Rule 2 - Definitions A to L

Rule 2 - A - L Questions

Instructions: Read all questions and answers very carefully before picking the answer you feel is correct. There is only one correct answer for each question.

Situation: The batter hits a smash down the right field foul line. The ball hits in fair territory near the foul line and bounces into the screen on the foul pole. The right fielder picks up the ball and fires it into second base to retire the BR. This a Fair Ball. The BR is out and the ball remains alive and in play.
1. Decision: The batter hit a fair ball that is ruled a ground rule double. The screen is considered part of the foul pole. The batter is awarded second. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball) and 6.09(e).
2. Decision: The batter hit a fair ball that is ruled a home run. The screen is not part of the foul pole. The batter hit a home run. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball) and 6.09(e).
3. Decision: The BR is out. The screen is in play at all times. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball) and 6.09(e).
Situation: R1 and R2 with no outs. The batter hits a pop up just into the outfield grass behind second base. Thinking the "infield fly" rule will be invoked, the runners hold. The defensive team could have easily caught the ball, but let it fall to the ground untouched. Because the umpires did not declare an infield fly, the runners start running and the defense turn an easy double play. The play stands.
1. Decision: False. No Infield Fly. It must be called to be valid. The play is called back. Rule 2.00 (Infield Fly)
2. Decision: True. Infield Fly. A Infield Fly does not have to be called if it is observed to be such by players and coaches. Rule 2.00 (Infield Fly)
3. Decision: True. Infield Fly. Though the umpire's might have erred in failing to call "INFIELD FLY", umpire's judgment must govern and the play stands. Rule 2.00 (Infield Fly)
Situation: R1. Nobody out. The batter hits a fly ball to left field. As the ball hits the left fielder's glove, the R1 tags and breaks for second. The ball is juggled but the center fielder makes the catch before the ball hits the ground. The defensive team appeals that R1 left before the ball was caught. R1 is out for leaving too soon.
1. Decision: True. This is not a catch. The runners may only advance when the first fielder catches the ball. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
2. Decision: True. This is not a catch. The runners may advance only when a full catch is made or two seconds have passed after first contact with the ball by a fielder. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
3. Decision: False. This is a catch. The runners may advance the instant the first fielder touches the ball. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
Situation: The pitcher has a problem releasing the ball and fires it into the ground. The ball bounces and enters the batters strike zone. The batter is surprised and takes the pitch. This is a strike.
1. Decision: True. It does not matter how the ball enters the strike zone when it has been pitched by the pitcher. Rule 2.00 (A Ball)
2. Decision: False. The pitch must enter the strike zone "In Flight" to be called a strike. Rule 2.00 (A Ball)
3. Decision: False. The pitch, if it hits the ground, must hit the ground within 4 feet of the plate and bounce into the strike zone to be considered a strike. Rule 2.00 (A Ball)
Situation: The batter swings and chops a high bounding ball down the first base line. The first baseman comes in to field the ball several feet in front of the bag. Both of his feet are in fair territory as he reaches across the line to field the ball. This is a foul ball.
1. Decision: True. It is a foul ball. Fair or foul is determined by the position of the ball, not the position of the fielder. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball, Foul Ball, Fair Territory and Foul Territory)
2. Decision: False. It is a fair ball. Fair or foul is determined by the position of the fielder, not the position of the ball. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball, Foul Ball, Fair Territory and Foul Territory)
3. Decision: True. It is a foul ball since his glove was fully in foul territory (across the line) when he made the play. If his glove had been partly in fair territory it would be a fair ball. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball, Foul Ball, Fair Territory and Foul Territory)
Situation: There are two strikes on the batter. He decides to surprise the defense and squares around to bunt. The pitcher is surprised and uncorks a wild pitch. The batter tries desperately to avoid the pitch but the ball hits his bat and rolls foul. The batter is out for bunting foul on the third strike.
1. Decision: False. The batter is not out since it was clearly not his intention to bunt the wild pitch. This is a foul ball. Rule 6.05(d) and 2.00 (Bunt).
2. Decision: True. The batter is out since it was clearly his intention to bunt the wild pitch. This is a strike. Rule 6.05(d) and 2.00 (Bunt).
3. Decision: True. The batter is out. He entered the strike zone to bunt and therefore his intent was to bunt with motion in the strike zone. Rule 6.05(d) and 2.00 (Bunt).
Situation: The batter hits a line drive up the middle. The ball strikes the pitching rubber and deflects directly into the dugout between first base and home. This is a foul ball.
1. Decision: False. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball) (Foul Ball).
2. Decision: True. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball) (Foul Ball).
3. Decision: True only if no part of the ball touched the ground before or while hitting the rubber otherwise false. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball) (Foul Ball).
Situation: 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.
1. Decision: True. It is a base hit. A pitch that bounces can be hit. Rule 2.00 (Ball).
2. Decision: False. It is a dead ball. A pitch that bounces cannot be hit. Rule 2.00 (Ball).
3. Decision: True but only in Majors and below. Above Majors it is false. Rule 2.00 (Ball).
Situation: The catcher drifts back to catch a lazy pop up in foul territory. The ball deflects off his chest protector and is trapped in his mitt against his chest. He triumphantly holds the caught ball up in his mitt for the umpire to see. This is a legal catch.
1. Decision: True. This ball is considered "In Flight" even though it hit his person. The out stands. Rule 2.00 (Catch, In Flight).
2. Decision: False. This ball is considered to have been caught even though it hit his person. The out is set aside. Rule 2.00 (Catch, In Flight).
3. Decision: False. Since the ball hit the catcher it is not a catch since the catcher has extra protective gear which gives an unfair advantage to the catcher in pop ups. Rule 2.00 (Catch, In Flight).
Situation: R1 with one out. The center fielder makes what appears to be a spectacular over the head catch as he crashes into the center field wall. Upon contact with the fence, the ball pops out and goes over the wall. This is a ground rule double.
1. Decision: True. This is considered a catch. If the fence had not been there the fielder would have made a secure catch. The BR is out and R1 is allowed to stay on third base. Rule 7.05(a), 2.00 (Catch, In Flight)
2. Decision: True. This is considered a catch. Rule 7.05(a), 2.00 (Catch, In Flight)
3. Decision: False. This is not considered a catch. All runners are awarded four bases. Score two runs. Rule 7.05(a), 2.00 (Catch, In Flight)
Situation: The batter hits a line drive that is deflected off the pitcher's foot and is caught in the air before touching the ground. The ball is then thrown to first base for the force out at first base.
1. Decision: True. The ball is considered in flight. Rule 2.00 (In Flight)
2. Decision: False. The ball is considered in flight and so the batter is out on the fly ball caught. Rule 2.00 (In Flight)
3. Decision: True. Since the ball hit the pitcher's foot it is assumed to have contacted the ground. Rule 2.00 (In Flight)
Situation: No outs, no one on base. The batter hits a line drive into the left field alley. The BR rounds first and is headed for second when he collides with the first base umpire. Both fall to the ground. The ball is fielded to the first baseman who tags out the dazed runner. BR is called out.
1. Decision: True. This play stands, no umpire interference is called unless the umpire is hit by a fair ball or interferes with a catcher's throw. Rule 2.00 (Interference), 5.09(b)
2. Decision: False. The umpire has to get out of the way and not interfere with either offensive or defensive players. The runner is advanced to third base. Rule 2.00 (Interference), 5.09(b)
3. Decision: False. The umpire has to get out of the way and not interfere with either offensive or defensive players. The runner is advanced to second base. Rule 2.00 (Interference), 5.09(b)
Situation: R1, 2 2 count, 1 out. R1 is stealing on the pitch. The batter swings and tips the ball. The foul tip strikes the catcher's chest protector and rebounds into his mitt. The catcher fires to second in time to retire the sliding R1. Two out.
1. Decision: True. Since the tip did not first touch the catcher's hand or glove before hitting the protector, it's a fair ball. Rule 6.05(b) and 2.00 (Foul Tip)
2. Decision: False. Since the tip did not first touch the catcher's hand or glove before hitting the protector, it's a foul ball. Count remains 2 2, 1 out, R1 stays on second. Rule 6.05(b) and 2.00 (Foul Tip)
3. Decision: False. Since the tip did not first touch the catcher's hand or glove before hitting the protector, it's a foul ball. Count remains 2 2, 1 out, R1 returns to first. Rule 6.05(b) and 2.00 (Foul Tip)
Situation: R1 and R3 with one out. The batter lifts a long fly ball to right field. R3 is tagging while R1 is running on the pitch. The ball is caught for the second out. R3 scores before the throw back into first retires R1. The run scores.
1. Decision: False. In this case, the third is a force out and the run does not count. Rule 7.10(a), 2.00 (Force Play), 4.09 (last AR)
2. Decision: False. In this case, the third out is not a force out and the run does not score. It becomes a "time play". There was not enough time between the runner scoring and the play at first to allow the run to count. Rule 7.10(a), 2.00 (Force Play), 4.09 (last AR)
3. Decision: True. In this case, the third out is not a force out and the run scores. It becomes a "time play". Rule 7.10(a), 2.00 (Force Play), 4.09 (last AR)
Situation: R1 with nobody out. The batter hits a routine grounder to the shortstop. His throw to second pulls the second baseman off the bag. R1 is safe, however, he slides out of the base line to crash into the second baseman hoping to prevent the relay to first. The second baseman is unable to make the throw. R1 is called out for interference and the BR is also called out.
1. Decision: True. Both R1 and BR are called out. Even though R1 was originally safe at second, his intent was clear and must be penalized. Rule 6.05(m), 7.09(j), 2.00 (Interference) Pro Interp.
2. Decision: False. Only R1 is called out. Even though R1 was originally safe at second, his intent was clear and must be penalized. Rule 6.05(m), 7.09(j), 2.00 (Interference) Pro Interp.
3. Decision: False. Only BR is out. Even though R1 was originally safe at second, his intent was clear and must be penalized. Rule 6.05(m), 7.09(j), 2.00 (Interference) Pro Interp.
Situation: Bases loaded with one out. The short stop intentionally drops a lazy pop up near the second base bag that the umpires declare an infield fly. He recovers the ball quickly and tags out a surprised R2. The batter is out on the infield fly and the ball is dead on the intentionally dropped ball.
1. Decision: False. This is a double play. The batter is out on the infield fly. The ball remains alive and R2 is out when tagged. Rule 6.05(e), 6.05(l), 2.00 (Infield Fly)
2. Decision: True. This is not a double play. The batter is out on the infield fly. The ball becomes dead and R2 is returned to second base. Rule 6.05(e), 6.05(l), 2.00 (Infield Fly)
3. Decision: False. This is not a double play. The batter is out on the infield fly. The ball becomes dead and R2 is safe when tagged as the ball is dead. Rule 6.05(e), 6.05(l), 2.00 (Infield Fly)
Situation: 1 1 count. The batter squares around and bunts the next pitch directly toward the pitcher. The ball strikes the ground and spins back through the catcher's legs without being touched and then strikes the umpire who is standing in foul territory behind the plate. This is a foul ball.
1. 17) Decision: False. Since the ball was not touched over fair territory, but hit the umpire it is umpire interference and and the count is now 1 2. Rule 2.00 (Foul, Fair), 6.05(d)
2. 17) Decision: False. Since the ball was not touched over fair territory, it became a foul ball when it touched the umpire providing the umpire did not attempt to avoid the ball. Rule 2.00 (Foul, Fair), 6.05(d)
3. 17) Decision: True. Since the ball was not touched over fair territory, it became a foul ball when it touched the umpire. Rule 2.00 (Foul, Fair), 6.05(d)
Situation: R1 is off and running on the pitch. The catcher cocks his throwing arm and whacks the umpire in the mask. The throw sails into center field and R1 heads for third. He is thrown out at third by an alert center fielder. R1 is returned to first base.
1. Decision: True. R1 returns to first. Since the catcher's throw did not retire R1, the ball becomes dead and the runner must return. Rule 5.09(b), 2.00 (Interference (c))
2. Decision: False. R1 returns to second. Since the catcher's throw did not retire R1, the ball becomes dead and the runner must to his last legally touched base. Rule 5.09(b), 2.00 (Interference (c))
3. Decision: False. R1 returns to second. Since the catcher's throw did not retire R1, the ball becomes dead and the runner must return to the last touched base minus 1. Rule 5.09(b), 2.00 (Interference (c))
Situation: Third baseman in fielding a ground ball, makes a bad throw to first base resulting in the ball ricocheting off the glove of the first baseman and against his body where he traps the ball with his arm. BR is safe.
1. Decision: False. Since this is a thrown ball, BR is out. The first baseman must have possession of the ball in his glove or hand or secured the ball against his person. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
2. Decision: True. Since this is a thrown ball, BR is safe. The first baseman must have possession of the ball in his glove or hand. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
3. Decision: False. Since this is a thrown ball, BR is safe. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
Situation: Outfielder catches fly ball and as he starts to throw to the infield, he drops the ball. This is a catch?
1. 20) Decision: False. The batter is safe since fielder did not have secure possession of the ball and dropped it when he attempted to throw to the infield. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
2. 20) Decision: False. The batter is safe since fielder had possession of the ball and dropped it. Must be treated the same as a dropped ball on an infield fly. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
3. 20) Decision: True. The batter is out since fielder had possession of the ball and dropped it when he attempted to throw to the infield. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
Situation: Outfielder catches fly ball and immediately collides with another out fielder which causes him to drop the ball. This is a catch.
1. Decision: False. The ball has not been caught and the batter is not out. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
2. Decision: True. The ball has been caught and the batter is out. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
3. Decision: True. The ball has been caught and the batter is out as the ball was caught before the collision happened. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
Situation: With a 0 1 count, the batter hits a foul fly. In attempting to make the catch, the catcher muffs the ball and it drops between his chest protector and his body. He retrieves the ball and shows it to the umpire. This is a catch.
1. Decision: False. The batter is not out and the foul is a strike. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
2. Decision: True. The batter is out and the caught foul is an out. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
3. Decision: False. The batter is not out and the foul is a ball since the catcher did not catch it directly in his glove. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
Situation: Batter fouls a pitch which strikes the catcher's chest protector and then rebounds into a glove. This is a catch.
1. Decision: True. Rule 2.00 (Catch), 6.05(b)
2. Decision: False. It is not a catch but the same as an uncaught foul. Rule 2.00 (Catch), 6.05(b)
3. Decision: True. It is a catch but the same as an foul tip. Rule 2.00 (Catch), 6.05(b)
Situation: Batter hits pitch which first strikes in foul territory. Before touching any object or before passing first or third base, the ball enters fair territory and settles there. Foul ball.
1. 24) Decision: False. Fair ball. It settled in fair territory. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
2. 24) Decision: True. Foul ball. It settled in fair territory only after striking first in foul territory - foul ball. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
3. 24) Decision: True. Foul ball. It settled in fair territory. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
Situation: A batted ball, bounding through the infield crosses either first or third base without touching the base. After passing the base the ball first strikes in foul territory. Fair ball.
1. 25) Decision: False. The bounding ball crossed over the base which is fair territory. However, since it stopped, without being touched, in foul territory it is a Foul Ball. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
2. 25) Decision: False. The bounding ball crossed over the base which is fair territory but ended up in foul. Foul Ball. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
3. 25) Decision: True. The bounding ball crossed over the base which is fair territory. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
Situation: A batted ball that hits first base and then ricochets into foul territory is a foul ball.
1. Decision: True. foul ball because first base is in fair territory but it did not pass first so it is a Foul Ball. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
2. Decision: True. Fair ball because first base is in fair territory but it ended up foul. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
3. Decision: False. Fair ball because first base is in fair territory. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
Situation: With less than two outs, the batter foul tips the third strike directly into the catcher's glove as R1 steals second base. The ball is dead and the runner must return to first base.
1. Decision: False. This is a live ball. Any runner on base may advance. Rule 2.00 (Foul Tip)
2. Decision: True. This is a dead ball. Any runner on base may not advance. Rule 2.00 (Foul Tip)
3. Decision: False. This is a live ball. However any runner on base may not advance. Rule 2.00 (Foul Tip)
Situation: R1, pitched ball is missed by the catcher and strikes the plate umpire. Runner advances to second. This is umpire interference.
1. Decision: True. This is considered umpire interference. Rule 2.00 (Interference Umpire)
2. Decision: False. This is not considered umpire interference. Rule 2.00 (Interference Umpire)
3. Decision: True. This is not considered umpire interference unless the umpire did not try to get out of the way. Rule 2.00 (Interference Umpire)
Situation: A fielder attempts to field a batted ball and bumps into an umpire, causing the fielder to miss the ball. This is umpire interference.
1. Decision: False. This is not umpire interference. Rule 2.00 (Interference Umpire)
2. Decision: True. This is umpire interference. Rule 2.00 (Interference Umpire)
3. Decision: False. This is not umpire interference it is defensive interference. Rule 2.00 (Interference)
Situation: R1. The batter smashes a line drive to the second baseman who catches the ball and then steps on second base. R1 is out on the force play.
1. Decision: True. Batter is out and R1 is out. Rule 2.00 (Force Play)
2. Decision: False. Batter is out but R1 can remain on first since catching the line drive removed the force play at second base. Rule 2.00 (Force Play)
3. Decision: False. Batter is out but R1 can remain on second since catching the line drive did not remove the force play at second base until after the play has finished. Rule 2.00 (Force Play)
Situation: A fielder catches a ball in flight on the dead run. After running three steps while off balance, he collides with another fielder and as a result of the collision drops the ball. This is not a catch.
1. Decision: False. It is a catch as he held the ball just long enough. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
2. Decision: False. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
3. Decision: True. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
Situation: R2 asks you how many are out. You mistakenly tell him 2. A fly ball is hit to right field. R2 doesn't bother tagging up. He is thrown out at 2nd for not re tagging. He protests to you the fact of your misleading him. The play stands.
1. Decision: True. 2.00 Umpire Interference, 7.08(d), 7.10(a)
2. Decision: False. Since the umpire misled the player the runner is not out. 2.00 Umpire Interference, 7.08(d), 7.10(a)
3. Decision: False. R2 is not out but must move back to first base. 2.00 Umpire Interference, 7.08(d), 7.10(a)
Situation: Bases are loaded with nobody out. The third baseman fields a hard hit ground ball, tags third for one out and fires the ball to the catcher in time for him to touch home plate before R3 arrives. R3 is not tagged. Two out, double play.
1. Decision: True. Double play 2.00 (Force Play), 7.08(e)
2. Decision: False. The catcher must tag R3 because the force on R3 was removed when the third baseman stepped on third. 2.00 (Force Play), 7.08(e)
3. Decision: True. The catcher does not have to tag a runner in a bases full situation at any time. 2.00 (Force Play), 7.08(e)
Situation: R1. With nobody out. Ground ball to short and throws to second retires R1. Umpire gets hit with relay to 1st. The ball is alive.
1. Decision: True. 2.00 (Interference Umpire), 5.08
2. Decision: False. The ball is dead. 2.00 (Interference Umpire), 5.08
3. Decision: False. The ball is dead and BR is out. 2.00 (Interference Umpire), 5.08
Situation: The batter on strike two taps the ball in front of the plate with a short "swing". The ball rolls foul. You call him out for bunting foul on strike 3.
1. Decision: False. A "short swing" is not considered being "slowly tapped". 2.00 (Bunt), 6.05(d)
2. Decision: True. A "short swing" is considered being "slowly tapped". 2.00 (Bunt), 6.05(d)
3. Decision: True. A "short swing" on strike three is considered bunting. 2.00 (Bunt), 6.05(d)
Situation: 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 dead. R2 stays at 3rd because he was stealing on the pitch and the BR out.
1. Decision: False. The ball is dead and the BR is out. However, R2 returns to 2nd. 6.05(k), 2.00 (Interference (a))
2. Decision: True. The ball is dead and the BR is out. R2 stays at 3rd. 6.05(k), 2.00 (Interference (a))
3. Decision: True. The ball is dead and the BR is safe. R2 stays at 3rd. 6.05(k), 2.00 (Interference (a))
Situation: A batted ball which first strikes the ground behind home plate and then rolls untouched and settles in fair territory is a foul ball.
1. Decision: True. This is a foul ball since it was not touched and the area behind home plate is in foul territory. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
2. Decision: True. This is a foul ball. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
3. Decision: False. This is a fair ball. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
Situation: A batted line drive to the outfield, which strikes the foul pole in flight and is deflected over the fence into foul territory is a home run.
1. Decision: False. The foul pole is only there to help umpires determine fair/foul decisions. This is a ground rule double. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
2. Decision: False. The foul pole is only there to help umpires determine fair/foul decisions and is in foul territory. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
3. Decision: True. The foul pole is only there to help umpires determine fair/foul decisions. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
Situation: It is a legal CATCH if the 3rd baseman touches a fly ball which then strikes an umpire and is then caught by the shortstop while the ball is still in the air.
1. Decision: False. This is not a catch. It touched the umpire before a defensive player had firm and secure possession. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
2. Decision: True. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
3. Decision: True. This is a catch. It touched the umpire before a defensive player had firm and secure possession but did not touch the ground. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
Situation: A pitched ball goes directly from the bat to the catcher's hands and then bounces off his mask straight to the pitcher who catches it before it touches the ground. The umpire should call this a foul ball.
1. Decision: False. Rule 2.00 (Foul Tip and Foul Ball)
2. Decision: True. Rule 2.00 (Foul Tip and Foul Ball)
3. Decision: False. As the ball did not touch the ground it is a fair ball. Rule 2.00 (Foul Tip and Foul Ball)
Situation: A declared infield fly falls untouched to the ground on foul ground between home and 1st base. It then bounces over the 1St base line and comes to rest on fair ground between home and 1st base. The umpire should rule this an infield fly.
1. Decision: True. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
2. Decision: False. Any infield fly falling on any foul territory is automatically a foul ball no matter when it comes to rest. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
3. Decision: False. It is a dead ball. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
Situation: A pitched ball makes contact with the butt end of the batter's bat, then bounces off home plate and into fair territory. This is a foul ball.
1. Decision: True. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
2. Decision: True. Any ball hitting the bat below the batter's hands is considered a foul ball. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
3. Decision: False. Rule 2.00 (Fair Ball)
Situation: Bases loaded with one out. The squeeze is on but the batter bunts a pop fly towards the pitcher. The infield fly rule applies.
1. Decision: False. Cannot have an infield fly on a bunted ball. Rule 2.00 (Infield Fly)
2. Decision: True. Any hit ball can be called a Infield Fly. Rule 2.00 (Infield Fly)
3. Decision: True. Rule 2.00 (Infield Fly)
Situation: R1 and R3. R1 is caught in a rundown. R3 easily scores and in the ensuing rundown R1 is called for interference. R3 is now returned to 3rd base.
1. Decision: True. The interference takes precedence over the run coming in as it was on the same play as the batted ball. 2.00 (Interference(a))
2. Decision: False. The runner had already scored prior to the interference. 2.00 (Interference(a))
3. Decision: True. 2.00 (Interference(a))
Situation: A batted ball which first bounces on home plate is a foul ball.
1. Decision: True. Home plate is in foul territory. Rule 2.00 (Foul Ball), 2.00 (Fair Ball)
2. Decision: True. Rule 2.00 (Foul Ball), 2.00 (Fair Ball)
3. Decision: False. Rule 2.00 (Foul Ball), 2.00 (Fair Ball)
Situation: A fielder has made a catch and drops the ball in the act of making a throw. Umpire rules the ball caught.
1. Decision: True. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
2. Decision: False. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
3. Decision: False. It does not matter when the ball is dropped. A dropped ball is always a no catch. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
Situation: R1 is advancing to 2nd base on a ground ball hit to the 2nd baseman. R1 yells and waves his arms as the 2nd baseman bobbles the ball and does not make a play. R1 does not come into contact with the 2nd baseman but is called out for interference.
1. Decision: True. Rule 2.00 (Interference (a))
2. Decision: False. Rule 2.00 (Interference (a))
3. Decision: True only in Majors and above. Rule 2.00 (Interference (a))
Situation: A fly ball hits the left field foul pole above the fence. The batter is awarded two bases.
1. Decision: False. This is a home run. The foul pole is an extension of the foul line and is there to help umpires make their fair/foul decisions. It is not part of the outfield fence. Rule 2.00 (Fair Territory)
2. Decision: True. Rule 2.00 (Fair Territory)
3. Decision: True. This is a ground rule double. The foul pole is an extension of the ground and is part of the outfield fence/ground. Rule 2.00 (Fair Territory)
Situation: The 3rd baseman, standing in fair territory, reaches into foul territory and touches a line drive which is over foul ground. A fair ball is declared.
1. Decision: True. As long as part of the fielders glove was over top the foul line. Rule 2.00 (Foul Ball)
2. Decision: True. This is a fair ball. Rule 2.00 (Foul Ball)
3. Decision: False. This is a foul ball. Rule 2.00 (Foul Ball)
Situation: Second baseman catches a line drive which has deflected off the pitcher's arm. This is a catch.
1. Decision: True. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
2. Decision: False. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
3. Decision: True as long as the pitcher made no attempt or motion to catch the ball. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
Situation: Second baseman catches a line drive which has deflected off the base umpire. This is a catch.
1. Decision: True. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
2. Decision: False. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
3. Decision: True only if the umpire did not make an effort to get out of the way of the play. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
Situation: Second baseman catches a line drive which has deflected off a runner. This is a catch.
1. Decision: True - as long as the second baseman immediately tagged second base. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
2. Decision: True. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
3. Decision: False. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
Situation: Left fielder makes the catch, immediately crashes into the wall and drops the ball. This is a catch.
1. Decision: False. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
2. Decision: True. Rule 2.00 (Catch)
3. Decision: True - as long as he had possession for at least 5 seconds. Rule 2.00 (Catch)