Rules

From the Case Play Files of Vin Vena
Volume 2: Baseball Rule Myths

1. “The hands are a part of the bat…” The thought is if a batter is hit with a pitch in the hands, that it wasn’t a hit by pitch. If the hands are hit, and the pitch didn’t hit the bat first, it IS a hit by pitch Rule 8-1-1d
2. “When overrunning first base, the batter/runner must veer to the right into foul territory…” The batter/runner may cross first base and veer in any direction, as long as there is no attempt nor feint towards second base. Rule 9-2-7
3. “If a batted ball hits home plate, it is a foul ball..” Home plate is in fair territory. It depends on where the ball goes after hitting the plate as to the determination of fair or foul. Rule 2-5-1, 2-16-1
4. “A foul ball and a foul tip are the same thing…” A foul tip has to be a batted ball that goes directly to the catcher’s mitt and is caught by the catcher. The fact that the ball was barely touched or just nicked by the batter does not create a foul tip. This can be a foul tip, but only if the above conditions are met. Rule 2-16-2
5. “A foul tip is a dead ball…” (see #4 above for definition of foul tip) A foul tip is a live ball and runners may advance on a foul tip. Rule 2-16-2, 8-4-2i
6. “A batter may not switch from one batter’s box to the other when he has two strikes…” A batter may switch batter’s boxes with any count at any time, as long as the pitcher is not set and ready to pitch. Rule 7-3-3
7. “A batter who bats out of order is out, even while still at bat…” This is wrong in two different places. If the improper batter is still at bat, the proper batter assumes the count of the improper batter and takes his rightful place in the order. Also, it is the proper batter that is out if the improper batter has completed his at bat and the defense appeals before any pitch, play, or attempted play. Rule 7-1-1, 7-1-2
8. “If the batter doesn’t pull the bat out of the strike zone on an attempt to bunt, it is a strike…” A batter must attempt to contact the ball or offer at the pitch for it to be a strike. Rule 7-2-1b
9. “Tie goes to the runner…” The runner must beat the ball to the bag. Also, there are no real ties on put out attempts. Rule 8-2-8
10. “The home plate umpire can overrule the field umpire OR the senior umpire can overrule the junior umpire…” No umpire can overrule any other umpire. IF an umpire is uncertain about a play, they can get help from the other umpire or umpires. But, the call still belongs to the umpire who made the original call. After receiving information of the play in question from the other umpire(s), it is up to the umpire who made the original call to decide on the final ruling based on the information provided by the other umpire(s). Rule 10-1-4
11. “If the ball bounces and then hits the batter, it is not a hit by pitch…” This can be a hit by pitch, as long as the batter makes an attempt to avoid getting hit by the ball. Rule 5-1-1a, 8-1-1d
12. “If a fielder holds a fly ball for a certain time, it is an out…” A catch involves secure possession of the ball and voluntary release. There is no time frame involved with a catch. Rule 2-9-1
13. “If a team wants to use a “hidden ball” play it is allowed after a time out OR the “hidden ball” play is legal as long as the pitcher does not step on the pitching plate…” The ball can not be put back in play unless the pitcher has the ball. If the pitcher is on, astride, or within approximately 5 feet of the pitching plate without the ball, it is a balk. Rule 5-1-4, 6-2-5
14. “If the fielder’s feet are in fair territory when they touch the ball, it is a fair ball…” The position of the fielder does not matter, it is the position of the ball with respect to the foul line that determines fair or foul. Rule 2-5-1f

I hope that these clear up some of the myths you may have heard or encountered.
Vin Vena