Baseball rules quiz (1 Viewer)

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

One of the great things about the game of baseball is that the rules seem to be very straightforward but are actually quite complex. Most of us assume that he know the rules but, when faced with a particular situation, don't know the rule. Better yet, we assume that we do know the rules. Many of the "rules" that people think they know are actually long held assumptions that are incorrect.

So, here is the rule quiz of the day:

Runners on 1st and 2nd. 1 out. Batter hits a ball that can be caught in the air by an infielder. In what situations should the umpire(s) NOT call "Infield fly rule, batter is out"?

Discuss among yourselves.

 

[Jayrod]

One of the great things about the game of baseball is that the rules seem to be very straightforward but are actually quite complex. Most of us assume that he know the rules but, when faced with a particular situation, don't know the rule. Better yet, we assume that we do know the rules. Many of the "rules" that people think they know are actually long held assumptions that are incorrect.

So, here is the rule quiz of the day:

Runners on 1st and 2nd. 1 out. Batter hits a ball that can be caught in the air by an infielder. In what situations should the umpire(s) NOT call "Infield fly rule, batter is out"?

Discuss among yourselves.

If no infielder actually sets up under the ball to catch it.Also, I believe it would be null if there was catcher's interference or if the batter stepped on the plate to hit the ball.

 

[Woz]

Simple answer = line drive. But that sounds too easy here. Infield flies are mainly up to the discretion of the umpire under the rule,* so pretty much any ball that the ump believes to be a tough play.

Assuming I have the rule right which I may not.

 

[Softballguy]

Foul ball

 

[Woz]

Foul ball

Nice!Even more obvious than my "line drive" answer.

 

[ELM]

One of the great things about the game of baseball is that the rules seem to be very straightforward but are actually quite complex. Most of us assume that he know the rules but, when faced with a particular situation, don't know the rule. Better yet, we assume that we do know the rules. Many of the "rules" that people think they know are actually long held assumptions that are incorrect.

So, here is the rule quiz of the day:

Runners on 1st and 2nd. 1 out. Batter hits a ball that can be caught in the air by an infielder. In what situations should the umpire(s) NOT call "Infield fly rule, batter is out"?

Discuss among yourselves.

i think maybe if the runner barreled into the shortstop and a fan threw his keys and hit the third baseman and the pitcher were to quick come over and grab the ball toss it to second then to first to get the double play the umps might let that slide.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Off the top of my head, the following scenarios would not create an automatic call of "Infield fly rule, batter is out":

1. It is a line drive

2. It is a bunt

3. It is a ball that might be foul, in which case the ump should call "infield fly, if fair"

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Foul ball

Nice!Even more obvious than my "line drive" answer.

Even more obvious than what forum baseball threads go in?

 

[The Jerminator]

Off the top of my head, the following scenarios would not create an automatic call of "Infield fly rule, batter is out":

1. It is a line drive

2. It is a bunt

3. It is a ball that might be foul, in which case the ump should call "infield fly, if fair"

This is the correct answer 99% of the time.A LD or bunt doesn't afford the ump adequet time to make the "call."

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Also, the rule requires that the ball be able to be caught thorugh ordinary effort by the fielder...

 

[Jack Daniel]

Foul ball

Nice!Even more obvious than my "line drive" answer.

Even more obvious than what forum baseball threads go in?

 

[kupcho1]

Foul ball

Nice!Even more obvious than my "line drive" answer.

Even more obvious than what forum baseball threads go in?

 

[Woz]

Also, the rule requires that the ball be able to be caught thorugh ordinary effort by the fielder...

Right, this should be the generic answer here since (if I'm not mistaken) the rule is essentially a discretionary one where it's purely a judgment call and not subject to any specific inclusions or exclusions.

 

[Woz]

Foul ball

Nice!Even more obvious than my "line drive" answer.

Even more obvious than what forum baseball threads go in?

Really?? I don't see the big deal if some thread which mentions baseball isn't immediately herded over there. It's not like we're bashing A-Rod or anything.

 

[zamboni]

Also, the rule requires that the ball be able to be caught thorugh ordinary effort by the fielder...

Correct - if it's a tweener just beyond the infield that makes it a tough play, the rule probably wouldn't go into effect.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Foul ball

Nice!Even more obvious than my "line drive" answer.

Even more obvious than what forum baseball threads go in?

Really?? I don't see the big deal if some thread which mentions baseball isn't immediately herded over there. It's not like we're bashing A-Rod or anything.

Oh shut up.

 

[GroveDiesel]

If the ump's ex-wife is on first base then it's ok for him not to call "infield fly" because screw her.

 

[Jack Daniel]

Foul ball

Nice!Even more obvious than my "line drive" answer.

Even more obvious than what forum baseball threads go in?

Really?? I don't see the big deal if some thread which mentions baseball isn't immediately herded over there. It's not like we're bashing A-Rod or anything.

yes, really

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Foul ball

Nice!Even more obvious than my "line drive" answer.

Even more obvious than what forum baseball threads go in?

Free For All = Free For All. Baseball is for player, team, fantasy related baseball talk. Maybe we need an "I'm PMSing" forum.Edit: I just searched the FFA for "baseball" and got 1,000 hits. Who knows how many there would be but it only lists the first 1,000 hits.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Off the top of my head, the following scenarios would not create an automatic call of "Infield fly rule, batter is out":1. It is a line drive2. It is a bunt3. It is a ball that might be foul, in which case the ump should call "infield fly, if fair"

Others mentioned single items but this is correct on all three. With catcher's interference, I do believe that the offense gets to take the interference or the outcome of the play -- whichever benefits them more (but the IFF would still be called initially).Other items to note: It doesn't matter where the fly ball is to land (infield, just off the grass, short outfield, etc) as long as an infielder is close enough to make the play with ordinary effort.

 

[Woz]

Foul ball

Nice!Even more obvious than my "line drive" answer.

Even more obvious than what forum baseball threads go in?

Really?? I don't see the big deal if some thread which mentions baseball isn't immediately herded over there. It's not like we're bashing A-Rod or anything.

Oh shut up.

Are you the new faceless mod or something?

 

[Assani Fisher]

One of the great things about the game of baseball is that the rules seem to be very straightforward but are actually quite complex. Most of us assume that he know the rules but, when faced with a particular situation, don't know the rule.

So explain to me why exactly its a "great thing" that we don't actually know the rules.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

One of the great things about the game of baseball is that the rules seem to be very straightforward but are actually quite complex. Most of us assume that he know the rules but, when faced with a particular situation, don't know the rule.

So explain to me why exactly its a "great thing" that we don't actually know the rules.

My point is that it is a complex game; its complexity being one thing that makes it a great game.

 

[Satchel's Cat]

As mentioned--line drive, bunt, foul ball .

One additional-- if there are two out.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Well, Nancy, I hope you are happy that the thread got moved.

Ok, here's another one:

Runners on 1st and 3rd, no outs. Both runners are leading off their bases.

Batter foul tips a pitch, catcher catches it and throws back to the pitcher.

Runners do not go back to touch their bases; runner on 1st continues on to steal second.

Pitcher throws to 2nd, meanwhile the runner previously on third comes home on the throw.

What is the rule?

 

[Jayrod]

Well, Nancy, I hope you are happy that the thread got moved.

Ok, here's another one:

Runners on 1st and 3rd, no outs. Both runners are leading off their bases.

Batter foul tips a pitch, catcher catches it and throws back to the pitcher.

Runners do not go back to touch their bases; runner on 1st continues on to steal second.

Pitcher throws to 2nd, meanwhile the runner previously on third comes home on the throw.

What is the rule?

I believe the batter is scored as a strikeout and thus the play is treated as such. The ball is live and the baserunners do not have to tag up.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

LET US SAY THE COUNT IS 1-1 ON THE BATTER.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Well, Nancy, I hope you are happy that the thread got moved.

Ok, here's another one:

Runners on 1st and 3rd, no outs. Both runners are leading off their bases.

Batter foul tips a pitch, catcher catches it and throws back to the pitcher.

Runners do not go back to touch their bases; runner on 1st continues on to steal second.

Pitcher throws to 2nd, meanwhile the runner previously on third comes home on the throw.

What is the rule?

Well I guess a foul tip is a live ball and the runners do not have to tag. Since the umpire hasn't called time and the pitcher is not yet set or on the rubber, the baserunners can take the next base. I'm gonna go with everyone's safe but this might be a trick question because this doesn't happen very often above Pony League.

 

[Woz]

Well, Nancy, I hope you are happy that the thread got moved.

Ok, here's another one:

Runners on 1st and 3rd, no outs. Both runners are leading off their bases.

Batter foul tips a pitch, catcher catches it and throws back to the pitcher.

Runners do not go back to touch their bases; runner on 1st continues on to steal second.

Pitcher throws to 2nd, meanwhile the runner previously on third comes home on the throw.

What is the rule?

Runner on third is safe going home. The rule only specifies that a runner on first has to tag up after every pitch.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Foul ball

Nice!Even more obvious than my "line drive" answer.

Even more obvious than what forum baseball threads go in?

Free For All = Free For All. Baseball is for player, team, fantasy related baseball talk. Maybe we need an "I'm PMSing" forum.Edit: I just searched the FFA for "baseball" and got 1,000 hits. Who knows how many there would be but it only lists the first 1,000 hits.

:( Glad you got that search going... What's funnier now is that the two of you are trying to explain things and stuff...cracking me up.

I couldn't care less where a thread goes; it was a joke.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Well, Nancy, I hope you are happy that the thread got moved.

Ok, here's another one:

Runners on 1st and 3rd, no outs. Both runners are leading off their bases.

Batter foul tips a pitch, catcher catches it and throws back to the pitcher.

Runners do not go back to touch their bases; runner on 1st continues on to steal second.

Pitcher throws to 2nd, meanwhile the runner previously on third comes home on the throw.

What is the rule?

Well I guess a foul tip is a live ball and the runners do not have to tag. Since the umpire hasn't called time and the pitcher is not yet set or on the rubber, the baserunners can take the next base. I'm gonna go with everyone's safe but this might be a trick question because this doesn't happen very often above Pony League.

Answer: A ball tipped by the batter directly to and caught by the catcher is considered a foul tip -- a swinging strike (which is why you are out on strike 3 if it is a foul tip (caught). If not caught, it is not a foul tip but a foul ball.A foul tip is a LIVE ball, not a foul ball. Therefore, runners do not have to go back to their previous base.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Next rule up for discussion: Rule #3.

Runners on 1st and 3rd -- 1 out. Batter hits a long fly ball that the runners think will not be caught.

Runner on third is waiting to tag. Runner on 1st is going halfway.

Fly ball is caught for out 2. Runner on third heads home while runner on first tries to beat the throw back to first to avoid the double play.

Runner crosses home right before the other runner is doubled off on 1st for out 3.

Does the run count?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Keep doing this btw, especially when I'm at work.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Keep doing this btw, especially when I'm at work.

I will, as long as we continue to have audience participation. Would have been much better -- and appropriate -- in the FFA.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Keep doing this btw, especially when I'm at work.

I will, as long as we continue to have audience participation. Would have been much better -- and appropriate -- in the FFA.

This sounds like a threat.I'm going with the run counting in your last question btw.

 

[Billy Bats]

Next rule up for discussion: Rule #3.

Runners on 1st and 3rd -- 1 out. Batter hits a long fly ball that the runners think will not be caught.

Runner on third is waiting to tag. Runner on 1st is going halfway.

Fly ball is caught for out 2. Runner on third heads home while runner on first tries to beat the throw back to first to avoid the double play.

Runner crosses home right before the other runner is doubled off on 1st for out 3.

Does the run count?

YES.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Next rule up for discussion: Rule #3.

Runners on 1st and 3rd -- 1 out. Batter hits a long fly ball that the runners think will not be caught.

Runner on third is waiting to tag. Runner on 1st is going halfway.

Fly ball is caught for out 2. Runner on third heads home while runner on first tries to beat the throw back to first to avoid the double play.

Runner crosses home right before the other runner is doubled off on 1st for out 3.

Does the run count?

YES.

Why, don't you have a force play for out 3 at first base?

 

[Jayrod]

Next rule up for discussion: Rule #3.

Runners on 1st and 3rd -- 1 out. Batter hits a long fly ball that the runners think will not be caught.

Runner on third is waiting to tag. Runner on 1st is going halfway.

Fly ball is caught for out 2. Runner on third heads home while runner on first tries to beat the throw back to first to avoid the double play.

Runner crosses home right before the other runner is doubled off on 1st for out 3.

Does the run count?

YES.

Why, don't you have a force play for out 3 at first base?

That is correct. The runners all have to tag up safely, just like all runners have to reach the next base in a force situation before a run can count.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Next rule up for discussion: Rule #3.

Runners on 1st and 3rd -- 1 out. Batter hits a long fly ball that the runners think will not be caught.

Runner on third is waiting to tag. Runner on 1st is going halfway.

Fly ball is caught for out 2. Runner on third heads home while runner on first tries to beat the throw back to first to avoid the double play.

Runner crosses home right before the other runner is doubled off on 1st for out 3.

Does the run count?

YES.

Why, don't you have a force play for out 3 at first base?

That is correct. The runners all have to tag up safely, just like all runners have to reach the next base in a force situation before a run can count.

Sorry, I was being a there. The previous answer was correct, I was just .Run DOES count. The runner being doubled off at first after a caught fly ball is NOT a force play. Would seem logical that it would be, but it is not. A force is only when you are being forced to the next base by a batter reaching base safely. Run does count here if scored prior to 3rd out being made. This is referred to in rules/umpire circles as a "timed play" -- as in the timing of the run to the 3rd out.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Rule #4. Balk by a right handed pitcher (RHP).

When making a pick off move to first base, which of these would be legal and which of these would result in a balk call?

1. RHP steps off the rubber with his right foot and then throws to first.

2. RHP steps off the rubber with his right foot and then fakes a throw to first.

3. RHP does not step off with right foot, but jumps/spins in the direction of first base (both feet moving simultaneously) and throws to first.

4. RHP, while right foot is in contact with the rubber, swings left foot toward first base (before making any motion toward home plate) and throws to first base.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Hmmm. Must've stumped everyone on the intricacies of the balk rule.

 

[shadyridr]

Rule #4. Balk by a right handed pitcher (RHP).

When making a pick off move to first base, which of these would be legal and which of these would result in a balk call?

1. RHP steps off the rubber with his right foot and then throws to first. no balk

2. RHP steps off the rubber with his right foot and then fakes a throw to first. balk

3. RHP does not step off with right foot, but jumps/spins in the direction of first base (both feet moving simultaneously) and throws to first. balk

4. RHP, while right foot is in contact with the rubber, swings left foot toward first base (before making any motion toward home plate) and throws to first base. balk

1 & 2 Im positive about. 3 & 4 I think IM right.

 

[posty]

None of them are a balk...

You can fake a throw to first if your foot isn't on the rubber...

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

None of them are a balk...You can fake a throw to first if your foot isn't on the rubber...

Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner. #4 is hard to do, though, for a RHP. Quite easy and standard for a LHP in stretch position.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Ok, one more and we'll call it a day.

Runners on 1st and 3rd, 2 outs. Pitcher steps on the rubber.

Runner on 1st base then sprints to a point about 20 feet into the outfield, about 1/2 way to 2nd base (think of 1st and 2nd being the left and right bottom corners of a triangle and he is at the top point). This is where he intends to "take his lead" off of 1st base.

1. Is this legal? If not, what is the penalty?

2. If it is legal, then if a play is made on him by the defense -- what, exactly, would determine what his baseline is or if he is running "out of the baseline"?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Ok, one more and we'll call it a day.Runners on 1st and 3rd, 2 outs. Pitcher steps on the rubber.Runner on 1st base then sprints to a point about 20 feet into the outfield, about 1/2 way to 2nd base (think of 1st and 2nd being the left and right bottom corners of a triangle and he is at the top point). This is where he intends to "take his lead" off of 1st base.1. Is this legal? If not, what is the penalty?2. If it is legal, then if a play is made on him by the defense -- what, exactly, would determine what his baseline is or if he is running "out of the baseline"?

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Ok, one more and we'll call it a day.Runners on 1st and 3rd, 2 outs. Pitcher steps on the rubber.Runner on 1st base then sprints to a point about 20 feet into the outfield, about 1/2 way to 2nd base (think of 1st and 2nd being the left and right bottom corners of a triangle and he is at the top point). This is where he intends to "take his lead" off of 1st base.1. Is this legal? If not, what is the penalty?2. If it is legal, then if a play is made on him by the defense -- what, exactly, would determine what his baseline is or if he is running "out of the baseline"?

No comment?

 

[Jayrod]

Ok, one more and we'll call it a day.Runners on 1st and 3rd, 2 outs. Pitcher steps on the rubber.Runner on 1st base then sprints to a point about 20 feet into the outfield, about 1/2 way to 2nd base (think of 1st and 2nd being the left and right bottom corners of a triangle and he is at the top point). This is where he intends to "take his lead" off of 1st base.1. Is this legal? If not, what is the penalty?2. If it is legal, then if a play is made on him by the defense -- what, exactly, would determine what his baseline is or if he is running "out of the baseline"?

 

[posty]

Ok, one more and we'll call it a day.Runners on 1st and 3rd, 2 outs. Pitcher steps on the rubber.Runner on 1st base then sprints to a point about 20 feet into the outfield, about 1/2 way to 2nd base (think of 1st and 2nd being the left and right bottom corners of a triangle and he is at the top point). This is where he intends to "take his lead" off of 1st base.1. Is this legal? If not, what is the penalty?2. If it is legal, then if a play is made on him by the defense -- what, exactly, would determine what his baseline is or if he is running "out of the baseline"?

It is legal... I don't think a baseline is established until an tag attempt is made...

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Well, this is a good one and one that many are not familiar with.

It is indeed legal, as Posty said, and is generally referred to as the "skunk in the outfield" play.

1. Runner can basically take his lead pretty much anywhere he wants -- except for taking it in a position in which to get a running start when tagging on a caught fly ball.

2. The baseline is indeed established based on where the runner is when a play is made on him -- and this has nothing to do with the line between the actual bases. If the runner is in the grass area of right field and a play is made on him -- his baseline becomes a straight line between where he is then and the base (well, 3 feet on either side of that line). If he then stops and runs back to the other base, a NEW baseline is established -- from where he is then in a straight line to the base he is running toward.

*The whole point of the play is generally to cause a balk, an error, or to get in a pickle play for the purpose of scoring the runner on 3rd base without having to get a hit. I've only seen it happen twice and it truly freaks out the defensive team (and the umpires, too, if they aren't skilled).

So, now you've learned something today.