Quiz test only

Rule 5 - Putting the Ball into Play

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: 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.
1. Decision: False. The run does not stands. Rule: 5.06 and 7.08(i).
2. Decision: False. The run does not stands. A illegally scored run can be nullified by subsequent action. Rule: 5.06 and 7.08(i).
3. Decision: True. The run stands. A legally scored run cannot be nullified by subsequent action unless such action is to confuse or create a travesty. Rule: 5.06 and 7.08(i).
Situation: R1. R1 is attempting to steal second, the catcher cocks his arm to throw to second base and accidentally strikes the umpire in the mask. The catcher hesitates briefly and then fires to second in time to nab R1. The out stands.
1. Decision: False. This is considered umpire's interference and the ball is dead. The out does not stands. R1 is sent back to first base. Rule 5.09(b).
2. Decision: False. This is considered umpire's interference, the ball is live but the runner must return to first base. The out stands. Rule 5.09(b).
3. Decision: True. This is considered umpire's interference but is disregarded since R1 was retired. The out stands. Rule 5.09(b).
Situation: R1 and R2. The batter smashes a ground ball up the middle past a diving shortstop. The ball hits the umpire who is positioned behind the infielder. The ball is alive.
1. Decision: True. The ball is alive and in play since it has passed an infielder. It does not matter if another fielder has a play on the ball. Runners advance at their own risk. Rule 6.08(d) and 5.09(f).
2. Decision: False. The ball is dead and is not in play. It does not matter if another fielder has a play on the ball. Runners advance at their own risk. Rule 6.08(d) and 5.09(f).
3. Decision: False. The ball is dead. Anytime a ball hits an unnatural object the play is stopped. An umpire is an unnatural object at all times. Rule 6.08(d) and 5.09(f).
Situation: The batter smashes a line drive to the center field fence. A stitch in the ball breaks and the ball comes partially apart. Two runners cross the plate. The play stands.
1. Decision: False. The umpire must decide when the ball came apart and all plays after that point are rolled back. If it was in the air over the infield when it came apart then all plays after that point are rolled back. Rule 5.02
2. Decision: True. The ball remains alive until the play is completed. Rule 5.02
3. Decision: True. The ball remains alive until the break in the ball is found and then the ball is dead and all plays stop. If the fielder held up the ball and motioned the ball was coming apart then any plays after that time are rolled back. Rule 5.02
Situation: Two balls, two strikes, bases empty and no outs. The pitcher winds up and fires the next pitch wildly into the backstop. The quick thinking batter flails at the wild pitch as it sails by, enabling him to reach first base before the catcher can retrieve the ball. The play stands.
1. Decision: True. Give the batter credit for his quick thinking. Since the receiver did not catch "strike three", the batter may advance in this situation. Rule 5.03, 6.09(b)
2. Decision: False. Give the batter credit for his quick but false thinking. Since the receiver could not catch "strike three", the batter may not advance in this situation. Rule 5.03, 6.09(b)
3. Decision: True only because all the bases were empty. Give the batter credit for his quick thinking. Since the receiver did not catch "strike three", the batter may advance in this situation. Rule 5.03, 6.09(b)
Situation: R3 with 1 out. The batter swings and misses for "strike three". The catcher drops the ball as the batter heads for first. The catcher recovers the ball and cocks his arm to fire to first. His throwing hand strikes the umpire's mask and the ball is thrown wildly. R3 scores and the batter advances to second. This is legal.
1. Decision: False. The batter is declared out for the second out. The ball is dead as soon as the ball is not caught by the first baseman and R3 must return. Rule 5.09(b)
2. Decision: True. Except the batter must return to first. The run stands. Rule 5.09(b)
3. Decision: True. The batter is safe and the run counts since the catcher threw to first instead of attempting to get R3 out at home. Rule 5.09(b)
Situation: R1 is stealing on the pitch. The catcher's throw to nab R1 strikes the base umpire in the back of his head. R1 steals the base easily. This is not umpire interference. However, the ball is dead and R1 must return to 1st base.
1. Decision: True. Rule 5.08
2. Decision: True. The ball is dead and not in play. R1 returns to first. This is umpire interference. Rule 5.08
3. Decision: False. The ball is alive and in play. R1 remains at second. Rule 5.08
Situation: R1 and R3 with 1 out. The pitcher's errant throw to first gets by the first baseman and strikes the first base coach. The first baseman retrieves the ball and fires home to retire R3 and the follow up throw to second retires R1. This is not base coach interference. It is a double play and the side is retired.
1. Decision: True. This is a DP. When a thrown ball accidentally touches a base coach, the ball is alive and in play. Rule 5.08
2. Decision: False. The base coach should have avoided the ball. This is base coach interference. R3 counts but R1 is moved back to first base. Rule 5.08
3. Decision: False. The base coach should have avoided the ball. This is base coach interference. R3 does not count but R1 is safe at second. Rule 5.08
Situation: R1 and R2 with two outs. The batter smashes a long fly down the left field line and goes foul. The runners must return to their respective bases. However, R2 goes back near second base but does not actually touch it. The next batter triples and R2 scores. The defense can appeal that R2 failed to tag up.
1. Decision: True. Rule 5.09(e) Pro Interpretation.
2. Decision: True. Technically, the umpire should not put a new ball into play until all runners have retouched. If he does, all runners are considered legal and the appeal has to happen before another play occurs. Rule 5.09(e) Pro Interpretation.
3. Decision: False. Technically, the umpire should not put a new ball into play until all runners have retouched. If he does, all runners are considered legal and no appeal is allowed. Rule 5.09(e) Pro Interpretation.
Situation: The batter slugs a game winning home run over the center field wall. As he rounds first he trips on the bag and falls to the ground. The first base coach hurries to assist but to no avail. The BR's leg is broken. The home run does not count because the base coach tried physically assists him.
1. Decision: False. This is a dead ball award to home base. The defensive team may substitute a runner in this situation and the run shall count. Rule 5.10(c)(1)
2. Decision: True. The injury is tragic but the rule of interference must stand to prevent abuse and trickery. Rule 5.10(c)(1)
3. Decision: True. The runner is out as he cannot complete the bases. Rule 5.10(c)(1)
Situation: R1 gets a big lead and is "off and running" with the pitch. The batter smashes a ground ball up the middle and it hits R1 who has just slid safely into second base. He is touching the base when the ball hits him. The ball is dead and R1 is out.
1. Decision: False. Since he is touching the base when hit, R1 is not out. Credit the batter with a base hit. Rule 7.08(f), 5.09(f)
2. Decision: False. Since he is touching the base when hit, R1 is not out. Credit the batter with a base hit. A base runner is protected when hit by a ball since it passed the pitcher who is an infielder. Rule 7.08(f), 5.09(f)
3. Decision: True. Even though he is touching the base when hit, R1 is out. Credit the batter with a base hit but call R1 out. A base runner is only protected when hit by an infield fly and is touching his base. Rule 7.08(f), 5.09(f)
Situation: During an evening game, the batter hits a fly ball to the left fielder. He is positioned to make the catch when the lights go out momentarily. The ball falls to the ground. When the lights come on, the BR is standing on second base. The umpire should call time and bring the batter back to bat.
1. Decision: True. When light failure creates a problem while the ball is in play, the umpire shall call "time" and nullify that action that occurred during the blackout. Rule 5.10(b)
2. Decision: False. When light failure creates a problem while the ball is in play, the umpire shall call "time" and, in this case put the runner back to first. Rule 5.10(b)
3. Decision: True. When light failure creates a problem while the ball is in play, the umpire shall call "time" and put the runner back to first unless, in the umpires judgement, the left fielder would have normally missed the catch. Rule 5.10(b)
Situation: In fielding a batted ball, an outfielder falls and is injured. "Time" can be called in order to prevent the runner from scoring.
1. Decision: True. When a player is injured, the ball can be declared "dead" if further play is possible. Rule 5.10(h)
2. Decision: False. When a player is injured, the ball can not be declared "dead" if further play is possible unless it results in the winning run. This run must be rolled back. Rule 5.10(h)
3. Decision: False. When a player is injured, the ball can not be declared "dead" if further play is possible. Rule 5.10(h)
Situation: The batter hits a ball over the fence for a home run. In rounding the bases he misses second. When the ball is returned to the infield it is thrown immediately and directly to the second baseman who steps on second base and then appeals for an out to be called. The ball is dead and the BR cannot be called out. The defense cannot make a proper appeal again.
1. Decision: False. Runner is not out since the ball is dead and has not been properly made live again. Once the ball is put into play by the umpire, the defense can then make an appeal on the missed base. Rule 5.11, 7.10, 2.00 (Appeal)
2. Decision: True. Rule 5.11, 7.10, 2.00 (Appeal)
3. Decision: False. Runner is out. Rule 5.11, 7.10, 2.00 (Appeal)
Situation: 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.
1. Decision: True. Runner is out. Ball given to the catcher is "alive" and remains so. Rule 5.11, 5.10(e)
2. Decision: False. Runner is not out. Ball given to the catcher is "dead" and remains so until held by the pitcher standing on his plate and the umpire calls, "play". Rule 5.11, 5.10(e)
3. Decision: False. Runner is not out. Ball given to the catcher is "dead" and remains so until at least two fielders handle the ball. Rule 5.11, 5.10(e)
Situation: R3 and one out. A foul fly is caught by the catcher after which he steps, (does not fall), into the dugout. R3 tags up scores on a close play to win the game. The ball is alive and runners can advance at their own risk..
1. Decision: True. Provided the catcher remains on his feet. Rule 7.04(c), 5.10(f)
2. Decision: False. The ball was dead as soon as he entered the dugout. Rule 7.04(c), 5.10(f)
3. Decision: True. As long as no player in the dugout touched the catcher, if touched it is interference and the ball is dead. Rule 7.04(c), 5.10(f)
Situation: With R2 and R3, the batter, on an attempted pitch out, steps out of the box and singles. R2 and R3 cross home base.
1. Decision: True. The batter can do this on a pitch out only. Rule 6.06(a), 5.09(d)
2. Decision: False. Batter is out and runners must return to second and third since the ball is dead the moment the batter hits the ball illegally. Rule 6.06(a), 5.09(d)
3. Decision: False. Batter is out for the illegal hit but runners are safe. Rule 6.06(a), 5.09(d)
Situation: Batter hits to third baseman who throws wild to first in attempt to retire the BR, ball hitting the base coach and bounding into right field foul territory. The BR goes all the way to third. This is legal.
1. Decision: False. This was interference by a coach. Rule 5.08, 7.11
2. Decision: True. This was not interference by a coach. Rule 5.08, 7.11
3. Decision: False. This was interference by a coach but runner only goes back to second base. Rule 5.08, 7.11
Situation: 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.
1. Decision: False. The ball is dead and runners cannot advance. Rule 5.08
2. Decision: True. The ball is live but runners can advance a maximum of one base. Rule 5.08
3. Decision: True. The ball is live and runners can advance. Rule 5.08
Situation: R2 with one out. R2 is attempting to steal 3rd when the batter hits a ground ball which passes the pitcher and strikes the base umpire working in the infield. This is umpire interference. The ball is dead, R2 is awarded 3rd and the BR is awarded 1st.
1. Decision: False. Ball is dead. Runners are at 1st and 2nd. Rule 5.09(f), 6.08(c), 6.08(d), 7.04(b), 2.00 (lnterference(c))
2. Decision: True. Ball is dead. Rule 5.09(f), 6.08(c), 6.08(d), 7.04(b), 2.00 (lnterference(c))
3. Decision: False. Ball is alive. Runners are at 1st and 3rd. Rule 5.09(f), 6.08(c), 6.08(d), 7.04(b), 2.00 (lnterference(c))
Situation: 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.
1. Decision: True. The ball is dead as soon as the catcher entered the dugout and the runner is out, R1 returns. Rule 7.04(c), 5.10(f)
2. Decision: False. The ball is alive and the runner is out. Rule 7.04(c), 5.10(f)
3. Decision: False. The ball is alive and the runner is safe. Rule 7.04(c), 5.10(f)
Situation: R1 with one out. Attempting to pick the runner off at 1st, the catcher is interfered with by the umpire and throws the ball into right field, while R1 advances all the way to 3rd. The ball is dead and R1 remains at first.
1. Decision: True. 5.09(b)
2. Decision: False. 5.09(b)
3. Decision: True. But R1 only returns to 2nd base. 5.09(b)
Situation: R2 with 2 out. R2 is accidentally hit by a ground ball in the hole that the 3rd baseman tried for and missed. The shortstop had no play. The ball is dead and R2 is returned to 2nd and the BR is at 1st.
1. Decision: False. The ball is alive. And R2 is safe. 5.09(f) note, 6.08(d), 6.09(c), 7.09(k)
2. Decision: True. The ball is dead. 5.09(f) note, 6.08(d), 6.09(c), 7.09(k)
3. Decision: False. The ball is alive. And R2 is returned to 2nd. 5.09(f) note, 6.08(d), 6.09(c), 7.09(k)
Situation: 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.
1. Decision: False. The sleeve is not considered the 'person'. Rule 2.00 (Person), 5.09(a), 2.00 (Ball), 2.00 (Touch), 6.08(b)
2. Decision: True. The batter does not have to make an effort to avoid being hit. Rule 2.00 (Person), 5.09(a), 2.00 (Ball), 2.00 (Touch), 6.08(b)
3. Decision: True. Provided he made an effort to prevent from being hit. Rule 2.00 (Person), 5.09(a), 2.00 (Ball), 2.00 (Touch), 6.08(b)
Situation: R1. The batter swings at and misses on 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.
1. Decision: False. The ball is dead. The batter remains at the plate with a 1 2 count. R1 is returned to 1st base. Rule 2.00 (Strike(e)), 2.00 (Ball notes), 6.08(b), 5.09(a)
2. Decision: True. The ball is dead. Rule 2.00 (Strike(e)), 2.00 (Ball notes), 6.08(b), 5.09(a)
3. Decision: False. The ball is alive. Rule 2.00 (Strike(e)), 2.00 (Ball notes), 6.08(b), 5.09(a)
Situation: Bases loaded with two out. The batter hits a ground ball towards shortstop. The shortstop fields the ball but hits the umpire with the throw. When the ball is finally recovered and play has stopped, 2 runs have scored, R1 is standing on 3rd and the BR is standing on 2nd. This is legal.
1. Decision: False. 5.08
2. Decision: True. 5.08
3. Decision: True. Except the runners are moved back to 2nd and 1st. The runs count. 5.08
Situation: R1 and R3. The infielders are all in front of the bases for a play at the plate. Batter hits a line drive past the 1st baseman that strikes R1 going from 1st to 2nd. The ball deflects to the 1st baseman who in turn throws to the catcher in time to get R3 from 3rd. R1 stops at 2nd and BR is standing on 1st. The ball is alive, R3 is out, R1 stays at 2nd and BR stays at 1St.
1. Decision: True. 5.09(f), 7.08(f)
2. Decision: False. 5.09(f), 7.08(f)
3. Decision: True. But R1 is out. 5.09(f), 7.08(f)
Situation: 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.
1. Decision: False. The BR stays at 1st base and R2 goes to third. 5.09(f)
2. Decision: True. 5.09(f)
3. Decision: False. The BR stays at 1st base. 5.09(f)