R3 is stealing home. Batter hits a high fly into left field. Runner slides across home plate as ball falls in for a base hit. Thinking the ball was caught, he gets up, retouches home plate and heads back to third. He is tagged before he reaches third base. The run counts.

R1 and R2 with one out. A pop fly is hit down the 3rd base line. The umpire declares "INFIELD FLY IF FAIR". The ball falls untouched in front of third base and rolls foul. The batter is out.

R1. The right handed pitcher has stopped at the bottom of his stretch motion. R1 breaks for second. The pitcher turns towards first and without hesitating he continues his turn and makes a proper step and throw to the second baseman for the putout on a very close play. As the umpire you correctly call a balk because the pitcher failed to throw to first base and also he threw the ball to an unoccupied base.

R1. The batter hits an apparent triple. R1 misses second base. After R1 touches third base, his coach tells him to go back and touch second. R1 retouches third and starts for second when he sees the BR heading for third. The BR retreats to second and then on to first. R1 clings to second base. This is legal.

R2. A wild pitch eludes the catcher and R2 advances to third. The ball bounces toward the backstop and near the ball boy. Trying to get out of the way, the ball boy accidentally kicks the ball and R2 takes an extra base to score. The play stands.

As the left-hander delivers the pitch a beach ball bounces into left field behind the fielder. The batter smashes a line drive into the alley. The left fielder scoops it up and fires to second base. The defensive manager argues that "TIME" should have been called and the play nullified.

R1, One out, bottom of the ninth inning. Score tied. Batter hits a home run over the fence. R1 rounds second and then cuts across the diamond to his dugout thinking the home run automatically wins the game. The BR advances legally around all the bases. The game is over.

The pitcher has a problem and fires the ball into the ground. The ball bounces once and enters the strike zone. The bewildered batter reacts quickly and sends the bouncer into right field for a base hit. This is legal.

Men's and Big League (L.L.). Top of the ninth. R1. Home team holds a narrow 4 - 3 lead. The home team manager decides to switch his left-handed right fielder with his right-handed pitcher. After the outfielder-made-pitcher strikes out the first batter he faces, the manager wants to switch them back. This is allowed.

The batter lashes an apparent double down the first base line. As he rounds first, he stumbles on the bag and falls to the ground. The first base coach helps him up and he retreats awkwardly to first. He is unable to stand on his own. The trainer discovers he has a fractured leg. The offense puts a substitute runner in and he stays at first.

The batter hits a weak grounder along the first base foul line in foul territory. He throws his helmet at the ball and deflects it farther foul. This is legal because the ball was in foul territory.

The team's starting catcher has been on the disabled list for the past 13 days and is scheduled to resume play shortly. He is sitting on the bench when his manager sends him to the bullpen to warm-up a pitcher. This is allowed.

Under threatening skies the home team manager decides to start game one of a scheduled double-header. Fortunately, the game is completed before heavy rains fall during the break between games. The plate umpire of the second game determines if the second game should be started because of the inclement weather.

R1 and R3 with one out. The second baseman fields a lazy pop-up near second then intentionally drops the ball. He retrieves the ball, steps on second and fires to first to complete the double play. The inning is over.

3-1 count. The pitcher uncorks a high hard one that forces the batter to bail out. The ball strikes the bat and rolls into fair territory. The pitcher fields the ball and fires to first. The surprised batter remains in the batter's box. This is a fair ball and the batter is out.

R1 and R2 with one out. The batter strikes out, but the ball bounds away from the catcher. Batter starts for first and the two runners start to advance. Catcher retrieves the ball and throws to third baseman standing on the base, with the ball arriving before the runner for the force out.

New batter. Pitcher delivers an illegal pitch with the bases unoccupied. Batter hits the pitch and is thrown out at first base. Batter is awarded 1st base.

R3 is trapped between home and third base. In the rundown R3 collides with a fielder who does not have the ball. The ball is dead and R3 is awarded home. R1 who had advanced on the rundown is now standing on third remains at third.

A pitcher is announced as the starting pitcher in the line-up for the visiting team. In the top half of the first inning the visitors score five runs. With such a lead the visiting team’s manager withdraws his announced pitcher to save him for the next game. This is legal.

Senior men. After the lineup of the home team had been handed to the plate umpire, the catcher and manager have an argument. Before the first ball is pitched, the manager makes a substitution for the catcher. Late in the game with the score tied the manger inserts the heavy hitting catcher back into the lineup.

Umpire throws a damaged ball out of the game and gives the catcher a new ball. The catcher throws the ball to a base and the base runner is tagged for the putout.

R1 and R2 with one out. The batter swings at a 3rd strike and the ball deflects away from the catcher. Batter starts for first base and the two runners start to advance. Catcher retrieves the ball and throws to third baseman standing on the base, ball arriving before runner. R2 is out.

With R1 and two strikes on the batter, the next pitch is bunted foul and caught in flight by the first baseman. The first baseman immediately throws to second baseman covering first and the ball arrives before the base runner can return. The batter bunted foul on a third strike. The ball is dead and R1 returns to first.

R1 and R2. The batter hits a long fair fly ball which carries to the outfield fence down the 1st base foul line. The ball rebounds off the fielder’s glove while in fair territory but then goes into foul territory before passing over the fence. Ground rule double.

R2 and R3. The batter bunts a fair ball along the first base line. The BR accidentally kicks his own batted ball 3 steps after leaving the batter's box. R3 and the BR are out.

R2. Batter hits to shortstop who fields the ball but in throwing to first base to retire the BR hits the umpire with the thrown ball. This is not umpire interference and runners can advance at their own risk.

R1. Pitcher picks R1 off first base. In the rundown that follows, R1 is heading back to first when the 2nd baseman throws the ball into stands. You award R1 2nd base.

R1 with one out. The batter hits a foul pop-up which the catcher fields, but then steps into the dugout. R1 tags up but is thrown out sliding into second. The ball is dead. R1 returns to first base.

R1 with 1 out. The pitcher balks in a pick-off attempt, but throws wildly. The right fielder throws R1 out trying to go to 3rd. The offensive manager informs the umpire that he wants the balk penalty enforced and R1 put back at 2nd base. R1 is safe at 2nd.

R1 with 1 out. The pitcher stretches and comes to a set position. He breaks his hands, then steps back off the rubber and feints a throw to 1st. This is a balk and R1 is awarded 2nd.

If the umpire determines that the pitcher is intentionally pitching at a batter, the umpire can (a) first warn the pitcher and his manager, and remove the pitcher from the game if the offense is repeated. (b) immediately remove the pitcher and/or manager from the game. In Little League only (a) applies. In all other baseball both (a) and (b) apply.

The batter refuses to take his position in the batter's box. The umpire tells the pitcher to pitch. The pitcher throws an obvious ball. It is legal for the umpire to call it a strike knowing it is a ball.

R1 and R3 with one out. The pitcher assumes a set position. From this position, the pitcher steps toward 3rd base and feints a throw. With his pivot foot still on the rubber, he wheels around and picks R1 off 1st base. This is a balk.

R2 with 2 out, top of the 9th inning with the visiting team trailing 5-4. The catcher interferes with the batter who singles to center field, but the center fielder cuts down R2 at home plate who is attempting to score, which apparently ends the game. The visiting team manager informs the umpire that he wishes to accept the interference penalty, putting the runner back on 2nd and the BR at 1st with 2 outs. The umpire should agree with the manager.

A pitched ball touches the sleeve of the batter's uniform, but does not hit the batter himself. The batter did not swing. The umpire should award the batter 1st base.

R1. The batter swings at and misses a 1-1 pitch that hits him. Meanwhile, R1 steals 2nd. The ball is dead. The batter remains at the plate with a 1-2 count. R1 is placed at 2nd.

#2 bats in place of the proper batter #1 and singles. An appeal is made immediately. #1 is called out and #2 is the next proper batter.

The check-swing can be appealed on either a ball or a strike call.

After a batter singles, the umpire notices that the bat he used had pine tar beyond the 18" legal limit. The umpire is correct in declaring the batter out and ejecting him from the game.

The batter's toe is touching the line of the batter's box when making contact with the ball. Because his entire foot is not within the lines he should be called out.

R2 with two out. Batter hits a line drive that strikes the umpire while working in the infield. R2 was more than half way to 3rd when the umpire was hit. The ball deflected to the 1st baseman who tagged 1st base ahead of the BR. The ball is dead. R2 returns to second and BR is called out.

R2 with one out. Batter bunts the ball and is hit with the catcher's throw while running outside the three foot lane. R2 was stealing on the play and was standing on 3rd when the BR was hit. The ball is dead. R2 stays at 3rd because he was stealing on the pitch and the BR out.

The 1st baseman damages the ball intentionally. Before the pitcher delivers the ball the plate umpire asks for the ball and detects the damage. He knows it was the 1st baseman that damaged the ball but is correct in ejecting the pitcher for throwing it.

Playing field lights can only be ordered on at the start of a new inning.

R3 with one out. Batter hits a sacrifice fly to the outfield on which R3 scores, but catcher's interference was called. The umpire, a little confused thinks about these options: a) Award the batter 1st base and return R3 to 3rd. b) Have called time immediately and award batter 1st, totally disregarding the fly ball. c) Call the batter out and allow R3 to score. d) Award the batter at 1st base, return R3 to 3rd base, but advise the manager of the offensive team that he may elect to accept the run with the batter’s fly out. AFTER consultation with his partner they correctly choose (A).

R2 and R3 with one out and a 2-2 count. Batter swings and misses for strike three and the ball lodges in the umpire's mask. The umpire shall: Call time, award the batter 1st base and advance all runners one base.

It is illegal to use four players in the outfield at any time during the game.

When two runners occupy the same base, the umpire should immediately declare the following runner out.

The defense may not legally appeal after an illegal pitch.

The 12-second penalty may be enforced only when there are runners on base.

If the left fielder deflects a fair fly ball over the fence in fair territory, it is a home run.

The lines of the batter's box are part of the batter's box.

If an umpire should clear the bench because of consistent unsportsmanlike conduct, the coach can bring back any player he wishes to use as a substitute providing he hasn't been previously removed.

A batted fly ball to the outfield where the fielder has both feet in foul territory and touches and drops the ball when it is over fair ground is a fair ball.

A pitched ball is considered a thrown ball.

When a pinch hitter bats for a player in the batting order and then enters the game to pitch, this move terminates the DH rule for the remainder of the game.

It is legal for the pitcher to take his sign from the catcher while standing astride the rubber.

If a pinch hitter is used for the designated hitter, the offensive team loses the privilege of using a designated hitter for the remainder of the game.

R2 and R3 with one out. A fly ball is caught in the deepest part of center field for the second out. Both runners score. Then on appeal, R2 is called out on appeal for leaving too soon. The umpire should rule that no runs score.

A fielder makes a catch on a fly ball and then drops the ball in the act of making a throw. This is a catch and runners do not have to tag up.

R3 attempting to score on a squeeze, the batter is interfered with by the catcher. On the bunt, the batter is thrown out at first and R3 scores. On the option, the offensive team may take the option of having R3 score and the BR out at first.

A declared infield fly, which is intentionally dropped, becomes a dead ball and the batter is out.

The pitcher's 18' circle is actually centered 18" in front of the pitching rubber.

A game is rained out at the end of the 6th inning with the home team leading 3-2.

The umpire-in-chief is the sole judge as to the fitness of a baseball to be used during a regulation game.

R1 with a 3-1 count. The batter checks his swing. The umpire calls the pitch a ball. R1 steals on the pitch and is called out on the catcher's throw to second. The defense appeals the check swing which is denied. They proceed to tag R1 called out at second as he leaves the field. The offense maintains the walk entitled R1 to second and he left second only when called out by the umpire. The out stands.

A manager is considered to have concluded his visit to the mound when he crosses the first or third base line.

If a batted or thrown ball strikes a bird in flight or other animal on the playing field, consider the ball alive and in play the same as if it had not touched the bird or animal.

R1 with 1 out and a 3-2 count. R1 attempts to steal 2nd. The batter swings and misses but interferes with the catcher's throw to 2nd. The throw is not in time. The batter is out and R1 returns to 1st.

R1 and R3 with nobody out. After a batted ball R1 is out at 2nd and intentionally interferes with the shortstop as he attempts to make the pivot on a double play. The ball is dead. R1 and BR are out and R3 returns to 3rd.

The batter misses 1st on his way to second on a ground rule double. The pitcher, after putting the ball in play, throws wildly to 1st on the appeal. The runner scores on the play. The 1st baseman retrieves the ball and appeals. It is denied. The run counts.

R1 and R2. The pitcher is giving an intentional walk. On the second pitch, the catcher has one foot out of the catcher's box before the ball is released by the pitcher. The umpire calls a balk on the pitcher because of the catcher's actions.

A manager has made a second trip to the mound with the same batter. At the conclusion of the "at bat", the umpire now realizes that was the second trip. He should eject the manager and have a new pitcher enter the game.

R1and R2. The batter bunts down the 1st base line. The ball is missed and passes untouched by the pitcher who collides with the BR. Obstruction is indicated. The 1st baseman fields the ball and throws wildly into RF. R2 scores and R1 advances to 3rd. The batter remains at 1st and the play stands.

Bases loaded with 2 outs. The batter hits an inside the park homerun. R2 misses home and the batter misses 1st base. The defence appeals that R2 missed home and the 3rd out is called. The 1st baseman asks for the ball and appeals at 1st and gets an out call for the fourth out. No runs score. This is legal.

R2 is stealing. The batter swings at the pitch but is interfered with by the catcher. The pitch is caught by the catcher who threw to 3rd in time to get R2. The umpire should award the batter 1st and return R2 to 2nd.

A player/coach ejected from the game may coach from the coaches' box.

At a pre-game meeting, the tournament committee ground rule states that since the home run fence is 500 ft away and not totally to the ground, any hit ball going under the fence would be a ground rule triple. The umpires may allow this provision.

A catcher may wear a 1st baseman's glove behind home plate. A catcher would typically do this to catch a knuckle ball pitcher.

R1 and R2 with 0 outs. A declared infield fly which is intentionally dropped becomes a dead ball and the batter is out.

R1 and R3 with 2 out. On an attempted double steal, the batter interferes with the catcher. The batter is out.

R2 with 1 out. The batter swings at strike 3 in the dirt. The ball deflects into the umpire's bag. BR is awarded 1st and R2 is awarded 3rd.

After bunting a ball, the batter drops his bat and starts for 1st. The ball rolls and hits the stationary bat in fair territory. The batter is out.

Each umpire has authority to rule on any point not specifically covered in these rules.

It is permissible for umpires to have idle chit-chat conversations between innings.

R3. The batter lifts a high fly ball to left field. R3 assumes a position several feet beyond the third base bag and times his running start so that he is at full speed as the fielder makes the catch. R3 scores easily. R3 is automatically declared out for his actions at 3rd base.

Nobody on base with a 1-0 count on the batter in last inning of a hard fought 0-0 ball game. When the starting pitcher reaches the maximum pitch count, the pitcher must be removed immediately.

Nobody on with a 1-2 count on the batter. The pitcher throws a looping curve ball that bounces just before reaching home plate. The batter is totally deceived by the pitch and desperately swings at the pitch resulting in a foul tip to the catcher. This is a batted ball and the batter is out on the caught foul tip third strike.

R1, R3 with 1 out. The catcher interferes with the batter on a ball hit to the SS. On the ensuing play R3 scores, R1 is thrown out at 2B and the BR is safe at 1B. The umpire correctly rules that BR is safe at 1B, R1 is awarded 2B and R3 is awarded home.

A fly ball that meets all the requirements for an infield fly, but is not declared as such, is not an infield fly. Resulting action is allowed; however, the umpires should not allow a double play that the rule was intended to prevent. This is a correctable mistake.

When there is spectator interference with a thrown or batted ball the umpire should allow the play to be completed before determining the placement of the runners.

Bases loaded, no outs. Batter hits a high pop-up toward 3rd base. Plate umpire declares "Infield fly if fair". The 3rd baseman and shortstop lose the ball in the lights and are standing on the 3rd base line 5 feet in front of the bag when the fair ball hits R3 in the helmet while he is standing on the bag. The ball then bounces directly into the stands. The plate umpire declares BR out and awards all runners 2 bases.

R1, R2 with no outs. Both runners are running on the pitch as the batter squares and bunts up the 3rd base line. The 3rd baseman sees he has no play so he follows the ball up the base line where it hits the bag and takes a strange bounce hitting R2 in the foot as he stands on 3rd base. U3 declares R2 out for runner interference and places BR at 1st base and R1 at 2nd base.

R3 with one out. R3 breaks for home on the pitch and batter bunts towards first. The pitcher fields the bunt cleanly and throws to the catcher but the catcher drops the ball as he attempts to tag R3 who slides in safe. The catcher then picks up the ball and throws toward the first baseman but the ball hits the BR in the back 10 feet in front of 1st base while his left foot is on the ground 8 inches inside fair territory. PU declares the BR out for running lane interference and returns R3 to 3rd base.

The defensive manger requests time and proceeds directly to the PU to tell him about a double switch with the pitcher and the shortstop. The new pitcher (A) will be batting in the shortstop's position in the batting order and the shortstop will be batting in the pitcher's position in the batting order. Before the players can take their position the skies open up and a heavy rain falls causing a delay in the game. When the game resumes 30 minutes later the defensive manager wants to bring in a new different pitcher (B) then the pitcher (A) announced just prior to the rain delay. This is legal.

A trip is charged anytime the manager changes the pitcher even if he does not go to the mound.

Extra innings and the home team is down to its last 9 players. At the end of the top half of the 12th inning, Jones who is batting 5th for the home team, gets into a fight and is ejected. In the bottom of the 12th inning the first three batters walk and then the clean-up batter hits a home run to win the game. This is not legal. The game should have been forfeited as soon as Jones was ejected because the home team only has 8 players left in the batting order.

On a very cold and windy night the PU announces that it will be okay to blow on your hand and lick your fingers in the 18-foot circle so as to keep them warm.

Provided it is agreed to by both managers, the umpire prior to the start of a game played in cold weather, may permit the pitcher to blow on his hand.

R1 and R2 with one out. The batter hits a "sky high" pop up, all umpires signal and vocalize the infield fly. No one on the defense moves to catch the ball thinking the other player will catch it. The ball falls untouched and rolls towards 2nd base. While still in contact with the base, R2 reaches down, grabs the ball and under-hands it back to the pitcher. Base umpire signals interference and the inning ends.

The score is tied 4-4 in the bottom of the 7th inning. R3 has just watched the defense make a great play for the 2nd out. Next up is the clean up hitter who has already gone 3 for 3. The catcher watches as he takes a couple of hard practice swings in the on-deck circle and then strides confidentially towards the plate. As he enters the 26' circle he stops and takes another nasty cut. The catcher immediately asks you to check his bat. You do and find that it has been altered. You call the batter out, eject him from the game and then prepare for extra innings.

R1 and R3 with one out. A fly ball is caught deep in center field for the second out. R3 tags up and scores before the ball is relayed to first base. R1 is called out on the force play for the 3rd out. R3 does not score.

The batter smashes a hard line drive to the 3rd baseman. The 3rd baseman jumps high into the air to catch the ball with the glove being removed from the player's hand by the force of the hit. The 3rd baseman picks up the glove with the ball wedged into the webbing. This is a catch.