Rules

From the Case Play Files of Vin Vena
Volume 1

Forward

The following are actual plays and situations in my umpire career. As seen by these plays, it pays to know the rules and not just go by what a coach says. Some coaches can and do say anything that might help their team. I strongly suggest reading the rules often and using the case book along with the rule book. These are actual plays from assorted levels of baseball.

After playing action had ceased, the defensive coach came out to talk to me. He states that I missed it and that it was ‘textbook infield fly.’ I told the coach that it wasn’t infield fly since the runners started at 1st and 3rd and for infield fly we need 1st and 2nd or bases loaded. The coach stated that “it doesn’t matter where the runners start.” The result for this play was that the play stood, no one was put out on this.
Rule Reference: Rule 2-19; Rule 5-1-1-j; Rule 8-1-2-b; Rule 8-4-1-c,j; 8-1-4-2-j,k;

Situation 2 (Infield Fly)
On this next play, we had an infield fly on a bunt, even though the rule book clearly states that an infield fly cannot be a bunt. The ball is bunted almost straight up, but it is in front of the plate a short distance.

My partner on the plate calls, “Infield fly!”. I yelled, “NO!…can’t have an infield fly on a bunt!” The ball falls after tipping off the catcher’s glove. The catcher then picks up the ball, and tries to throw the batter/runner out at first base. The ball goes into right field. The ball is then thrown all over the field, 2 runs score and the batter/runner ends up on 2nd base.

After the play is over, both coaches come out to discuss the play. The defensive coach states that since my partner called infield fly, the batter/runner is out. The offensive coach stated that he agreed with the other coach. My partner declared the batter/runner out and he was removed from 2nd base.

In my career, I have had at least 6 times after the playing action on an uncaught infield fly where the defensive coach wants to appeal that runners left too early. Since the infield fly was NOT caught, this is not possible.
Rule Reference: Rule 2-19; Rule 5-1-1-j; Rule 8-1-2-b; Rule 8-4-1-c,j; 8-1-4-2-j,k;

Situation 3 (Designated Hitter)
A few years ago, a coach for a public high school stated that the new rule concerning player/DH meant that he could bat 10 players and have one of them be his “extra hitter.” I did not allow this, since that is not even close to what the rule says. I have additionally had many times when a manager wanted to put the DH and a player that he DH’ed for into the game at the same time. I did not allow this since the two players are tied to one batting slot.
Rule Reference: Rule 3-1-3; Rule 3-1-4;

Situation 4 (Ground Rules)
I strongly believe that an umpire must be familiar with different variations on the rules depending on level, location, or any other factors. In my next example, I saw a player get hit by a pitch, and in that at bat, get 2 RBI.

This was a Maryland middle school game and my partner was on the plate. The batter gets hit by the pitch and my partner said that that meant he got 2 bases. I thought that a coach would come out to argue. No one came out. I went to talk to my partner. I asked him why the batter would get 2 bases. He stated that since this was a MD middle school game, hit by a pitch was 2 bases. I was not very familiar with MD games at that time. I asked if he was sure and he said that he was. So, the batter got 2nd and 2 runs scored.

Be sure to clarify with both coaches at every plate meeting (even if you just worked a game in that league) what rule set the game is being played under and then be sure to ask them what local modifications or other information about the rules do we (the umpires) need to know. For scholastic games, ask the home coach at the plate meeting to “take you around the field” which is an umpire’s way of asking a coach to go over the ground rules with everyone at the plate meeting.

Situation 5 (Fair/Foul)
Our next play occurred just last year when I was again solo and working behind the plate. In this play, the batter hit the ball on the ground right down the first baseline. The ball hit the 1st base bag and I pointed it fair.

Several people associated with the game thought that the ball was foul because it hit the bag. One coach even said, “How can it be fair? It hit the bag!” I stated that it was fair because it hit the bag. Remember, by rule, all 3 bases and home plate are all fully within fair territory.
Rule Reference: Rule 2-5

Situation 6 Courtesy Runner)
In a high school game a few years ago, a coach wanted a courtesy runner for his left fielder. I told him that he could have a pinch runner but that courtesy runners were only for pitchers or catchers. He said that since he had very few substitutes and the left fielder was not a good runner, he wanted a courtesy runner. I did not let this happen and stuck with my ruling that he could insert a pinch runner if he wanted one. He chose not to run for the left fielder.
Rule Reference: 2-33 (and then please refer to page 67 of the 2025 NFHS rulebook where the Suggested Speed Up Rules are listed as NFHS rules suggestions which have to be adopted by state athletic associations. These rules have been adopted by both VHSL and MPSSAA.)

These plays actually happened at some point. It’s good to be ready for anything out there!