Senor Azul

110%--that is an impressive statistic and one I did not know. So thanks for that—always glad to learn. I am curious, though, about where it came from. Could you give us a citation, please? And while you’re at it, could you also tell us where it says that a batter can be charged with “willful indifference.” The OP stated that the batter “had not moved from the batters box at all, he was a statue.” So, if that it is the case does it affect the percentage you quoted? Perhaps down to 109.99%?

Official Interpretation: Wendelstedt: “When a pitch gets away from the catcher, if the batter remains in the box and makes no other movement, he cannot be called for interference.” (email to Childress 7/7/14) Note 239: Many umpires believe once a pitch passes the plate, the batter is no longer a “batter” and hence must leave his box. HW points out that the rules say a batter remains a batter “until he is put out or becomes a runner.” (5.04c) Unless the pitch is strike three or ball four, the batter has a perfect right to the box. Umpires should, according to the Wendelstedt staff, call batter interference when the batter backs out of the box and gets hit by the throw rather than any hindrance occurring because he didn’t vacate the box. Play P378 (2013 WRIM, p. 242): R3, one out, 2-2 count. The next pitch is in the dirt and gets away from the catcher. As R3 charges home, the catcher retrieves the ball and throws it to the pitcher covering the plate. The batter remained in the batter’s box and (a) did not make any other movement, but is accidentally hit with the throw allowing R3 to score; (b) turns away and ducks when he sees the throw, but is still accidentally hit with it. Ruling: In (a), the umpire should signal that it’s nothing when the batter is hit, and R3’s run scores. In (b), the umpire should call interference and allow the play to continue. When R3 is not retired immediately, he should call time and call out R3. The batter remains at bat with a 3-2 count.

Joe Biagini has played for the Blue Jays since 2016. Whatever he is doing before and during his delivery does not seem to bother the umpires. Up to and including last week he has appeared in 150 games and pitched 256 innings for them. He has not been called for a single balk in all those appearances. But apparently he has several quirks in his delivery--from an article written by Gregor Chisholm in February 2018 for mlb.com-- “The most noticeable difference since then is that Biagini no longer does a quick bounce with both of his knees as he moves into the set position. Fans used to joke about how Biagini would wiggle his backside before every pitch, but now he just gets the ball, raises both hands, gets a grip on the baseball and moves into his delivery.”

Mr. Jimurray is right about the OBR interpretation (2016 BRD section 3, p. 16): Play 2-3: R3, R2, 2 outs. B1 singles to the outfield but injures himself coming out of the box. He cannot continue. R3 scores easily, but R2 is thrown out at home: 3 outs. The catcher then fires to F3, who tags first in advance of BR. Ruling: In FED/NCAA, cancel R3’s run. In OBR, the run scores, as per OBR official interpretation— OBR: Official Interpretation: Wendelstedt: The above play does not qualify to become an apparent (advantageous) fourth out. It is made on a runner who has not yet reached a base, not on one who has missed a base or has not properly tagged up from one.

From the 2016 BRD (section 3, p. 15): FED: Official Interpretation: Hopkins: If the defense gains a third out during play but the batter-runner has not yet reached first at the time of the out, the defense may play on him at first for an advantageous fourth out. (email to Stevens, 5/11/01; Website 2010 #20) 2010 NFHS Baseball Rules Interpretations SITUATION 20: Two outs, R3 at second base. On a 1-2 pitch, R3 attempts to steal third base as the batter attempts to check his swing. R3 is thrown out at third base for the third out. The defense now wants to appeal the check-swing on B4 so that if he went around, he struck out and would not come back to bat in the next half-inning. U1 checks with the base umpire and U2 confirms that B4 did indeed swing at strike three. RULING: Since B4’s out is a “fourth” out, the defense may select the out which is most to its advantage. B4 is out for out No. 3 and the batter following him in the lineup will bat first in the next half-inning. (2-20-2, 9-1-1d) NCAA: Official Interpretation: Paronto: Same as FED. (Arbiter Hub March 2014 #13)

From the 2017 Jaksa/Roder manual (p. 145): “The pitcher is allowed to momentarily adjust the ball, or transfer the ball from hand to glove (or vice versa) as he steps onto the pitching rubber, but is otherwise prohibited from stepping onto the rubber with his hands joined (and if he does so, a balk may be called as he separates his hands).” From the 2013 Wendelstedt manual (p.272): Play 570: R1, one out, 1-1 count. The pitcher, indicating the set position, engages the rubber (a) with his hands together, (b) with both hands barely separated in front of his chest, (c) leaned over with one arm behind his back and the other hanging and swinging in front of him; he stares into the catcher for the signs. Ruling: In (a) and (b), the umpire should immediately call time and instruct the pitcher to engage the rubber and take his position properly with one arm hanging or at his side. In (c), the pitcher has taken a proper position.

From the 2017 Jaksa/Roder manual (pp. 50-51): “By rule, a batter-runner cannot be out for abandoning before touching (or passing) first base. However, there may be instances wherein a batter-runner aborts an advance toward first base before touching (or passing) it. This is herein called desertion. “… Note that abandonment does not remove the force against runners ahead of the abandoning runner; this stipulation prevents a runner from abandoning the basepaths, intentionally or otherwise, and removing the force against a runner ahead of him. (MLB Rule Interpretation 31)” I do not know what MLB Interpretation 31 is or where to find it but it does make sense to me. I hope it does to you also. So, in your game the force out should have been called in addition to the batter being out--and if there was one out to start the play then the batter would be the third out and the run should not count.

Perhaps our guest is not misunderstanding an OBR rule but knows a FED rule that is illustrated in the following case book play-- 2015 NFHS Case Book Play 6.1.2 Situation F: With R3, F1 steps on the pitcher’s plate with both hands already together in front of his body. F1 then drops his pitching hand to his side and stops. Ruling: This is a balk and R3 is awarded home. F1 separated his hands without delivering the pitch. And, Mr. Jimurray, the Jeff Nelson ejection you mentioned is MLB ejection #87 from July 4, 2018. It is written up in Close Call Sports and I don’t think it is comparable to the OP here.

No need to agonize over rule book semantics if you accept the definition of fair ball found in the Jaksa/Roder manual (2017 edition, p. 26): “It is a fair ball if any portion of a batted ball…is bounding on or over fair territory when passing any portion of first or third base.” And here is another example along the lines of the one Mr. Ives posted— “A strike is ruled if the umpire judges that…the batter has not swung at a pitch, but any portion of the baseball has passed, airborne, through any portion of the strike zone.”

From the 2016 BRD (section 129, p. 102): NCAA--“The fielder must catch (have secure possession of) the ball before he touches the dead-ball area with any part of his body.” 2018 NCAA rule 2-16d. It is not a legal catch if either foot is touching dead-ball territory when the catch is made (see 6-1-d-4). NCAA rule 6-1d. If a fielder, after making a legal catch, steps into a bench or dugout or steps into dead-ball territory the ball is dead. Each runner, other than the batter, may without liability to be put out, advance one base when a fielder, after catching a fly ball, steps or falls into any out-of-play area. Note If a fielder reaches into a dugout, bullpen or dead-ball area to catch a foul fly ball and an opponent interferes with the attempted catch, the batter shall be declared out and no runners shall advance. 1) For a legal catch, a fielder must catch and have secure possession of the ball before touching dead-ball territory with either foot or falling into a dead-ball area. A fielder may enter the dead-ball area as long as the player re-enters live ball territory at the time of the catch… 4) All lines used as out-of-play boundaries are considered in live-ball territory.

From the 2015 NFHS Case Book play 2.9.1 Situation C: Comment: The playing field includes both fair and foul playing territory. Any other areas beyond the playing field are defined as being outside the playing field (dead-ball area). Any wall, fence, barricade, rope, wire, marked or imaginary line is considered a part of the playing field. Any areas beyond those boundaries are outside the playing field. A fielder’s status, generally, is determined by the location of his feet, and when a foot is touching a boundary line or the playing field inside the boundary line, he has not left the playing field, even though his other foot might be in contact with the area beyond the boundary line. Umpires may use the following guidelines to determine the status of a fielder following the catch of a batted or thrown live ball: (1) It is a catch when he has one or both feet touching the playing field, or with both feet in flight prior to his touching any dead-ball area. (2) If after making the catch both feet are entirely in a dead-ball area, the ball becomes dead. (3) If the ball is caught after he has established his position outside the playing field, it is not a legal catch. Also, remember that whenever a dead ball follows a catch, there are instances when one or more runners may be awarded bases. (5-1-1i, 8-3-3d)

Perhaps this is where the confusion started—this is what LL teaches their umpires from the 2018 Little League Rules Instruction Manual: EXAMPLE: Runner on first, home plate umpire believing all play had ceased, turned his/her back on the pitcher to dust off home plate when: (a) runner steals second with no play being made; (b) pitcher catches runner standing off first talking with first base coach. Base umpire calls runner out. Ruling: In both (a) and (b), put runner back on first. Although neither umpire technically called “time”, it was implied when the home plate umpire turned his/her back to the ball to dust off home plate. Anytime you clean the plate, call “time”. DO NOT rely on the concept of “Implied TIME”. Then signal and call “play” to make the ball live again. See Rule 5.11.

From the 2016 BRD (section 541, p. 353): OBR Official Interpretation: Wendelstedt: "The umpire may change his call even if the fielders reacted. Not a good thing, but possible. Especially if the call is changed after the initial play has completed. Since Fitzpatrick’s departure, a new rule has been added that umpires may do whatever necessary to correct the situation (to the best of their ability) following a changed call. This can occur real time, or following the play.” Play 335-541: Without dropping his bat Bubba hunkers down to avoid an inside pitch. The ball nicks off the knob end and rolls into fair territory. The UIC erroneously calls “Foul ball!” and then quickly yells “Play it! Fair ball!” On the first call Bubba stops and starts to return; on the second call, F2 picks up the ball and throws to first for the out. Ruling: It’s a foul ball at all levels.

A FAIR BALL is a batted ball that settles on fair ground between home and first base, or between home and third base, or that is on or over fair territory when bounding to the outfield past first or third base, or that touches first, second or third base, or that first falls on fair territory on or beyond first base or third base, or that, while on or over fair territory touches the person of an umpire or player, or that, while over fair territory, passes out of the playing field in flight…

From the 2018 Little League Rules Instruction Manual Prepared for the 2018 Little League Umpire Schools “If a batter strikes at a ball and misses and swings so hard he/she carries the bat all the way around and, in the umpire’s judgment, unintentionally hits the catcher or the ball in back of him/her on the back swing before the catcher has securely held the ball, it shall be called a strike only (not interference). The ball will be dead, however, and no runner shall advance on the play.”

Actually, the definition of Fair Ball used to be in rule 2.00--prior to 2015. Now, the definitions of the basic terms of the game are in an appendix at the back of the rule book titled simply Definitions of Terms. By definition, it is a fair ball if the batted ball touches any part of the base (emphasis added)-- A FAIR BALL is a batted ball that settles on fair ground between home and first base, or between home and third base, or that is on or over fair territory when bounding to the outfield past first or third base, or that touches first, second or third base, or that first falls on fair territory on or beyond first base or third base, or that, while on or over fair territory touches the person of an umpire or player, or that, while over fair territory, passes out of the playing field in flight…

OBR: rule 6.01(i)(2) and following Comment FED: rules 2-22-1, 8-3-2; case plays 2.21.1 Situation B, 8.3.2 Situation C and… 2008 NFHS Baseball Rules Interpretations SITUATION 13: Without the ball in possession, the catcher sets up in the base path, but does allow access to part of home plate. As the ball and the runner converge at home simultaneously, the runner contacts the catcher. RULING: As long as the umpire judges that the catcher provided access to the plate for the runner, this is not obstruction. With the play in motion and the timing such that it is about to occur, a fielder may be in the base path without the ball, provided he allows the runner access to the base or home plate. (2-22-3) NCAA: rules 2-55 Note 6; 8-7a,b,and c

/www.si.com/mlb/2018/09/12/cubs-eugene-emeralds-northwest-league-championship-walk-balk-video A balk-off win is interesting but the even greater story is that the Eugene Emeralds are the Northwest League champions after finishing in last place 14 games under .500.

2014 NFHS Baseball Rules Interpretations SITUATION 21: As the home team prepares to take the field on defense, F2 pulls on his one-piece catcher’s mask/helmet as he sets up in the catcher’s box. Both the offensive team and umpire-in-chief notice that the catcher’s mask/helmet is one of the new ACME shiny-chrome, reflective-paint models. RULING: The umpire-in-chief instructs F2 to put on a compliant catcher’s mask/helmet, the outer cover of which shall have a non-glare surface. F2 explains that there is no other mask available; however, adding dull/matte black tape over the helmet would make the helmet less reflective, which would meet the criteria of the rule. There would be no penalty unless F2 does not comply with the umpire’s direction, then he would be ejected from the contest. (1-5-5) SITUATION 22: R1 leads off the inning wearing a highly polished reflective batting helmet. The opposing coach inquires as to the legality of R1 wearing such a helmet as it would be distracting to his pitcher and the infielders. R1 and his coach explain that, a) the helmet meets the current NOCSAE performance standard for batting helmets; b) there is no rule prohibiting such product for use; and c) the player has a right to own and use the helmet when there is no rule preventing such use. RULING: The umpire explains that the use of such helmet presents a risk minimization issue for the team playing defense. The bright reflection of the sun off the helmet poses a dangerous situation for the defense. In a) and b), the fact that the helmet meets the NOCSAE performance standard for batting helmets is admirable and is compliant to NOCSAE standards; unfortunately, it is judged by the umpire to be unreasonably dangerous and is illegal for use. There are several rules references prohibiting the use of such equipment. (1-5-9,10) Regarding c), the player does have the right to own and use the helmet, just not for high school baseball competition. COMMENT: If the offensive team would like to use the batting helmet, it could make it less reflective by adding dull/matte black tape over the helmet in order to meet the intent of the rule.

2018 NFHS rule 1-5-1 SECTION 5 PLAYER EQUIPMENT ART. 1 . . . It is mandatory for on-deck batters, batters, runners, retired runners, players/students in the coaches boxes as well as non-adult bat/ball shaggers to wear a batting helmet that has a non-glare (not mirror-like) surface and meets the NOCSAE standard at the time of manufacture. The batting helmet shall have extended ear flaps that cover both ears and temples and also display the NOCSAE stamp and the exterior warning statement...

FED rule 2-4-2: A base on balls is an award of first base (often referred to as a “walk”) if a batter receives four such balls. The batter must (emphasis added) go immediately to first base before time-out is called.

FED: If a batter receives ball four, the umpire shall not grant time until the batter reaches first. (2-4-2; 2.4.2) FED Case Book Play 2.4.2 SITUATION: B1 receives ball four and he or a teammate or coach of Team A immediately requests time. RULING: The umpire shall ignore the request and order B1 to go to first base, after which a player or coach of Team A may request time. NCAA: Same as FED. (2018 rule 6-1a Note 2) OBR: Official Interpretation: Wendelstedt: “In theory, an umpire should not grant time until all runners have reached their awarded bases. However, in practice, umpires may grant time when they are certain that no runner is attempting, or going to attempt, to advance beyond his award.”

To our guest, Denny, which rule set are you asking about? In the NCAA, when more than one runner might have committed the violation it doesn’t seem to be as cut and dried. Check out the following NCAA rule-- 2017-18 NCAA rule 8-6b-6--If there possibly is more than one runner involved in an appeal at a base, the defensive team must declare on which runner the appeal is being made. If the defensive team fails to identify such runner, the umpire should give no signal. If the appeal is made on the improper runner, the umpire shall give the safe sign and no further appeal shall be allowed at that base. Note: If, before making the first appeal, the defense announces that it intends to appeal multiple infractions, a throwing error shall cancel only the first appeal if the ball remains in play, or base runners do not advance. And here is what the Jaksa/Roder manual says about it for OBR play: “If there is an appeal at a base that more than one runner has passed, the fielder should specify which runner is under appeal. If the fielder does not specify, the umpire can ask which runner’s action is being appealed.”

May 2010 Plays and Clarifications Rule 8, Section 2I Batter-Runner is out Play: R1 on 3B, R2 on 2B and R3 on 1B and one out. B5 hits, what appears to be, an infield fly that it is not called by the umpires. The ball was not caught and F5 picks up the ball and throws home for a force play with no tag being applied, and the runner is called out. After all play has ceased the defensive coach requests time to discuss the play with the umpires as they feel that the infield fly should have been called per ASA rules. After the umpires discuss the situation the plate umpire calls the batter-runner out on an infield fly and rules the runner that touched the plate safe for not being tagged. The offensive coach protests and asks if the umpires can legally call Infield fly after the fact? Ruling: If after the umpires get together and agree this fly ball met the criteria of Rule 1, INFIELD FLY, and the umpire failed to make the correct call at the time, then Rule 9, Section 1A[1-4] allows the umpire to call “Infield Fly” when the opposing team brought this to the attention of the umpires. In regards to R1 at 3B, by the umpire not calling “Infield Fly” this put both teams in jeopardy. Rule 10, Section 3C allows for the umpire to rectify any situation in which a reversal of an umpire’s decision or delayed call places the offensive or defensive team in jeopardy. In the above case, the batter should be ruled out for Infield Fly and return R1 to 3B. As to the question of whether the umpires can decide, after the fact, to call an Infield Fly or not, the following information should be noted: 1) If the umpires thought it was a fly ball that could be caught by normal effort (Rule 1 Definition Infield Fly) and did not call infield fly, then the opposing team could protest a misapplication of the playing rules under Rule 9A, Section 1-4. 2) Not calling infield fly put both the offense and defense in jeopardy, especially the runner from 3B attempting to score. 3) Rule 10 Section 3C allows the umpires to rectify any situation in which a reversal of an umpire’s decision or delayed call by an umpire places a batter-runner, runner or defensive team in jeopardy. In this case, if the umpires decide, under protest, that the Infield Fly Rule should have been called, then they put the defense in jeopardy by not knowing that they had to tag the runner. The umpires should have returned all runners to the last base touched before they ruled the batter–runner out on the Infield fly rule that should have been called.

In May of 2010 USA Softball (back then it was ASA) issued a case play dealing with exactly your question. It is rather long and detailed but the last sentence sums it up nicely—“The umpires should have returned all runners to the last base touched before they ruled the batter–runner out on the Infield fly rule that should have been called.” Here’s the link to that case play and interpretation: https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball/News/2010/May/31/May-2010-Plays-and-Clarifications