Official = Rules: Foreword

Official Rules:=20 Foreword =

This = code of=20 rules is written to govern the playing of baseball games by professional = teams=20 of the American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, the National = League of=20 Professional Baseball Clubs, and the leagues which are members of the = National=20 Association of Professional Baseball Leagues. We recognize that many = amateur and=20 non professional organizations play their games under professional = rules, and we=20 are happy to make our rules available as widely as possible. It is well = to=20 remember that specifications as to fields, equipment, etc., may be = modified to=20 meet the needs of each group. Money fines, long term suspensions and = similar=20 penalties imposed by this code are not practicable for amateur groups, = but=20 officers and umpires of such organizations should insist on strict = observance of=20 all the rules governing the playing of the game. Baseball not only has=20 maintained its position as the National Game of the United=20 States, but also has become an = International=20 Game being played in seventy seven countries. Its popularity will grow = only as=20 long as its players, managers, coaches, umpires and administrative = officers=20 respect the discipline of its code of rules.

=A91998 by = the=20 Commissioner of Baseball. All rights = reserved.=20

No = part of=20 the Official Baseball Rules may be reproduced or transmitted in any form = or by=20 any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or = any=20 information storage and retrieval system now known or to be invented, = without=20 permission in writing from the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball. = The Major=20 League Baseball silhouetted batter logo and Major League Baseball = Official=20 Publication logo are registered trademarks of Major League Baseball = Properties,=20 Inc.

OFFICIAL=20 BASEBALL RULES
The Official Playing Rules Committee has adopted = change in=20 Rule 2.00, Strike Zone which are underlined.=20

IMPORTANT=20 NOTE
The Official Playing Rules Committee at its December 1977 = meeting,=20 voted to incorporate the Notes Case Book Comments section directly into = the=20 Official Playing Rules at the appropriate places. Basically, the Case = Book=20 interprets or elaborates on the basic rules and in essence have the same effect as rules when applied to = particular=20 sections for which they are intended. This arrangement is designed to = give=20 quicker access to any written language pertaining to an Official Rule = and does=20 not require a reader to refer to different sections of the Official = Playing=20 Rules book in considering the application of a particular rule. =

Official=20 Rules:
1.00=20 Objectives of the Game=20

1.01
Baseball is a=20 game between two teams of nine players each, under direction of a = manager,=20 played on an enclosed field in accordance with these rules, under=20 jurisdiction of one or more umpires.

1.02
The = objective=20 of each team is to win by scoring more runs than the opponent.=20

1.03
The = winner of=20 the game shall be that team which shall have scored, in accordance = with=20 these rules, the greater number of runs at the conclusion of a = regulation=20 game.

1.04
THE = PLAYING=20 FIELD. The field shall be laid out according to the instructions = below,=20 supplemented by Diagrams No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3. The infield shall = be a 90=20 foot square. The outfield shall be the area between two foul lines = formed=20 by extending two sides of the square, as in Diagram 1. The = distance from=20 home base to the nearest fence, stand or other obstruction on fair = territory shall be 250 feet or more. A distance of 320 feet or = more along=20 the foul lines, and 400 feet or more to center field is = preferable. The=20 infield shall be graded so that the base lines and home plate are = level.=20 The pitcher's plate shall be 10 inches above the level of home = plate. The=20 degree of slope from a point 6 inches in front of the pitcher's = plate to a=20 point 6 feet toward home plate shall be 1 inch to 1 foot, and such = degree=20 of slope shall be uniform. The infield and outfield, including the = boundary lines, are fair territory and all other area is foul = territory.=20 It is desirable that the line from home base through the pitchers = plate to=20 second base shall run East Northeast. It is recommended that the = distance=20 from home base to the backstop, and = from the base=20 lines to the nearest fence, stand or other obstruction on foul = territory=20 shall be 60 feet or more. See Diagram 1. When location of home = base is=20 determined, with a steel tape measure 127 feet, 3 3/8 inches in = desired=20 direction to establish second base. From home base, measure 90 = feet toward=20 first base; from second base, measure 90 feet toward first base; = the=20 intersection of these lines establishes first base. From home = base,=20 measure 90 feet toward third base; from second base, measure 90 = feet=20 toward third base; the intersection of these lines establishes = third base.=20 The distance between first base and third base is 127 feet, 3 3/8 = inches.=20 All measurements from home base shall be taken from the point = where the=20 first and third base lines intersect. The catcher's box, the = batters'=20 boxes, the coaches' boxes, the three foot first base lines and the = next=20 batter's boxes shall be laid out as shown in Diagrams 1 and 2. The = foul=20 lines and all other playing lines indicated in the diagrams by = solid black=20 lines shall be marked with wet, unslaked lime,=20 chalk or other white material. The grass lines and dimensions = shown on the=20 diagrams are those used in many fields, but they are not mandatory = and=20 each club shall determine the size and shape of the grassed and = bare areas=20 of its playing field. NOTE (a) Any Playing Field constructed by a=20 professional club after June 1, 1958, shall provide a minimum = distance of=20 325 feet from home base to the nearest fence, stand or other = obstruction=20 on the right and left field foul lines, and a minimum distance of = 400 feet=20 to the center field fence. (b) No existing playing field shall be=20 remodeled after June 1,=20 1958, in such manner as to reduce the distance from = home base=20 to the foul poles and to the center field fence below the minimum=20 specified in paragraph (a) above.

1.05
Home base shall be marked by a = five=20 sided slab of whitened rubber. It shall be a 17 inch square with = two of=20 the corners removed so that one edge is 17 inches long, two = adjacent sides=20 are 8 1/2 inches and the remaining two sides are 12 inches and set = at an=20 angle to make a point. It shall be set in the ground with the = point at the=20 intersection of the lines extending from home base to first base = and to=20 third base; with the 17 inch edge facing the pitcher's plate, and = the two=20 12 inch edges coinciding with the first and third base lines. The = top=20 edges of home base shall be beveled and the base shall be fixed in = the=20 ground level with the ground surface. Diagram 2: =

1.06
First, second=20 and third bases shall be marked by white canvas bags, securely = attached to=20 the ground as indicated in Diagram 2. The first and third base = bags shall=20 be entirely within the infield. The second base bag shall be = centered on=20 second base. The bags shall be 15 inches square, not less than = three nor more than five inches thick, and filled = with soft=20 material.

1.07
The = pitcher's=20 plate shall be a rectangular slab of whitened rubber, 24 inches by = 6=20 inches. It shall be set in the ground as shown in Diagrams 1 and = 2, so=20 that the distance between the pitcher's plate and home base (the = rear=20 point of home plate) shall be 60 feet, 6 inches. =

1.08
The = home club=20 shall furnish players' benches, one each for the home and visiting = teams.=20 Such benches shall not be less than twenty five feet from the base = lines.=20 They shall be roofed and shall be enclosed at the back and ends.=20

1.09
The = ball=20 shall be a sphere formed by yarn wound around a small core of = cork, rubber=20 or similar material, covered with two stripes of white horsehide = or=20 cowhide, tightly stitched together. It shall weigh not=20 less than five nor more than 5 1/4 ounces avoirdupois and = measure=20 not less than nine nor more than 9 1/4 inches in circumference.=20

1.10
(a) = The bat=20 shall be a smooth, round stick not more than 2 3/4 inches in = diameter at=20 the thickest part and not more than 42 inches in length. The bat = shall be=20 one piece of solid wood. NOTE: No laminated or experimental bats = shall be=20 used in a professional game (either championship season or = exhibition=20 games) until the manufacturer has secured approval from the Rules=20 Committee of his design and methods of manufacture. (b) Cupped = Bats. An=20 indentation in the end of the bat up to one inch in depth is = permitted and=20 may be no wider than two inches and no less than one inch in = diameter. The=20 indentation must be curved with no foreign substance added. (c) = The bat=20 handle, for not more than 18 inches from its end, may be covered = or=20 treated with any material or substance to improve the grip. Any = such=20 material or substance, which extends past the 18 inch limitation, = shall=20 cause the bat to be removed from the game. NOTE: If the umpire = discovers=20 that the bat does not conform to (c) above until a time during or = after=20 which the bat has been used in play, it shall not be grounds for = declaring=20 the batter out, or ejected from the game. (d) No colored bat may = be used=20 in a professional game unless approved by the Rules Committee.=20

1.11
(a) = (1) All=20 players on a team shall wear uniforms identical in color, trim and = style,=20 and all players uniforms shall include = minimal=20 six inch numbers on their backs. (2) Any part of an undershirt = exposed to=20 view shall be of a uniform solid color for all players on a team. = Any=20 player other than the pitcher may have numbers, letters, insignia = attached=20 to the sleeve of the undershirt. (3) No player whose uniform does = not=20 conform to that of his teammates shall be permitted to participate = in a=20 game. (b) A league may provide that (1) each team shall wear a = distinctive=20 uniform at all times, or (2) that each team shall have two sets of = uniforms, white for home games and a different color for road = games. (c)=20 (1) Sleeve lengths may vary for individual players, but the = sleeves of=20 each individual player shall be approximately the same length. (2) = No=20 player shall wear ragged, frayed or slit sleeves. (d) No player = shall=20 attach to his uniform tape or other material of a different color = from his=20 uniform. (e) No part of the uniform shall include a pattern that = imitates=20 or suggests the shape of a baseball. (f) Glass buttons and = polished metal=20 shall not be used on a uniform. (g) No player shall attach = anything to the=20 heel or toe of his shoe other than the ordinary shoe plate or toe = plate.=20 Shoes with pointed spikes similar to golf or track shoes shall not = be=20 worn. (h) No part of the uniform shall include patches or designs = relating=20 to commercial advertisements. (i) A = league may=20 provide that the uniforms of its member teams include the names of = its=20 players on their backs. Any name other than the last name of the = player=20 must be approved by the League President. If adopted, all uniforms = for a=20 team must have the names of its players.

1.12
The = catcher=20 may wear a leather mitt not more than thirty eight inches in=20 circumference, nor more than fifteen and one half inches from top = to=20 bottom. Such limits shall include all lacing and any leather band = or=20 facing attached to the outer edge of the mitt. The space between = the thumb=20 section and the finger section of the mitt shall not exceed six = inches at=20 the top of the mitt and four inches at the base of the thumb = crotch. The=20 web shall measure not more than seven inches across the top or = more than=20 six inches from its top to the base of the thumb crotch. The web = may be=20 either a lacing or lacing through leather tunnels, or a center = piece of=20 leather which may be an extension of the palm, connected to the = mitt with=20 lacing and constructed so that it will not exceed any of the above = mentioned measurements.

1.13
The = first=20 baseman may wear a leather glove or mitt not more than twelve = inches long=20 from top to bottom and not more than eight inches wide across the = palm,=20 measured from the base of the thumb crotch to the outer edge of = the mitt.=20 The space between the thumb section and the finger section of the = mitt=20 shall not exceed four inches at the top of the mitt and three and = one half=20 inches at the base of the thumb crotch. The mitt shall be = constructed so=20 that this space is permanently fixed and cannot be enlarged, = extended,=20 widened, or deepened by the use of any materials or process = whatever. The=20 web of the mitt shall measure not more than five inches from its = top to=20 the base of the thumb crotch. The web may be either a lacing, = lacing=20 through leather tunnels, or a center piece of leather which may be = an=20 extension of the palm connected to the mitt with lacing and = constructed so=20 that it will not exceed the above mentioned measurements. The = webbing=20 shall not be constructed of wound or wrapped lacing or deepened to = make a=20 net type of trap. The glove may be of any weight. =

1.14
Each fielder,=20 other than the first baseman or catcher, may use or wear a leather = glove.=20 The measurements covering size of glove shall be made by measuring = front=20 side or ball receiving side of glove. The tool or measuring tape = shall be=20 placed to contact the surface or feature of item being measured = and follow=20 all contours in the process. The glove shall not measure more than = 12''=20 from the tip of any one of the 4 fingers, through the ball pocket = to the=20 bottom edge or heel of glove. The glove shall not measure more = than 7=20 3/4'' wide, measured from the inside seam at base of first finger, = along=20 base of other fingers, to the outside edge of little finger edge = of glove.=20 The space or area between the thumb and first finger, called = crotch, may=20 be filled with leather webbing or back stop. The webbing may be=20 constructed of two plies of standard leather to close the crotch = area=20 entirely, or it may be constructed of a series of tunnels made of = leather,=20 or a series of panels of leather, or of lacing leather thongs. The = webbing=20 may not be constructed of wound or wrapped lacing to make a net = type of=20 trap. When webbing is made to cover entire crotch area, the = webbing can be=20 constructed so as to be flexible. When constructed of a series of=20 sections, they must be joined together. These sections may not be = so=20 constructed to allow depression to be developed by curvatures in = the=20 section sides. The webbing shall be made to control the size of = the crotch=20 opening. The crotch opening shall measure not more than 4 1/2'' at = the=20 top, not more than 5 3/4'' deep, and shall be 3 1/2'' wide at its = bottom.=20 The opening of crotch shall not be more than 4 1/2'' at any point = below=20 its top. The webbing shall be secured at each side, and at top and = bottom=20 of crotch. The attachment to be made with leather lacing, these=20 connections to be secured. If they stretch or become loose, they = shall be=20 adjusted to their proper condition. The glove can be of any = weight.=20

1.15
(a) = The=20 pitcher's glove shall be uniform in color, including all = stitching, lacing=20 and webbing. The pitcher's glove may not be white or gray.
(b) = No=20 pitcher shall attach to his glove any foreign material of a color=20 different from the glove.

1.16
A=20 Professional League shall adopt the following rule pertaining to = the use=20 of helmets:
(a) All players shall use some type of protective = helmet=20 while at bat. (b) All players in National Association Leagues = shall wear a=20 double ear flap helmet while at bat. (c) All players entering the = Major=20 Leagues commencing with the 1983 championship season and every = succeeding=20 season thereafter must wear a single ear flap helmet (or at the = player's=20 option, a double ear flap helmet), except those players who were = in the=20 Major League during the 1982 season, and who, as recorded in that = season,=20 objected to wearing a single ear flap helmet. (d) All catchers = shall wear=20 a catcher's protective helmet, while fielding their position. (e) = All=20 bat/ball boys or girls shall wear a protective helmet while = performing=20 their duties. If the umpire observes any violation of these rules, = he=20 shall direct the violation to be corrected. If the violation is = not=20 corrected within a reasonable time, in the umpire's judgment, the = umpire=20 shall eject the offender from the game, and disciplinary action, = as=20 appropriate, will be recommended.

1.17
Playing=20 equipment including but not limited to the bases, pitcher's plate, = baseball, bats, uniforms, catcher's mitts, first baseman's gloves, = infielders and outfielders gloves and protective helmets, as = detailed in=20 the provisions of this rule, shall not contain any undue = commercialization=20 of the product. Designations by the manufacturer on any such = equipment=20 must be in good taste as to the size and content of the = manufacturer's=20 logo or the brand name of the item. The provisions of this Section = 1.17=20 shall apply to professional leagues only. NOTE: Manufacturers who = plan=20 innovative changes in baseball equipment for professional baseball = leagues=20 should submit same to the Official Playing Rules Committee prior = to=20 production.

Official Rules: 2.00 Definition of Terms =

ADJUDGED is a = judgment decision=20 by the umpire.

An=20 APPEAL is the act of a fielder in claiming violation of the rules = by the=20 offensive team.

A BALKis an illegal act by the pitcher with a = runner or=20 runners on base, entitling all runners to advance one = base. =

A = BALL=20 is a pitch which does not enter the strike zone in flight and is not = struck at=20 by the batter. If the pitch touches the ground and bounces through the = strike=20 zone it is a "ball." If such a pitch touches the batter, he shall be = awarded=20 first base. If the batter swings at such a pitch after two strikes, the = ball=20 cannot be caught, for the purposes of Rule 6.05 (c) and 6.09 (b). If the = batter=20 hits such a pitch, the ensuing action shall be the same as if he hit the = ball in=20 flight.

A = BASEis one of four points which must be = touched by a=20 runner in order to score a run; more usually applied to the canvas bags = and the=20 rubber plate which mark the base points.

A = BASE=20 COACH is a team member in uniform who is stationed in the coach's = box at=20 first or third base to direct the batter and the runners. =

A = BASE ON=20 BALLS is an award of first base granted to a batter who, during his = time at=20 bat, receives four pitches outside the strike zone. =

A BATTERis an offensive player who takes his = position=20 in the batter's box. =

BATTER=20 RUNNERis a term that = identifies=20 the offensive player who has just finished his time at bat until he is = put out=20 or until the play on which he became a runner ends. =

The=20 BATTER'S BOXis the area within which = the=20 batter shall stand during his time at bat.

The = BATTERY is the pitcher and catcher. = BENCH OR=20 DUGOUTis=20 the seating facilities reserved for players, substitutes and other team = members=20 in uniform when they are not actively engaged on the playing field.=20

A = BUNT=20 is a batted ball not swung at, but intentionally met with the bat and = tapped=20 slowly within the infield.

A = CALLED=20 GAME is one in which, for any reason, the umpire in chief terminates = play.=20

A = CATCHis the act of a fielder in getting = secure=20 possession in his hand or glove of a ball in flight and firmly holding = it;=20 providing he does not use his cap, protector, pocket or any other part = of his=20 uniform in getting possession. It is not a catch, however, if = simultaneously or=20 immediately following his contact with the ball, he collides with a = player, or=20 with a wall, or if he falls down, and as a result of such collision or = falling,=20 drops the ball. It is not a catch if a fielder touches a fly ball which = then=20 hits a member of the offensive team or an umpire and then is caught by = another=20 defensive player. If the fielder has made the catch and drops the ball = while in=20 the act of making a throw following the catch, the ball shall be = adjudged to=20 have been caught. In establishing the validity of the catch, the fielder = shall=20 hold the ball long enough to prove that he has complete control of the = ball and=20 that his release of the ball is voluntary and intentional. A catch is = legal if=20 the ball is finally held by any fielder, even though juggled, or held by = another=20 fielder before it touches the ground. Runners may leave their bases the = instant=20 the first fielder touches the ball. A fielder may reach over a fence, = railing,=20 rope or other line of demarcation to make a catch. He may jump on top of = a=20 railing, or canvas that may be in foul ground. No interference should be = allowed=20 when a fielder reaches over a fence, railing, rope or=20 into a stand to catch a ball. He does so at his own risk. If a fielder,=20 attempting a catch at the edge of the dugout, is "held up" and kept from = an=20 apparent fall by a player or players of either team and the catch is = made, it=20 shall be allowed.

The=20 CATCHER is the fielder who takes his position back of the home = base.=20

The=20 CATCHER'S BOX is that area within which the catcher shall stand = until the=20 pitcher delivers the ball.

The CLUBis a person=20 or group of persons responsible for assembling the team personnel, = providing the=20 playing field and required facilities, and representing the team in = relations=20 with the league. =

A = COACHis a team member in uniform appointed = by the=20 manager to perform such duties as the manager may designate, such as but = not=20 limited to acting as base coach.

A DEAD = BALLis a ball=20 out of play because of a legally created temporary suspension of=20 play. The = DEFENSE (or=20 DEFENSIVE) is the team, or any player of the team, in the field.=20

A = DOUBLE=20 HEADER is two regularly scheduled or rescheduled games, played in = immediate=20 succession.

A = DOUBLE=20 PLAY is a play by the defense in which two offensive players are put = out as=20 a result of continuous action, providing there is no error between = putouts.=20
(a) A force double play is one in which both putouts are force = plays.=20
(b) A reverse force double play is one in which the first out is a = force=20 play and the second out is made on a runner for whom the force is = removed by=20 reason of the first out. Examples of reverse force plays: runner on = first, one=20 out; batter grounds to first baseman, who steps on first base (one out) = and=20 throws to second baseman or shortstop for the second out (a tag play). = Another=20 example: bases loaded, none out; batter grounds to third baseman, who = steps on=20 third base (one out); then throws to catcher for the second out (tag = play).=20

DUGOUT (See = definition of=20 BENCH)

A = FAIR=20 BALL is a batted ball that settles on fair ground between home and = first=20 base, or between home and third base, or that is on or over fair = territory when=20 bounding to the outfield past first or third base, or that touches = first, second=20 or third base, or that first falls on fair territory on or beyond first = base or=20 third base, or that, while on or over fair territory touches the person = of an=20 umpire or player, or that, while over fair territory, passes out of the = playing=20 field in flight. A fair fly shall be judged according to the relative = position=20 of the ball and the foul line, including the foul pole, and not as to = whether=20 the fielder is on fair or foul territory at the time he touches the = ball. If a=20 fly ball lands in the infield between home and first base, or home and = third=20 base, and then bounces to foul territory without touching a player or = umpire and=20 before passing first or third base, it is a foul ball; or if the ball = settles on=20 foul territory or is touched by a player on foul territory, it is a foul = ball.=20 If a fly ball lands on or beyond first or third base and then bounces to = foul=20 territory, it is a fair hit. Clubs, increasingly, are erecting tall foul = poles=20 at the fence line with a wire netting extending along the side of the = pole on=20 fair territory above the fence to enable the umpires more accurately to = judge=20 fair and foul balls.

FAIR=20 TERRITORY is that part = of the=20 playing field within, and including the first base and third base lines, = from=20 home base to the bottom of the playing field fence and perpendicularly = upwards.=20 All foul lines are in fair territory.

A = FIELDER is any defensive player.

FIELDER'S=20 CHOICE=20 is the act of a fielder who handles a fair grounder and, instead of = throwing to=20 first base to put out the batter runner, throws to another base in an = attempt to=20 put out a preceding runner. The term is also used by scorers (a) to = account for=20 the advance of the batter runner who takes one or more extra bases when = the=20 fielder who handles his safe hit attempts to put out a preceding runner; = (b) to=20 account for the advance of a runner (other than by stolen base or error) = while a=20 fielder is attempting to put out another runner; and (c) to account for = the=20 advance of a runner made solely because of the defensive team's = indifference=20 (undefended steal).

A = FLY=20 BALL is a batted ball that goes high in the air in flight.=20

A = FORCE=20 PLAY is a play in which a runner legally loses his right to occupy a = base by=20 reason of the batter becoming a runner. Confusion regarding this play is = removed=20 by remembering that frequently the "force" situation is removed during = the play.=20 Example: Man on first, one out, ball hit sharply to first baseman who = touches=20 the bag and batter runner is out. The force is removed at that moment = and runner=20 advancing to second must be tagged. If there had been a runner on third = or=20 second, and either of these runners scored before the tag out at second, = the run=20 counts. Had the first baseman thrown to second and the ball then had = been=20 returned to first, the play at second was a force out, making two outs, = and the=20 return throw to first ahead of the runner would have made three outs. In = that=20 case, no run would score. Example: Not a force out. One out. Runner on = first and=20 third. Batter flies out. Two out. Runner on third tags up and scores. = Runner on=20 first tries to retouch before throw from fielder reaches first baseman, = but does=20 not get back in time and is out. Three outs. If, in umpire's judgment, = the=20 runner from third touched home before the ball was held at first base, = the run=20 counts.

A = FORFEITED=20 GAMEis a=20 game declared ended by the umpire in chief in favor of the offended team = by the=20 score of 9 to 0, for violation of the rules.

A = FOUL=20 BALLis a=20 batted ball that settles on foul territory between home and first base, = or=20 between home and third base, or that bounds past first or third base on = or over=20 foul territory, or that first falls on foul territory beyond first or = third=20 base, or that, while on or over foul territory, touches the person of an = umpire=20 or player, or any object foreign to the natural ground. A foul fly shall = be=20 judged according to the relative position of the ball and the foul line, = including the foul pole, and not as to whether the infielder is on foul = or fair=20 territory at the time he touches the ball. A batted ball not touched by = a=20 fielder, which hits the pitcher's rubber and rebounds into foul = territory,=20 between home and first, or between home and third base is a foul ball.=20

FOUL = TERRITORY is that part = of the=20 playing field outside the first and third base lines extended to the = fence and=20 perpendicularly upwards.

A = FOUL=20 TIP is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the=20 catcher's hands and is legally caught. It is not a foul tip unless = caught and=20 any foul tip that is caught is a strike, and the ball is in play. It is = not a=20 catch if it is a rebound, unless the ball has first touched the = catcher's glove=20 or hand.

A = GROUND=20 BALL is a batted ball that rolls or bounces close to the ground.=20

The = HOME=20 TEAM is the team on whose grounds the game is played, or if the game = is=20 played on neutral grounds, the home team shall be designated by mutual=20 agreement.

ILLEGAL (or=20 ILLEGALLY)is contrary = to these=20 rules.

An = ILLEGAL=20 PITCH is (1) a pitch delivered to the batter when the pitcher does = not have=20 his pivot foot in contact with the pitcher's plate; (2) a quick return = pitch. An=20 illegal pitch when runners are on base is a balk.

An=20 INFIELDER is a fielder who occupies a position in the infield.=20

An = INFIELD=20 FLY is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive nor an attempted = bunt)=20 which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and = second,=20 or first, second and third bases are occupied, before two are out. The = pitcher,=20 catcher and any outfielder who stations himself in the infield on the = play shall=20 be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule. When it seems = apparent=20 that a batted ball will be an Infield Fly, the umpire shall immediately = declare=20 "Infield Fly" for the benefit of the runners. If the ball is near the = baselines,=20 the umpire shall declare "Infield Fly, if Fair." The ball is alive and = runners=20 may advance at the risk of the ball being caught, or retouch and advance = after=20 the ball is touched, the same as on any fly ball. If the hit becomes a = foul=20 ball, it is treated the same as any foul. If a declared Infield Fly is = allowed=20 to fall untouched to the ground, and bounces foul before passing first = or third=20 base, it is a foul ball. If a declared Infield Fly falls untouched to = the ground=20 outside the baseline, and bounces fair before passing first or third = base, it is=20 an Infield Fly. On the infield fly rule the umpire is to rule whether = the ball=20 could ordinarily have been handled by an infielder not by some arbitrary = limitation such as the grass, or the base lines. The umpire must rule = also that=20 a ball is an infield fly, even if handled by an outfielder, if, in the = umpire's=20 judgment, the ball could have been as easily handled by an infielder. = The=20 infield fly is in no sense to be considered an appeal play. The umpire's = judgment must govern, and the decision should be made immediately. When = an=20 infield fly rule is called, runners may advance at their own risk. If on = an=20 infield fly rule, the infielder intentionally drops a fair ball, the = ball=20 remains in play despite the provisions of Rule 6.05 (L). The infield fly = rule=20 takes precedence.

IN=20 FLIGHT=20 describes a batted, thrown, or pitched ball which has not yet touched = the ground=20 or some object other than a fielder.

IN JEOPARDYis a term = indicating that=20 the ball is in play and an offensive player may be put out.=20

An = INNINGis that portion of a game within = which the=20 teams alternate on offense and defense and in which there are three = putouts for=20 each team. Each team's time at bat is a half inning. =

INTERFERENCE
(a) = Offensive=20 interference is an act by the team at bat which interferes with, = obstructs,=20 impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play. If = the=20 umpire declares the batter, batter runner, or a runner out for = interference, all=20 other runners shall return to the last base that was in the judgment of = the=20 umpire, legally touched at the time of the interference, unless = otherwise=20 provided by these rules. In the event the batter runner has not reached = first=20 base, all runners shall return to the base last occupied at the time of = the=20 pitch.
(b) Defensive interference is an act by a fielder which = hinders or=20 prevents a batter from hitting a pitch.
(c) Umpire's interference = occurs (1)=20 When an umpire hinders, impedes or prevents a catcher's throw attempting = to=20 prevent a stolen base, or (2) When a fair ball touches an umpire on fair = territory before passing a fielder.
(d) Spectator interference = occurs when a=20 spectator reaches out of the stands, or goes on the playing field, and = touches a=20 live ball. On any interference the ball is dead.

THE LEAGUEis a group of = clubs whose=20 teams play each other in a pre arranged schedule under these rules for = the=20 league championship.

THE LEAGUE=20 PRESIDENTshall enforce the = official=20 rules, resolve any disputes involving the rules, and determine any = protested=20 games. The league president may fine or suspend any player, coach, = manager or=20 umpire for violation of these rules, at his discretion. =

LEGAL (or=20 LEGALLY) is in = accordance with=20 these rules.

A = LIVE=20 BALLis a=20 ball which is in play.

A LINE=20 DRIVE is a batted = ball that=20 goes sharp and direct from the bat to a fielder without touching the = ground.=20

THE=20 MANAGER is a person = appointed=20 by the club to be responsible for the team's actions on the field, and = to=20 represent the team in communications with the umpire and the opposing = team. A=20 player may be appointed manager.
(a) The club shall designate the = manager to=20 the league president or the umpire in chief not less than thirty minutes = before=20 the scheduled starting time of the game.
(b) The manager may advise = the=20 umpire that he has delegated specific duties prescribed by the rules to = a player=20 or coach, and any action of such designated representative shall be = official.=20 The manager shall always be responsible for his team's conduct, = observance of=20 the official rules, and deference to the umpires.
(c) If a manager = leaves=20 the field, he shall designate a player or coach as his substitute, and = such=20 substitute manager shall have the duties, rights and responsibilities of = the=20 manager. If the manager fails or refuses to designate his substitute = before=20 leaving, the umpire in chief shall designate a team member as substitute = manager.

OBSTRUCTIONis the act of a = fielder=20 who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding = the=20 ball, impedes the progress of any runner. If a fielder is about to = receive a=20 thrown ball and if the ball is in flight directly toward and near enough = to the=20 fielder so he must occupy his position to receive the ball he may be = considered=20 "in the act of fielding a ball." It is entirely up to the judgment of = the umpire=20 as to whether a fielder is in the act of fielding a ball. After a = fielder has=20 made an attempt to field a ball and missed, he can no longer be in the = "act of=20 fielding" the ball. For example: an infielder dives at a ground ball and = the=20 ball passes him and he continues to lie on the ground and delays the = progress of=20 the runner, he very likely has obstructed the runner. =

OFFENSEis the team, or = any=20 player of the team, at bat.

OFFICIAL=20 SCORER. See Rule = 10.00.=20

An = OUTis one of the three required retirements = of an=20 offensive team during its time at bat.

An = OUTFIELDERis a fielder who occupies a = position in the=20 outfield, which is the area of the playing field most distant from home = base.=20

OVERSLIDE=20 (or OVERSLIDING) is the act = of an=20 offensive player when his slide to a base, other than when advancing = from home=20 to first base, is with such momentum that he loses contact with the = base.=20

A=20 PENALTY is the application of these rules following an illegal = act.=20

The = PERSONof a player or an umpire is any part = of his=20 body, his clothing or his equipment.

A = PITCH=20 is a ball delivered to the batter by the pitcher. All other deliveries = of the=20 ball by one player to another are thrown balls.

A=20 PITCHER is the fielder designated to deliver the pitch to the = batter.=20

The = pitcher's=20 PIVOT FOOTis that foot which is in = contact=20 with the pitcher's plate as he delivers the pitch. =

"PLAY" is the = umpire's order=20 to start the game or to resume action following any dead ball.=20

A = QUICK=20 RETURNpitch is one made with = obvious=20 intent to catch a batter off balance. It is an illegal pitch.=20

REGULATION=20 GAME.See Rules 4.10 = and 4.11.=20

A = RETOUCHis the act of a runner in returning = to a base=20 as legally required.

A = RUN (or=20 SCORE) is the score made by an offensive player who advances from = batter to=20 runner and touches first, second, third and home bases in that order.=20

A = RUN=20 DOWN is the act of the defense in an attempt to put out a runner = between=20 bases.

A = RUNNERis an offensive player who is = advancing toward,=20 or touching, or returning to any base.

"SAFE"is a = declaration by the=20 umpire that a runner is entitled to the base for which he was trying.=20

SET=20 POSITION is one of = the two=20 legal pitching positions.

SQUEEZE=20 PLAY=20 is a term to designate a play when a team, with a runner on third base, = attempts=20 to score that runner by means of a bunt.

A = STRIKEis a legal pitch when so called by = the umpire,=20 which_
(a) Is struck at by the batter and is missed;
(b) Is not = struck=20 at, if any part of the ball passes through any part of the strike zone; =
(c)=20 Is fouled by the batter when he has less than two strikes;
(d) Is = bunted=20 foul;
(e) Touches the batter as he strikes at it;
(f) Touches = the batter=20 in flight in the strike zone; or
(g) Becomes a foul tip.=20

The = STRIKE=20 ZONEis=20 that area over home plate the upper limit of which is a horizontal line = at the=20 midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform = pants, and=20 the lower level is a line at the hollow beneath the knee cap. The Strike = Zone=20 shall be determined from the batter's stance as the batter is prepared = to swing=20 at a pitched ball. (For diagram of STRIKE ZONE see page 23.)=20

A = SUSPENDED=20 GAME is a called game which is to be completed at a later date.=20

A = TAGis the action of a fielder in touching a = base with=20 his body while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or = glove; or=20 touching a runner with the ball, or with his hand or glove holding the = ball,=20 while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or glove.=20

A = THROW=20 is the act of propelling the ball with the hand and arm to a given = objective and=20 is to be distinguished, always, from the pitch.

A = TIE=20 GAME is a regulation game which is called when each team has the = same number=20 of runs.

"TIME"is the = announcement by an=20 umpire of a legal interruption of play, during which the ball is dead.=20

TOUCH. To touch a = player or=20 umpire is to touch any part of his body, his clothing or his equipment.=20

A = TRIPLE=20 PLAYis a=20 play by the defense in which three offensive players are put out as a = result of=20 continuous action, providing there is no error between putouts.=20

A = WILD=20 PITCH is one so high, so low, or so wide of the plate that it cannot = be=20 handled with ordinary effort by the catcher.

WIND UP=20 POSITION is one of = the two=20 legal pitching positions.

Official=20 Rules:
3.00 Game=20 Preliminaries=20

3.01
Before the=20 game begins the umpire shall: (a) Require strict observance of all = rules=20 governing implements of play and equipment of players; (b) Be sure = that=20 all playing lines (heavy lines on Diagrams No. 1 and No. 2) are = marked=20 with lime, chalk or other white material easily distinguishable = from the=20 ground or grass; (c) Receive from the home club a supply of = regulation=20 baseballs, the number and make to be certified to the home club by = the=20 league president. Each ball shall be enclosed in a sealed package = bearing=20 the signature of the league president, and the seal shall not be = broken=20 until just prior to game time when the umpire shall open each = package to=20 inspect the ball and remove its gloss. The umpire shall be the = sole judge=20 of the fitness of the balls to be used in the game; (d) Be assured = by the=20 home club that at least one dozen regulation reserve balls are = immediately=20 available for use if required; (e) Have in his possession at least = two=20 alternate balls and shall require replenishment of such supply of=20 alternate balls as needed throughout the game. Such alternate = balls shall=20 be put in play when_
   (1) A ball has been = batted out=20 of the playing field or into the spectator area; =
   (2)=20 A ball has become discolored or unfit for further use;=20
   (3) The pitcher requests such alternate = ball. The=20 umpire shall not give an alternate ball to the pitcher until play = has=20 ended and the previously used ball is dead. After a thrown or = batted ball=20 goes out of the playing field, play shall not be resumed with an = alternate=20 ball until the runners have reached the bases to which they are = entitled.=20 After a home run is hit out of the playing grounds, the umpire = shall not=20 deliver a new ball to the pitcher or the catcher until the batter = hitting=20 the home run has crossed the plate.

3.02
No = player=20 shall intentionally discolor or damage the ball by rubbing it with = soil,=20 rosin, paraffin, licorice, sand paper, emery paper or other = foreign=20 substance. PENALTY: The umpire shall demand the ball and remove = the=20 offender from the game. In case the umpire cannot locate the = offender, and=20 if the pitcher delivers such discolored or damaged ball to the = batter, the=20 pitcher shall be removed from the game at once and shall be = suspended=20 automatically for ten days.

3.03
A = player, or=20 players, may be substituted during a game at any time the ball is = dead. A=20 substitute player shall bat in the replaced player's position in = the=20 team's batting order. A player once removed from a game shall not = re enter=20 that game. If a substitute enters the game in place of a player = manager,=20 the manager may thereafter go to the coaching lines at his = discretion.=20 When two or more substitute players of the defensive team enter = the game=20 at the same time, the manager shall, immediately before they take = their=20 positions as fielders, designate to the umpire in chief such = players'=20 positions in the team's batting order and the umpire in chief = shall so=20 notify the official scorer. If this information is not immediately = given=20 to the umpire in chief, he shall have authority to designate the=20 substitutes' places in the batting order. A pitcher may change to = another=20 position only once during the same inning; e.g. the pitcher will = not be=20 allowed to assume a position other than a pitcher more than once = in the=20 same inning. Any player other than a pitcher substituted for an = injured=20 player shall be allowed five warm up throws. (See Rule 8.03 for = pitchers.)=20

3.04
A=20 player whose name is on his team's batting order may not become a=20 substitute runner for another member of his team. This rule is = intended to=20 eliminate the practice of using so called courtesy runners. No = player in=20 the game shall be permitted to act as a courtesy runner for a = teammate. No=20 player who has been in the game and has been taken out for a = substitute=20 shall return as a courtesy runner. Any player not in the lineup, = if used=20 as a runner, shall be considered as a substitute player.=20

3.05
(a) = The=20 pitcher named in the batting order handed the umpire in chief, as = provided=20 in Rules 4.01 (a) and 4.01 (b), shall pitch to the first batter or = any=20 substitute batter until such batter is put out or reaches first = base,=20 unless the pitcher sustains injury or illness which, in the = judgment of=20 the umpire in chief, incapacitates him from pitching. (b) If the = pitcher=20 is replaced, the substitute pitcher shall pitch to the batter then = at bat,=20 or any substitute batter, until such batter is put out or reaches = first=20 base, or until the offensive team is put out, unless the = substitute=20 pitcher sustains injury or illness which, in the umpire in chief's = judgment, incapacitates him for further play as a pitcher. (c) If = an=20 improper substitution is made for the pitcher, the umpire shall = direct the=20 proper pitcher to return to the game until the provisions of this = rule are=20 fulfilled. If the improper pitcher is permitted to pitch, any play = that=20 results is legal. The improper pitcher becomes the proper pitcher = as soon=20 as he makes his first pitch to the batter, or as soon as any = runner is put=20 out. If a manager attempts to remove a pitcher in violation of = Rule 3.05=20 (c) the umpire shall notify the manager of the offending club that = it=20 cannot be done. If, by chance, the umpire in chief has, through = oversight,=20 announced the incoming improper pitcher, he should still correct = the=20 situation before the improper pitcher pitches. Once the improper = pitcher=20 delivers a pitch he becomes the proper pitcher. =

3.06
The = manager=20 shall immediately notify the umpire in chief of any substitution = and shall=20 state to the umpire in chief the substitute's place in the batting = order.=20 Players for whom substitutions have been made may remain with = their team=20 on the bench or may "warm up" pitchers. If a manager substitutes = another=20 player for himself, he may continue to direct his team from the = bench or=20 the coach's box. Umpires should not permit players for whom = substitutes=20 have been made, and who are permitted to remain on the bench, to = address=20 any remarks to any opposing player or manager, or to the umpires.=20

3.07
The = umpire in=20 chief, after having been notified, shall immediately announce, or = cause to=20 be announced, each substitution.

3.08
(a) = If no=20 announcement of a substitution is made, the substitute shall be = considered=20 as having entered the game when_ (1) If a pitcher, he takes his = place on=20 the pitcher's plate; (2) If a batter, he takes his place in the = batter's=20 box;
(3) If a fielder, he reaches the position usually = occupied by the=20 fielder he has replaced, and play commences; (4) If a runner, he = takes the=20 place of the runner he has replaced. (b) Any play made by, or on, = any of=20 the above mentioned unannounced substitutes shall be legal.=20

3.09
Players in=20 uniform shall not address or mingle with spectators, nor sit in = the stands=20 before, during, or after a game. No manager, coach or player shall = address=20 any spectator before or during a game. Players of opposing teams = shall not=20 fraternize at any time while in uniform.

3.10
(a) = The=20 manager of the home team shall be the sole judge as to whether a = game=20 shall be started because of unsuitable weather conditions or the = unfit=20 condition of the playing field, except for the second game of a=20 doubleheader. EXCEPTION: Any league may permanently authorize its=20 president to suspend the application of this rule as to that = league during=20 the closing weeks of its championship season in order to assure = that the=20 championship is decided each year on its merits. When the = postponement of,=20 and possible failure to play, a game in the final series of a = championship=20 season between any two teams might affect the final standing of = any club=20 in the league, the president, on appeal from any league club, may = assume=20 the authority granted the home team manager by this rule. (b) The = umpire=20 in chief of the first game shall be the sole judge as to whether = the=20 second game of a doubleheader shall not be started because of = unsuitable=20 weather conditions or the unfit condition of the playing field. = (c) The=20 umpire in chief shall be the sole judge as to whether and when = play shall=20 be suspended during a game because of unsuitable weather = conditions or the=20 unfit condition of the playing field; as to whether and when the = play=20 shall be resumed after such suspension; and as to whether and when = a game=20 shall be terminated after such suspension. He shall not call the = game=20 until at least thirty minutes after he has suspended play. He may = continue=20 the suspension as long as he believes there is any chance to = resume play.=20 The umpire in chief shall at all times try to complete a game. His = authority to resume play following one or more suspensions of as = much as=20 thirty minutes each shall be absolute and he shall terminate a = game only=20 when there appears to be no possibility of completing it.=20

3.11
Between games=20 of a doubleheader, or whenever a game is suspended because of the=20 unfitness of the playing field, the umpire in chief shall have = control of=20 ground keepers and assistants for the purpose of making the = playing field=20 fit for play. PENALTY: For violation, the umpire in chief may = forfeit the=20 game to the visiting team.

3.12
When the=20 umpire suspends play he shall call "Time." At the umpire's call of = "Play,"=20 the suspension is lifted and play resumes. Between the call of = "Time" and=20 the call of "Play" the ball is dead.

3.13
The = manager=20 of the home team shall present to the umpire in chief and the = opposing=20 manager any ground rules he thinks necessary covering the overflow = of=20 spectators upon the playing field, batted or thrown balls into = such=20 overflow, or any other contingencies. If these rules are = acceptable to the=20 opposing manager they shall be legal. If these rules are = unacceptable to=20 the opposing manager, the umpire in chief shall make and enforce = any=20 special ground rules he thinks are made necessary by ground = conditions,=20 which shall not conflict with the official playing rules.=20

3.14
Members of=20 the offensive team shall carry all gloves and other equipment off = the=20 field and to the dugout while their team is at bat. No equipment = shall be=20 left lying on the field, either in fair or foul territory.=20

3.15
No = person=20 shall be allowed on the playing field during a game except players = and=20 coaches in uniform, managers, news photographers authorized by the = home=20 team, umpires, officers of the law in uniform and watchmen or = other=20 employees of the home club. In case of unintentional interference = with=20 play by any person herein authorized to be on the playing field = (except=20 members of the offensive team participating in the game, or a = coach in the=20 coach's box, or an umpire) the ball is alive and in play. If the=20 interference is intentional, the ball shall be dead at the moment = of the=20 interference and the umpire shall impose such penalties as in his = opinion=20 will nullify the act of interference. NOTE: See Rule 7.11 for = individuals=20 excepted above, also see Rule 7.08 (b). The question of = intentional or=20 unintentional interference shall be decided on the basis of the = person's=20 action. For example: a bat boy, ball attendant, policeman, etc., = who tries=20 to avoid being touched by a thrown or batted ball but still is = touched by=20 the ball would be involved in unintentional interference. If, = however, he=20 kicks the ball or picks it up or pushes it, that is considered = intentional=20 interference, regardless of what his thought may have been. PLAY: = Batter=20 hits ball to shortstop, who fields ball but throws wild past first = baseman. The offensive coach at first base, to avoid being hit by = the=20 ball, falls to the ground and the first baseman on his way to = retrieve the=20 wild thrown ball, runs into the coach; the batter runner finally = ends up=20 on third base. The question is asked whether the umpire should = call=20 interference on the part of the coach. This would be up to the = judgment of=20 the umpire and if the umpire felt that the coach did all he could = to avoid=20 interfering with the play, no interference need be called. If it = appeared=20 to the umpire that the coach was obviously just making it appear = he was=20 trying not to interfere, the umpire should rule interference.=20

3.16
When there is=20 spectator interference with any thrown or batted ball, the ball = shall be=20 dead at the moment of interference and the umpire shall impose = such=20 penalties as in his opinion will nullify the act of interference. = APPROVED=20 RULING: If spectator interference clearly prevents a fielder from = catching=20 a fly ball, the umpire shall declare the batter out. There is a = difference=20 between a ball which has been thrown or batted into the stands, = touching a=20 spectator thereby being out of play even though it rebounds onto = the field=20 and a spectator going onto the field or reaching over, under or = through a=20 barrier and touching a ball in play or touching or otherwise = interfering=20 with a player. In the latter case it is clearly intentional and = shall be=20 dealt with as intentional interference as in Rule 3.15. Batter and = runners=20 shall be placed where in the umpire's judgment they would have = been had=20 the interference not occurred. No interference shall be allowed = when a=20 fielder reaches over a fence, railing, rope or into a stand to = catch a=20 ball. He does so at his own risk. However, should a spectator = reach out on=20 the playing field side of such fence, railing or rope, and plainly = prevent=20 the fielder from catching the ball, then the batsman should be = called out=20 for the spectator's interference. Example: Runner on third base, = one out=20 and a batter hits a fly ball deep to the outfield (fair or foul).=20 Spectator clearly interferes with the outfielder attempting to = catch the=20 fly ball. Umpire calls the batter out for spectator interference. = Ball is=20 dead at the time of the call. Umpire decides that because of the = distance=20 the ball was hit, the runner on third base would have scored after = the=20 catch if the fielder had caught the ball which was interfered = with,=20 therefore, the runner is permitted to score. This might not be the = case if=20 such fly ball was interfered with a short distance from home = plate.=20

3.17
Players and=20 substitutes of both teams shall confine themselves to their team's = benches=20 unless actually participating in the play or preparing to enter = the game,=20 or coaching at first or third base. No one except players, = substitutes,=20 managers, coaches, trainers and bat boys shall occupy a bench = during a=20 game. PENALTY: For violation the umpire may, after warning, remove = the=20 offender from the field. Players on the disabled list are = permitted to=20 participate in pre game activity and sit on the bench during a = game but=20 may not take part in any activity during the game such as warming = up a=20 pitcher, bench jockeying, etc. Disabled players are not allowed to = enter=20 the playing surface at any time or for any purpose during the = game.=20

3.18
The = home team=20 shall provide police protection sufficient to preserve order. If a = person,=20 or persons, enter the playing field during a game and interfere in = any way=20 with the play, the visiting team may refuse to play until the = field is=20 cleared. PENALTY: If the field is not cleared in a reasonable = length of=20 time, which shall in no case be less than fifteen minutes after = the=20 visiting team's refusal to play, the umpire may forfeit the game = to the=20 visiting team.

Official Rules: 4.00 Starting = and=20 Ending a Game =

4.01
Unless = the home=20 club shall have given previous notice that the game has been postponed = or will=20 be delayed in starting, the umpire, or umpires, shall enter the playing = field=20 five minutes before the hour set for the game to begin and proceed = directly to=20 home base where they shall be met by the managers of the opposing teams. = In=20 sequence_ (a) First, the home manager shall give his batting order to = the umpire=20 in chief, in duplicate. (b) Next, the visiting manager shall give his = batting=20 order to the umpire in chief, in duplicate. (c) The umpire in chief = shall make=20 certain that the original and copies of the respective batting orders = are=20 identical, and then tender a copy of each batting order to the opposing = manager.=20 The copy retained by the umpire shall be the official batting order. The = tender=20 of the batting order by the umpire shall establish the batting orders.=20 Thereafter, no substitutions shall be made by either manager, except as = provided=20 in the rules. (d) As soon as the home team's batting order is handed to = the=20 umpire in chief the umpires are in charge of the playing field and from = that=20 moment they shall have sole authority to determine when a game shall be = called,=20 suspended or resumed on account of weather or the condition of the = playing=20 field. Obvious errors in the batting order, which are noticed by the = umpire in=20 chief before he calls "Play" for the start of the game, should be called = to the=20 attention of the manager or captain of the team in error, so the = correction can=20 be made before the game starts. For example, if a manager has = inadvertently=20 listed only eight men in the batting order, or has listed two players = with the=20 same last name but without an identifying initial and the errors are = noticed by=20 the umpire before he calls "play," he shall cause such error or errors = to be=20 corrected before he calls "play" to start the game. Teams should not be=20 "trapped" later by some mistake that obviously was inadvertent and which = can be=20 corrected before the game starts.

4.02
The = players of the=20 home team shall take their defensive positions, the first batter of the = visiting=20 team shall take his position in the batter's box, the umpire shall call = "Play"=20 and the game shall start.

4.03
When the = ball is=20 put in play at the start of, or during a game, all fielders other than = the=20 catcher shall be on fair territory. (a) The catcher shall station = himself=20 directly back of the plate. He may leave his position at any time to = catch a=20 pitch or make a play except that when the batter is being given an = intentional=20 base on balls, the catcher must stand with both feet within the lines of = the=20 catcher's box until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. PENALTY: Balk. = (b) The=20 pitcher, while in the act of delivering the ball to the batter, shall = take his=20 legal position; (c) Except the pitcher and the catcher, any fielder may = station=20 himself anywhere in fair territory; (d) Except the batter, or a runner=20 attempting to score, no offensive player shall cross the catcher's lines = when=20 the ball is in play.

4.04
The = batting order=20 shall be followed throughout the game unless a player is substituted for = another. In that case the substitute shall take the place of the = replaced player=20 in the batting order.

4.05
(a) The = offensive=20 team shall station two base coaches on the field during its term at bat, = one=20 near first base and one near third base. (b) Base coaches shall be = limited to=20 two in number and shall (1) be in team uniform, and (2) remain within = the=20 coach's box at all times. PENALTY: The offending base coach shall be = removed=20 from the game, and shall leave the playing field. It has been common = practice=20 for many years for some coaches to put one foot outside the coach's box = or stand=20 astride or otherwise be slightly outside the coaching box lines. The = coach shall=20 not be considered out of the box unless the opposing manager complains, = and=20 then, the umpire shall strictly enforce the rule and require all coaches = (on=20 both teams) to remain in the coach's box at all times. It is also common = practice for a coach who has a play at his base to leave the coach's box = to=20 signal the player to slide, advance or return to a base. This may be = allowed if=20 the coach does not interfere with the play in any manner. =

4.06
(a) No = manager,=20 player, substitute, coach, trainer or batboy shall at any time, whether = from the=20 bench, the coach's box or on the playing field, or elsewhere_ (1) = Incite, or try=20 to incite, by word or sign a demonstration by spectators; (2) Use = language which=20 will in any manner refer to or reflect upon opposing players, an umpire, = or any=20 spectator; (3) Call "Time," or employ any other word or phrase or commit = any act=20 while the ball is alive and in play for the obvious purpose of trying to = make=20 the pitcher commit a balk. (4) Make intentional contact with the umpire = in any=20 manner. (b) No fielder shall take a position in the batter's line of = vision, and=20 with deliberate unsportsmanlike intent, act in a manner to distract the = batter.=20 PENALTY: The offender shall be removed from the game and shall leave the = playing=20 field, and, if a balk is made, it shall be nullified. =

4.07
When a = manager,=20 player, coach or trainer is ejected from a game, he shall leave the = field=20 immediately and take no further part in that game. He shall remain in = the club=20 house or change to street clothes and either leave the park or take a = seat in=20 the grandstand well removed from the vicinity of his team's bench or = bullpen. If=20 a manager, coach or player is under suspension he may not be in the = dugout or=20 press box during the course of a game.

4.08
When the = occupants=20 of a player's bench show violent disapproval of an umpire's decision, = the umpire=20 shall first give warning that such disapproval shall cease. If such = action=20 continues_ PENALTY: The umpire shall order the offenders from the bench = to the=20 club house. If he is unable to detect the offender, or offenders, he may = clear=20 the bench of all substitute players. The manager of the offending team = shall=20 have the privilege of recalling to the playing field only those players = needed=20 for substitution in the game.

4.09
HOW A = TEAM SCORES.=20 (a) One run shall be scored each time a runner legally advances to and = touches=20 first, second, third and home base before three men are put out to end = the=20 inning. EXCEPTION: A run is not scored if the runner advances to home = base=20 during a play in which the third out is made (1) by the batter runner = before he=20 touches first base; (2) by any runner being forced out; or (3) by a = preceding=20 runner who is declared out because he failed to touch one of the bases. = (b) When=20 the winning run is scored in the last half inning of a regulation game, = or in=20 the last half of an extra inning, as the result of a base on balls, hit = batter=20 or any other play with the bases full which forces the runner on third = to=20 advance, the umpire shall not declare the game ended until the runner = forced to=20 advance from third has touched home base and the batter runner has = touched first=20 base. An exception will be if fans rush onto the field and physically = prevent=20 the runner from touching home plate or the batter from touching first = base. In=20 such cases, the umpires shall award the runner the base because of the=20 obstruction by the fans. PENALTY: If the runner on third refuses to = advance to=20 and touch home base in a reasonable time, the umpire shall disallow the = run,=20 call out the offending player and order the game resumed. If, with two = out, the=20 batter runner refuses to advance to and touch first base, the umpire = shall=20 disallow the run, call out the offending player, and order the game = resumed. If,=20 before two are out, the batter runner refuses to advance to and touch = first=20 base, the run shall count, but the offending player shall be called out. = Approved Ruling: No run shall score during a play in which the third out = is made=20 by the batter runner before he touches first base. Example: One out, = Jones on=20 second, Smith on first. The batter, Brown, hits safely. Jones scores. = Smith is=20 out on the throw to the plate. Two outs. But Brown missed first base. = The ball=20 is thrown to first, an appeal is made, and Brown is out. Three outs. = Since Jones=20 crossed the plate during a play in which the third out was made by the = batter=20 runner before he touched first base, Jones' run does not count. Approved = Ruling:=20 Following runners are not affected by an act of a preceding runner = unless two=20 are out. Example: One out, Jones on second, Smith on first, and batter, = Brown,=20 hits home run inside the park. Jones fails to touch third on his way to = the=20 plate. Smith and Brown score. The defense holds the ball on third, = appeals to=20 umpire, and Jones is out. Smith's and Brown's runs count. Approved = Ruling: Two=20 out, Jones on second, Smith on first and batter, Brown, hits home run = inside the=20 park. All three runs cross the plate. But Jones missed third base, and = on appeal=20 is declared out. Three outs. Smith's and Brown's runs are voided. No = score on=20 the play. Approved Ruling: One out, Jones on third, Smith on second. = Batter=20 Brown flies out to center. Two out. Jones scores after catch and Smith = scores on=20 bad throw to plate. But Jones, on appeal, is adjudged to have left third = before=20 the catch and is out. Three outs. No runs. Approved Ruling: Two out, = bases full,=20 batter hits home run over fence. Batter, on appeal, is declared out for = missing=20 first base. Three outs. No run counts. Here is a general statement that = covers:=20 When a runner misses a base and a fielder holds the ball on a missed = base, or on=20 the base originally occupied by the runner if a fly ball is caught, and = appeals=20 for the umpire's decision, the runner is out when the umpire sustains = the=20 appeal; all runners may score if possible, except that with two out the = runner=20 is out at the moment he misses the bag, if an appeal is sustained as = applied to=20 the following runners. Approved Ruling: One out, Jones on third, Smith = on first,=20 and Brown flies out to right field. Two outs. Jones tags up and scores = after the=20 catch. Smith attempted to return to first but the right fielder's throw = beat him=20 to the base. three outs. But Jones scored before the throw to catch = Smith=20 reached first base, hence Jones' run counts. It was not a force play.=20

4.10
(a) A = regulation=20 game consists of nine innings, unless extended because of a tie score, = or=20 shortened (1) because the home team needs none of its half of the ninth = inning=20 or only a fraction of it, or (2) because the umpire calls the game. = EXCEPTION:=20 National Association leagues may adopt a rule providing that one or both = games=20 of a doubleheader shall be seven innings in length. In such games, any = of these=20 rules applying to the ninth inning shall apply to the seventh inning. = (b) If the=20 score is tied after nine completed innings play shall continue until (1) = the=20 visiting team has scored more total runs than the home team at the end = of a=20 completed inning, or (2) the home team scores the winning run in an = uncompleted=20 inning. (c) If a game is called, it is a regulation game: (1) If five = innings=20 have been completed; (2) If the home team has scored more runs in four = or four=20 and a fraction half innings than the visiting team has scored in five = completed=20 half innings; (3) If the home team scores one or more runs in its half = of the=20 fifth inning to tie the score. (d) If each team has the same number of = runs when=20 the game ends, the umpire shall declare it a "Tie Game." (e) If a game = is called=20 before it has become a regulation game, the umpire shall declare it "No = Game."=20 (f) Rain checks will not be honored for any regulation or suspended game = which=20 has progressed to or beyond a point of play described in 4.10(c)=20

4.11
The score = of a=20 regulation game is the total number of runs scored by each team at the = moment=20 the game ends. (a) The game ends when the visiting team completes its = half of=20 the ninth inning if the home team is ahead. (b) The game ends when the = ninth=20 inning is completed, if the visiting team is ahead. (c) If the home team = scores=20 the winning run in its half of the ninth inning (or its half of an extra = inning=20 after a tie), the game ends immediately when the winning run is scored.=20 EXCEPTION: If the last batter in a game hits a home run out of the = playing=20 field, the batter runner and all runners on base are permitted to score, = in=20 accordance with the base running rules, and the game ends when the = batter runner=20 touches home plate. APPROVED RULING: The batter hits a home run out of = the=20 playing field to win the game in the last half of the ninth or an extra = inning,=20 but is called out for passing a preceding runner. The game ends = immediately when=20 the winning run is scored. (d) A called game ends at the moment the = umpire=20 terminates play. EXCEPTION: If the game is called while an inning is in = progress=20 and before it is completed, the game becomes a SUSPENDED game in each of = the=20 following situations: (1) The visiting team has scored one or more runs = to tie=20 the score and the home team has not scored; (2) The visiting team has = scored one=20 or more runs to take the lead and the home team has not tied the score = or=20 retaken the lead. National Association Leagues may also adopt the = following=20 rules for suspended games in addition to 4.11 (d) (1) & (2) above. = (If=20 adopted by a National Association League, Rule 4.10 (c) (d) & (e) = would not=20 apply to their games.): (3) The game has not become a regulation game (4 = 1/2=20 innings with the home team ahead, or 5 innings with the visiting club = ahead or=20 tied). (4) Any regulation game tied at the point play is stopped because = of=20 weather, curfew or other reason. (5) If a game is suspended before it = becomes a=20 regulation game, and is continued prior to another regularly scheduled = game, the=20 regularly scheduled game will be limited to seven innings. (6) If a game = is=20 suspended after it is a regulation game, and is continued prior to = another=20 regularly scheduled game, the regularly scheduled game will be a nine = inning=20 game. EXCEPTION: The above sections (3), (4), (5) & (6) will not = apply to=20 the last scheduled game between the two teams during the championship = season, or=20 League Playoffs. Any suspended game not completed prior to the last = scheduled=20 game between the two teams during the championship season, will become a = called=20 game.

4.12
SUSPENDED = GAMES.=20 (a) A league shall adopt the following rules providing for completion at = a=20 future date of games terminated for any of the following reasons: (1) A = curfew=20 imposed by law; (2) A time limit permissible under league rules; (3) = Light=20 failure or malfunction of a mechanical field device under control of the = home=20 club. (Mechanical field device shall include automatic tarpaulin or = water=20 removal equipment). (4) Darkness, when a law prevents the lights from = being=20 turned on. (5) Weather, if the game is called while an inning is in = progress and=20 before it is completed, and one of the following situations prevails: = (i) The visiting team has scored one or more runs = to tie the=20 score, and the home team has not scored. (ii) The visiting team has = scored one=20 or more runs to take the lead, and the home team has not tied the score = or=20 retaken the lead. (b) Such games shall be known as suspended games. No = game=20 called because of a curfew, weather, or a time limit shall be a = suspended game=20 unless it has progressed far enough to have been a regulation game under = the=20 provisions of Rule 4.10. A game called under the provisions of 4.12(a), = (3) or=20 (4) shall be a suspended game at any time after it starts. NOTE: Weather = and=20 similar conditions_4.12 (a) (1 through 5)_shall take precedence in = determining=20 whether a called game shall be a suspended game. A game can only be = considered a=20 suspended game if stopped for any of the five (5) reasons specified in = Section=20 (a). Any regulation game called due to weather with the score tied = (unless=20 situation outlined in 4.12 (a) (5) (i) = prevails) is a=20 tie game and must be replayed in its entirety. (c) A suspended game = shall be=20 resumed and completed as follows: (1) Immediately preceding the next = scheduled=20 single game between the two clubs on the same grounds; or (2) = Immediately=20 preceding the next scheduled doubleheader between the two clubs on the = same=20 grounds, if no single game remains on the schedule; or (3) If suspended = on the=20 last scheduled date between the two clubs in that city, transferred and = played=20 on the grounds of the opposing club, if possible; (i)=20 Immediately preceding the next scheduled single game, or (ii) = Immediately=20 preceding the next scheduled doubleheader, if no single game remains on = the=20 schedule. (4) If a suspended game has not been resumed and completed on = the last=20 date scheduled for the two clubs, it shall be a called game. (d) A = suspended=20 game shall be resumed at the exact point of suspension of the original = game. The=20 completion of a suspended game is a continuation of the original game. = The=20 lineup and batting order of both teams shall be exactly the same as the = lineup=20 and batting order at the moment of suspension, subject to the rules = governing=20 substitution. Any player may be replaced by a player who had not been in = the=20 game prior to the suspension. No player removed before the suspension = may be=20 returned to the lineup. A player who was not with the club when the game = was=20 suspended may be used as a substitute, even if he has taken the place of = a=20 player no longer with the club who would not have been eligible because = he had=20 been removed from the lineup before the game was suspended. If = immediately prior=20 to the call of a suspended game, a substitute pitcher has been announced = but has=20 not retired the side or pitched until the batter becomes a baserunner, such pitcher, when the suspended game = is later=20 resumed may, but is not required to start the resumed portion of the = game.=20 However, if he does not start he will be considered as having been = substituted=20 for and may not be used in that game. (e) Rain checks will not be = honored for=20 any regulation or suspended game which has progressed to or beyond a = point of=20 play described in 4.10 (c).

4.13
RULES = GOVERNING=20 DOUBLEHEADERS. (a) (1) Only two championship games shall be played on = one date.=20 Completion of a suspended game shall not violate this rule. (2) If two = games are=20 scheduled to be played for one admission on one date, the first game = shall be=20 the regularly scheduled game for that date. (b) After the start of the = first=20 game of a doubleheader, that game shall be completed before the second = game of=20 the doubleheader shall begin. (c) The second game of a doubleheader = shall start=20 twenty minutes after the first game is completed, unless a longer = interval (not=20 to exceed thirty minutes) is declared by the umpire in chief and = announced to=20 the opposing managers at the end of the first game. EXCEPTION: If the = league=20 president has approved a request of the home club for a longer interval = between=20 games for some special event, the umpire in chief shall declare such = longer=20 interval and announce it to the opposing managers. The umpire in chief = of the=20 first game shall be the timekeeper controlling the interval between = games. (d)=20 The umpire shall start the second game of a doubleheader, if at all = possible,=20 and play shall continue as long as ground conditions, local time = restrictions,=20 or weather permit. (e) When a regularly scheduled doubleheader is = delayed in=20 starting for any cause, any game that is started is the first game of = the=20 doubleheader. (f) When a rescheduled game is part of a doubleheader the=20 rescheduled game shall be the second game, and the first game shall be = the=20 regularly scheduled game for that date.

4.14
The = umpire in chief=20 shall order the playing field lights turned on whenever in his opinion = darkness=20 makes further play in daylight hazardous.

4.15
A game = may be=20 forfeited to the opposing team when a team_ (a) Fails to appear upon the = field,=20 or being upon the field, refuses to start play within five minutes after = the=20 umpire has called "Play" at the appointed hour for beginning the game, = unless=20 such delayed appearance is, in the umpire's judgment, unavoidable; (b) = Employs=20 tactics palpably designed to delay or shorten the game; (c) Refuses to = continue=20 play during a game unless the game has been suspended or terminated by = the=20 umpire; (d) Fails to resume play, after a suspension, within one minute = after=20 the umpire has called "Play;" (e) After warning by the umpire, willfully = and=20 persistently violates any rules of the game; (f) Fails to obey within a=20 reasonable time the umpire's order for removal of a player from the = game; (g)=20 Fails to appear for the second game of a doubleheader within twenty = minutes=20 after the close of the first game unless the umpire in chief of the = first game=20 shall have extended the time of the intermission.

4.16
A game = shall be=20 forfeited to the visiting team if, after it has been suspended, the = order of the=20 umpire to groundskeepers respecting preparation of the field for = resumption of=20 play are not complied with.

4.17
A game = shall be=20 forfeited to the opposing team when a team is unable or refuses to place = nine=20 players on the field.

4.18
If the = umpire=20 declares a game forfeited he shall transmit a written report to the = league=20 president within twenty four hours thereafter, but failure of such = transmittal=20 shall not effect the forfeiture.

4.19
PROTESTING GAMES.=20 Each league shall adopt rules governing procedure for protesting a game, = when a=20 manager claims that an umpire's decision is in violation of these rules. = No=20 protest shall ever be permitted on judgment decisions by the umpire. In = all=20 protested games, the decision of the League President shall be final. = Even if it=20 is held that the protested decision violated the rules, no replay of the = game=20 will be ordered unless in the opinion of the League President the = violation=20 adversely affected the protesting team's chances of winning the game. = Whenever a=20 manager protests a game because of alleged misapplication of the rules = the=20 protest will not be recognized unless the umpires are notified at the = time the=20 play under protest occurs and before the next pitch is made or a runner = is=20 retired. A protest arising on a game ending play may be filed until = 12 noon the following = day with the=20 League Office.

Official Rules: 5.00 Putting = the ball=20 in play. Live ball. =

5.01
At the = time set for=20 beginning the game the umpire shall call "Play."

5.02
After the = umpire=20 calls "Play" the ball is alive and in play and remains alive and in play = until=20 for legal cause, or at the umpire's call of "Time" suspending play, the = ball=20 becomes dead. While the ball is dead no player may be put out, no bases = may be=20 run and no runs may be scored, except that runners may advance one or = more bases=20 as the result of acts which occurred while the ball was alive (such as, = but not=20 limited to a balk, an overthrow, interference, or a home run or other = fair ball=20 hit out of the playing field). Should a ball come partially apart in a = game, it=20 is in play until the play is completed.

5.03
The = pitcher shall=20 deliver the pitch to the batter who may elect to strike the ball, or who = may not=20 offer at it, as he chooses.

5.04
The = offensive=20 team's objective is to have its batter become a runner, and its runners = advance.=20

5.05
The = defensive=20 team's objective is to prevent offensive players from becoming runners, = and to=20 prevent their advance around the bases.

5.06
When a = batter=20 becomes a runner and touches all bases legally he shall score one run = for his=20 team. A run legally scored cannot be nullified by subsequent action of = the=20 runner, such as but not limited to an effort to return to third base in = the=20 belief that he had left the base before a caught fly ball.=20

5.07
When = three=20 offensive players are legally put out, that team takes the field and the = opposing team becomes the offensive team.

5.08
If a = thrown ball=20 accidentally touches a base coach, or a pitched or thrown ball touches = an=20 umpire, the ball is alive and in play. However, if the coach interferes = with a=20 thrown ball, the runner is out.

5.09
The ball = becomes=20 dead and runners advance one base, or return to their bases, without = liability=20 to be put out, when_ (a) A pitched ball touches a batter, or his = clothing, while=20 in his legal batting position; runners, if forced, advance; (b) The = plate umpire=20 interferes with the catcher's throw; runners may not advance. NOTE: The=20 interference shall be disregarded if the catcher's throw retires the = runner. (c)=20 A balk is committed; runners advance; (See Penalty 8.05). (d) A ball is=20 illegally batted; runners return; (e) A foul ball is not caught; runners = return.=20 The umpire shall not put the ball in play until all runners have = retouched their=20 bases; (f) A fair ball touches a runner or an umpire on fair territory = before it=20 touches an infielder including the pitcher, or touches an umpire before = it has=20 passed an infielder other than the pitcher; If a fair ball touches an = umpire=20 working in the infield after it has bounded past, or over, the pitcher, = it is a=20 dead ball. If a batted ball is deflected by a fielder in fair territory = and hits=20 a runner or an umpire while still in flight and then caught by an = infielder it=20 shall not be a catch, but the ball shall remain in play. If a fair ball = goes=20 through, or by, an infielder, and touches a runner immediately back of = him, or=20 touches a runner after being deflected by an infielder, the ball is in = play and=20 the umpire shall not declare the runner out. In making such decision the = umpire=20 must be convinced that the ball passed through, or by, the infielder and = that no=20 other infielder had the chance to make a play on the ball; runners = advance if=20 forced; (g) A pitched ball lodges in the umpire's or catcher's mask or=20 paraphernalia, and remains out of play, runners advance one base; If a = foul tip=20 hits the umpire and is caught by a fielder on the rebound, the ball is = "dead"=20 and the batsman cannot be called out. The same shall apply where such = foul tip=20 lodges in the umpire's mask or other paraphernalia. If a third strike = (not a=20 foul tip) passes the catcher and hits an umpire, the ball is in play. If = such=20 ball rebounds and is caught by a fielder before it touches the ground, = the=20 batsman is not out on such a catch, but the ball remains in play and the = batsman=20 may be retired at first base, or touched with the ball for the out. If a = pitched=20 ball lodges in the umpire's or catcher's mask or paraphernalia, and = remains out=20 of play, on the third strike or fourth ball, then the batter is entitled = to=20 first base and all runners advance one base. If the count on the batter = is less=20 than three balls, runners advance one base. (h) Any legal pitch touches = a runner=20 trying to score; runners advance.

5.10
The ball = becomes=20 dead when an umpire calls "Time." The umpire in chief shall call "Time"_ = (a)=20 When in his judgment weather, darkness or similar conditions make = immediate=20 further play impossible; (b) When light failure makes it difficult or = impossible=20 for the umpires to follow the play; NOTE: A league may adopt its own = regulations=20 governing games interrupted by light failure. (c) When an accident = incapacitates=20 a player or an umpire; (1) If an accident to a runner is such as to = prevent him=20 from proceeding to a base to which he is entitled, as on a home run hit = out of=20 the playing field, or an award of one or more bases, a substitute runner = shall=20 be permitted to complete the play. (d) When a manager requests "Time" = for a=20 substitution, or for a conference with one of his players. (e) When the = umpire=20 wishes to examine the ball, to consult with either manager, or for any = similar=20 cause. (f) When a fielder, after catching a fly ball, falls into a bench = or=20 stand, or falls across ropes into a crowd when spectators are on the = field. As=20 pertains to runners, the provisions of 7.04 (c) shall prevail. If a = fielder=20 after making a catch steps into a bench, but does not fall, the ball is = in play=20 and runners may advance at their own peril. (g) When an umpire orders a = player=20 or any other person removed from the playing field. (h) Except in the = cases=20 stated in paragraphs (b) and (c) (1) of this rule, no umpire shall call = "Time"=20 while a play is in progress.

5.11
After the = ball is=20 dead, play shall be resumed when the pitcher takes his place on the = pitcher's=20 plate with a new ball or the same ball in his possession and the plate = umpire=20 calls "Play." The plate umpire shall call "Play" as soon as the pitcher = takes=20 his place on his plate with the ball in his possession. =

Official Rules: 6.00 The=20 Batter =

6.01
(a) Each = player of=20 the offensive team shall bat in the order that his name appears in his = team's=20 batting order. (b) The first batter in each inning after the first = inning shall=20 be the player whose name follows that of the last player who legally = completed=20 his time at bat in the preceding inning.

6.02
(a) The = batter=20 shall take his position in the batter's box promptly when it is his time = at bat.=20 (b) The batter shall not leave his position in the batter's box after = the=20 pitcher comes to Set Position, or starts his windup. PENALTY: If the = pitcher=20 pitches, the umpire shall call "Ball" or "Strike," as the case may be. = The=20 batter leaves the batter's box at the risk of having a strike delivered = and=20 called, unless he requests the umpire to call "Time." The batter is not = at=20 liberty to step in and out of the batter's box at will. Once a batter = has taken=20 his position in the batter's box, he shall not be permitted to step out = of the=20 batter's box in order to use the resin or the pine tar rag, unless there = is a=20 delay in the game action or, in the judgment of the umpires, weather = conditions=20 warrant an exception. Umpires will not call "Time" at the request of the = batter=20 or any member of his team once the pitcher has started his windup or has = come to=20 a set position even though the batter claims "dust in his eyes," = "steamed=20 glasses," "didn't get the sign" or for any other cause. Umpires may = grant a=20 hitter's request for "Time" once he is in the batter's box, but the = umpire=20 should eliminate hitters walking out of the batter's box without reason. = If=20 umpires are not lenient, batters will understand that they are in the = batter's=20 box and they must remain there until the ball is pitched. If pitcher = delays once=20 the batter is in his box and the umpire feels that the delay is not = justified he=20 may allow the batter to step out of the box momentarily. If after the = pitcher=20 starts his windup or comes to a "set position" with a runner on, he does = not go=20 through with his pitch because the batter has stepped out of the box, it = shall=20 not be called a balk. Both the pitcher and batter have violated a rule = and the=20 umpire shall call time and both the batter and pitcher start over from=20 "scratch." (c) If the batter refuses to take his position in the = batter's box=20 during his time at bat, the umpire shall order the pitcher to pitch, and = shall=20 call "Strike" on each such pitch. The batter may take his proper = position after=20 any such pitch, and the regular ball and strike count shall continue, = but if he=20 does not take his proper position before three strikes are called, he = shall be=20 declared out.

6.03
The = batter's legal=20 position shall be with both feet within the batter's box. APPROVED = RULING: The=20 lines defining the box are within the batter's box. =

6.04
A batter = has=20 legally completed his time at bat when he is put out or becomes a = runner.=20

6.05
A batter = is out=20 when_ (a) His fair or foul fly ball (other than a foul tip) is legally = caught by=20 a fielder; (b) A third strike is legally caught by the catcher; "Legally = caught"=20 means in the catcher's glove before the ball touches the ground. It is = not legal=20 if the ball lodges in his clothing or paraphernalia; or if it touches = the umpire=20 and is caught by the catcher on the rebound. If a foul tip first strikes = the=20 catcher's glove and then goes on through and is caught by both hands = against his=20 body or protector, before the ball touches the ground, it is a strike, = and if=20 third strike, batter is out. If smothered against his body or protector, = it is a=20 catch provided the ball struck the catcher's glove or hand first. (c) A = third=20 strike is not caught by the catcher when first base is occupied before = two are=20 out; (d) He bunts foul on third strike; (e) An Infield Fly is declared; = (f) He=20 attempts to hit a third strike and the ball touches him; (g) His fair = ball=20 touches him before touching a fielder; (h) After hitting or bunting a = fair ball,=20 his bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory. The ball is dead = and no=20 runners may advance. If the batter runner drops his bat and the ball = rolls=20 against the bat in fair territory and, in the umpire's judgment, there = was no=20 intention to interfere with the course of the ball, the ball is alive = and in=20 play; If a bat breaks and part of it is in fair territory and is hit by = a batted=20 ball or part of it hits a runner or fielder, play shall continue and no=20 interference called. If batted ball hits part of broken bat in foul = territory,=20 it is a foul ball. If a whole bat is thrown into fair territory and = interferes=20 with a defensive player attempting to make a play, interference shall be = called,=20 whether intentional or not. In cases where the batting helmet is = accidentally=20 hit with a batted or thrown ball, the ball remains in play the same as = if it has=20 not hit the helmet. If a batted ball strikes a batting helmet or any = other=20 object foreign to the natural ground while on foul territory, it is a = foul ball=20 and the ball is dead. If, in the umpire's judgment, there is intent on = the part=20 of a baserunner to interfere with a batted = or thrown=20 ball by dropping the helmet or throwing it at the ball, then the runner = would be=20 out, the ball dead and runners would return to last base legally = touched. (i) After hitting or bunting a foul ball, he = intentionally=20 deflects the course of the ball in any manner while running to first = base. The=20 ball is dead and no runners may advance; (j) After a third strike or = after he=20 hits a fair ball, he or first base is tagged before he touches first = base; (k)=20 In running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, = while the=20 ball is being fielded to first base, he runs outside (to the right of) = the three=20 foot line, or inside (to the left of) the foul line, and in the umpire's = judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at = first base;=20 except that he may run outside (to the right of) the three foot line or = inside=20 (to the left of) the foul line to avoid a fielder attempting to field a = batted=20 ball; (l) An infielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball or line = drive, with=20 first, first and second, first and third, or first, second and third = base=20 occupied before two are out. The ball is dead and runner or runners = shall return=20 to their original base or bases; APPROVED RULING: In this situation, the = batter=20 is not out if the infielder permits the ball to drop untouched to the = ground,=20 except when the Infield Fly rule applies. (m)A preceding runner shall, = in the=20 umpire's judgment, intentionally interfere with a fielder who is = attempting to=20 catch a thrown ball or to throw a ball in an attempt to complete any = play: The=20 objective of this rule is to penalize the offensive team for deliberate, = unwarranted, unsportsmanlike action by the runner in leaving the = baseline for=20 the obvious purpose of crashing the pivot man on a double play, rather = than=20 trying to reach the base. Obviously this is an umpire's judgment play. = (n) With=20 two out, a runner on third base, and two strikes on the batter, the = runner=20 attempts to steal home base on a legal pitch and the ball touches the = runner in=20 the batter's strike zone. The umpire shall call "Strike Three," the = batter is=20 out and the run shall not count; before two are out, the umpire shall = call=20 "Strike Three," the ball is dead, and the run counts. =

6.06
A batter = is out for=20 illegal action when_ (a) He hits a ball with one or both feet on the = ground=20 entirely outside the batter's box. If a batter hits a ball fair or foul = while=20 out of the batter's box, he shall be called out. Umpires should pay = particular=20 attention to the position of the batter's feet if he attempts to hit the = ball=20 while he is being intentionally passed. A batter cannot jump or step out = of the=20 batter's box and hit the ball. (b) He steps from one batter's box to the = other=20 while the pitcher is in position ready to pitch; (c) He interferes with = the=20 catcher's fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter's box or = making any=20 other movement that hinders the catcher's play at home base. EXCEPTION: = Batter=20 is not out if any runner attempting to advance is put out, or if runner = trying=20 to score is called out for batter's interference. If the batter = interferes with=20 the catcher, the plate umpire shall call "interference." The batter is = out and=20 the ball dead. No player may advance on such interference (offensive=20 interference) and all runners must return to the last base that was, in = the=20 judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the interference. = If,=20 however, the catcher makes a play and the runner attempting to advance = is put=20 out, it is to be assumed there was no actual interference and that = runner is out=20 not the batter. Any other runners on the base at the time may advance as = the=20 ruling is that there is no actual interference if a runner is retired. = In that=20 case play proceeds just as if no violation had been called. If a batter = strikes=20 at a ball and misses and swings so hard he carries the bat all the way = around=20 and, in the umpire's judgment, unintentionally hits the catcher or the = ball in=20 back of him on the backswing before the catcher has securely held the = ball, it=20 shall be called a strike only (not interference). The ball will be dead, = however, and no runner shall advance on the play. (d) He uses or = attempts to use=20 a bat that, in the umpire's judgment, has been altered or tampered with = in such=20 a way to improve the distance factor or cause an unusual reaction on the = baseball. This includes, bats that are filled, flat surfaced, nailed, = hollowed,=20 grooved or covered with a substance such as paraffin, wax, etc. No = advancement=20 on the bases will be allowed and any out or outs made during a play = shall stand.=20 In addition to being called out, the player shall be ejected from the = game and=20 may be subject to additional penalties as determined by his League = President.=20

6.07
BATTING = OUT OF=20 TURN. (a) A batter shall be called out, on appeal, when he fails to bat = in his=20 proper turn, and another batter completes a time at bat in his place. = (1) The=20 proper batter may take his place in the batter's box at any time before = the=20 improper batter becomes a runner or is put out, and any balls and = strikes shall=20 be counted in the proper batter's time at bat. (b) When an improper = batter=20 becomes a runner or is put out, and the defensive team appeals to the = umpire=20 before the first pitch to the next batter of either team, or before any = play or=20 attempted play, the umpire shall (1) declare the proper batter out; and = (2)=20 nullify any advance or score made because of a ball batted by the = improper=20 batter or because of the improper batter's advance to first base on a = hit, an=20 error, a base on balls, a hit batter or otherwise. NOTE: If a runner = advances,=20 while the improper batter is at bat, on a stolen base, balk, wild pitch = or=20 passed ball, such advance is legal. (c) When an improper batter becomes = a runner=20 or is put out, and a pitch is made to the next batter of either team = before an=20 appeal is made, the improper batter thereby becomes the proper batter, = and the=20 results of his time at bat become legal. (d) (1) When the proper batter = is=20 called out because he has failed to bat in turn, the next batter shall = be the=20 batter whose name follows that of the proper batter thus called out; (2) = When an=20 improper batter becomes a proper batter because no appeal is made before = the=20 next pitch, the next batter shall be the batter whose name follows that = of such=20 legalized improper batter. The instant an improper batter's actions are=20 legalized, the batting order picks up with the name following that of = the=20 legalized improper batter. The umpire shall not direct the attention of = any=20 person to the presence in the batter's box of an improper batter. This = rule is=20 designed to require constant vigilance by the players and managers of = both=20 teams. There are two fundamentals to keep in mind: When a player bats = out of=20 turn, the proper batter is the player called out. If an improper batter = bats and=20 reaches base or is out and no appeal is made before a pitch to the next = batter,=20 or before any play or attempted play, that improper batter is considered = to have=20 batted in proper turn and establishes the order that is to follow. = APPROVED=20 RULING To illustrate various situations arising from batting out of = turn, assume=20 a first inning batting order as follows: Abel Baker Charles Daniel = Edward Frank=20 George Hooker Irwin. PLAY (1). Baker bats. With the count 2 balls and 1 = strike,=20 (a) the offensive team discovers the error or (b) the defensive team = appeals.=20 RULING: In either case, Abel replaces Baker, with the count on him 2 = balls and 1=20 strike. PLAY (2). Baker bats and doubles. The defensive team appeals (a) = immediately or (b) after a pitch to Charles. RULING: (a) Abel is called = out and=20 Baker is the proper batter; (b) Baker stays on second and Charles is the = proper=20 batter. PLAY (3). Abel walks. Baker walks. Charles forces Baker. Edward = bats in=20 Daniel's turn. While Edward is at bat, Abel scores and Charles goes to = second on=20 a wild pitch. Edward grounds out, sending Charles to third. The = defensive team=20 appeals (a) immediately or (b) after a pitch to Daniel. RULING: (a) = Abel's run=20 counts and Charles is entitled to second base since these advances were = not made=20 because of the improper batter batting a ball or advancing to first = base.=20 Charles must return to second base because his advance to third resulted = from=20 the improper batter batting a ball. Daniel is called out, and Edward is = the=20 proper batter; (b) Abel's run counts and Charles stays on third. The = proper=20 batter is Frank. PLAY (4). With the bases full and two out. Hooker bats = in=20 Frank's turn, and triples, scoring three runs. The defensive team = appeals (a)=20 immediately, or (b) after a pitch to George. RULING: (a) Frank is called = out and=20 no runs score. George is the proper batter to lead off the second = inning; (b)=20 Hooker stays on third and three runs score. Irwin is the proper batter. = PLAY=20 (5). After Play (4) (b) above, George continues at bat. (a) Hooker is = picked off=20 third base for the third out, or (b) George flies out, and no appeal is = made.=20 Who is the proper leadoff batter in the second inning? RULING: (a) = Irwin. He=20 became the proper batter as soon as the first pitch to George legalized = Hooker's=20 triple; (b) Hooker. When no appeal was made, the first pitch to the = leadoff=20 batter of the opposing team legalized George's time at bat. PLAY (6). = Daniel=20 walks and Abel comes to bat. Daniel was an improper batter, and if an = appeal is=20 made before the first pitch to Abel, Abel is out, Daniel is removed from = base,=20 and Baker is the proper batter. There is no appeal, and a pitch is made = to Abel.=20 Daniel's walk is now legalized, and Edward thereby becomes the proper = batter.=20 Edward can replace Abel at any time before Abel is put out or becomes a = runner.=20 He does not do so. Abel flies out, and Baker comes to bat. Abel was an = improper=20 batter, and if an appeal is made before the first pitch to Baker, Edward = is out,=20 and the proper batter is Frank. There is no appeal, and a pitch is made = to=20 Baker. Abel's out is now legalized, and the proper batter is Baker. = Baker walks.=20 Charles is the proper batter. Charles flies out. Now Daniel is the = proper=20 batter, but he is on second base. Who is the proper batter? RULING: The = proper=20 batter is Edward. When the proper batter is on base, he is passed over, = and the=20 following batter becomes the proper batter

6.08
The = batter becomes=20 a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out = (provided=20 he advances to and touches first base) when_ (a) Four "balls" have been = called=20 by the umpire; A batter who is entitled to first base because of a base = on balls=20 must go to first base and touch the base before other base runners are = forced to=20 advance. This applies when bases are full and applies when a substitute = runner=20 is put into the game. If, in advancing, the base runner thinks there is = a play=20 and he slides past the base before or after touching it he may be put = out by the=20 fielder tagging him. If he fails to touch the base to which he is = entitled and=20 attempts to advance beyond that base he may be put out by tagging him or = the=20 base he missed. (b) He is touched by a pitched ball which he is not = attempting=20 to hit unless (1) The ball is in the strike zone when it touches the = batter, or=20 (2) The batter makes no attempt to avoid being touched by the ball; If = the ball=20 is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, it shall be called a = strike,=20 whether or not the batter tries to avoid the ball. If the ball is = outside the=20 strike zone when it touches the batter, it shall be called a ball if he = makes no=20 attempt to avoid being touched. APPROVED RULING: When the batter is = touched by a=20 pitched ball which does not entitle him to first base, the ball is dead = and no=20 runner may advance. (c) The catcher or any fielder interferes with him. = If a=20 play follows the interference, the manager of the offense may advise the = plate=20 umpire that he elects to decline the interference penalty and accept the = play.=20 Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play. However, = if the=20 batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit = batsman, or=20 otherwise, and all other runners advance at least one base, the play = proceeds=20 without reference to the interference. If catcher's interference is = called with=20 a play in progress the umpire will allow the play to continue because = the=20 manager may elect to take the play. If the batter runner missed first = base, or a=20 runner misses his next base, he shall be considered as having reached = the base,=20 as stated in Note of Rule 7.04 (d). Examples of plays the manager might = elect to=20 take: 1. Runner on third, one out, batter hits fly ball to the outfield = on which=20 the runner scores but catcher's interference was called. The offensive = manager=20 may elect to take the run and have batter called out or have runner = remain at=20 third and batter awarded first base. 2. Runner on second base. Catcher=20 interferes with batter as he bunts ball fairly sending runner to third = base. The=20 manager may rather have runner on third base with an out on the play = than have=20 runners on second and first. In situations where the manager wants the=20 "interference" penalty to apply, the following interpretation shall be = made of=20 6.08 (c): If the catcher (or any fielder) interferes with the batter, = the batter=20 is awarded first base. If, on such interference a runner is trying to = score by a=20 steal or squeeze from third base, the ball is dead and the runner on = third=20 scores and batter is awarded first base. If the catcher interferes with = the=20 batter with no runners trying to score from third on a squeeze or steal, = then=20 the ball is dead, batter is awarded first base and runners who are = forced to=20 advance, do advance. Runners not attempting to steal or not forced to = advance=20 remain on the base they occupied at the time of the interference. If the = catcher=20 interferes with the batter before the pitcher delivers the ball, it = shall not be=20 considered interference on the batter under Rule 6.08 (c). In such = cases, the=20 umpire shall call "Time" and the pitcher and batter start over from = "scratch."=20 (d) A fair ball touches an umpire or a runner on fair territory before = touching=20 a fielder. If a fair ball touches an umpire after having passed a = fielder other=20 than the pitcher, or having touched a fielder, including the pitcher, = the ball=20 is in play.

6.09
The = batter becomes=20 a runner when_ (a) He hits a fair ball; (b) The third strike called by = the=20 umpire is not caught, providing (1) first base is unoccupied, or (2) = first base=20 is occupied with two out; When a batter becomes a base runner on a third = strike=20 not caught by the catcher and starts for the dugout, or his position, = and then=20 realizes his situation and attempts then to reach first base, he is not = out=20 unless he or first base is tagged before he reaches first base. If, = however, he=20 actually reaches the dugout or dugout steps, he may not then attempt to = go to=20 first base and shall be out. (c) A fair ball, after having passed a = fielder=20 other than the pitcher, or after having been touched by a fielder, = including the=20 pitcher, shall touch an umpire or runner on fair territory; (d) A fair = ball=20 passes over a fence or into the stands at a distance from home base of = 250 feet=20 or more. Such hit entitles the batter to a home run when he shall have = touched=20 all bases legally. A fair fly ball that passes out of the playing field = at a=20 point less than 250 feet from home base shall entitle the batter to = advance to=20 second base only; (e) A fair ball, after touching the ground, bounds = into the=20 stands, or passes through, over or under a fence, or through or under a=20 scoreboard, or through or under shrubbery, or vines on the fence, in = which case=20 the batter and the runners shall be entitled to advance two bases; (f) = Any fair=20 ball which, either before or after touching the ground, passes through = or under=20 a fence, or through or under a scoreboard, or through any opening in the = fence=20 or scoreboard, or through or under shrubbery, or vines on the fence, or = which=20 sticks in a fence or scoreboard, in which case the batter and the = runners shall=20 be entitled to two bases; (g) Any bounding fair ball is deflected by the = fielder=20 into the stands, or over or under a fence on fair or foul territory, in = which=20 case the batter and all runners shall be entitled to advance two bases; = (h) Any=20 fair fly ball is deflected by the fielder into the stands, or over the = fence=20 into foul territory, in which case the batter shall be entitled to = advance to=20 second base; but if deflected into the stands or over the fence in fair=20 territory, the batter shall be entitled to a home run. However, should = such a=20 fair fly be deflected at a point less than 250 feet from home plate, the = batter=20 shall be entitled to two bases only.

6.10
Any = League may=20 elect to use the Designated Hitter Rule. (a) In the event of inter = league=20 competition between clubs of Leagues using the Designated Hitter Rule = and clubs=20 of Leagues not using the Designated Hitter Rule, the rule will be used = as=20 follows: 1. In World Series or exhibition games, the rule will be used = or not=20 used as is the practice of the home team. 2. In All Star games, the rule = will=20 only be used if both teams and both Leagues so agree. (b) The Rule = provides as=20 follows: A hitter may be designated to bat for the starting pitcher and = all=20 subsequent pitchers in any game without otherwise affecting the status = of the=20 pitcher(s) in the game. A Designated Hitter for the pitcher must be = selected=20 prior to the game and must be included in the lineup cards presented to = the=20 Umpire in Chief. The designated hitter named in the starting lineup must = come to=20 bat at least one time, unless the opposing club changes pitchers. It is = not=20 mandatory that a club designate a hitter for the pitcher, but failure to = do so=20 prior to the game precludes the use of a Designated Hitter for that = game. Pinch=20 hitters for a Designated Hitter may be used. Any substitute hitter for a = Designated Hitter becomes the Designated Hitter. A replaced Designated = Hitter=20 shall not re enter the game in any capacity. The Designated Hitter may = be used=20 defensively, continuing to bat in the same position in the batting = order, but=20 the pitcher must then bat in the place of the substituted defensive = player,=20 unless more than one substitution is made, and the manager then must = designate=20 their spots in the batting order. A runner may be substituted for the = Designated=20 Hitter and the runner assumes the role of Designated Hitter. A = Designated Hitter=20 may not pinch run. A Designated Hitter is "locked" into the batting = order. No=20 multiple substitutions may be made that will alter the batting rotation = of the=20 Designated Hitter. Once the game pitcher is switched from the mound to a = defensive position this move shall terminate the Designated Hitter role = for the=20 remainder of the game. Once a pinch hitter bats for any player in the = batting=20 order and then enters the game to pitch, this move shall terminate the=20 Designated Hitter role for the remainder of the game. Once the game = pitcher bats=20 for the Designated Hitter this move shall terminate the Designated = Hitter role=20 for the remainder of the game. (The game pitcher may only pinch hit for = the=20 Designated Hitter). Once a Designated Hitter assumes a defensive = position this=20 move shall terminate the Designated Hitter role for the remainder of the = game. A=20 substitute for the Designated Hitter need not be announced until it is = the=20 Designated Hitter's turn to bat.

Official Rules: 7.00 The=20 Runner =

7.01
A runner = acquires=20 the right to an unoccupied base when he touches it before he is out. He = is then=20 entitled to it until he is put out, or forced to vacate it for another = runner=20 legally entitled to that base. If a runner legally acquires title to a = base, and=20 the pitcher assumes his pitching position, the runner may not return to = a=20 previously occupied base.

7.02
In = advancing, a=20 runner shall touch first, second, third and home base in order. If = forced to=20 return, he shall retouch all bases in reverse order, unless the ball is = dead=20 under any provision of Rule 5.09. In such cases, the runner may go = directly to=20 his original base.

7.03
Two = runners may not=20 occupy a base, but if, while the ball is alive, two runners are touching = a base,=20 the following runner shall be out when tagged. The preceding runner is = entitled=20 to the base.

7.04
Each = runner, other=20 than the batter, may without liability to be put out, advance one base = when_ (a)=20 There is a balk; (b) The batter's advance without liability to be put = out forces=20 the runner to vacate his base, or when the batter hits a fair ball that = touches=20 another runner or the umpire before such ball has been touched by, or = has passed=20 a fielder, if the runner is forced to advance; A runner forced to = advance=20 without liability to be put out may advance past the base to which he is = entitled only at his peril. If such a runner, forced to advance, is put = out for=20 the third out before a preceding runner, also forced to advance, touches = home=20 plate, the run shall score. Play. Two out, bases full, batter walks but = runner=20 from second is overzealous and runs past third base toward home and is = tagged=20 out on a throw by the catcher. Even though two are out, the run would = score on=20 the theory that the run was forced home by the base on balls and that = all the=20 runners needed to do was proceed and touch the next base. (c) A fielder, = after=20 catching a fly ball, falls into a bench or stand, or falls across ropes = into a=20 crowd when spectators are on the field; A fielder or catcher may reach = or step=20 into, or go into the dugout with one or both feet to make a catch, and = if he=20 holds the ball, the catch shall be allowed. Ball is in play. If the = fielder or=20 catcher, after having made a legal catch, should fall into a stand or = among=20 spectators or into the dugout after making a legal catch, or fall while = in the=20 dugout after making a legal catch, the ball is dead and runners advance = one base=20 without liability to be put out. (d) While he is attempting to steal a = base, the=20 batter is interfered with by the catcher or any other fielder. NOTE: = When a=20 runner is entitled to a base without liability to be put out, while the = ball is=20 in play, or under any rule in which the ball is in play after the runner = reaches=20 the base to which he is entitled, and the runner fails to touch the base = to=20 which he is entitled before attempting to advance to the next base, the = runner=20 shall forfeit his exemption from liability to be put out, and he may be = put out=20 by tagging the base or by tagging the runner before he returns to the = missed=20 base.

7.05
Each = runner=20 including the batter runner may, without liability to be put out, = advance_ (a)=20 To home base, scoring a run, if a fair ball goes out of the playing = field in=20 flight and he touched all bases legally; or if a fair ball which, in the = umpire's judgment, would have gone out of the playing field in flight, = is=20 deflected by the act of a fielder in throwing his glove, cap, or any = article of=20 his apparel; (b) Three bases, if a fielder deliberately touches a fair = ball with=20 his cap, mask or any part of his uniform detached from its proper place = on his=20 person. The ball is in play and the batter may advance to home base at = his=20 peril; (c) Three bases, if a fielder deliberately throws his glove at = and=20 touches a fair ball. The ball is in play and the batter may advance to = home base=20 at his peril. (d) Two bases, if a fielder deliberately touches a thrown = ball=20 with his cap, mask or any part of his uniform detached from its proper = place on=20 his person. The ball is in play; (e) Two bases, if a fielder = deliberately throws=20 his glove at and touches a thrown ball. The ball is in play; In applying = (b c d=20 e) the umpire must rule that the thrown glove or detached cap or mask = has=20 touched the ball. There is no penalty if the ball is not touched. Under = (c e)=20 this penalty shall not be invoked against a fielder whose glove is = carried off=20 his hand by the force of a batted or thrown ball, or when his glove = flies off=20 his hand as he makes an obvious effort to make a legitimate catch. (f) = Two=20 bases, if a fair ball bounces or is deflected into the stands outside = the first=20 or third base foul lines; or if it goes through or under a field fence, = or=20 through or under a scoreboard, or through or under shrubbery or vines on = the=20 fence; or if it sticks in such fence, scoreboard, shrubbery or vines; = (g) Two=20 bases when, with no spectators on the playing field, a thrown ball goes = into the=20 stands, or into a bench (whether or not the ball rebounds into the = field), or=20 over or under or through a field fence, or on a slanting part of the = screen=20 above the backstop, or remains in the meshes of a wire screen protecting = spectators. The ball is dead. When such wild throw is the first play by = an=20 infielder, the umpire, in awarding such bases, shall be governed by the = position=20 of the runners at the time the ball was pitched; in all other cases the = umpire=20 shall be governed by the position of the runners at the time the wild = throw was=20 made; APPROVED RULING: If all runners, including the batter runner, have = advanced at least one base when an infielder makes a wild throw on the = first=20 play after the pitch, the award shall be governed by the position of the = runners=20 when the wild throw was made. In certain circumstances it is impossible = to award=20 a runner two bases. Example: Runner on first. Batter hits fly to short = right.=20 Runner holds up between first and second and batter comes around first = and pulls=20 up behind him. Ball falls safely. Outfielder, in throwing to first, = throws ball=20 into stand. APPROVED RULING: Since no runner, when the ball is dead, may = advance=20 beyond the base to which he is entitled, the runner originally on first = base=20 goes to third base and the batter is held at second base. The term "when = the=20 wild throw was made" means when the throw actually left the player's = hand and=20 not when the thrown ball hit the ground, passes a receiving fielder or = goes out=20 of play into the stands. The position of the batter runner at the time = the wild=20 throw left the thrower's hand is the key in deciding the award of bases. = If the=20 batter runner has not reached first base, the award is two bases at the = time the=20 pitch was made for all runners. The decision as to whether the batter = runner has=20 reached first base before the throw is a judgment call. If an unusual = play=20 arises where a first throw by an infielder goes into stands or dugout = but the=20 batter did not become a runner (such as catcher throwing ball into = stands in=20 attempt to get runner from third trying to score on passed ball or wild = pitch)=20 award of two bases shall be from the position of the runners at the time = of the=20 throw. (For the purpose of Rule 7.05 (g) a catcher is considered an = infielder.)=20 PLAY. Runner on first base, batter hits a ball to the shortstop, who = throws to=20 second base too late to get runner at second, and second baseman throws = toward=20 first base after batter has crossed first base. Ruling Runner at second = scores.=20 (On this play, only if batter runner is past first base when throw is = made is he=20 awarded third base.) (h) One base, if a ball, pitched to the batter, or = thrown=20 by the pitcher from his position on the pitcher's plate to a base to = catch a=20 runner, goes into a stand or a bench, or over or through a field fence = or=20 backstop. The ball is dead; APPROVED RULING: When a wild pitch or passed = ball=20 goes through or by the catcher, or deflects off the catcher, and goes = directly=20 into the dugout, stands, above the break, or any area where the ball is = dead,=20 the awarding of bases shall be one base. One base shall also be awarded = if the=20 pitcher while in contact with the rubber, throws to a base, and the = throw goes=20 directly into the stands or into any area where the ball is dead. If, = however,=20 the pitched or thrown ball goes through or by the catcher or through the = fielder, and remains on the playing field, and is subsequently kicked or = deflected into the dugout, stands or other area where the ball is dead, = the=20 awarding of bases shall be two bases from position of runners at the = time of the=20 pitch or throw. (i) One base, if the batter = becomes a=20 runner on Ball Four or Strike Three, when the pitch passes the catcher = and=20 lodges in the umpire's mask or paraphernalia. If the batter becomes a = runner on=20 a wild pitch which entitles the runners to advance one base, the batter = runner=20 shall be entitled to first base only. The fact a runner is awarded a = base or=20 bases without liability to be put out does not relieve him of the = responsibility=20 to touch the base he is awarded and all intervening bases. For example: = batter=20 hits a ground ball which an infielder throws into the stands but the = batter=20 runner missed first base. He may be called out on appeal for missing = first base=20 after the ball is put in play even though he was "awarded" second base. = If a=20 runner is forced to return to a base after a catch, he must retouch his = original=20 base even though, because of some ground rule or other rule, he is = awarded=20 additional bases. He may retouch while the ball is dead and the award is = then=20 made from his original base.

7.06
When = obstruction=20 occurs, the umpire shall call or signal "Obstruction." (a) If a play is = being=20 made on the obstructed runner, or if the batter runner is obstructed = before he=20 touches first base, the ball is dead and all runners shall advance, = without=20 liability to be put out, to the bases they would have reached, in the = umpire's=20 judgment, if there had been no obstruction. The obstructed runner shall = be=20 awarded at least one base beyond the base he had last legally touched = before the=20 obstruction. Any preceding runners, forced to advance by the award of = bases as=20 the penalty for obstruction, shall advance without liability to be put = out. When=20 a play is being made on an obstructed runner, the umpire shall signal=20 obstruction in the same manner that he calls "Time," with both hands = overhead.=20 The ball is immediately dead when this signal is given; however, should = a thrown=20 ball be in flight before the obstruction is called by the umpire, the = runners=20 are to be awarded such bases on wild throws as they would have been = awarded had=20 not obstruction occurred. On a play where a runner was trapped between = second=20 and third and obstructed by the third baseman going into third base = while the=20 throw is in flight from the shortstop, if such throw goes into the = dugout the=20 obstructed runner is to be awarded home base. Any other runners on base = in this=20 situation would also be awarded two bases from the base they last = legally=20 touched before obstruction was called. (b) If no play is being made on = the=20 obstructed runner, the play shall proceed until no further action is = possible.=20 The umpire shall then call "Time" and impose such penalties, if any, as = in his=20 judgment will nullify the act of obstruction. Under 7.06 (b) when the = ball is=20 not dead on obstruction and an obstructed runner advances beyond the = base which,=20 in the umpire's judgment, he would have been awarded because of being=20 obstructed, he does so at his own peril and may be tagged out. This is a = judgment call. NOTE: The catcher, without the ball in his possession, = has no=20 right to block the pathway of the runner attempting to score. The base = line=20 belongs to the runner and the catcher should be there only when he is = fielding a=20 ball or when he already has the ball in his hand.

7.07
If, with = a runner=20 on third base and trying to score by means of a squeeze play or a steal, = the=20 catcher or any other fielder steps on, or in front of home base without=20 possession of the ball, or touches the batter or his bat, the pitcher = shall be=20 charged with a balk, the batter shall be awarded first base on the = interference=20 and the ball is dead.

7.08
Any = runner is out=20 when_ (a) (1) He runs more than three feet away from a direct line = between bases=20 to avoid being tagged unless his action is to avoid interference with a = fielder=20 fielding a batted ball; or (2) after touching first base, he leaves the=20 baseline, obviously abandoning his effort to touch the next base; Any = runner=20 after reaching first base who leaves the baseline heading for his dugout = or his=20 position believing that there is no further play, may be declared out if = the=20 umpire judges the act of the runner to be considered abandoning his = efforts to=20 run the bases. Even though an out is called, the ball remains in play in = regard=20 to any other runner. This rule also covers the following and similar = plays: Less=20 than two out, score tied last of ninth inning, runner on first, batter = hits a=20 ball out of park for winning run, the runner on first passes second and = thinking=20 the home run automatically wins the game, cuts across diamond toward his = bench=20 as batter runner circles bases. In this case, the base runner would be = called=20 out "for abandoning his effort to touch the next base" and batter runner = permitted to continue around bases to make his home run valid. If there = are two=20 out, home run would not count (see Rule 7.12). This is not an appeal = play. PLAY.=20 Runner believing he is called out on a tag at first or third base starts = for the=20 dugout and progresses a reasonable distance still indicating by his = actions that=20 he is out, shall be declared out for abandoning the bases. In the above = two=20 plays the runners are considered actually abandoning their base paths = and are=20 treated differently than the batter who struck out as described. = APPROVED RULING=20 OF 7.08 (a). APPROVED RULING: When a batter becomes a runner on third = strike not=20 caught, and starts for his bench or position, he may advance to first = base at=20 any time before he enters the bench. To put him out, the defense must = tag him or=20 first base before he touches first base. (b) He intentionally interferes = with a=20 thrown ball; or hinders a fielder attempting to make a play on a batted = ball; A=20 runner who is adjudged to have hindered a fielder who is attempting to = make a=20 play on a batted ball is out whether it was intentional or not. If, = however, the=20 runner has contact with a legally occupied base when he hinders the = fielder, he=20 shall not be called out unless, in the umpire's judgment, such = hindrance,=20 whether it occurs on fair or foul territory, is intentional. If the = umpire=20 declares the hindrance intentional, the following penalty shall apply: = With less=20 than two out, the umpire shall declare both the runner and batter out. = With two=20 out, the umpire shall declare the batter out. If, in a run down between = third=20 base and home plate, the succeeding runner has advanced and is standing = on third=20 base when the runner in a run down is called out for offensive = interference, the=20 umpire shall send the runner standing on third base back to second base. = This=20 same principle applies if there is a run down between second and third = base and=20 succeeding runner has reached second (the reasoning is that no runner = shall=20 advance on an interference play and a runner is considered to occupy a = base=20 until he legally has reached the next succeeding base). (c) He is = tagged, when=20 the ball is alive, while off his base. EXCEPTION: A batter runner cannot = be=20 tagged out after overrunning or oversliding = first base=20 if he returns immediately to the base; APPROVED RULING: (1) If the = impact of a=20 runner breaks a base loose from its position, no play can be made on = that runner=20 at that base if he had reached the base safely. APPROVED RULING: (2) If = a base=20 is dislodged from its position during a play, any following runner on = the same=20 play shall be considered as touching or occupying the base if, in the = umpire's=20 judgment, he touches or occupies the point marked by the dislodged bag. = (d) He=20 fails to retouch his base after a fair or foul ball is legally caught = before he,=20 or his base, is tagged by a fielder. He shall not be called out for = failure to=20 retouch his base after the first following pitch, or any play or = attempted play.=20 This is an appeal play; Runners need not "tag up" on a foul tip. They = may steal=20 on a foul tip. If a so called tip is not caught, it becomes an ordinary = foul.=20 Runners then return to their bases. (e) He fails to reach the next base = before a=20 fielder tags him or the base, after he has been forced to advance by = reason of=20 the batter becoming a runner. However, if a following runner is put out = on a=20 force play, the force is removed and the runner must be tagged to be put = out.=20 The force is removed as soon as the runner touches the base to which he = is=20 forced to advance, and if he overslides or = overruns=20 the base, the runner must be tagged to be put out. However, if the = forced=20 runner, after touching the next base, retreats for any reason towards = the base=20 he had last occupied, the force play is reinstated, and he can again be = put out=20 if the defense tags the base to which he is forced; PLAY. Runner on = first and=20 three balls on batter: Runner steals on the next pitch, which is fourth = ball,=20 but after having touched second he overslides or=20 overruns that base. Catcher's throw catches him before he can return. = Ruling is=20 that runner is out. (Force out is removed.) Oversliding and overrunning situations arise at = bases other=20 than first base. For instance, before two are out, and runners on first = and=20 second, or first, second and third, the ball is hit to an infielder who = tries=20 for the double play. The runner on first beats the throw to second base = but=20 overslides the base. The relay is made to = first base=20 and the batter runner is out. The first baseman, seeing the runner at = second=20 base off the bag, makes the return throw to second and the runner is = tagged off=20 the base. Meanwhile runners have crossed the plate. The question is: Is = this a=20 force play? Was the force removed when the batter runner was out at = first base?=20 Do the runs that crossed the plate during this play and before the third = out was=20 made when the runner was tagged at second, count? Answer: The runs = score. It is=20 not a force play. It is a tag play. (f) He is touched by a fair ball in = fair=20 territory before the ball has touched or passed an infielder. The ball = is dead=20 and no runner may score, nor runners advance, except runners forced to = advance.=20 EXCEPTION: If a runner is touching his base when touched by an Infield = Fly, he=20 is not out, although the batter is out; If two runners are touched by = the same=20 fair ball, only the first one is out because the ball is instantly dead. = If=20 runner is touched by an Infield Fly when he is not touching his base, = both=20 runner and batter are out. (g) He attempts to score on a play in which = the=20 batter interferes with the play at home base before two are out. With = two out,=20 the interference puts the batter out and no score counts; (h) He passes = a=20 preceding runner before such runner is out; (i) After=20 he has acquired legal possession of a base, he runs the bases in reverse = order=20 for the purpose of confusing the defense or making a travesty of the = game. The=20 umpire shall immediately call "Time" and declare the runner out; If a = runner=20 touches an unoccupied base and then thinks the ball was caught or is = decoyed=20 into returning to the base he last touched, he may be put out running = back to=20 that base, but if he reaches the previously occupied base safely he = cannot be=20 put out while in contact with that base. (j) He fails to return at once = to first=20 base after overrunning or oversliding that = base. If he=20 attempts to run to second he is out when tagged. If, after overrunning = or oversliding first base he starts toward the = dugout, or=20 toward his position, and fails to return to first base at once, he is = out, on=20 appeal, when he or the base is tagged; Runner who touches first base in=20 overrunning and is declared safe by the umpire has, within the intent of = Rule=20 4.09 (a) "reached first base" and any run which scores on such a play = counts,=20 even though the runner subsequently becomes the third out for failure to = return=20 "at once," as covered in Rule 7.08 (j). (k) In running or sliding for = home base,=20 he fails to touch home base and makes no attempt to return to the base, = when a=20 fielder holds the ball in his hand, while touching home base, and = appeals to the=20 umpire for the decision. This rule applies only where runner is on his = way to=20 the bench and the catcher would be required to chase him. It does not = apply to=20 the ordinary play where the runner misses the plate and then immediately = makes=20 an effort to touch the plate before being tagged. In that case, runner = must be=20 tagged.

7.09
It is = interference=20 by a batter or a runner when: (a) After a third strike he hinders the = catcher in=20 his attempt to field the ball; (b) After hitting or bunting a fair ball, = his bat=20 hits the ball a second time in fair territory. The ball is dead and no = runners=20 may advance. If the batter runner drops his bat and the ball rolls = against the=20 bat in fair territory and, in the umpire's judgment, there was no = intention to=20 interfere with the course of the ball, the ball is alive and in play; = (c) He=20 intentionally deflects the course of a foul ball in any manner; (d) = Before two=20 are out and a runner on third base, the batter hinders a fielder in = making a=20 play at home base; the runner is out; (e) Any member or members of the = offensive=20 team stand or gather around any base to which a runner is advancing, to = confuse,=20 hinder or add to the difficulty of the fielders. Such runner shall be = declared=20 out for the interference of his teammate or teammates; (f) Any batter or = runner=20 who has just been put out hinders or impedes any following play being = made on a=20 runner. Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of his = teammate;=20 If the batter or a runner continues to advance after he has been put = out, he=20 shall not by that act alone be considered as confusing, hindering or = impeding=20 the fielders. (g) If, in the judgment of the umpire, a base runner = willfully and=20 deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a fielder in the act of = fielding a=20 batted ball with the obvious intent to break up a double play, the ball = is dead.=20 The umpire shall call the runner out for interference and also call out = the=20 batter runner because of the action of his teammate. In no event may = bases be=20 run or runs scored because of such action by a runner. (h) If, in the = judgment=20 of the umpire, a batter runner willfully and deliberately interferes = with a=20 batted ball or a fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball, with the = obvious=20 intent to break up a double play, the ball is dead; the umpire shall = call the=20 batter runner out for interference and shall also call out the runner = who had=20 advanced closest to the home plate regardless where the double play = might have=20 been possible. In no event shall bases be run because of such = interference.=20 (i) In the judgment of the umpire, the base = coach at=20 third base, or first base, by touching or holding the runner, physically = assists=20 him in returning to or leaving third base or first base. (j) With a = runner on=20 third base, the base coach leaves his box and acts in any manner to draw = a throw=20 by a fielder; (k) In running the last half of the distance from home = base to=20 first base while the ball is being fielded to first base, he runs = outside (to=20 the right of) the three foot line, or inside (to the left of) the foul = line and,=20 in the umpire's judgment, interferes with the fielder taking the throw = at first=20 base, or attempting to field a batted ball; The lines marking the three = foot=20 lane are a part of that "lane" but the interpretation to be made is that = a=20 runner is required to have both feet within the three foot "lane" or on = the=20 lines marking the "lane." (l) He fails to avoid a fielder who is = attempting to=20 field a batted ball, or intentionally interferes with a thrown ball, = provided=20 that if two or more fielders attempt to field a batted ball, and the = runner=20 comes in contact with one or more of them, the umpire shall determine = which=20 fielder is entitled to the benefit of this rule, and shall not declare = the=20 runner out for coming in contact with a fielder other than the one the = umpire=20 determines to be entitled to field such a ball; When a catcher and = batter runner=20 going to first base have contact when the catcher is fielding the ball, = there is=20 generally no violation and nothing should be called. "Obstruction" by a = fielder=20 attempting to field a ball should be called only in very flagrant and = violent=20 cases because the rules give him the right of way, but of course such = "right of=20 way" is not a license to, for example, intentionally trip a runner even = though=20 fielding the ball. If the catcher is fielding the ball and the first = baseman or=20 pitcher obstructs a runner going to first base "obstruction" shall be = called and=20 the base runner awarded first base. (m) A fair ball touches him on fair=20 territory before touching a fielder. If a fair ball goes through, or by, = an=20 infielder, and touches a runner immediately back of him, or touches the = runner=20 after having been deflected by a fielder, the umpire shall not declare = the=20 runner out for being touched by a batted ball. In making such decision = the=20 umpire must be convinced that the ball passed through, or by, the = fielder, and=20 that no other infielder had the chance to make a play on the ball. If, = in the=20 judgment of the umpire, the runner deliberately and intentionally kicks = such a=20 batted ball on which the infielder has missed a play, then the runner = shall be=20 called out for interference. PENALTY FOR INTERFERENCE: The runner is out = and the=20 ball is dead.

7.10
Any = runner shall be=20 called out, on appeal, when_ (a) After a fly ball is caught, he fails to = retouch=20 his original base before he or his original base is tagged; "Retouch," = in this=20 rule, means to tag up and start from a contact with the base after the = ball is=20 caught. A runner is not permitted to take a flying start from a position = in back=20 of his base. (b) With the ball in play, while advancing or returning to = a base,=20 he fails to touch each base in order before he, or a missed base, is = tagged.=20 APPROVED RULING: (1) No runner may return to touch a missed base after a = following runner has scored. (2) When the ball is dead, no runner may = return to=20 touch a missed base or one he has left after he has advanced to and = touched a=20 base beyond the missed base. PLAY. (a) Batter hits ball out of park or = ground=20 rule double and misses first base (ball is dead)_he may return to first = base to=20 correct his mistake before he touches second but if he touches second he = may not=20 return to first and if defensive team appeals he is declared out at = first. PLAY.=20 (b) Batter hits ball to shortstop who throws wild into stand (ball is=20 dead)_batter runner misses first base but is awarded second base on the=20 overthrow. Even though the umpire has awarded the runner second base on = the=20 overthrow, the runner must touch first base before he proceeds to second = base.=20 These are appeal plays. (c) He overruns or overslides=20 first base and fails to return to the base immediately, and he or the = base is=20 tagged; (d) He fails to touch home base and makes no attempt to return = to that=20 base, and home base is tagged. Any appeal under this rule must be made = before=20 the next pitch, or any play or attempted play. If the violation occurs = during a=20 play which ends a half inning, the appeal must be made before the = defensive team=20 leaves the field. An appeal is not to be interpreted as a play or an = attempted=20 play. Successive appeals may not be made on a runner at the same base. = If the=20 defensive team on its first appeal errs, a request for a second appeal = on the=20 same runner at the same base shall not be allowed by the umpire. = (Intended=20 meaning of the word "err" is that the defensive team in making an appeal = threw=20 the ball out of play. For example, if the pitcher threw to first base to = appeal=20 and threw the ball into the stands, no second appeal would be allowed.) = Appeal=20 plays may require an umpire to recognize an apparent "fourth out." If = the third=20 out is made during a play in which an appeal play is sustained on = another=20 runner, the appeal play decision takes precedence in determining the = out. If=20 there is more than one appeal during a play that ends a half inning, the = defense=20 may elect to take the out that gives it the advantage. For the purpose = of this=20 rule, the defensive team has "left the field" when the pitcher and all=20 infielders have left fair territory on their way to the bench or = clubhouse. If=20 two runners arrive at home base about the same time and the first runner = misses=20 home plate but a second runner legally touches the plate, the runner is = tagged=20 out on his attempt to come back and touch the base or is called out, on = appeal,=20 then he shall be considered as having been put out before the second = runner=20 scored and being the third out. Second runner's run shall not count, as = provided=20 in Rule 7.12. If a pitcher balks when making an appeal, such act shall = be a=20 play. An appeal should be clearly intended as an appeal, either by a = verbal=20 request by the player or an act that unmistakably indicates an appeal to = the=20 umpire. A player, inadvertently stepping on the base with a ball in his = hand,=20 would not constitute an appeal. Time is not out when an appeal is being = made.=20

7.11
The = players,=20 coaches or any member of an offensive team shall vacate any space = (including=20 both dugouts) needed by a fielder who is attempting to field a batted or = thrown=20 ball. PENALTY: Interference shall be called and the batter or runner on = whom the=20 play is being made shall be declared out.

7.12
Unless = two are out,=20 the status of a following runner is not affected by a preceding runner's = failure=20 to touch or retouch a base. If, upon appeal, the preceding runner is the = third=20 out, no runners following him shall score. If such third out is the = result of a=20 force play, neither preceding nor following runners shall score.=20

Official Rules: 8.00 The=20 Pitcher =

8.01
Legal = pitching=20 delivery. There are two legal pitching positions, the Windup Position = and the=20 Set Position, and either position may be used at any time. Pitchers = shall take=20 signs from the catcher while standing on the rubber. Pitchers may = disengage the=20 rubber after taking their signs but may not step quickly onto the rubber = and=20 pitch. This may be judged a quick pitch by the umpire. When the pitcher=20 disengages the rubber, he must drop his hands to his sides. Pitchers = will not be=20 allowed to disengage the rubber after taking each sign. (a) The Windup = Position.=20 The pitcher shall stand facing the batter, his entire pivot foot on, or = in front=20 of and touching and not off the end of the pitcher's plate, and the = other foot=20 free. From this position any natural movement associated with his = delivery of=20 the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without interruption or=20 alteration. He shall not raise either foot from the ground, except that = in his=20 actual delivery of the ball to the batter, he may take one step = backward, and=20 one step forward with his free foot. When a pitcher holds the ball with = both=20 hands in front of his body, with his entire pivot foot on, or in front = of and=20 touching but not off the end of the pitcher's plate, and his other foot = free, he=20 will be considered in the Windup Position. The pitcher may have one = foot, not=20 the pivot foot, off the rubber and any distance he may desire back of a = line=20 which is an extension to the back edge of the pitcher's plate, but not = at either=20 side of the pitcher's plate. With his "free" foot the pitcher may take = one step=20 backward and one step forward, but under no circumstances, to either = side, that=20 is to either the first base or third base side of the pitcher's rubber. = If a=20 pitcher holds the ball with both hands in front of his body, with his = entire=20 pivot foot on or in front of and touching but not off the end of the = pitcher's=20 plate, and his other foot free, he will be considered in a windup = position. From=20 this position he may: (1) deliver the ball to the batter, or (2) step = and throw=20 to a base in an attempt to pick off a runner, or (3) disengage the = rubber (if he=20 does he must drop his hand to his sides). In disengaging the rubber the = pitcher=20 must step off with his pivot foot and not his free foot first. He may = not go=20 into a set or stretch position if he does it is a balk. (b) The Set = Position.=20 Set Position shall be indicated by the pitcher when he stands facing the = batter=20 with his entire pivot foot on, or in front of, and in contact with, and = not off=20 the end of the pitcher's plate, and his other foot in front of the = pitcher's=20 plate, holding the ball in both hands in front of his body and coming to = a=20 complete stop. From such Set Position he may deliver the ball to the = batter,=20 throw to a base or step backward off the pitcher's plate with his pivot = foot.=20 Before assuming Set Position, the pitcher may elect to make any natural=20 preliminary motion such as that known as "the stretch." But if he so = elects, he=20 shall come to Set Position before delivering the ball to the batter. = After=20 assuming Set Position, any natural motion associated with his delivery = of the=20 ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without alteration or = interruption.=20 Preparatory to coming to a set position, the pitcher shall have one hand = on his=20 side; from this position he shall go to his set position as defined in = Rule 8.01=20 (b) without interruption and in one continuous motion. The whole width = of the=20 foot in contact with the rubber must be on the rubber. A pitcher cannot = pitch=20 from off the end of the rubber with just the side of his foot touching = the=20 rubber. The pitcher, following his stretch, must (a) hold the ball in = both hands=20 in front of his body and (b) come to a complete stop. This must be = enforced.=20 Umpires should watch this closely. Pitchers are constantly attempting to = "beat=20 the rule" in their efforts to hold runners on bases and in cases where = the=20 pitcher fails to make a complete "stop" called for in the rules, the = umpire=20 should immediately call a "Balk." (c) At any time during the pitcher's=20 preliminary movements and until his natural pitching motion commits him = to the=20 pitch, he may throw to any base provided he steps directly toward such = base=20 before making the throw. The pitcher shall step "ahead of the throw." A = snap=20 throw followed by the step directly toward the base is a balk. (d) If = the=20 pitcher makes an illegal pitch with the bases unoccupied, it shall be = called a=20 ball unless the batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on = balls, a=20 hit batter or otherwise. A ball which slips out of a pitcher's hand and = crosses=20 the foul line shall be called a ball; otherwise it will be called no = pitch. This=20 would be a balk with men on base. (e) If the pitcher removes his pivot = foot from=20 contact with the pitcher's plate by stepping backward with that foot, he = thereby=20 becomes an infielder and if he makes a wild throw from that position, it = shall=20 be considered the same as a wild throw by any other infielder. The = pitcher,=20 while off the rubber, may throw to any base. If he makes a wild throw, = such=20 throw is the throw of an infielder and what follows is governed by the = rules=20 covering a ball thrown by a fielder.

8.02
The = pitcher shall=20 not_ (a) (1) Bring his pitching hand in contact with his mouth or lips = while in=20 the 18 foot circle surrounding the pitching rubber. EXCEPTION: Provided = it is=20 agreed to by both managers, the umpire prior to the start of a game = played in=20 cold weather, may permit the pitcher to blow on his hand. PENALTY: For = violation=20 of this part of this rule the umpires shall immediately call a ball. = However, if=20 the pitch is made and a batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a = hit=20 batsman or otherwise, and no other runner is put out before advancing at = least=20 one base, the play shall proceed without reference to the violation. = Repeated=20 offenders shall be subject to a fine by the league president. (2) Apply = a=20 foreign substance of any kind to the ball; (3) expectorate on the ball, = either=20 hand or his glove; (4) rub the ball on his glove, person or clothing; = (5) deface=20 the ball in any manner; (6) deliver what is called the "shine" ball, = "spit"=20 ball, "mud" ball or "emery" ball. The pitcher, of course, is allowed to = rub the=20 ball between his bare hands. PENALTY: For violation of any part of this = rule=20 8.02 (a) (2 to = 6) the=20 umpire shall: (a) Call the pitch a ball, warn the pitcher and have = announced on=20 the public address system the reason for the action. (b) In the case of = a second=20 offense by the same pitcher in the same game, the pitcher shall be = disqualified=20 from the game. (c) If a play follows the violation called by the umpire, = the=20 manager of the offense may advise the plate umpire that he elects to = accept the=20 play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play. = However,=20 if the batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a = hit=20 batsman, or otherwise, and no other runner is put out before advancing = at least=20 one base, the play shall proceed without reference to the violation. (d) = Even=20 though the offense elects to take the play, the violation shall be = recognized=20 and the penalties in (a) and (b) will still be in effect. (e) The umpire = shall=20 be sole judge on whether any portion of this rule has been violated. All = umpires=20 shall carry with them one official rosin bag. The umpire in chief is = responsible=20 for placing the rosin bag on the ground back of the pitcher's plate. If = at any=20 time the ball hits the rosin bag it is in play. In the case of rain or = wet=20 field, the umpire may instruct the pitcher to carry the rosin bag in his = hip=20 pocket. A pitcher may use the rosin bag for the purpose of applying = rosin to his=20 bare hand or hands. Neither the pitcher nor any other player shall dust = the ball=20 with the rosin bag; neither shall the pitcher nor any other player be = permitted=20 to apply rosin from the bag to his glove or dust any part of his uniform = with=20 the rosin bag. (b) Have on his person, or in his possession, any foreign = substance. For such infraction of this section (b) the penalty shall be=20 immediate ejection from the game. (c) Intentionally delay the game by = throwing=20 the ball to players other than the catcher, when the batter is in = position,=20 except in an attempt to retire a runner. PENALTY: If, after warning by = the=20 umpire, such delaying action is repeated, the pitcher shall be removed = from the=20 game. (d) Intentionally Pitch at the Batter. If, in the umpire's = judgment, such=20 a violation occurs, the umpire may elect either to: 1. Expel the = pitcher, or the=20 manager and the pitcher, from the game, or 2. may warn the pitcher and = the=20 manager of both teams that another such pitch will result in the = immediate=20 expulsion of that pitcher (or a replacement) and the manager. If, in the = umpire's judgment, circumstances warrant, both teams may be officially = "warned"=20 prior to the game or at any time during the game. (League Presidents may = take=20 additional action under authority provided in Rule 9.05) To pitch at a = batter's=20 head is unsportsmanlike and highly dangerous. It should be and is_condemned by everybody. Umpires should act = without=20 hesitation in enforcement of this rule.

8.03
When a = pitcher=20 takes his position at the beginning of each inning, or when he relieves = another=20 pitcher, he shall be permitted to pitch not to exceed eight preparatory = pitches=20 to his catcher during which play shall be suspended. A league by its own = action=20 may limit the number of preparatory pitches to less than eight = preparatory=20 pitches. Such preparatory pitches shall not consume more than one minute = of=20 time. If a sudden emergency causes a pitcher to be summoned into the = game=20 without any opportunity to warm up, the umpire in chief shall allow him = as many=20 pitches as the umpire deems necessary.

8.04
When the = bases are=20 unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball to the batter within 20 = seconds=20 after he receives the ball. Each time the pitcher delays the game by = violating=20 this rule, the umpire shall call "Ball." The intent of this rule is to = avoid=20 unnecessary delays. The umpire shall insist that the catcher return the = ball=20 promptly to the pitcher, and that the pitcher take his position on the = rubber=20 promptly. Obvious delay by the pitcher should instantly be penalized by = the=20 umpire.

8.05
If there = is a=20 runner, or runners, it is a balk when_ (a) The pitcher, while touching = his=20 plate, makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch and fails to = make=20 such delivery; If a left-handed or right-handed pitcher swings his free = foot=20 past the back edge of the pitcher's rubber, he is required to pitch to = the=20 batter except to throw to second base on a pick off play. (b) The = pitcher, while=20 touching his plate, feints a throw to first base and fails to complete = the=20 throw; (c) The pitcher, while touching his plate, fails to step directly = toward=20 a base before throwing to that base; Requires the pitcher, while = touching his=20 plate, to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base. If a = pitcher=20 turns or spins off of his free foot without actually stepping or if he = turns his=20 body and throws before stepping, it is a balk. A pitcher is to step = directly=20 toward a base before throwing to that base but does not require him to = throw=20 (except to first base only) because he steps. It is possible, with = runners on=20 first and third, for the pitcher to step toward third and not throw, = merely to=20 bluff the runner back to third; then seeing the runner on first start = for=20 second, turn and step toward and throw to first base. This is legal. = However,=20 if, with runners on first and third, the pitcher, while in contact with = the=20 rubber, steps toward third and then immediately and in practically the = same=20 motion "wheels" and throws to first base, it is obviously an attempt to = deceive=20 the runner at first base, and in such a move it is practically = impossible to=20 step directly toward first base before the throw to first base, and such = a move=20 shall be called a balk. Of course, if the pitcher steps off the rubber = and then=20 makes such a move, it is not a balk. (d) The pitcher, while touching his = plate,=20 throws, or feints a throw to an unoccupied base, except for the purpose = of=20 making a play; (e) The pitcher makes an illegal pitch; A quick pitch is = an=20 illegal pitch. Umpires will judge a quick pitch as one delivered before = the=20 batter is reasonably set in the batter's box. With runners on base the = penalty=20 is a balk; with no runners on base, it is a ball. The quick pitch is = dangerous=20 and should not be permitted. (f) The pitcher delivers the ball to the = batter=20 while he is not facing the batter; (g) The pitcher makes any motion = naturally=20 associated with his pitch while he is not touching the pitcher's plate; = (h) The=20 pitcher unnecessarily delays the game; (i) = The=20 pitcher, without having the ball, stands on or astride the pitcher's = plate or=20 while off the plate, he feints a pitch; (j) The pitcher, after coming to = a legal=20 pitching position, removes one hand from the ball other than in an = actual pitch,=20 or in throwing to a base; (k) The pitcher, while touching his plate,=20 accidentally or intentionally drops the ball; (l) The pitcher, while = giving an=20 intentional base on balls, pitches when the catcher is not in the = catcher's box;=20 (m)The pitcher delivers the pitch from Set Position without coming to a = stop.=20 PENALTY: The ball is dead, and each runner shall advance one base = without=20 liability to be put out, unless the batter reaches first on a hit, an = error, a=20 base on balls, a hit batter, or otherwise, and all other runners advance = at=20 least one base, in which case the play proceeds without reference to the = balk.=20 APPROVED RULING: In cases where a pitcher balks and throws wild, either = to a=20 base or to home plate, a runner or runners may advance beyond the base = to which=20 he is entitled at his own risk. APPROVED RULING: A runner who misses the = first=20 base to which he is advancing and who is called out on appeal shall be=20 considered as having advanced one base for the purpose of this rule. = Umpires=20 should bear in mind that the purpose of the balk rule is to prevent the = pitcher=20 from deliberately deceiving the base runner. If there is doubt in the = umpire's=20 mind, the "intent" of the pitcher should govern. However, certain = specifics=20 should be borne in mind: (a) Straddling the pitcher's rubber without the = ball is=20 to be interpreted as intent to deceive and ruled a balk. (b) With a = runner on=20 first base the pitcher may make a complete turn, without hesitating = toward=20 first, and throw to second. This is not to be interpreted as throwing to = an=20 unoccupied base.

8.06
A = professional=20 league shall adopt the following rule pertaining to the visit of the = manager or=20 coach to the pitcher: (a) This rule limits the number of trips a manager = or=20 coach may make to any one pitcher in any one inning; (b) A second trip = to the=20 same pitcher in the same inning will cause this pitcher's automatic = removal; (c)=20 The manager or coach is prohibited from making a second visit to the = mound while=20 the same batter is at bat, but (d) if a pinch hitter is substituted for = this=20 batter, the manager or coach may make a second visit to the mound, but = must=20 remove the pitcher. A manager or coach is considered to have concluded = his visit=20 to the mound when he leaves the 18 foot circle surrounding the pitcher's = rubber.=20 If the manager or coach goes to the catcher or infielder and that player = then=20 goes to the mound or the pitcher comes to him at his position before = there is an=20 intervening play (a pitch or other play) that will be the same as the = manager or=20 coach going to the mound. Any attempt to evade or circumvent this rule = by the=20 manager or coach going to the catcher or an infielder and then that = player going=20 to the mound to confer with the pitcher shall constitute a trip to the = mound. If=20 the coach goes to the mound and removes a pitcher and then the manager = goes to=20 the mound to talk with the new pitcher, that will constitute one trip to = that=20 new pitcher that inning. In a case where a manager has made his first = trip to=20 the mound and then returns the second time to the mound in the same = inning with=20 the same pitcher in the game and the same batter at bat, after being = warned by=20 the umpire that he cannot return to the mound, the manager shall be = removed from=20 the game and the pitcher required to pitch to the batter until he is = retired or=20 gets on base. After the batter is retired, or becomes a base runner, = then this=20 pitcher must be removed from the game. The manager should be notified = that his=20 pitcher will be removed from the game after he pitches to one hitter, so = he can=20 have a substitute pitcher warmed up. The substitute pitcher will be = allowed=20 eight preparatory pitches or more if in the umpire's judgment = circumstances=20 justify.

9.00 The = Umpire =

9.01
(a) The = league=20 president shall appoint one or more umpires to officiate at each league=20 championship game. The umpires shall be responsible for the conduct of = the game=20 in accordance with these official rules and for maintaining discipline = and order=20 on the playing field during the game. (b) Each umpire is the = representative of=20 the league and of professional baseball, and is authorized and required = to=20 enforce all of these rules. Each umpire has authority to order a player, = coach,=20 manager or club officer or employee to do or refrain from doing anything = which=20 affects the administering of these rules, and to enforce the prescribed=20 penalties. (c) Each umpire has authority to rule on any point not = specifically=20 covered in these rules. (d) Each umpire has authority to disqualify any = player,=20 coach, manager or substitute for objecting to decisions or for = unsportsmanlike=20 conduct or language, and to eject such disqualified person from the = playing=20 field. If an umpire disqualifies a player while a play is in progress, = the=20 disqualification shall not take effect until no further action is = possible in=20 that play. (e) Each umpire has authority at his discretion to eject from = the=20 playing field (1) any person whose duties permit his presence on the = field, such=20 as ground crew members, ushers, photographers, newsmen, broadcasting = crew=20 members, etc., and (2) any spectator or other person not authorized to = be on the=20 playing field.

9.02
(a) Any = umpire's=20 decision which involves judgment, such as, but not limited to, whether a = batted=20 ball is fair or foul, whether a pitch is a strike or a ball, or whether = a runner=20 is safe or out, is final. No player, manager, coach or substitute shall = object=20 to any such judgment decisions. (a) Players leaving their position in = the field=20 or on base, or managers or coaches leaving the bench or coaches box, to = argue on=20 BALLS AND STRIKES will not be permitted. They should be warned if they = start for=20 the plate to protest the call. If they continue, they will be ejected = from the=20 game. (b) If there is reasonable doubt that any umpire's decision may be = in=20 conflict with the rules, the manager may appeal the decision and ask = that a=20 correct ruling be made. Such appeal shall be made only to the umpire who = made=20 the protested decision. (c) If a decision is appealed, the umpire making = the=20 decision may ask another umpire for information before making a final = decision.=20 No umpire shall criticize, seek to reverse or interfere with another = umpire's=20 decision unless asked to do so by the umpire making it. (c) The manager = or the=20 catcher may request the plate umpire to ask his partner for help on a = half swing=20 when the plate umpire calls the pitch a ball, but not when the pitch is = called a=20 strike. The manager may not complain that the umpire made an improper = call, but=20 only that he did not ask his partner for help. Field umpires must be = alerted to=20 the request from the plate umpire and quickly respond. Managers may not = protest=20 the call of a ball or strike on the pretense they are asking for = information=20 about a half swing. Appeals on a half swing may be made only on the call = of ball=20 and when asked to appeal, the home plate umpire must refer to a base = umpire for=20 his judgment on the half swing. Should the base umpire call the pitch a = strike,=20 the strike call shall prevail. Baserunners = must be=20 alert to the possibility that the base umpire on appeal from the plate = umpire=20 may reverse the call of a ball to the call of a strike, in which event = the=20 runner is in jeopardy of being out by the catcher's throw. Also, a = catcher must=20 be alert in a base stealing situation if a ball call is reversed to a = strike by=20 the base umpire upon appeal from the plate umpire. The ball is in play = on appeal=20 on a half swing. On a half swing, if the manager comes out to argue with = first=20 or third base umpire and if after being warned he persists in arguing, = he can be=20 ejected as he is now arguing over a called ball or strike. (d) No umpire = may be=20 replaced during a game unless he is injured or becomes ill.=20

9.03
(a) If = there is=20 only one umpire, he shall have complete jurisdiction in administering = the rules.=20 He may take any position on the playing field which will enable him to = discharge=20 his duties (usually) behind the catcher, but sometimes behind the = pitcher if=20 there are runners). (b) If there are two or more umpires, one shall be=20 designated umpire in chief and the others field umpires. =

9.04
(a) The = umpire in=20 chief shall stand behind the catcher. (He usually is called the plate = umpire.)=20 His duties shall be to: (1) Take full charge of, and be responsible for, = the=20 proper conduct of the game; (2) Call and count balls and strike; (3) = Call and=20 declare fair balls and fouls except those commonly called by field = umpires; (4)=20 Make all decisions on the batter; (5) Make all decisions except those = commonly=20 reserved for the field umpires; (6) Decide when a game shall be = forfeited; (7)=20 If a time limit has been set, announce the fact and the time set before = the game=20 starts; (8) Inform the official scorer of the official batting order, = and any=20 changes in the lineups and batting order, on request; (9) Announce any = special=20 ground rules, at his discretion. (b) A field umpire may take any = position on the=20 playing field he thinks best suited to make impending decisions on the = bases.=20 His duties shall be to: (1) Make all decisions on the bases except those = specifically reserved to the umpire in chief; (2) Take concurrent = jurisdiction=20 with the umpire in chief in calling "Time," balks, illegal pitches, or=20 defacement or discoloration of the ball by any player. (3) Aid the = umpire in=20 chief in every manner in enforcing the rules, and excepting the power to = forfeit=20 the game, shall have equal authority with the umpire in chief in = administering=20 and enforcing the rules and maintaining discipline. (c) If different = decisions=20 should be made on one play by different umpires, the umpire in chief = shall call=20 all the umpires into consultation, with no manager or player present. = After=20 consultation, the umpire in chief (unless another umpire may have been=20 designated by the league president) shall determine which decision shall = prevail, based on which umpire was in best position and which decision = was most=20 likely correct. Play shall proceed as if only the final decision had = been made.=20

9.05
(a) The = umpire=20 shall report to the league president within twelve hours after the end = of a game=20 all violations of rules and other incidents worthy of comment, including = the=20 disqualification of any trainer, manager, coach or player, and the = reasons therefor. (b) When any trainer, manager, coach or = player is=20 disqualified for a flagrant offense such as the use of obscene or = indecent=20 language, or an assault upon an umpire, trainer, manager, coach or = player, the=20 umpire shall forward full particulars to the league president within = four hours=20 after the end of the game. (c) After receiving the umpire's report that = a=20 trainer, manager, coach or player has been disqualified, the league = president=20 shall impose such penalty as he deems justified, and shall notify the = person=20 penalized and the manager of the club of which the penalized person is a = member.=20 If the penalty includes a fine, the penalized person shall pay the = amount of the=20 fine to the league within five days after receiving notice of the fine. = Failure=20 to pay such fine within five days shall result in the offender being = debarred=20 from participation in any game and from sitting on the players' bench = during any=20 game, until the fine is paid. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO UMPIRE Umpires, on = the=20 field, should not indulge in conversation with players. Keep out of the = coaching=20 box and do not talk to the coach on duty. Keep your uniform in good = condition.=20 Be active and alert on the field. Be courteous, always, to club = officials; avoid=20 visiting in club offices and thoughtless familiarity with officers or = employees=20 of contesting clubs. When you enter a ball park your sole duty is to = umpire a=20 ball game as the representative of baseball. Do not allow criticism to = keep you=20 from studying out bad situations that may lead to protested games. Carry = your=20 rule book. It is better to consult the rules and hold up the game ten = minutes to=20 decide a knotty problem than to have a game thrown out on protest and = replayed.=20 Keep the game moving. A ball game is often helped by energetic and = earnest work=20 of the umpires. You are the only official representative of baseball on = the ball=20 field. It is often a trying position which requires the exercise of much = patience and good judgment, but do not forget that the first essential = in=20 working out of a bad situation is to keep your own temper and self = control. You=20 no doubt are going to make mistakes, but never attempt to "even up" = after having=20 made one. Make all decisions as you see them and forget which is the = home or=20 visiting club. Keep your eye everlastingly on the ball while it is in = play. It=20 is more vital to know just where a fly ball fell, or a thrown ball = finished up,=20 than whether or not a runner missed a base. Do not call the plays too = quickly,=20 or turn away too fast when a fielder is throwing to complete a double = play.=20 Watch out for dropped balls after you have called a man out. Do not come = running=20 with your arm up or down, denoting "out" or "safe." Wait until the play = is=20 completed before making any arm motion. Each umpire team should work out = a=20 simple set of signals, so the proper umpire can always right a = manifestly wrong=20 decision when convinced he has made an error. If sure you got the play=20 correctly, do not be stampeded by players' appeals to "ask the other = man." If=20 not sure, ask one of your associates. Do not carry this to extremes, be = alert=20 and get your own plays. But remember! The first requisite is to get = decisions=20 correctly. If in doubt don't hesitate to consult your associate. Umpire = dignity=20 is important but never as important as "being right." A most important = rule for=20 umpires is always "BE IN POSITION TO SEE EVERY PLAY." Even though your = decision=20 may be 100% right, players still question it if they feel you were not = in a spot=20 to see the play clearly and definitely. Finally, be courteous, impartial = and=20 firm, and so compel respect from all.

Official Rules: 10.00 The = Official=20 Scorer =

10.01
(a) The = league=20 president shall appoint an official scorer for each league championship = game.=20 The official scorer shall observe the game from a position in the press = box. The=20 scorer shall have sole authority to make all decisions involving = judgment, such=20 as whether a batter's advance to first base is the result of a hit or an = error.=20 He shall communicate such decisions to the press box and broadcasting = booths by=20 hand signals or over the press box loud speaker system, and shall advise = the=20 public address announcer of such decisions if requested. The Official = Scorer=20 must make all decisions concerning judgment calls within twenty four = (24) hours=20 after a game has been officially concluded. No judgment decision shall = be=20 changed thereafter except, upon immediate application to the League = President,=20 the scorer may request a change, citing the reasons for such. In all = cases, the=20 official scorer is not permitted to make a scoring decision which is in = conflict=20 with the scoring rules. After each game, including forfeited and called = games,=20 the scorer shall prepare a report, on a form prescribed by the league = president,=20 listing the date of the game, where it was played, the names of the = competing=20 clubs and the umpires, the full score of the game, and all records of = individual=20 players compiled according to the system specified in these Official = Scoring=20 Rules. He shall forward this report to the league office within thirty = six hours=20 after the game ends. He shall forward the report of any suspended game = within=20 thirty six hours after the game has been completed, or after it becomes = an=20 official game because it cannot be completed, as provided by the = Official=20 Playing Rules. (b) (1) To achieve uniformity in keeping the records of=20 championship games, the scorer shall conform strictly to the Official = Scoring=20 Rules. The scorer shall have authority to rule on any point not = specifically=20 covered in these rules. (2) If the teams change sides before three men = are put=20 out, the scorer shall immediately inform the umpire of the mistake. (3) = If the=20 game is protested or suspended, the scorer shall make a note of the = exact=20 situation at the time of the protest or suspension, including the score, = the=20 number of outs, the position of any runners, and the ball and strike = count on=20 the batter. NOTE: It is important that a suspended game resume with = exactly the=20 same situation as existed at the time of suspension. If a protested game = is=20 ordered replayed from the point of protest, it must be resumed with = exactly the=20 situation that existed just before the protested play. (4) The scorer = shall not=20 make any decision conflicting with the Official Playing Rules, or with = an=20 umpire's decision. (5) The scorer shall not call the attention of the = umpire or=20 of any member of either team to the fact that a player is batting out of = turn.=20 (c) (1) The scorer is an official representative of the league, and is = entitled=20 to the respect and dignity of his office, and shall be accorded full = protection=20 by the league president. The scorer shall report to the president any = indignity=20 expressed by any manager, player, club employee or club officer in the = course=20 of, or as the result of, the discharge of his duties. =

10.02=20
The = official score=20 report prescribed by the league president shall make provisions for = entering the=20 information listed below, in a form convenient for the compilation of = permanent=20 statistical records: (a) The following records for each batter and = runner: (1)=20 Number of times he batted, except that no time at bat shall be charged = against a=20 player when (i) He hits a sacrifice bunt or = sacrifice=20 fly (ii) He is awarded first base on four called balls (iii) He is hit = by a=20 pitched ball (iv) He is awarded first base because of interference or=20 obstruction. (2) Number of runs scored (3) Number of safe hits (4) = Number of=20 runs batted in (5) Two base hits (6) Three base hits (7) Home runs (8) = Total=20 bases on safe hits (9) Stolen bases (10) Sacrifice bunts (11) Sacrifice = flies=20 (12) Total number of bases on balls (13) Separate listing of any = intentional=20 bases on balls (14) Number of times hit by a pitched ball (15) Number of = times=20 awarded first base for interference or obstruction. (16) Strikeouts (b) = The=20 following records for each fielder: (1) Number of putouts (2) Number of = assists=20 (3) Number of errors (4) Number of double plays participated in (5) = Number of=20 triple plays participated in (c) The following records for each pitcher: = (1)=20 Number of innings pitched. NOTE: In computing innings pitched, count = each putout=20 as one third of an inning. If a starting pitcher is replaced with one = out in the=20 sixth inning, credit that pitcher with 5 1/3 innings. If a starting = pitcher is=20 replaced with none out in the sixth inning, credit that pitcher with 5 = innings,=20 and make the notation that he faced ___ batters in the sixth. If a = relief=20 pitcher retires two batters and is replaced, credit that pitcher with = 2/3 inning=20 pitched. (2) Total number of batters faced (3) Number of batters = officially at=20 bat against pitcher computed according to 10.02 (a) (1). (4) Number of = hits=20 allowed (5) Number of runs allowed (6) Number of earned runs allowed (7) = Number=20 of home runs allowed (8) Number of sacrifice hits allowed (9) Number of=20 sacrifice flies allowed (10) Total number of bases on balls allowed (11) = Separate listing of any intentional bases on balls allowed (12) Number = of=20 batters hit by pitched balls (13) Number of strikeouts (14) Number of = wild=20 pitches (15) Number of balks (d) The following additional data: (1) Name = of the=20 winning pitcher (2) Name of the losing pitcher (3) Names of the starting = pitcher=20 and the finishing pitcher for each team. (4) Name of pitcher credited = with save.=20 (e) Number of passed balls allowed by each catcher. (f) Name of players=20 participating in double plays and triple plays. EXAMPLE: Double Plays_Jones, Roberts and Smith (2). Triple Play_Jones and Smith. (g) Number of runners left = on base by=20 each team. This total shall include all runners who get on base by any = means and=20 who do not score and are not put out. Include in this total a batter = runner=20 whose batted ball results in another runner being retired for the third = out. (h)=20 Names of batters who hit home runs with bases full. (i) Names of batters who ground into force double = plays and=20 reverse force double plays. (j) Names of runners caught stealing. (k) = Number of=20 outs when winning run scored, if game is won in last half inning. (l) = The score=20 by innings for each team. (m) Names of umpires, listed in this order (1) = plate=20 umpire, (2) first base umpire, (3) second base umpire, (4) third base = umpire.=20 (n) Time required to play the game, with delays for weather or light = failure=20 deducted.

10.03
(a) In = compiling=20 the official score report, the official scorer shall list each player's = name and=20 his fielding position or positions in the order in which the player = batted, or=20 would have batted if the game ends before he gets to bat. NOTE: When a = player=20 does not exchange positions with another fielder but is merely placed in = a=20 different spot for a particular batter, do not list this as a new = position.=20 EXAMPLES: (1) Second baseman goes to the outfield to form a four man = outfield.=20 (2) Third baseman moves to a position between shortstop and second = baseman. (b)=20 Any player who enters the game as a substitute batter or substitute = runner,=20 whether or not he continues in the game thereafter, shall be identified = in the=20 batting order by a special symbol which shall refer to a separate record = of=20 substitute batters and runners. Lower case letters are recommended as = symbols=20 for substitute batters, and numerals as symbols for substitute runners. = The=20 record of substitute batters shall describe what the substitute batter = did.=20 EXAMPLES "a Singled for ___ in third inning; b Flied out for ___ in = sixth=20 inning; c Forced ___ for ___ in seventh inning; d Grounded out for ___ = in ninth=20 inning; 1 Ran for ___ in ninth inning. The record of substitute batters = and=20 runners shall include the name of any such substitute whose name is = announced,=20 but who is removed for a second substitute before he actually gets into = the=20 game. Such substitution shall be recorded as "e Announced as substitute = for ___=20 in seventh inning." Any such second substitute shall be recorded as = batting or=20 running for the first announced substitute.

HOW = TO PROVE A=20 BOX SCORE (c) A box score is in balance (or proved) when the total of = the team's=20 times at bat, bases on balls received, hit batters, sacrifice bunts, = sacrifice=20 flies and batters awarded first base because of interference or = obstruction=20 equals the total of that team's runs, players left on base and the = opposing=20 team's putouts.

WHEN = PLAYER=20 BATS OUT OF TURN (d) When a player bats out of turn, and is put out, and = the=20 proper batter is called out before the ball is pitched to the next = batter,=20 charge the proper batter with a time at bat and score the putout and any = assists=20 the same as if the correct batting order had been followed. If an = improper=20 batter becomes a runner and the proper batter is called out for having = missed=20 his turn at bat, charge the proper batter with a time at bat, credit the = putout=20 to the catcher, and ignore everything entering into the improper = batter's safe=20 arrival on base. If more than one batter bats out of turn in succession = score=20 all plays just as they occur, skipping the turn at bat of the player or = players=20 who first missed batting in the proper order.

CALLED AND=20 FORFEITED GAMES (e) (1) If a regulation game is called, include the = record of=20 all individual and team actions up to the moment the game ends, as = defined in=20 Rules 4.10 and 4.11. If it is a tie game, do not enter a winning or = losing=20 pitcher. (2) If a regulation game is forfeited, include the record of = all=20 individual and team actions up to the time of forfeit. If the winning = team by=20 forfeit is ahead at the time of forfeit, enter as winning and losing = pitchers=20 the players who would have qualified if the game had been called at the = time of=20 forfeit. If the winning team by forfeit is behind or if the score is = tied at the=20 time of forfeit, do not enter a winning or losing pitcher. If a game is=20 forfeited before it becomes a regulation game, include no records. = Report only=20 the fact of the forfeit.

RUNS = BATTED IN=20
10.04
(a) Credit the batter with a run batted in for every = run=20 which reaches home base because of the batter's safe hit, sacrifice = bunt,=20 sacrifice fly, infield out or fielder's choice; or which is forced over = the=20 plate by reason of the batter becoming a runner with the bases full (on = a base=20 on balls, or an award of first base for being touched by a pitched ball, = or for=20 interference or obstruction). (1) Credit a run batted in for the run = scored by=20 the batter who hits a home run. Credit a run batted in for each runner = who is on=20 base when the home run is hit and who scores ahead of the batter who = hits the=20 home run. (2) Credit a run batted in for the run scored when, before two = are=20 out, an error is made on a play on which a runner from third base = ordinarily=20 would score. (b) Do not credit a run batted in when the batter grounds = into a=20 force double play or a reverse force double play. (c) Do not credit a = run batted=20 in when a fielder is charged with an error because he muffs a throw at = first=20 base which would have completed a force double play. (d) Scorer's = judgment must=20 determine whether a run batted in shall be credited for a run which = scores when=20 a fielder holds the ball, or throws to a wrong base. Ordinarily, if the = runner=20 keeps going, credit a run batted in; if the runner stops and takes off = again=20 when he notices the misplay, credit the run as scored on a fielder's = choice.=20

BASE = HITS=20
10.05
A base hit shall be scored in the following cases: = (a) When=20 a batter reaches first base (or any succeeding base) safely on a fair = ball which=20 settles on the ground or touches a fence before being touched by a = fielder, or=20 which clears a fence; (b) When a batter reaches first base safely on a = fair ball=20 hit with such force, or so slowly, that any fielder attempting to make a = play=20 with it has no opportunity to do so; NOTE: A hit shall be scored if the = fielder=20 attempting to handle the ball cannot make a play, even if such fielder = deflects=20 the ball from or cuts off another fielder who could have put out a = runner. (c)=20 When a batter reaches first base safely on a fair ball which takes an = unnatural=20 bounce so that a fielder cannot handle it with ordinary effort, or which = touches=20 the pitcher's plate or any base, (including home plate), before being = touched by=20 a fielder and bounces so that a fielder cannot handle it with ordinary = effort;=20 (d) When a batter reaches first base safely on a fair ball which has not = been=20 touched by a fielder and which is in fair territory when it reaches the = outfield=20 unless in the scorer's judgment it could have been handled with ordinary = effort;=20 (e) When a fair ball which has not been touched by a fielder touches a = runner or=20 an umpire. EXCEPTION: Do not score a hit when a runner is called out for = having=20 been touched by an Infield Fly; (f) When a fielder unsuccessfully = attempts to=20 put out a preceding runner, and in the scorer's judgment the batter = runner would=20 not have been put out at first base by ordinary effort. NOTE: In = applying the=20 above rules, always give the batter the benefit of the doubt. A safe = course to=20 follow is to score a hit when exceptionally good fielding of a ball = fails to=20 result in a putout.

10.06
A base = hit shall=20 not be scored in the following cases: (a) When a runner is forced out by = a=20 batted ball, or would have been forced out except for a fielding error; = (b) When=20 the batter apparently hits safely and a runner who is forced to advance = by=20 reason of the batter becoming a runner fails to touch the first base to = which he=20 is advancing and is called out on appeal. Charge the batter with a time = at bat=20 but no hit; (c) When the pitcher, the catcher or any infielder handles a = batted=20 ball and puts out a preceding runner who is attempting to advance one = base or to=20 return to his original base, or would have put out such runner with = ordinary=20 effort except for a fielding error. Charge the batter with a time at bat = but no=20 hit; (d) When a fielder fails in an attempt to put out a preceding = runner, and=20 in the scorer's judgment the batter runner could have been put out at = first=20 base. NOTE: This shall not apply if the fielder merely looks toward or = feints=20 toward another base before attempting to make the putout at first base; = (e) When=20 a runner is called out for interference with a fielder attempting to = field a=20 batted ball, unless in the scorer's judgment the batter runner would = have been=20 safe had the interference not occurred.

DETERMINING=20 VALUE OF BASE HITS
10.07
Whether a safe hit shall be = scored as one=20 base hit, two base hit, three base hit or home run when no error or = putout=20 results shall be determined as follows: (a) Subject to the provisions of = 10.07=20 (b) and (c), it is a one base hit if the batter stops at first base; it = is a two=20 base hit if the batter stops at second base; it a three base hit if the = batter=20 stops at third base; it is a home run if the batter touches all bases = and=20 scores. (b) When, with one or more runners on base, the batter advances = more=20 than one base on a safe hit and the defensive team makes an attempt to = put out a=20 preceding runner, the scorer shall determine whether the batter made a=20 legitimate two base hit or three base hit, or whether he advanced beyond = first=20 base on the fielder's choice. NOTE: Do not credit the batter with a = three base=20 hit when a preceding runner is put out at the plate, or would have been = out but=20 for an error. Do not credit the batter with a two base hit when a = preceding=20 runner trying to advance from first base is put out at third base, or = would have=20 been out but for an error. However, with the exception of the above, do = not=20 determine the value of base hits by the number of bases advanced by a = preceding=20 runner. A batter may deserve a two base hit even though a preceding = runner=20 advances one or no bases; he may deserve only a one base hit even though = he=20 reaches second base and a preceding runner advances two bases. EXAMPLES: = (1)=20 Runner on first, batter hits to right fielder, who throws to third base = in=20 unsuccessful attempt to put out runner. Batter takes second base. Credit = batter=20 with one base hit. (2) Runner on second. Batter hits fair fly ball. = Runner holds=20 up to determine if ball is caught, and advances only to third base, = while batter=20 takes second. Credit batter with two base hit. (3) Runner on third. = Batter hits=20 high fair fly. Runner takes lead, then runs back to tag up, thinking = ball will=20 be caught. Ball falls safe, but runner cannot score, although batter has = reached=20 second. Credit batter with two base hit. (c) When the batter attempts to = make a=20 two base hit or a three base hit by sliding, he must hold the last base = to which=20 he advances. If he overslides and is tagged = out before=20 getting back to the base safely, he shall be credited with only as many = bases as=20 he attained safely. If he overslides second = base and=20 is tagged out, he shall be credited with a one base hit; if he overslides third base and is tagged out, he shall = be=20 credited with a two base hit. NOTE: If the batter overruns second or = third base=20 and is tagged out trying to return, he shall be credited with the last = base he=20 touched. If he runs past second base after reaching that base on his = feet,=20 attempts to return and is tagged out, he shall be credited with a two = base hit.=20 If he runs past third base after reaching that base on his feet, = attempts to=20 return and is tagged out, he shall be credited with a three base hit. = (d) When=20 the batter, after making a safe hit, is called out for having failed to = touch a=20 base, the last base he reached safely shall determine if he shall be = credited=20 with a one base hit, a two base hit or a three base hit. If he is called = out=20 after missing home base, he shall be credited with a three base hit. If = he is=20 called out for missing third base, he shall be credited with a two base = hit. If=20 he is called out for missing second base, he shall be credited with a = one base=20 hit. If he is called out for missing first base, he shall be charged = with a time=20 at bat, but no hit. (e) When the batter runner is awarded two bases, = three bases=20 or a home run under the provisions of Playing Rules 7.05 or 7.06 (a), he = shall=20 be credited with a two base hit, a three base hit or a home run, as the = case may=20 be.

GAME = ENDING=20 HITS (f) Subject to the provisions of 10.07 (g), when the batter ends a = game=20 with a safe hit which drives in as many runs as are necessary to put his = team in=20 the lead, he shall be credited with only as many bases on his hit as are = advanced by the runner who scores the winning run, and then only if the = batter=20 runs out his hit for as many bases as are advanced by the runner who = scores the=20 winning run. NOTE: Apply this rule even when the batter is theoretically = entitled to more bases because of being awarded an "automatic" extra = base hit=20 under various provisions of Playing Rules 6.09 and 7.05. (g) When the = batter=20 ends a game with a home run hit out of the playing field, he and any = runners on=20 base are entitled to score.

STOLEN BASES=20
10.08
A stolen base shall be credited to a runner whenever = he=20 advances one base unaided by a hit, a putout, an error, a force out, a = fielder's=20 choice, a passed ball, a wild pitch or a balk, subject to the following: = (a)=20 When a runner starts for the next base before the pitcher delivers the = ball and=20 the pitch results in what ordinarily is scored a wild pitch or passed = ball,=20 credit the runner with a stolen base and do not charge the misplay. = EXCEPTION:=20 If, as a result of the misplay, the stealing runner advances an extra = base, or=20 another runner also advances, score the wild pitch or passed ball as = well as the=20 stolen base. (b) When a runner is attempting to steal, and the catcher, = after=20 receiving the pitch, makes a wild throw trying to prevent the stolen = base,=20 credit a stolen base. Do not charge an error unless the wild throw = permits the=20 stealing runner to advance one or more extra bases, or permits another = runner to=20 advance, in which case credit the stolen base and charge one error to = the=20 catcher. (c) When a runner, attempting to steal, or after being picked = off base,=20 evades being put out in a run down play and advances to the next base = without=20 the aid of an error, credit the runner with a stolen base. If another = runner=20 also advances on the play, credit both runners with stolen bases. If a = runner=20 advances while another runner, attempting to steal, evades being put out = in a=20 run down play and returns safely, without the aid of an error, to the = base he=20 originally occupied, credit a stolen base to the runner who advances. = (d) When a=20 double or triple steal is attempted and one runner is thrown out before = reaching=20 and holding the base he is attempting to steal, no other runner shall be = credited with a stolen base. (e) When a runner is tagged out after oversliding a base, while attempting either to = return to=20 that base or to advance to the next base, he shall not be credited with = a stolen=20 base. (f) When in the scorer's judgment a runner attempting to steal is = safe=20 because of a muffed throw, do not credit a stolen base. Credit an assist = to the=20 fielder who made the throw; charge an error to the fielder who muffed = the throw,=20 and charge the runner with "caught stealing." (g) No stolen base shall = be scored=20 when a runner advances solely because of the defensive team's = indifference to=20 his advance. Score as a fielder's choice.

CAUGHT=20 STEALING (h) A runner shall be charged as "Caught Stealing" if he is put = out, or=20 would have been put out by errorless play when he (1) Tries to steal. = (2) Is=20 picked off a base and tries to advance (any move toward the next base = shall be=20 considered an attempt to advance). (3) Overslides=20 while stealing. NOTE: In those instances where a pitched ball eludes the = catcher=20 and the runner is put out trying to advance, no caught stealing shall be = charged. No caught stealing should be charged when a runner is awarded a = base=20 due to obstruction.

SACRIFICES=20
10.09
(a) Score a sacrifice bunt when, before two are out, = the=20 batter advances one or more runners with a bunt and is put out at first = base, or=20 would have been put out except for a fielding error. (b) Score a = sacrifice bunt=20 when, before two are out, the fielders handle a bunted ball without = error in an=20 unsuccessful attempt to put out a preceding runner advancing one base.=20 EXCEPTION: When an attempt to turn a bunt into a putout of a preceding = runner=20 fails, and in the scorer's judgment perfect play would not have put out = the=20 batter at first base, the batter shall be credited with a one base hit = and not a=20 sacrifice. (c) Do not score a sacrifice bunt when any runner is put out=20 attempting to advance one base on a bunt. Charge the batter with a time = at bat.=20 (d) Do not score a sacrifice bunt when, in the judgment of the scorer, = the=20 batter is bunting primarily for a base hit and not for the purpose of = advancing=20 a runner or runners. Charge the batter with a time at bat. NOTE: In = applying the=20 above rule, always give the batter the benefit of the doubt. (e) Score a = sacrifice fly when, before two are out, the batter hits a fly ball or a = line=20 drive handled by an outfielder or an infielder running in the outfield = which (1)=20 is caught, and a runner scores after the catch, or (2) is dropped, and a = runner=20 scores, if in the scorer's judgment the runner could have scored after = the catch=20 had the fly been caught. NOTE: Score a sacrifice fly in accordance with = 10.09=20 (e) (2) even though another runner is forced out by reason of the batter = becoming a runner.

PUTOUTS=20
10.10
A putout shall be credited to each fielder who (1) = catches a=20 fly ball or a line drive, whether fair or foul; (2) catches a thrown = ball which=20 puts out a batter or runner, or (3) tags a runner when the runner is off = the=20 base to which he legally is entitled. (a) Automatic putouts shall be = credited to=20 the catcher as follows: (1) When the batter is called out for an = illegally=20 batted ball; (2) When the batter is called out for bunting foul for his = third=20 strike; (Note exception in 10.17 (a) (4)). (3) When the batter is called = out for=20 being touched by his own batted ball; (4) When the batter is called out = for=20 interfering with the catcher. (5) When the batter is called out for = failing to=20 bat in his proper turn; (See 10.03 (d)). (6) When the batter is called = out for=20 refusing to touch first base after receiving a base on balls; (7) When a = runner=20 is called out for refusing to advance from third base to home with the = winning=20 run. (b) Other automatic putouts shall be credited as follows (Credit no = assists=20 on these plays except as specified): (1) When the batter is called out = on an=20 Infield Fly which is not caught, credit the putout to the fielder who = the scorer=20 believes could have made the catch; (2) When a runner is called out for = being=20 touched by a fair ball (including an Infield Fly), credit the putout to = the=20 fielder nearest the ball; (3) When a runner is called out for running = out of=20 line to avoid being tagged, credit the putout to the fielder whom the = runner=20 avoided; (4) When a runner is called out for passing another runner, = credit the=20 putout to the fielder nearest the point of passing; (5) When a runner is = called=20 out for running the bases in reverse order, credit the putout to the = fielder=20 covering the base he left in starting his reverse run; (6) When a runner = is=20 called out for having interfered with a fielder, credit the putout to = the=20 fielder with whom the runner interfered, unless the fielder was in the = act of=20 throwing the ball when the interference occurred, in which case credit = the=20 putout to the fielder for whom the throw was intended, and credit an = assist to=20 the fielder whose throw was interfered with; (7) When the batter runner = is=20 called out because of interference by a preceding runner, as provided in = Playing=20 Rule 6.05 (m), credit the putout to the first baseman. If the fielder = interfered=20 with was in the act of throwing the ball, credit him with an assist, but = credit=20 only one assist on any one play under the provisions of 10.10 (b) (6) = and (7).=20

ASSISTS=20
10.11
An assist shall be credited to each fielder who = throws or=20 deflects a batted or thrown ball in such a way that a putout results, or = would=20 have resulted except for a subsequent error by any fielder. Only one = assist and=20 no more shall be credited to each fielder who throws or deflects the = ball in a=20 run down play which results in a putout, or would have resulted in a = putout,=20 except for a subsequent error. NOTE: Mere ineffective contact with the = ball=20 shall not be considered an assist. "Deflect" shall mean to slow down or = change=20 the direction of the ball and thereby effectively assist in putting out = a batter=20 or runner. (a) Credit an assist to each fielder who throws or deflects = the ball=20 during a play which results in a runner being called out for = interference, or=20 for running out of line. (b) Do not credit an assist to the pitcher on a = strikeout. EXCEPTION: Credit an assist if the pitcher fields an uncaught = third=20 strike and makes a throw which results in a putout. (c) Do not credit an = assist=20 to the pitcher when, as the result of a legal pitch received by the = catcher, a=20 runner is put out, as when the catcher picks a runner off base, throws = out a=20 runner trying to steal, or tags a runner trying to score. (d) Do not = credit an=20 assist to a fielder whose wild throw permits a runner to advance, even = though=20 the runner subsequently is put out as a result of continuous play. A = play which=20 follows a misplay (whether or not it is an error) is a new play, and the = fielder=20 making any misplay shall not be credited with an assist unless he takes = part in=20 the new play.

DOUBLE=20 PLAYS_TRIPLE PLAYS
10.12
Credit participation in the = double play=20 or triple play to each fielder who earns a putout or an assist when two = or three=20 players are put out between the time a pitch is delivered and the time = the ball=20 next becomes dead or is next in possession of the pitcher in pitching = position,=20 unless an error or misplay intervenes between putouts. NOTE: Credit the = double=20 play or triple play also if an appeal play after the ball is in = possession of=20 the pitcher results in an additional putout.

ERRORS=20
10.13
An error shall be charged for each misplay (fumble, = muff or=20 wild throw) which prolongs the time at bat of a batter or which prolongs = the=20 life of a runner, or which permits a runner to advance one or more = bases. NOTE=20 (1) Slow handling of the ball which does not involve mechanical misplay = shall=20 not be construed as an error. NOTE (2) It is not necessary that the = fielder=20 touch the ball to be charged with an error. If a ground ball goes = through a=20 fielder's legs or a pop fly falls untouched and in the scorer's judgment = the=20 fielder could have handled the ball with ordinary effort, an error shall = be=20 charged. NOTE (3) Mental mistakes or misjudgments are not to be scored = as errors=20 unless specifically covered in the rules. (a) An error shall be charged = against=20 any fielder when he muffs a foul fly, to prolong the time at bat of a = batter=20 whether the batter subsequently reaches first base or is put out. (b) An = error=20 shall be charged against any fielder when he catches a thrown ball or a = ground=20 ball in time to put out the batter runner and fails to tag first base or = the=20 batter runner. (c) An error shall be charged against any fielder when he = catches=20 a thrown ball or a ground ball in time to put out any runner on a force = play and=20 fails to tag the base or the runner. (d) (1) An error shall be charged = against=20 any fielder whose wild throw permits a runner to reach a base safely, = when in=20 the scorer's judgment a good throw would have put out the runner. = EXCEPTION: No=20 error shall be charged under this section if the wild throw is made = attempting=20 to prevent a stolen base. (2) An error shall be charged against any = fielder=20 whose wild throw in attempting to prevent a runner's advance permits = that runner=20 or any other runner to advance one or more bases beyond the base he = would have=20 reached had the throw not been wild. (3) An error shall be charged = against any=20 fielder whose throw takes an unnatural bounce, or touches a base or the=20 pitcher's plate, or touches a runner, a fielder or an umpire, thereby = permitting=20 any runner to advance. NOTE: Apply this rule even when it appears to be = an=20 injustice to a fielder whose throw was accurate. Every base advanced by = a runner=20 must be accounted for. (4) Charge only one error on any wild throw, = regardless=20 of the number of bases advanced by one or more runners. (e) An error = shall be=20 charged against any fielder whose failure to stop, or try to stop, an = accurately=20 thrown ball permits a runner to advance, providing there was occasion = for the=20 throw. If such throw be made to second base, the scorer shall determine = whether=20 it was the duty of the second baseman or the shortstop to stop the ball, = and an=20 error shall be charged to the negligent player. NOTE: If in the scorer's = judgment there was no occasion for the throw, an error shall be charged = to the=20 fielder who threw the ball. (f) When an umpire awards the batter or any = runner=20 or runners one or more bases because of interference or obstruction, = charge the=20 fielder who committed the interference or obstruction with one error, no = matter=20 how many bases the batter, or runner or runners, may be advanced. NOTE: = Do not=20 charge an error if obstruction does not change the play in the opinion = of the=20 scorer.

10.14
No error = shall be=20 charged in the following cases: (a) No error shall be charged against = the=20 catcher when after receiving the pitch, he makes a wild throw attempting = to=20 prevent a stolen base, unless the wild throw permits the stealing runner = to=20 advance one or more extra bases, or permits any other runner to advance = one or=20 more bases. (b) No error shall be charged against any fielder who makes = a wild=20 throw if in the scorer's judgment the runner would not have been put out = with=20 ordinary effort by a good throw, unless such wild throw permits any = runner to=20 advance beyond the base he would have reached had the throw not been = wild. (c)=20 No error shall be charged against any fielder when he makes a wild throw = in=20 attempting to complete a double play or triple play, unless such wild = throw=20 enables any runner to advance beyond the base he would have reached had = the=20 throw not been wild. NOTE: When a fielder muffs a thrown ball which, if = held,=20 would have completed a double play or triple play, charge an error to = the=20 fielder who drops the ball and credit an assist to the fielder who made = the=20 throw. (d) No error shall be charged against any fielder when, after = fumbling a=20 ground ball or dropping a fly ball, a line drive or a thrown ball, he = recovers=20 the ball in time to force out a runner at any base. (e) No error shall = be=20 charged against any fielder who permits a foul fly to fall safe with a = runner on=20 third base before two are out, if in the scorer's judgment the fielder=20 deliberately refuses the catch in order that the runner on third shall = not score=20 after the catch. (f) Because the pitcher and catcher handle the ball = much more=20 than other fielders, certain misplays on pitched balls are defined in = Rule 10.15=20 as wild pitches and passed balls. No error shall be charged when a wild = pitch or=20 passed ball is scored. (1) No error shall be charged when the batter is = awarded=20 first base on four called balls or because he was touched by a pitched = ball, or=20 when he reaches first base as the result of a wild pitch or passed ball. = (i) When the third strike is a wild pitch, = permitting the=20 batter to reach first base, score a strikeout and a wild pitch. (ii) = When the=20 third strike is a passed ball, permitting the batter to reach first = base, score=20 a strikeout and a passed ball. (2) No error shall be charged when a = runner or=20 runners advance as the result of a passed ball, a wild pitch or a balk. = (i) When the fourth called ball is a wild pitch or = a passed=20 ball, and as a result (a) the batter runner advances to a base beyond = first=20 base; (b) any runner forced to advance by the base on balls advances = more than=20 one base, or (c) any runner, not forced to advance, advances one or more = bases,=20 score the base on balls, and also the wild pitch or passed ball, as the = case may=20 be; (ii) When the catcher recovers the ball after a wild pitch or passed = ball on=20 the third strike, and throws out the batter runner at first base, or = tags out=20 the batter runner, but another runner or runners advance, score the = strikeout,=20 the putout and assists, if any, and credit the advance of the other = runner or=20 runners as having been made on the play.

WILD = PITCHES_PASSED BALLS
10.15
(a) A wild pitch shall be = charged when=20 a legally delivered ball is so high, or so wide, or so low that the = catcher does=20 not stop and control the ball by ordinary effort, thereby permitting a = runner or=20 runners to advance. (1) A wild pitch shall be charged when a legally = delivered=20 ball touches the ground before reaching home plate and is not handled by = the=20 catcher, permitting a runner or runners to advance. (b) A catcher shall = be=20 charged with a passed ball when he fails to hold or to control a legally = pitched=20 ball which should have been held or controlled with ordinary effort, = thereby=20 permitting a runner or runners to advance.

BASES ON BALLS=20
10.16
(a) A base on balls shall be scored whenever a = batter is=20 awarded first base because of four balls having been pitched outside the = strike=20 zone, but when the fourth such ball touches the batter it shall be = scored as a=20 "hit batter." (See 10.18 (h) for procedure when more than one pitcher is = involved in giving a base on balls: Also see 10.17 (b) relative to = substitute=20 batter who receives base on balls.) (b) Intentional base on balls shall = be=20 scored when the pitcher makes no attempt to throw the last pitch to the = batter=20 into the strike zone but purposely throws the ball wide to the catcher = outside=20 the catcher's box. (1) If a batter awarded a base on balls is called out = for=20 refusing to advance to first base, do not credit the base on balls. = Charge a=20 time at bat.

STRIKEOUTS=20
10.17
(a) A strikeout shall be scored whenever: (1) A = batter is=20 put out by a third strike caught by the catcher; (2) A batter is put out = by a=20 third strike not caught when there is a runner on first before two are = out; (3)=20 A batter becomes a runner because a third strike is not caught; (4) A = batter=20 bunts foul on third strike. EXCEPTION: If such bunt on third strike = results in a=20 foul fly caught by any fielder, do not score a strikeout. Credit the = fielder who=20 catches such foul fly with a putout. (b) When the batter leaves the game = with=20 two strikes against him, and the substitute batter completes a = strikeout, charge=20 the strikeout and the time at bat to the first batter. If the substitute = batter=20 completes the turn at bat in any other manner, including a base on = balls, score=20 the action as having been that of the substitute batter. =

EARNED RUNS=20
10.18
An earned run is a run for which the pitcher is held = accountable. In determining earned runs, the inning should be = reconstructed=20 without the errors (which include catcher's interference) and passed = balls, and=20 the benefit of the doubt should always be given to the pitcher in = determining=20 which bases would have been reached by errorless play. For the purpose = of=20 determining earned runs, an intentional base on balls, regardless of the = circumstances, shall be construed in exactly the same manner as any = other base=20 on balls. (a) An earned run shall be charged every time a runner reaches = home=20 base by the aid of safe hits, sacrifice bunts, a sacrifice fly, stolen = bases,=20 putouts, fielder's choices, bases on balls, hit batters, balks or wild = pitches=20 (including a wild pitch on third strike which permits a batter to reach = first=20 base) before fielding chances have been offered to put out the offensive = team.=20 For the purpose of this rule, a defensive interference penalty shall be=20 construed as a fielding chance. (1) A wild pitch is solely the pitcher's = fault,=20 and contributes to an earned run just as a base on balls or a balk. (b) = No run=20 shall be earned when scored by a runner who reaches first base (1) on a = hit or=20 otherwise after his time at bat is prolonged by a muffed foul fly; (2) = because=20 of interference or obstruction or (3) because of any fielding error. (c) = No run=20 shall be earned when scored by a runner whose life is prolonged by an = error, if=20 such runner would have been put out by errorless play. (d) No run shall = be=20 earned when the runner's advance is aided by an error, a passed ball, or = defensive interference or obstruction, if the scorer judges that the run = would=20 not have scored without the aid of such misplay. (e) An error by a = pitcher is=20 treated exactly the same as an error by any other fielder in computing = earned=20 runs. (f) Whenever a fielding error occurs, the pitcher shall be given = the=20 benefit of the doubt in determining to which bases any runners would = have=20 advanced had the fielding of the defensive team been errorless. (g) When = pitchers are changed during an inning, the relief pitcher shall not be = charged=20 with any run (earned or unearned) scored by a runner who was on base at = the time=20 he entered the game, nor for runs scored by any runner who reaches base = on a=20 fielder's choice which puts out a runner left on base by the preceding = pitcher.=20 br /> NOTE: It is the intent of this rule = to charge=20 each pitcher with the number of runners he put on base, rather than with = the=20 individual runners. When a pitcher puts runners on base, and is = relieved, he=20 shall be charged with all runs subsequently scored up to and including = the=20 number of runners he left on base when he left the game, unless such = runners are=20 put out without action by the batter, i.e., caught stealing, picked off = base, or=20 called out for interference when a batter runner does not reach first = base on=20 the play. EXCEPTION: see example 7. EXAMPLES: (1) P1 walks A and is = relieved by=20 P2. B grounds out, sending A to second. C flies out. D singles, scoring = A.=20 Charge run to P1. (2) P1 walks A and is relieved by P2. B forces A at = second. C=20 grounds out, sending B to second. D singles, scoring B. Charge run to = P1. (3) P1=20 walks A and is relieved by P2. B singles, sending A to third. C grounds = to=20 short, and A is out at home, B going to second. D flies out. E singles, = scoring=20 B. Charge run to P1. (4) P1 walks A and is relieved by P2. B walks. C = flies out.=20 A is picked off second. D doubles, scoring B from first. Charge run to = P2. (5)=20 P1 walks A and is relieved by P2. P2 walks B and is relieved by P3. C = forces A=20 at third. D forces B at third. E hits home run, scoring three runs. = Charge one=20 run to P1; one run to P2, one run to P3. (6) P1 walks A, and is relieved = by P2,=20 P2 walks B. C singles, filling the bases. D forces A at home. E singles, = scoring=20 B and C. Charge one run to P1 and one run to P2. (7) P1 walks A, and is = relieved=20 by P2. P2 allows B to single, but A is out trying for third. B takes = second on=20 the throw. C singles, scoring B. Charge run to P2. (h) A relief pitcher = shall=20 not be held accountable when the first batter to whom he pitches reaches = first=20 base on four called balls if such batter has a decided advantage in the = ball and=20 strike count when pitchers are changed. (1) If, when pitchers are = changed, the=20 count is 2 balls, no strike, 2 balls, 1 strike, 3 balls, no strike, 3 = balls, 1=20 strike, 3 balls, 2 strikes, and the batter gets a base on balls, charge = that=20 batter and the base on balls to the preceding pitcher, not to the relief = pitcher. (2) Any other action by such batter, such as reaching base on a = hit, an=20 error, a fielder's choice, a force out, or being touched by a pitched = ball,=20 shall cause such a batter to be charged to the relief pitcher. NOTE: The = provisions of 10.18 (h) (2) shall not be construed as affecting or = conflicting=20 with the provisions of 10.18 (g). (3) If, when pitchers are changed, the = count=20 is 2 balls, 2 strikes, 1 ball, 2 strikes, 1 ball, 1 strike, 1 ball, no = strike,=20 no ball, 2 strikes, no ball, 1 strike, charge that batter and his = actions to the=20 relief pitcher. (i) When pitchers are = changed during=20 an inning, the relief pitcher shall not have the benefit of previous = chances for=20 outs not accepted in determining earned runs. NOTE: It is the intent of = this=20 rule to charge relief pitchers with earned runs for which they are = solely=20 responsible. In some instances, runs charged as earned against the = relief=20 pitcher can be charged as unearned against the team. EXAMPLES: (1) With = two out,=20 P1 walks A. B reaches base on an error. P2 relieves P1. C hits home run, = scoring=20 three runs. Charge two unearned runs to P1, one earned run to P2. (2) = With two=20 out, P1 walks A and B and is relieved by P2. C reaches base on an error. = D hits=20 home run, scoring four runs. Charge two unearned runs to P1, two = unearned runs=20 to P2. (3) With none out, P1 walks A. B reaches base on an error. P2 = relieves=20 P1. C hits home run, scoring three runs. D and E strike out. F reaches = base on=20 an error. G hits home run, scoring two runs. Charge two runs, one = earned, to P1.=20 Charge three runs, one earned, to P2.

WINNING AND=20 LOSING PITCHER
10.19
(a) Credit the starting pitcher with = a game=20 won only if he has pitched at least five complete innings and his team = not only=20 is in the lead when he is replaced but remains in the lead the remainder = of the=20 game. (b) The "must pitch five complete innings" rule in respect to the = starting=20 pitcher shall be in effect for all games of six or more innings. In a = five=20 inning game, credit the starting pitcher with a game won if he has = pitched at=20 least four complete innings and his team not only is in the lead when he = is=20 replaced but remains in the lead the remainder of the game. (c) When the = starting pitcher cannot be credited with the victory because of the = provisions=20 of 10.19 (a) or (b) and more than one relief pitcher is used, the = victory shall=20 be awarded on the following basis: (1) When, during the tenure of the = starting=20 pitcher, the winning team assumes the lead and maintains it to the = finish of the=20 game, credit the victory to the relief pitcher judged by the scorer to = have been=20 the most effective; (2) Whenever the score is tied the game becomes a = new=20 contest insofar as the winning and losing pitcher is concerned; (3) Once = the=20 opposing team assumes the lead all pitchers who have pitched up to that = point=20 are excluded from being credited with the victory except that if the = pitcher=20 against whose pitching the opposing team gained the lead continues to = pitch=20 until his team regains the lead, which it holds to the finish of the = game, that=20 pitcher shall be the winning pitcher;
(4) The winning relief pitcher = shall=20 be the one who is the pitcher of record when his team assumes the lead = and=20 maintains it to the finish of the game. EXCEPTION: Do not credit a = victory to a=20 relief pitcher who is ineffective in a brief appearance, when a = succeeding=20 relief pitcher pitches effectively in helping his team maintain the = lead. In=20 such cases, credit the succeeding relief pitcher with the victory. (d) = When a=20 pitcher is removed for a substitute batter or substitute runner, all = runs scored=20 by his team during the inning in which he is removed shall be credited = to his=20 benefit in determining the pitcher of record when his team assumes the = lead. (e)=20 Regardless of how many innings the first pitcher has pitched, he shall = be=20 charged with the loss of the game if he is replaced when his team is = behind in=20 the score, or falls behind because of runs charged to him after he is = replaced,=20 and his team thereafter fails either to tie the score or gain the lead. = (f) No=20 pitcher shall be credited with pitching a shutout unless he pitches the = complete=20 game, or unless he enters the game with none out before the opposing = team has=20 scored in the first inning, puts out the side without a run scoring and = pitches=20 all the rest of the game. When two or more pitchers combine to pitch a = shutout a=20 notation to that effect should be included in the league's official = pitching=20 records. (g) In some non championship games (such as the Major League = All Star=20 Game) it is provided in advance that each pitcher shall work a stated = number of=20 innings, usually two or three. In such games, it is customary to credit = the=20 victory to the pitcher of record, whether starter or reliever, when the = winning=20 team takes a lead which it maintains to the end of the game, unless such = pitcher=20 is knocked out after the winning team has a commanding lead, and the = scorer=20 believes a subsequent pitcher is entitled to credit for the victory.=20

SAVES FOR=20 RELIEF PITCHERS
10.20
Credit a pitcher with a save when he = meets=20 all three of the following conditions: (1) He is the finishing pitcher = in a game=20 won by his club; and (2) He is not the winning pitcher; and (3) He = qualifies=20 under one of the following conditions: (a) He enters the game with a = lead of no=20 more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning; or (b) He = enters the=20 game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on = base, or=20 at bat, or on deck (that is, the potential tying run is either already = on base=20 or is one of the first two batsmen he faces); or (c) He pitches = effectively for=20 at least three innings. No more than one save may be credited in each = game.=20

STATISTICS
10.21
The=20 league president shall appoint an official statistician. The = statistician shall=20 maintain an accumulative record of all the batting, fielding, running = and=20 pitching records specified in 10.02 for every player who appears in a = league=20 championship game. The statistician shall prepare a tabulated report at = the end=20 of the season, including all individual and team records for every = championship=20 game, and shall submit this report to the league president. This report = shall=20 identify each player by his first name and surname, and shall indicate = as to=20 each batter whether he bats right-handed, left-handed or both ways; as = to each=20 fielder and pitcher, whether he throws righthanded or=20 lefthanded. When a player listed in the = starting=20 lineup for the visiting club is substituted for before he plays = defensively, he=20 shall not receive credit in the defensive statistics (fielding), unless = he=20 actually plays that position during a game. All such players, however, = shall be=20 credited with one game played (in "batting statistics") as long as they = are=20 announced into the game or listed on the official lineup card. Any games = played=20 to break a divisional tie shall be included in the statistics for that=20 championship season.

DETERMINING=20 PERCENTAGE RECORDS
10.22
To compute (a) Percentage of = games won=20 and lost, divide the number of games won by the total games won and = lost; (b)=20 Batting average, divide the total number of safe hits (not the total = bases on=20 hits) by the total times at bat, as defined in 10.02 (a); (c) Slugging=20 percentage, divide the total bases of all safe hits by the total times = at bat,=20 as defined in 10.02 (a); (d) Fielding average, divide the total putouts = and=20 assists by the total of putouts, assists and errors; (e) Pitcher's = earned run=20 average, multiply the total earned runs charged against his pitching by = 9, and=20 divide the result by the total number of innings he pitched. NOTE: = Earned run=20 average shall be calculated on the basis of total innings pitched = including=20 fractional innings. EXAMPLE: 9 1/3 innings pitched and 3 earned runs is = an=20 earned run average of 2.89 (3 ER times 9 divided by 9 1/3 equals 2.89). = (f) On=20 base percentage, divide the total of hits, all bases on balls, and hit = by pitch=20 by the total of at bats, all bases on balls, hit by pitch and sacrifice = flies.=20 NOTE: For the purpose of computing on base percentage, ignore being = awarded=20 first base on interference or obstruction.

MINIMUM=20 STANDARDS FOR INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
10.23
To assure = uniformity=20 in establishing the batting, pitching and fielding championships of = professional=20 leagues, such champions shall meet the following minimum performance = standards:=20 (a) The individual batting champion or slugging champion shall be the = player=20 with the highest batting average or slugging percentage, provided he is = credited=20 with as many or more total appearances at the plate in League = Championship games=20 as the number of games scheduled for each club in his league that = season,=20 multiplied by 3.1 in the case of a major league player. EXCEPTION: = However, if=20 there is any player with fewer than the required number of plate = appearances=20 whose average would be the highest, if he were charged with the required = number=20 of plate appearances or official at bats, then that player shall be = awarded the=20 batting championship or slugging championship. EXAMPLE: If a major = league=20 schedules 162 games for each club, 502 plate appearances qualify (162 = times 3.1=20 equals 502). If a National Association league schedules 140 games for = each club,=20 378 plate appearances qualify (140 times 2.7 equals 378). Total = appearances at=20 the plate shall include official times at bat, plus bases on balls, = times hit by=20 pitcher, sacrifice hits, sacrifice flies and times awarded first base = because of=20 interference or obstruction. (b) The individual pitching champion shall = be the=20 pitcher with the lowest earned run average, provided that he has pitched = at=20 least as many innings as the number of games scheduled for each club in = his=20 league that season. EXCEPTION: However, pitchers in National Association = leagues=20 shall qualify for the pitching championship by having the lowest earned = run=20 average and having pitched at least as many innings as 80% of the number = of=20 games scheduled for each club in his league that season. (c) The = individual=20 fielding champions shall be the fielders with the highest fielding = average at=20 each position, provided: (1) A catcher must have participated as a = catcher in at=20 least one half the number of games scheduled for each club in his league = that=20 season; (2) An infielder or outfielder must have participated at his = position in=20 at least two thirds of the number of games scheduled for each club in = his league=20 that season; (3) A pitcher must have pitched at least as many innings as = the=20 number of games scheduled for each club in his league that season. = EXCEPTION: If=20 another pitcher has a fielding average as high or higher, and has = handled more=20 total chances in a lesser number of innings, he shall be the fielding = champion.=20

GUIDELINES FOR=20 CUMULATIVE PERFORMANCE RECORDS
10.24
CONSECUTIVE HITTING = STREAKS.=20 (a) A consecutive hitting streak shall not be terminated if the plate = appearance=20 results in a base on balls, hit batsman, defensive interference or a = sacrifice=20 bunt. A sacrifice fly shall terminate the streak. (b) CONSECUTIVE GAME = HITTING=20 STREAKS. A consecutive game hitting streak shall not be terminated if = all the=20 player's plate appearances (one or more) result in a base on balls, hit = batsman,=20 defensive interference or a sacrifice bunt. The streak shall terminate = if the=20 player has a sacrifice fly and no hit. The player's individual = consecutive game=20 hitting streak shall be determined by the consecutive games in which the = player=20 appears and is not determined by his club's games. (c) CONSECUTIVE = PLAYING=20 STREAK. A consecutive game playing streak shall be extended if the = player plays=20 one half inning on defense, or if he completes a time at bat by reaching = base or=20 being put out. A pinch running appearance only shall not extend the = streak. If a=20 player is ejected from a game by an umpire before he can comply with the = requirements of this rule, his streak shall continue. (d) SUSPENDED = GAMES. For=20 the purpose of this rule, all performances in the completion of a = suspended game=20 shall be considered as occurring on the original date of the game.=20