Quinte Baseball Umpires
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A copy of the QBL Rules will be posted once they have been approved for the 2010 season.
If you need to see the official rules, go to MLB.com and they can be found their. While most of them apply, the governing bodies of the game have their own twist on some of these rules. Here are some rules that most umpires get complaints about.
#1 - The Strike Zone
The Definition as per the official rules:
"The STRIKE ZONE is that area over home plate the upper limit of which is a horizontal line at the midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants, and the lower level is a line at the top of the knee.
The Strike Zone shall be determined from the batter’s stance as the batter is prepared to swing at a pitched ball."
What does this really mean?
Well the pitch must be a legal pitch. It also may not bounce through the strike zone and be called a strike, unless the batter swings at the bounced pitch and misses it.
#2 - THE CONTACT RULE
If I had a dollar for every time I have heard the phrase, "He has to slide", I would be rich.
The contact rule is a rule which is intended to protect both offensive and defensive players from being injured due to malicious contact. In Ontario, it applies to all games sanctioned by the OBA. The OBA defines malicious as any attempt to injure, or using excessive force in an attempt to purposely dislodge the ball from the defensive player. The rule can be found in the OBA constitution P2-11
Offense - An example of the Contact Rule can found when a runner is coming into home plate.
The offensive player will "crash" the catcher to try and dislodge the ball. The umpire in this case needs to make two calls. The first call, is the runner safe or out. If, in the umpires judgment, the runner legally scored before crashing the catcher, then the runner is called safe. If the runner is safe due to the fact they crashed the catcher and the catcher drops the ball, the runner is called out. The second call on this play is to immediately eject the runner under the contact rule.
Defense - An example of the Contact Rule can found when a runner is coming into home plate.
The catcher without the ball attempting to block the path to the plate, puts their shoulder into the runner so that they can't get to the plate. This is considered excessive force. The correct call would be to call the runner safe, then eject the catcher under the contact rule.
Keep in mind, there are plenty of plays in baseball where there are plays with lots of contact. Contact has NOT been banned from the game, only malicious contact.
This is probably the rule that is most overlooked by umpires and violated by pitchers. In a two man system, you don't always have a clear view of the pitchers actions. Keep in mind, if the pitcher tries to deceive the runner, it is usually a balk! Here is the balk rule, right from the book.
8.05 If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when—
a) - The pitcher, while touching his plate, makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch and fails to make such delivery;
Rule 8.05(a) Comment: If a lefthanded or righthanded pitcher swings his free foot past the back edge of the pitcher’s rubber, he is required to pitch to the batter except to throw to second base on a pick-off play.
(b) The pitcher, while touching his plate, feints a throw to first base and fails to complete the throw;
(c) The pitcher, while touching his plate, fails to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base;
Rule 8.05(c) Comment: Requires the pitcher, while touching his plate, to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base. If a pitcher turns or spins off of his free foot without actually stepping or if he turns his body and throws before stepping, it is a balk.
A pitcher is to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base but does not require him to throw (except to first base only) because he steps. It is possible, with runners on first and third, for the pitcher to step toward third and not throw, merely to bluff the runner back to third; then seeing the runner on first start for second, turn and step toward and throw to first base. This is legal. However, if, with runners on first and third, the pitcher, while in contact with the rubber, steps toward third and then immediately and in practically the same motion "wheels" and throws to first base, it is obviously an attempt to deceive the runner at first base, and in such a move it is practically impossible to step directly toward first base before the throw to first base, and such a move shall be called a balk. Of course, if the pitcher steps off the rubber and then makes such a move, it is not a balk.
(d) The pitcher, while touching his plate, throws, or feints a throw to an unoccupied base, except for the purpose of making a play;
(e) The pitcher makes an illegal pitch;
Rule 8.05(e) Comment: A quick pitch is an illegal pitch. Umpires will judge a quick pitch as one delivered before the batter is reasonably set in the batter’s box. With runners on base the penalty is a balk; with no runners on base, it is a ball. The quick pitch is dangerous and should not be permitted.
(f) The pitcher delivers the ball to the batter while he is not facing the batter;
(g) The pitcher makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch while he is not touching the pitcher’s plate;
(h) The pitcher unnecessarily delays the game;
Rule 8.05(h) Comment: Rule 8.05(h) shall not apply when a warning is given pursuant to Rule 8.02(c) (which prohibits intentional delay of a game by throwing to fielders not in an attempt to put a runner out). If a pitcher is ejected pursuant to Rule 8.02(c) for continuing to delay the game, the penalty in Rule 8.05(h) shall also apply. Rule 8.04 (which sets a time limit for a pitcher to deliver the ball when the bases are unoccupied) applies only when there are no runners on base.
(i) The pitcher, without having the ball, stands on or astride the pitcher’s plate or while off the plate, he feints a pitch;
(j) The pitcher, after coming to a legal pitching position, removes one hand from the ball other than in an actual pitch, or in throwing to a base;
(k) The pitcher, while touching his plate, accidentally or intentionally drops the ball;
(l) The pitcher, while giving an intentional base on balls, pitches when the catcher is not in the catcher’s box;
(m) The pitcher delivers the pitch from Set Position without coming to a stop.
PENALTY: The ball is dead, and each runner shall advance one base without liability to be put out, unless the batter reaches first on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter, or otherwise, and all other runners advance at least one base, in which case the play proceeds without reference to the balk.
APPROVED RULING: In cases where a pitcher balks and throws wild, either to a base or to home plate, a runner or runners may advance beyond the base to which he is entitled at his own risk.
APPROVED RULING: A runner who misses the first base to which he is advancing and who is called out on appeal shall be considered as having advanced one base for the purpose of this rule.
Rule 8.05 Comment: Umpires should bear in mind that the purpose of the balk rule is to prevent the pitcher from deliberately deceiving the base runner. If there is doubt in the umpire’s mind, the "intent" of the pitcher should govern. However, certain specifics should be borne in mind:
(a) Straddling the pitcher’s rubber without the ball is to be interpreted as intent to deceive and ruled a balk.
(b) With a runner on first base the pitcher may make a complete turn, without hesitating toward first, and throw to second. This is not to be interpreted as throwing to an unoccupied base.
The proper mechanic for calling a balk is to point with your left hand at the pitcher and announce "That's a Balk" Then award runners a base.
Keep in mind the first rule of a foul ball. When is a foul ball, not a foul ball. The answer is "When is is caught".
Foul Tip - occurs when the batter swings at a pitch, fouls it straight back into the catcher’s mitt, and the catcher retains possession of the ball. This is not a foul ball unless the catcher drops it. When a foul tip happens, the ball is "live" and in play and base runners can advance, but are liable to be thrown out.
The proper mechanic on this call is to hold your left hand in front of your body and swipe your right hand over the top to indicate the foul tip. Then you make the appropriate strike call.
Pop Up Foul Territory - A pop fly in foul territory is only foul when not caught. If caught, the ball is "live" and in play and base runners can advance, but are liable to be thrown out. All base runners can advance the same as a fly ball into the outfield.
#5 - AWARDING OF BASES
There are a variety of situations where a batter or runner (s) are awarded a base or bases by the umpire. A runner can advance beyond the awarded base but is liable to be put out if tagged by a fielder in possession of the ball if he overruns the base. Also, the runner advancing to an awarded base must touch all other bases in proper order.
Some situations where an umpire awards bases to either the batter, and or the runner:
Hit by pitch - After making an effort to get out of the path of the ball (this is a judgment call) the batter is hit by a pitch, the play is DEAD and the batter is awarded first base. Any runner who is forced is also awarded a base. If there is a runner on second base and the batter is hit by the pitch, the play is DEAD, the batter is awarded first base. The runner on second is not forced, thus can't advance due to the play being declared dead. The proper mechanic is for the umpire to raise both hands in the air and announce "Dead Ball". No runner is liable to be put out on this play.
Note - If the batter intentionally moves into the path of the ball, the play is DEAD, but there in no award of a base.
Overthrow (First play by infielder) - If the first play by an infielder is overthrown and the ball goes outside the field of play, the base award is TWO bases from where the batter-runner, or base runner was at the start of the pitch.
If a runner on first base is stealing on the play, the ball is hit slowly to the third baseman who promptly throws the ball out of play. The base runner stealing may be well on their way to scoring once the ball goes out of play. Where they are when the ball goes out of play has no bearing as to where they end up in this situation. By rule they will be awarded second base, then third base. The key being what base they legally occupied at the start of the pitch.
Overthrow by pitcher - During a pick off play at first or third base, before determining the base award, you need to determine if the pitcher was in contact with the pitching rubber. If the pitcher was in contact with the rubber, then the award is ONE base. If the pitcher has disengaged from the rubber (not in contact) during the pick off, then the pitcher becomes an infielder and the award is TWO bases.
Overthrow (First play by outfielder) - If the first play by an outfielder is overthrown and the ball goes outside the field of play, the base award is ONE base from the last base legally occupied by the runner when the ball leaves the field of play.
The proper mechanic for all of the overthrow situations is to point with your left hand at the runner, and announce "You, Second Base" then point to the base being awarded.
#6 - APPEALS
Appeals are generally made when the defensive team believes that a runner has missed one base while advancing to another base, or has left a base too early after a fly ball has been caught. It is important that, when making an appeal, the defensive team clearly indicates to the umpire which runner missed which base. The appeal can be made by either tagging the runner with the ball, or by standing on the missed base while in possession of the ball and appealing to the umpire.
Most coaches and players at ALL levels of baseball seem to think that, when making an appeal under these circumstances, the ball has to go back to the pitcher who must then come set, properly disengage the rubber and throw to the infielder making the appeal. This does not necessarily have to happen.
If the ball is still alive and in play (i.e.: “Time” has not been called or the ball has not gone out of play) an appeal can be made by any defensive player in possession of the ball by simply properly announcing the appeal to the umpire and tagging the player or the missed base. The ball does not have to go back to the pitcher first.
Only if the ball has become “Dead” for one reason or another does it have to go to the pitcher who then must engage the rubber. The umpire must call “Play Ball” and then the pitcher must perform the proper mechanics to make an appeal after a “Dead Ball”.
The most common plays you will see where an appeal may happen are as follows:
Check Swing - You may be prompted by the defensive team to check the swing with the base umpire. The proper mechanic to the appeal is to ask the base umpire " Did he go". The proper reply would be either "Yes, he did" along with the strike call making a fist with your right hand using your right arm, using the "Hammer Method" a short motion away from your body.
If there is a situation where the batter tries to check their swing, but you have determined on your own that they made an attempt to swing, you need not ask for an appeal. The proper mechanic would be to point, with your left arm at the batter, and announce "Yes he did" and then signify with the strike signal.
Runner misses touching a base or home plate - While observing runners running the bases, there may be occasions where runners miss touching bases including home plate. Umpires ARE NOT to alert the defensive team of this at any time. It is up to the defensive team to first notice the error, then properly appeal.
Tag up on fly ball -
#7 - INFIELD FLY
Definition from the Official Rules 2.00 - An INFIELD FLY is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive nor an attempted bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied, before two are out.
The pitcher, catcher and any outfielder who stations himself in the infield on the play shall be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule.
So lets talk about ordinary effort. If in the umpires judgment, the infielder can get to a ball in the outfield with ease, this can be considered an infield fly.
If in the umpire judgment the infielder needs to make extraordinary effort to catch a ball, whether in the infield or shallow outfield, this should not be considered and infield fly.
If the infielder is stationed in the outfield and a fly ball is hit to them, this may be considered and infield fly.
If the infielder is making a play on a ball in the shallow outfield, and is called off by an outfielder, this also may be considered an infield fly.
It is also important to note that the ball does not have to be caught. An infielder could let the ball drop to the ground. However, the “out” still stands. However, if the ball rolls into foul territory before reaching 1st or 3rd base, then it becomes a foul ball negating the “Infield Fly” rule.
#8 - TIE DOES NOT GO TO THE RUNNER
The Official Rules of Baseball clearly state that a runner forced to advance is out if he fails to reach that base BEFORE a fielder tags him or the base.
So the runner who does not win the race to the bag with the ball is out.
#9 - OBSTRUCTION
A fielder, who, is not in possession of the ball nor in the act of fielding the ball, intentionally or unintentionally impedes the progress of any runner, commits “Obstruction”. There does not need to be contact for you to make the obstruction call.
If a defensive player makes getting to the next base more difficult than it should be, you can call obstruction. Some examples of obstruction are explained below with the proper mechanic on how to make the call.
A runner rounds second base and comes into contact with the short stop. The short stop is watching the play and is not involved in the play. The runner is thrown out at third base.
The correct call is to call obstruction. The proper mechanic is done by pointing with your left hand to the area where the obstruction occurs. You then announce "That's Obstruction". At this time allow the play to continue. Once the play is over, award the penalty for obstruction. In the example above, instead of being out at third base, the runner is awarded the base due to the obstruction.
A runner caught in a rundown between two bases. The runners progress is impeded by a defensive player who does not have the ball nor are they about to get the ball.
The correct call is to call obstruction. The proper mechanic is done by pointing with your left hand to the area where the obstruction occurs. You then announce "That's Obstruction". At this time allow the play to continue. Once the play is over, award the penalty for obstruction. In the example above, the runner is awarded the next base due to the obstruction.
A runner rounding first base, has their progress impeded by the first baseman, who is just standing their watching the play develop. The runner continues on to second base and gets to the base ahead of the throw to the base and is safe.
The correct call is to call obstruction. The proper mechanic is done by pointing with your left hand to the area where the obstruction occurs. You then announce "That's Obstruction". At this time allow the play to continue. Once the play is over, since the runner made it to the next base after the obstruction, without being put out, the penalty for obstruction is not applied as the runner made it to the next base, which is equal to what the penalty would have been had they been thrown out.
So why make this call?? If you don't make the call and the runner gets called out, I am sure someone from the offensive team will be coming to talk to you as to why you did not call the obstruction. Better to make the call before the argument happens.
#10 - INTERFERENCE
Offensive Interference – occurs when the batter or a base runner interferes with a defensive player trying to make a play.
It is Offensive Interference when:
A runner or a batter-runner gets hit by a batted ball in fair territory before an infielder has an opportunity to make a play on the ball.
A runner who has been put out on the first half of a double play attempts to distract the defensive player either by waving their arms or shouting at the defensive player.
A runner who slides into a defensive player or grabs them with the intention of breaking up a double play.
A runner makes physical contact with the defensive player before the player has an opportunity to make a play on the ball. The onus is on the runner to avoid the defensive player attempting to make a play on the ball.
In cases of Offensive Interference, the offending player is called out. Other base runners are liable to be called out as well, or returned to their previously touched bases depending upon the circumstances.
The proper mechanic is to point with the left hand and announce "That's Interference", then call the offending player out.
Defensive Interference – occurs when the defense interferes with a batter trying to make a play.
It is Defensive Interference when:
A catcher, while attempting to catch a pitch, has the bat comes into contact with their glove.
In cases of Defensive Interference, the batter is awarded first base. Any runner who is forced, also advances to the next base. An exception to the rule is if the batter hits the pitch and not put out at first base. This nullifies the penalty for the interference.
Umpire Interference – When an umpire interferes with either a fair batted ball or an attempted play by the defense.
It is Umpire Interference when:
A base umpire while standing in fair territory with a runner or runners on base, gets hit by a fair batted ball before an infielder has an opportunity to make a play on the ball.
The correct call is to call interference. The proper mechanic is to call the play dead, announce "Umpire Interference" . The batter is awarded first base as a result of the interference. Runners may only advance if forced.
A plate umpire comes into contact with a catcher while attempting to throw out a runner stealing.
The correct call is to call interference. The proper mechanic is to call the play dead and announce "Umpire Interference". Runners trying to advance shall go back to their last legally touched base.