The Pitcher

Rule 8 - Pitchers

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: 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.
1. Decision: False. The pitcher can turn either way when making a pick off to second base. Because R1 was attempting to steal second, it is not considered throwing to an unoccupied base. Rule 8.05(c), 8.05(d)
2. Decision: True. The pitcher cannot turn either way when making a pick off to second base. Because R1 was attempting to steal second, it is considered throwing to an unoccupied base. Rule 8.05(c), 8.05(d)
3. Decision: True. The pitcher can only turn in the direction of the hand holding the ball when making a pick off to second base. Because R1 was attempting to steal second, it is considered throwing to an unoccupied base. Rule 8.05(c), 8.05(d)
Situation: After the starting pitcher tires the defensive manager brings in a substitute pitcher. The umpire should give the pitcher as many pitches as necessary.
1. Decision: True. The umpire shall allow as many warm up pitches as are necessary. Rule 8.03
2. Decision: False. The umpire shall allow as many pitches as can be completed in two minutes. Rule 8.03
3. Decision: False. The umpire shall allow eight warm up pitches. Rule 8.03
Situation: The batter hits a sharp line drive back to the pitcher. It strikes him in the arm and he is forced to leave the game. The new pitcher should only get eight warm up pitches.
1. Decision: False. When a sudden emergency occurs, the new pitcher shall be given as many pitches as the umpire deems necessary. Rule 8.03
2. Decision: True. When a sudden emergency occurs, it is the same as changing pitchers. Rule 8.03
3. Decision: False. When a sudden emergency occurs, the new pitcher shall be given as many pitches as can be completed in 2 minutes. Rule 8.03
Situation: The pitcher is struck on the knee by a line drive. The manager comes out to check on his pitcher and decides that he's okay and then returns to the dugout. The next batter singles and the manager rushes back out to consult with his pitcher. This is the second trip by the manager and the pitcher must be removed.
1. Decision: True. An injury visit shall be considered a trip. In this case, there has been two trips incurred. Rule 8.06(a).
2. Decision: False. An injury visit shall not be considered a trip. In this case, there has been only one trip incurred. Rule 8.06(a).
3. Decision: False. An injury visit shall not be considered a trip as long as the 2nd trip does not occur before two batters have been put out or have hit. In this case, there has been two trips incurred. Rule 8.06(a).
Situation: R2, 3 2 count, 1 out. The pitcher hastily delivers a quick pitch before the batter gets set. The pitch is right over the middle of the plate. This is a called strike on the batter and a balk. R2 is awarded 3rd base.
1. Decision: False. A quick pitch with a runner on base is ruled a "balk". Move the R2 to third. The count remains 3 2 . Rule 8.05(e)
2. Decision: True. A quick pitch with a runner on base is ruled a "balk". Move the R2 to third. The batter is out . Rule 8.05(e)
3. Decision: False. A quick pitch with a runner on base is ruled a "balk". R2 however stays at 2nd. The count becomes 4 2. BR moves to first base . Rule 8.05(e)
Situation: A right handed relief pitcher enters the game. When a left handed pinch hitter is sent up to bat, the ambidextrous pitcher switches glove hands and prepares to pitch left-handed. This is legal. Then the batter must choose the side he wishes to bat from. After that no other changes can be made on that at bat.
1. Decision: True. The pitcher may change arms on the arrival of a pinch hitter. Rule professional regulations. NAPBL 6 14 Ambidextrous Pitchers Rule 8.00
2. Decision: False. The pitcher may not change arms on the arrival of a pinch hitter. Rule professional regulations. NAPBL 6 14 Ambidextrous Pitchers Rule 8.00
3. Decision: True. The pitcher may change arms on the arrival of a pinch hitter - but only once in a game. Rule professional regulations. NAPBL 6 14 Ambidextrous Pitchers Rule 8.00
Situation: R2. The second baseman has the ball hidden in his glove. The pitcher assumes his position on the rubber without the ball as R2 takes his lead off second base. The sly second sacker darts over and tags out the surprised runner. R2 is out.
1. Decision: True. In this case the hidden ball trick has worked. A balk is not charged for the pitcher standing on the rubber without the ball in this case only due to the intent of the play. R2 is out. Rule 8.05(i)
2. Decision: True. In this case the hidden ball trick has worked. Rule 8.05(i)
3. Decision: False. In this case the hidden ball trick has backfired. A balk is charged for the pitcher standing on the rubber without the ball. R2 is not out, but instead awarded third base. Rule 8.05(i)
Situation: No one on base with a 3 1 count on the batter. The pitcher is in the middle of his delivery when the ball squirts from his hand and rolls into the back of the left hand batter's box. This is ball four.
1. Decision: False. This is simply a no pitch as the pitcher did not have the 'intent' to throw a ball. This is simply a mistake. Rule 8.01(d)
2. Decision: True. This is simply ball four since it crossed the foul line. If it had not crossed the foul line, it would be "no pitch" with no runners on base. Rule 8.01(d)
3. Decision: False. This is a balk. If it had not crossed the foul line, it would be "no pitch" with no runners on base. Runner is awarded first base. Rule 8.01(d)
Situation: R1 and R2 with 2 outs and a 3 2 count on the batter. Anticipating the delivery to the batter, the runners are off and running before the pitch. From his set position, the pitcher fires to the third baseman covering third base. R2 is tagged out easily. This is not a balk for throwing to an unoccupied base.
1. Decision: True. This is a legal putout. Since he threw to third for the purpose of making a play, no balk shall be called. Rule 8.05(d)
2. Decision: False. This is a not legal putout. Since he threw to third for the purpose of making a play but no runner was present it is a balk. Rule 8.05(d)
3. Decision: True. This is a legal putout only because there was runners on 1st and 2nd only. If the bases were loaded this would have been a balk. Rule 8.05(d)
Situation: R1. The pitcher is at the bottom of his set position. He backs off the rubber with his pivot foot and attempts to pick off R1. The errant throw gets by the first baseman and bounces into the stands. R1 is awarded third.
1. Decision: False. He stepped off the rubber before throwing wildly, but not off the mound so he is not a fielder. Award one base. R1 goes to second. Rule 7.05(g), 8.01(e)
2. Decision: False. Since he stepped off the rubber before throwing wildly, the pitcher became an infielder. Award one base only as the throw was still from the pitcher. R1 goes to second. Rule 7.05(g), 8.01(e)
3. Decision: True. Since he stepped off the rubber before throwing wildly, the pitcher became an infielder. Award two bases. R1 goes to third. Rule 7.05(g), 8.01(e)
Situation: R3. Bottom of the ninth inning with two outs and the score is tied. The batter smashes a hot grounder up the middle that strikes the rosin bag lying behind the mound. The "sure" base hit is deflected to the shortstop who throws to first in time for the put out. The game goes into the tenth inning.
1. Decision: True. The rosin bag is "in play". The out stands and the game proceeds into extra innings. Rule 8.02(a) (Comments)
2. Decision: False. The rosin bag "is not in play". The out does not stand and the game ends when R3 comes in for the winning run. Rule 8.02(a) (Comments)
3. Decision: True. The rosin bag is "in play". The out stands and the game proceeds into extra innings. If the rosin bag had been sitting clearly off the mound the out would not stand. Rule 8.02(a) (Comments)
Situation: Bases are loaded with a 2 2 count on the batter. As the pitcher winds up, the ball slips out of his hand and rolls across the third base foul line behind the batter. The catcher retrieves the ball and prevents the runners from advancing. What's your call?
1. Decision: Baseball Canada This is a ball. Pro: Score R3 and award all other runners 1 base. This is treated as a balk. Count remains 2 2. Rule 8.01(d), 8.05(k)
2. Decision: Baseball Canada This is a foul ball. Pro: Score R3 and award all other runners 1 base. This is treated as a balk. Count remains 2 2. Rule 8.01(d), 8.05(k)
3. Decision: Baseball Canada This is a no pitch since there are runners on base. Rule 8.01(d), 8.05(k)
Situation: The batter smashes a double into left field. He reaches second safely standing up. The throw comes into the second baseman who trots to the mound to visit the pitcher. The infielder hides the ball in his glove as he returns to his position and the pitcher assumes his position on the rubber. This is an illegal play and ruled a balk.
1. Decision: False. The hidden ball trick is illegal, and, this maneuver is illegal because the pitcher assumed a position "on the rubber" without the ball. This is ruled a balk. Rule 8.05(i)
2. Decision: True. The hidden ball trick is legal, but, this maneuver is illegal because the pitcher assumed a position "on the rubber" without the ball. This is ruled a balk. Rule 8.05(i)
3. Decision: True. The hidden ball trick is legal, and, this maneuver is also legal because the pitcher assumed a position "on the rubber" without the ball on purpose. This is ruled "that's nothing". Rule 8.05(i)
Situation: R1 with one out and a 2 1 count. The pitcher balks as he delivers a wild pitch that eludes the catcher. The catcher retrieves the wild pitch and retires the R1 trying for third. As the umpire you declare the ball dead and return R1 to second. The count remains 2 1.
1. Decision: False. R1 advanced beyond second base at his own risk. He is out. The count remains 2 1. Rule 8.05(AR)
2. Decision: True. R1 advanced beyond second base on a legal balk. He is not out. The count remains 2 1. Rule 8.05(AR)
3. Decision: False. R1 advanced beyond second base at his own risk. He is out. The count becomes 2 2. Rule 8.05(AR)
Situation: R1 and R3. The pitcher is in the "set position". R3 breaks toward home. The pitcher steps directly toward third and fakes a throw. R3 dives back into third base as the pitcher holds the ball. This is perfectly legal.
1. Decision: False. The pitcher is not allowed to fake a throw to any occupied base from the rubber, except first base. This is a balk. Rule 8.05(b)
2. Decision: True. The pitcher is allowed to fake a throw to either 1st or 3rd base only from the rubber. This is not a balk. Rule 8.05(b)
3. Decision: True. The pitcher is allowed to fake a throw to any occupied base from the rubber, except first base. This is not a balk. Rule 8.05(b)
Situation: R3 with a 2 1 count. The pitcher balks, but continues his delivery to the batter. The balk is called as the batter hits a liner into right center. Thinking the ball is dead, R3 did not leave third. The BR advances to second on the double. As the umpire, you score R3 and bring the batter back to bat with a 2 1 count.
1. Decision: False. Since the BR advanced at least one base the balk penalty is declined. R3 stays on third. Rule 8.05(Penalty)
2. Decision: True. Since not all runners did not advance at least one base, the balk penalty is enforced. Rule 8.05(Penalty)
3. Decision: False. There is no penalty since a play was made. Rule 8.05(Penalty)
Situation: R1 and R2 with nobody out and a 3 2 count. The right handed pitcher has properly stopped at the bottom of his stretch. As soon as his free foot starts up, each runner breaks for the next base. Without crossing the plane of the rubber with his free foot, the pitcher fires the ball to third in plenty of time to nail the surprised runner. This is legal.
1. Decision: True. This is legal since a play was made. If the runner was not running then a balk should be called for throwing to an unoccupied base. Rule 8.05(d)
2. Decision: False. This is not legal even though a play was made. The pitcher threw to an unoccupied base. Rule 8.05(d)
3. Decision: False. This is a balk since the pitcher had started his motion. Rule 8.05(d)
Situation: R2. The pitcher is in the "set position". Expecting R2 to be stealing on the pitch, the pitcher starts his delivery, but instead of delivering to the batter, he fires to the third baseman covering the base. R2 never left second. This is a balk.
1. Decision: False. This is not a balk since the pitcher threw to an unoccupied base on the expectation of the runner leaving second. Rule 8.05(d)
2. Decision: True. This is balk since the pitcher threw to an unoccupied base and no play occurred. Rule 8.05(d)
3. Decision: False. This is not a balk since the pitcher threw while in the delivery of a pitch. It does not matter where the ball was pitched. Rule 8.05(d)
Situation: 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.
1. Decision: Since batter made first base but was out at first he is out. Rules 8.01 (d), 2.00 (Illegal Pitch)
2. Decision: Since batter did not reach first base safely, he is awarded first base. Rules 8.01 (d), 2.00 (Illegal Pitch)
3. Decision: Since batter did not reach first base safely, he bats again. Rules 8.01 (d), 2.00 (Illegal Pitch)
Situation: 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.
1. Decision: True. The balk awarded the runner 2nd base. He gets second. 8.05(m) (AR)
2. Decision: False. The balk awarded the runner 2nd base. The runner was free to make an attempt for 3rd base but does so at his own risk. 8.05(m) (AR)
3. Decision: False. A call of a balk does not award a runner a base. 8.05(m) (AR)
Situation: R1 and R3 with 1 out. The pitcher assumes a set position. From this position, the pitcher steps toward 3rd base and feints a throw. Now off the rubber, he wheels around and picks R1 off 1st base. This is a balk.
1. Decision: False. As long as the pitcher disengages the rubber, he is free to do what ever he wants. Rule 8.05(c) notes
2. Decision: True. As long as the pitcher is on the mound, he is not free to do what ever he wants. It is a balk. Rule 8.05(c) notes
3. Decision: True. As long as the pitcher disengages the rubber and takes one step backward, he is free to do what ever he wants - he did not step back. Rule 8.05(c) notes
Situation: 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.
1. Decision: False. The pitcher must not step off with the pivot foot prior to separating his hands except in actual delivery of the pitch. Rule 8.05(j)
2. Decision: True. The pitcher must step off with the pivot foot prior to separating his hands except in actual delivery of the pitch. Rule 8.05(j)
3. Decision: True with conditions. The pitcher must step off with the pivot foot prior to separating his hands except in actual delivery of the pitch unless there are runners on both 1st and 2nd . Rule 8.05(j)
Situation: 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.
1. Decision: False. 8.02(d), Little League 8.02(c)
2. Decision: True only if there are runners on base. 8.02(d), Little League 8.02(c)
3. Decision: True. 8.02(d), Little League 8.02(c)
Situation: It is legal for the pitcher to take the sign from the catcher while he is astride the rubber.
1. Decision: False. Rule 8.01
2. Decision: True. Rule 8.01
3. Decision: True provided there are runners on base. If no runners then false. Rule 8.01
Situation: 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.
1. Decision: True. This is a balk. 8.05(c) notes
2. Decision: False. This is a ball. 8.05(c) notes
3. Decision: False. This is a legal. 8.05(c) notes
Situation: It is illegal for pitchers to go to their mouth with the pitching hand while standing on the mound. If there are runners on base, this is a balk.
1. Decision: False. The umpire should call a ball except if the pitcher delivers the pitch and all runners including the BR advance at least one base. Rule 8.02(a)(1)
2. Decision: True. The umpire should call a balk except if the pitcher delivers the pitch and all runners including the BR advance at least one base. Rule 8.02(a)(1)
3. Decision: False. The umpire should call a ball except if the pitcher delivers the pitch and all runners including the BR advance at least two bases. Rule 8.02(a)(1)
Situation: A pitcher summoned into the game in an emergency without an opportunity to warm up is entitled to as many pitches as the umpire deems necessary.
1. Decision: False. Eight pitches only. Rule 8.03
2. Decision: True as long as the other pitcher had a serious disabling physical injury only. Rule 8.03
3. Decision: True Rule 8.03
Situation: In a National Senior Championship Game the Alberta manager goes to the mound for the 2nd time in the same inning to the same pitcher. He removes the pitcher and places him at shortstop. The Manitoba manager protests that the pitcher should be removed from the game. The Manitoba manager is correct.
1. Decision: False. The pitcher is only removed in Babe Ruth baseball. In all professional baseball the pitcher may move to another position. 8.06(b) Canadian Content.
2. Decision: False. The pitcher is only removed in professional baseball. In all amateur baseball the pitcher may move to another position. 8.06(b) Canadian Content.
3. Decision: True. The pitcher is always removed in levels of baseball. 8.06(b) Canadian Content.
Situation: In all but Little League the pitcher has 20 seconds to deliver the ball to the batter with nobody on base.
1. Decision: False The pitcher has 12 seconds. This starts over every time batter leaves the box. Rule 8.04
2. Decision: True The pitcher has 20 seconds. This starts over every time batter leaves the box. Rule 8.04
3. Decision: False The pitcher has 12 seconds from the time he gets his signals from the catcher. This starts over every time batter leaves the box. Rule 8.04
Situation: R2 and R3. The right handed pitcher clearly brings his left hand to his lips within the 18 foot circle, wipes his hand and then rubs up the ball with his bare hands. This is legal.
1. Decision: True. In this case the pitcher used the non pitching hand while on the mound. The pitcher is permitted to wet his fingers and then rub the ball only after receiving an ok nod from the umpire. Rule 8.02(a)(1)
2. Decision: False. In this case even though the pitcher used the non pitching hand while on the mound it is not permitted. Rule 8.02(a)(1)
3. Decision: True. In this case the pitcher used the non pitching hand while on the mound. The pitcher is permitted to wet his fingers and then rub the ball. Rule 8.02(a)(1)
Situation: In a Senior game, two innings have been completed with the home team behind by seven runs. The hitter is at bat with a 2 0 count. The pitching coach goes to the mound. (L.L. assume this is the 2nd visit) The following two pitches are fouled to deep left field. The manager then decides to visit the pitcher and heads for the mound. The plate umpire intercepts and advises the manager that he may not go to the mound while the same batter is at bat. A discussion follows and the manager ends up at the mound. The umpire should eject the manager, allow the pitcher to finish the at bat and then remove the pitcher from the pitching position. The new pitcher will be entitled to as many warm up pitches as the umpire deems necessary.
1. Decision: True. Rule 8.06
2. Decision: False. Rule 8.06
3. Decision: True only in a situation where the home team is behind in the score. Rule 8.06
Situation: A pitcher delivers a spitball. The umpire detects this, calls a ball and warns the pitcher. The pitcher commits the offense a second time and is disqualified from the game by the umpire.
1. Decision: True. Rule 8.02(a)(6)
2. Decision: False. As of 2006 a warning is no longer issued. It is an automatic ejection. Rule 8.02(a)(6)
3. Decision: False. As of 2006 a warning is no longer issued. It is an automatic base for the batter. Rule 8.02(a)(6)
Situation: R1 is stealing. The pitcher balks on his throw to 1st. The shortstop catches the throw from the 1st baseman and tags R1 as he overslides 2nd base. The play stands and R1 is out.
1. Decision: True. The ball is still alive as soon as the first baseman catches the ball. The rules only allow the ball to remain in play when there is an overthrow or a throw to first. Rule 8.05 (Penalty and first approved ruling) This is no different than if the pitcher delivered the ball to the batter and the catcher caught it.
2. Decision: True. The ball is dead as soon as the first baseman catches the ball. The rules only allow the ball to remain in play when there is an overthrow. Rule 8.05 (Penalty and first approved ruling) This is no different than if the pitcher delivered the ball to the batter and the catcher caught it. As soon as the catcher catches the pitch the PU calls time and awards bases. In this question, the umpires should call time as soon as the first baseman catches the ball.
3. Decision: False. The ball is dead as soon as the first baseman catches the ball. The rules only allow the ball to remain in play when there is an overthrow. Rule 8.05 (Penalty and first approved ruling) This is no different than if the pitcher delivered the ball to the batter and the catcher caught it. As soon as the catcher catches the pitch the PU calls time and awards bases. In this question, the umpires should call time as soon as the first baseman catches the ball.
Situation: R1. The pitcher is behind the rubber with the ball when he makes a quick throw to first base in an attempt to get R1. The ball is thrown into dead ball area. R1 should be awarded third base.
1. Decision: True. The pitcher is considered an infielder when he is not touching the rubber. Rule 8.01(e), 7.05(g)
2. Decision: False. The pitcher is not considered an infielder when he is not touching the rubber but still on the mound. Rule 8.01(e), 7.05(g)
3. Decision: True. The pitcher is considered an infielder when he is not touching the rubber. However, R1 only gets second base. Rule 8.01(e), 7.05(g)
Situation: No runners. Pitcher is using the set position. After getting his signs, the pitcher brings his hands together and delivers the ball without coming to a complete stop. This is legal.
1. Decision: True. Rule 8.01(b)
2. Decision: False. It does not matter if there are runners on base or not. This is a balk. Penalty is a ball. Rule 8.01(b)
3. Decision: False. Rule 8.01(b)
Situation: No runners. The 12 second timing starts when the pitcher is in possession of the ball and the batter is in the box, alert to the pitcher. The timing stops when the pitcher releases the ball.
1. Decision: False. The timing stops when the ball crosses or reaches the home plate area. Rule 8.04
2. Decision: False. Rule 8.04
3. Decision: True. Rule 8.04