the plate, the catcher takes the new ball and steps on home plate informing the umpire that the second runner to cross home plate did not touch it. You saw the runner miss the plate.
What is your call?
A:
This is an improper appeal. The ball is dead when it leaves the park, and the home run is a four-base award. Until the ball is put back in play, no appeal can be made.
Proper procedure would be for the umpire to put the ball back in play when the pitcher is on the rubber with the ball and the next batter is in the batter's box. The pitcher would then step off the rubber and the appeal may be made.
Extra Credit
Q: Who was the first player in Major League history to bat in 1,000 games as a DH and play 1,000 games at another position?
A: Harold Baines
August
Q: Base loaded, one out and a 2-1 count on the batter. The runner gets a great jump an tries to steal home. He slides over the plate, but the pitch which is a strike, hits him and bounces away. The catcher grabs it and fires to third nailing the runner from second attempting to advance, while the runner on first remains there.
What is your call?
A:
The pitch is strike 2, the ball is dead, the runner from 3rd scores and the other runners are entitled to advance one base without liability to be put out. [2.00-strike, 5.09(h)]
Extra Credit
Q: What 3 players have hit home runs in 8 straight games, and in what years?
A: Dale Long ('56), Don Mattingly ('87) and Ken Griffey, Jr. ('93)
July
Q: The batter hits a hard smash into the pitches glove. The ball is caught in the webbing and the pitcher can not get the ball out. He takes off his glove and tosses it to the first baseman, who catches it and steps on first before the batter-runner arrives.
A: The batter-runner is out. The pitcher fielded the ball cleanly, and tossing the glove violates no rule. (I actually saw this occur while watching a game on TV some years ago)
Extra Credit
Q: Who was the last pitcher to win 20 games for 3 different teams?
A:
Gaylord Perry
Roger Clemens has a great shot in 2001 (and ultimately did it)
June
Q: Runners on 1st and 3rd, one out. The batter hits a pop fly behind second. The second baseman camps under the ball, then steps aside and lets it fall to the ground untouched. The batter does not run on the play. The second baseman picks up the ball and fires it to the first baseman who tags the runner on first and then the bag.
What is your ruling?
A: They are both out and the side is retired. The runner would have been protected had the ball been intentionally dropped. In this case, the fielder did not touch the batted ball until it hit the ground, and the runner is not protected. (6.05 l - approved ruling, 7.08e)
Extra Credit
Q: What player has hit the most opening day home runs and how many did he hit?
A: Frank Robinson - 8
May
Q: With a runner on first and none out, the batter strikes out, and the ball gets by the catcher. The batter runs to first and the runner on first heads for second. The catcher recovers the ball and throws wildly past first into right field. The runner from first scores and the batter ends up on third.
What is your ruling?
A: With less than 2 out and first base occupied, the batter is out. The runner is free to advance at his own risk since the ball remains live. The fact that the batter ran to first and drew a throw is not cause for interference by the batter, the catcher should have know he was out and ignored him. The run counts and the offense continues batting with the bases empty.
Extra Credit
Q: Name the three men to manage their team against their son in a regular season ML game.
A: Maury Wills, Felipe Alou and Buddy Bell
April
Q: With no one on and two out in the bottom of the seventh, the number 8 batter is due up. The manager has no pinch hitters left, feels that the number 8 batter has no chance to get aboard safely and wants to open the eighth inning with his leadoff man. He tells the scheduled hitter to stay in the dugout and sends up the 9th hitter, the pitcher, who strikes out. No appeal is made, the teams change sides and the eighth inning begins. When the home team comes up to bat in the bottom of the 8th, the visitors appeal before a pitch is thrown.
Is the appeal valid? Who is the proper batter?
A: No. The appeal must be made before a pitch is thrown to the first batter of the following half-inning. If this has not been done, the improper batter is legalized and the lead-off man is the first batter in the 8th inning. (6.07c, 6.07d-2)
Extra Credit
Q: Name the 300+ career home run hitter that hit more home runs after his 35th birthday than before.
A: Carlton Fisk
March
Q: Top of the first, first pitch. The lead-off batter lofts it to right field and it travels over the fence. You are watching the ball as the base umpire, and you notice that the right fielder is coming out of the bullpen. He has obviously been off the field at the time off the pitch. The defensive manager notices this and comes out to say hello, and claims the run does not count.
What is your ruling?
A: The defensive manager is correct. The run does not count. For valid play to take place, the defense must have 9 players on the field.
Extra Credit
Q: What player has led his league in BA and HR's in the same year three times?
A: Ted Williams
February
Q: Two outs with runners on second and third. On a 3-2 pitch, the batter swings and misses and the ball gets away from the catcher, rolling to the backstop. The runner from third scores easily. The catcher retrieves the ball and throws to the pitcher covering the plate. The runner from second is called out by the plate umpire for out number 3. The pitcher then tags the batter-runner who been watching all the action from just outside the batters box.
What is your ruling?
A: The batter-runner is out on the force play and no runs score. B-R has not reached first and all of the other action has no bearing on the call. (4.09a EXCEPTION: (1), (2))
Extra Credit
Q: There have been only 3 players in ML history to steal 500 or more bases and hit 200 or more home runs. Name them.
A: Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan and Paul Molitor
January
Q: The runner slides hard into second base causing the base to dislodge and slide away from him. The shortstop applies the tag.
Is the runner out?
A: No, he is safe. No play can be made on a runner at a dislodged base after he has reached it safely. Any other subsequent runners need only occupy or touch the space formerly occupied by the base. (7.08c - Approved Rulings 1-2)
Extra Credit
Q: Who is the only player to win a batting title in three different decades?
A: George Brett
December 2000
Q: The runner on second base is taking a hefty lead. The pitcher whirls to attempt a pickoff but no one is covering the bag. Unable to stop, the pitcher throws the ball to the shortstop who has not moved and is in his normal position deep in the hole between second and third.
Is this a balk?
A: No, it is not. The pitcher may legally throw to the middle infielders in their normal fielding position.
Extra Credit
Q: Who was at bat, who was on the mound and what was the count during game 6 of the 1986 World Series when Bill Buckner made his unforgettable error?
A: Mookie Wilson was facing reliever Bob Stanley when he slapped the 3-2 pitch down the first base line.
November
Q: With a runner on first and a two strike count, the batter attempts to sacrifice. When the pitch is delivered inside, it strikes the hand of the batter which is holding the lower part of the bat and squirts away in fair territory. The catcher chases down the ball and throws the ball into right field. The batter ends up on second and the runner advances to third.
What is your ruling?
A: The pitch struck the batter on a third strike, he is out and the ball is immediately dead. Any runners return to their respective bases. The player's hands are not a part of the bat. (6.05f, 6.08b-approved ruling, 2.00-bunt, strike)
Extra Credit
Q: Who holds the record for most consecutive saves to start a career and how many?
A: Robb Nen and Greg McMichael with 15.
October
Q: A high pop foul comes down at the edge of the third-base dugout. The third baseman catches the ball, and his momentum carries him down the steps into the dugout. The runner on second tags up and heads toward third. The third baseman fires the ball off-balance into left field and the runner scores.
Does the run count?
A: Yes. If a fielder enters the dugout without falling after making a catch, the ball remains in play. The run scores. (5.10f)
Extra Credit
Q: Only once has a team gone the entire season without being shut out. Which team and in what year?
A: The 1932 New York Yankees
September
Q: A hard grounder is hit to the first baseman. It deflects off his glove, hits his jaw and falls inside his shirt. Knowing that he will not be able to get the ball out before the runner reaches first, he grabs the ball through his shirt and beats the batter runner to first base.
Is the batter-runner out?
A: No. Though the ball was under the first baseman's hand, it can not be considered securely held by his hand or glove since it was actually trapped by his uniform. (2.00 - Tag, Catch)
Extra Credit
Q: Who hold the record for most consecutive times reaching base, how many times and in what year?
A: Ted Williams - 16 times in 1957
August
Q: After running out a grounder for a single, the batter overruns first base by 25 feet. He comes to a stop in fair territory, turns in the direction of second base and starts to leisurely return to first base. He is tagged before getting there by the first baseman who has the baseball.
Is he out?
A: No. The runner can turn in either direction in fair or foul territory. However, this protection is lost if he, in the umpire's judgment, gives any indication that he will try for second base.
Extra Credit
Q: What pitching brother combination has the most lifetime wins & how many do they have?
A: Phil & Joe Niekro - 538
July
Q: The offensive team's pitcher is at bat with two out and a two-and-two count. He swings and misses a pitch in the dirt. The catcher gloves the ball on the bounce and flips it to the opposing hurler, as is customary on the third out. The pitcher keeps the ball and begins to walk toward first base as he removes his helmet to give to the first base coach who is on his way to the dugout. Realizing that he isn't out because the pitch was handled on a bounce, the pitcher drops the ball and heads off for first base.
What is your ruling?
A: In this situation, the batter should drop the ball immediately or be called out for interference for preventing the defense from making a play. If the batter had done so or did not catch the ball, he can try for first base. In this situation, the catcher made a mistake but committed no rules violation by flipping the ball to the pitcher. The batter did break a rule by carrying the baseball.
Extra Credit
Q: What four men have managed both the NY Yankees and the NY Mets?
A: Casey Stengel, Yogi Berra, Dallas Green and Joe Torre.
June
Q: A runner is on second. In a prearranged play, the pitcher, from the set position, throws to the third baseman. There is no play there, but the third baseman quickly fires to second to retire the runner napping off the base.
Is there a call here?
A: Yes, it is a balk. A pitcher is not permitted to throw to an unoccupied base from the windup or set position unless there is a play at that base.
Extra Credit
Q: What player was in the on-deck circle when Sadaharu Oh broke the world homerun record
and when Hank Aaron broke the Major league homerun record?
A: Davey Johnson, current LA Dodger Manager.
May
Q: Runner on second, 3-2 count. The runner takes off for third on the pitch and clearly has the base stolen. The pitch brushes the batter's uniform sleeve and bounces to the backstop. When the catcher recovers the ball, the runner from second has crossed the plate, and the batter is pulling up at second.
What is your call?
A: The batter has been hit by the pitch rather than walked. The ball is immediately dead. The runner returns to second and the batter is awarded first base. (The plate umpire should have immediately called "Time" to prevent the ensuing actions)
Extra Credit
Q: Who is the all-time career leader in steals of home, and how many?
A: Ty Cobb, who stole home 50 times.
April
Q: Runners on first and third, one out. A fly ball is hit to center. The runner on third tags up as the runner on first runs past second, thinking the ball will drop. The ball is caught in flight for the second out, and the runner on first is thrown out before he can return to the bag after the runner on third crosses the plate.
Does the run count?
A: Yes. This is not a force play, it is an appeal play and a time play. If the runner on third crosses the plate before the runner on first is thrown out, the run scores. 4.09 Approved ruling: One out, Jones on third...Jones scored before the throw to catch Smith reached first base, hence Jones' run counts. It was not a force play.
Extra Credit
Q: What team was the first this century to go an entire season without tossing a shutout?
A: The 1993 Colorado Rockies.
March
Q: Batters number 7, 8 and 9 are due up in the inning. Number 9 leads off and singles. Number 8 sacrifices him to second. Number 7 steps up to the plate and takes ball one. The defense then appeals the batting out of order.
What is your ruling and who is the proper batter?
A: The first pitch to number 8 legalized number 9's single. The pitch to number 7 legalized the sacrifice. Number 9 is the proper batter at the point of appeal, but since he is on second, he is passed over and number 1 becomes the proper batter.
Extra Credit
Q: Who was a 3,000th strikeout victim twice, and by whom was he struck out?
A: Cesar Geronimo. He was the 3,000th victim of both Nolan Ryan and Bob Gibson.
February
Q: A runner is on first when the batter singles to center. As the runner rounds second and is proceeding to third, the throw from the outfield hits him in the helmet and knocks him unconscious. The third base coach and the on-deck batter request time, but the umpire refuses. The shortstop then picks up the ball and tags the runner.
Is he out? Was the umpire correct in his refusal?
A: The runner is out, the umpire was correct. In spite of the obvious injury, play continues. The umpire cannot rule the ball dead until all action on the play has ended. The ball remains live. (5.10h "...no umpire shall call "Time" while a play is in progress.", 5.10c, 5.02, 7.08c)
NOTE: This is based on Pro rules and DOES NOT APPLY in any game played by youthful participants. "Time" should be immediately called by an umpire and the injured player attended to.
Extra Credit
Q: Which inning of what game was it during the 1986 World Series and what was the score in the top of that inning when Bill Buckner committed his infamous error?
A: 10th inning of game six. The Red Sox took a 5-3 lead in the top of the 10th. The Mets won 6-5.
January
Q: Runner on second and one out when the pitcher balks. The pitch is delivered and the batter hits a grounder to the third baseman, who bluffs the runner back to second but throws too late to get the batter-runner at first.
What's the call? Does the play stand?
A: Balk, no play. Each runner, including the batter-runner must advance at least one base to proceed without reference to the balk. The runner moves to third and the batter returns to the plate. (8.05-penalty ...unless the batter reaches first...and all other runners advance at least one base...)
NOTE: In HS baseball, the ball is immediately dead on a balk.
Extra Credit
Q: What player hit the first homerun in the Astrodome?
A: Mickey Mantle, in an exhibition game just prior to the start of the Astrodome's first season, April, 1965
December 1999
Q:
Runner on first, one out, hit and run. The runner takes off on the pitch, which is scalded into right center. The runner passes second base when he then picks up the ball. The center fielder make a sparkling catch in right center, and as the runner re-touches second and is on his way back to first, the center fielder throws the ball into the stands.
Where do you place the runner?
A: Third base. Though the position of the runner at the time of the errant throw usually determines where you place the runner, he is considered to be on first base. Despite his reaching second, first base is the base that he much retouch before legally advancing. (7.05g, 7.05i second note [If the runner is forced to return to a base after a catch....the award is then made from the original base)
Extra Credit
Q:
The "eighth wonder of the world", the Houston Astrodome, has seen its last game.
What date did it open, and what was the significance?
A: April 12, 1965. It was the first ML baseball game ever played indoors.
November
Q: With two out and the bases loaded, the batter grounds a sharply hit fair ball past the third base bag. The ball then strikes the wall in foul territory and bounces into a security officer standing in the bullpen. As the left fielder chases down the ball, all runners race home and the batter-runner pulls up at second base.
Is the ball dead? Do the runners score?
A: No, the ball is not dead. When an individual who is authorized to be on the field (other than an umpire or player) is struck by the ball, it is live and remains in play. The runners score. (3.15) "In the case of unintentional interference with play by any person herein authorized to be on the playing field...the ball is alive and in play."
Extra Credit
Q: Who was the first ever Major League DH, for what team and when did it occur?
A: Ron Bloomberg as a New York Yankee, April 6, 1973
May
Q:
One out, nobody on. The batter swings and misses a third strike which hits the ground but is picked by the catcher. The batter-runner starts for first, but the plate umpire yells "TIME!" and calls him out, stating that the ball was caught. The plate umpire then states that the ball hit the ground but was caught "cleanly" by the catcher. In the ensuing discussions, the offensive manager claims his B-R should have been able to attempt to reach first, because a clean catch must be made "in-flight". Since he was incorrectly prevented from doing so by the umpire, he therefore should be awarded first. The defensive manager claims the batter had been struck out and for that reason should be declared out.
What is the correct ruling?
Consider the fact that this is no longer a judgment call, it is a rules interpretation. Since the plate umpire admitted that the ball hit the ground, this ruling is subject to a protest.
A: The pitch is nullified and the batter returns to face another pitch. Other than rule 9.01c, there is no specific rule applicable. If the batter is called out on strikes, the chance to get to 1st is unfairly removed due to umpire misinterpretation of the rules (umpire reversed on protest). If the batter-runner is placed on 1st, he is being awarded a base which has not been legitimately earned, due to a misinterpretation of the rules (umpire reversed on protest). This was ruled a do-over by the tournament interpreter who was in the stands at the time.
In the tournament, after a long delay including discussions with the interpreter and 3-man crew, this was the ruling. The batter returned and hit a home run on the first pitch after play resumed. After another long delay and ejection, the game once again continued.
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