OFFICIAL BASEBALL RULES

2024 Edition
 Official Baseball Rules
2024 Edition

JOINT COMPETITION COMMITTEE

Corbin Burnes Whit Merrifield Austin Slater

Bill DeWitt Bill Miller John Stanton, Chair
Zac Gallen Dick Monfort Tom Werner
Greg Johnson Mark Shapiro

Committee Secretary
Paul V. Mifsud, Jr.

Editors
Vanish Grover
Raquel Wagner

Copyright © 2024
by the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball
All rights reserved.
No part of the Official Baseball Rules may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system
now known or to be invented, without permission in writing from
the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball.

The Major League Baseball silhouetted batter logo is a

registered trademark of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc.

Cover photo by Daniel Shirley/MLB Photos.

ISBN 978-1-63727-386-9

Printed in the United States of America

 FOREWORD

This code of rules governs the playing of baseball games by professional

teams of Major League Baseball and any league within the professional
development league system operated by Major League Baseball in which
Minor League Clubs are assigned to compete.
We recognize that many amateur and non-professional organizations play
their games under professional rules and we are happy to make our rules
available as widely as possible. It is well to remember that specifications
as to fields, equipment, etc., may be modified to meet the needs of each
group.
Money fines, long-term suspensions and similar penalties imposed by
this code are not practicable for amateur groups, but officers and umpires
of such organizations should insist on strict observance of all the rules
governing the playing of the game.

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 IMPORTANT NOTES

(1) The Playing Rules Committee, at its December 2014 meeting,

voted to reorganize and recodify the Official Baseball Rules into a
more logical and organized manner. No wording or language was
changed (other than the amendments made for that year); only the
order and placement of the rules were modified. In this edition
Comments to the Official Rules are highlighted in a shaded box
rather than being printed in smaller typeface as had been the case
prior to 2015.
(2) The Playing Rules Committee, at its December 1977 meeting, voted
to incorporate the Notes/Case Book/Comments section directly into
the Official Baseball Rules at the appropriate places. Basically, the
Case Book interprets or elaborates on the basic rules and in essence
have the same effect as rules when applied to particular sections for
which they are intended.
This arrangement is designed to give quicker access to any written
language pertaining to an Official Rule and does not require a reader
to refer to different sections of the Official Baseball Rules book in
considering the application of a particular rule.
Case Book material in this edition are in shaded boxes and are la-
beled as “Comment.”

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 Summary of Rule Changes for 2024

• Amended Rule 2.01 to reflect the updated dimensions of the grass

line of the infield dirt in fair territory along the first base line.

• Amended Rule 5.09(a)(11) to reflect the updated dimensions

governing certain interference calls for throw at first base.

• Amended Rule 5.10(g) to reflect that a pitcher who warms up on the

field at the start of the inning is required to pitch to at least the first
batter of the inning until such batter is put out or reaches first base.

• Amended Rule 5.10(m) to update the number of mound visits each

team is allowed through nine innings.

• Amended the Penalty for Interference in Rule 6.01(a) to reflect the

updated dimensions governing certain interference calls for throws at
first base.

• Amended Rule 7.01 to clarify the policies surrounding regulation

games.

• Amended Rule 7.02 to clarify the policies surrounding suspended

games.

• Amended “A Called Game” in the Definition of Terms to clarify the

Office of the Commissioner’s role in terminating play.

• Added “A Postponed Game” to the Definition of Terms.

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vi
 Table of Contents
2024 Official Baseball Rules

1.00 —OBJECTIVES OF THE GAME ....................................... 1

2.00 —THE PLAYING FIELD

2.01 Layout of the Field ........................................................ 2
2.02 Home Base. ....................................................................... 3
2.03 The Bases .......................................................................... 4
2.04 The Pitcher’s Plate ......................................................... 4
2.05 Benches ............................................................................. 4

3.00 —EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS

3.01 The Ball ............................................................................. 5
3.02 The Bat .............................................................................. 5
3.03 Player Uniforms . ............................................................ 6
3.04 Catcher’s Mitt . ................................................................ 7
3.05 First Baseman’s Glove ................................................. 7
3.06 Fielding Gloves . ............................................................. 8
3.07 Pitcher’s Glove ............................................................... 9
3.08 Helmets ............................................................................. 9
3.09 Undue Commercialization. ....................................... 10
3.10 Equipment on the Field ............................................. 10

4.00 —GAME PRELIMINARIES

4.01 Umpire Duties .............................................................. 11
4.02 Field Manager .............................................................. 12
4.03 Exchange of Lineup Cards........................................ 12
4.04 Weather and Field Conditions ................................ 15
4.05 Special Ground Rules ................................................ 15
4.06 No Fraternization ........................................................ 16
4.07 Security............................................................................ 16
4.08 Doubleheaders . ............................................................ 16

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5.00—PLAYING THE GAME
5.01 Starting the Game (“Play Ball!”) ........................... 18
5.02 Fielding Positions . ...................................................... 18
5.03 Base Coaches . .............................................................. 20
5.04 Batting.............................................................................. 20
(a) Batting Order......................................................... 20
(b) The Batter’s Box ................................................. 21
(c) Completing Time at Bat . .................................. 24
5.05 When the Batter Becomes a Runner ..................... 24
5.06 Running the Bases ...................................................... 27
(a) Occupying the Base ........................................... 27
( b) Advancing Bases ................................................ 27
(c) Dead Balls ............................................................. 32
5.07 Pitching ......................................................................... 34
(a) Legal Pitching Delivery . .................................. 34
(1) The Windup Position .................................. 35
( 2) The Set Position ........................................... 36
( b) Warm-Up Pitches ............................................... 37
(c) Pitcher Delays ...................................................... 37
(d) Throwing to the Bases ...................................... 38
(e) Effect of Removing Pivot
Foot From Plate ......................................... 38
(f) Ambidextrous Pitchers . .................................... 38
5.08 How a Team Scores . .................................................. 39
5.09 Making an Out ............................................................. 41
(a) Retiring the Batter .............................................. 41
(b) Retiring a Runner . .............................................. 45
(c) Appeal Plays . ....................................................... 50
(d) Effect of Preceding Runner’s
Failure to Touch a Base . ......................... 52

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 (e) Retiring the Side ................................................. 52
5.10 Substitutions and Pitching Changes
(Including Visits to the Mound ) ....................... 52
5.11 Designated Hitter Rule .............................................. 61
5.12 Calling “Time” and Dead Balls . ............................ 64

6.00—IMPROPER PLAY, ILLEGAL ACTION,

AND MISCONDUCT
6.01 Interference, Obstruction, and Catcher
Collisions .................................................................. 66
(a) Batter or Runner Interference ......................... 66
( b) Fielder Right of Way ......................................... 69
(c) Catcher Interference . ......................................... 70
(d) Unintentional Interference ............................... 71
(e) Spectator Interference ....................................... 72
(f ) Coach and Umpire Interference ..................... 73
(g) Interference With Squeeze Play or
Steal of Home .................................................. 73
(h) Obstruction ........................................................... 73
( i) Collisions at Home Plate .................................. 75
(j) Sliding to Bases on
Double Play Attempts . ................................. 76
6.02 Pitcher Illegal Action ................................................. 77
(a) Balks ....................................................................... 77
( b) Illegal Pitches With Bases Unoccupied ...... 80
(c) Pitching Prohibitions ......................................... 80
6.03 Batter Illegal Action ................................................... 83
(a) Batter Out for Illegal Action ........................... 83
(b) Batting Out of Turn . .......................................... 85
6.04 Unsportsmanlike Conduct ........................................ 88

7.00—ENDING THE GAME

7.01 Regulation Games ....................................................... 90

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 7.02 Suspended Games ....................................................... 93
7.03 Forfeited Games .......................................................... 95
7.04 Protesting Games ........................................................ 96

8.00—THE UMPIRE
8.01 Umpire Qualifications and Authority.................... 97
8.02 Appeal of Umpire Decisions.................................... 97
8.03 Umpire Position.......................................................... 100
8.04 Reporting. ..................................................................... 101

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO UMPIRES ..................... 102

9.00—THE OFFICIAL SCORER

9.01 Official Scorer (General Rules) ............................ 104
9.02 Official Scorer Report . ............................................ 107
9.03 Official Scorer Report (Additional Rules) ........ 110
9.04 Runs Batted In . .......................................................... 113
9.05 Base Hits ...................................................................... 113
9.06 Determining Value of Base Hits .......................... 115
9.07 Stolen Bases and Caught Stealing ....................... 118
9.08 Sacrifices ...................................................................... 120
9.09 Putouts . ......................................................................... 122
9.10 Assists ........................................................................... 124
9.11 Double and Triple Plays ......................................... 125
9.12 Errors . ........................................................................... 125
9.13 Wild Pitches and Passed Balls .............................. 129
9.14 Base on Balls .............................................................. 130
9.15 Strikeouts ..................................................................... 131
9.16 Earned Runs and Runs Allowed .......................... 132
9.17 Winning and Losing Pitcher .................................. 137
9.18 Shutouts ........................................................................ 139
9.19 Saves for Relief Pitchers . ....................................... 139

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 9.20 Statistics ....................................................................... 140
9.21 Determining Percentage Records ........................ 141
9.22 Minimum Standards for Individual
Championships . .................................................... 142
9.23 Guidelines for Cumulative
Performance Records. ......................................... 144
DEFINITIONS OF TERMS . ....................................................... 145

APPENDICES ..................................................................................... 157

1 Diagram of the Playing Field ................................ 158
2 Layout at Home Plate, 1st, 2nd,
and 3rd Bases ........................................................ 159
3 Layout of Pitching Mound ..................................... 160
4 Dimensions of Fielder’s Glove . ........................... 161
5 The Strike Zone ......................................................... 162
INDEX .................................................................................................... 163

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xii
 Rule 1.01 to 1.06

1.00–OBJECTIVES OF THE GAME

1.01 Baseball is a game between two teams of nine players each, under
direction of a manager, played on an enclosed field in accordance
with these rules, under jurisdiction of one or more umpires.
1.02 The offensive team’s objective is to have its batter become a runner,
and its runners advance.
1.03 The defensive team’s objective is to prevent offensive players from
becoming runners, and to prevent their advance around the bases.
1.04 When a batter becomes a runner and touches all bases legally he
shall score one run for his team.
1.05 The objective of each team is to win by scoring more runs than the
opponent.
1.06 The winner of the game shall be that team which shall have scored,
in accordance with these rules, the greater number of runs at the
conclusion of a regulation game.

1
 Rule 2.01

2.00–THE PLAYING FIELD

2.01 Layout of the Field

The field shall be laid out according to the instructions below,
supplemented by the diagrams in Appendices 1, 2, and 3.
The infield shall be a 90-foot square. The outfield shall be the area
between two foul lines formed by extending two sides of the square,
as in diagram in Appendix 1 (page 156). The distance from home
base to the nearest fence, stand or other obstruction on fair territory
shall be 250 feet or more. A distance of 320 feet or more along
the foul lines, and 400 feet or more to center field is preferable.
The infield shall be graded so that the base lines and home plate
are level. The pitcher’s plate shall be 10 inches above the level of
home plate. The degree of slope from a point 6 inches in front of the
pitcher’s plate to a point 6 feet toward home plate shall be 1 inch to
1 foot, and such degree of slope shall be uniform. The infield and
outfield, including the boundary lines, are fair territory and all other
area is foul territory.
It is desirable that the line from home base through the pitcher’s
plate to second base shall run East-Northeast.
It is recommended that the distance from home base to the backstop,
and from the base lines to the nearest fence, stand or other obstruction
on foul territory shall be 60 feet or more. See Appendix 1.
When location of home base is determined, with a steel tape
measure 127 feet, 33⁄8 inches in desired direction to establish
second base. From home base, measure 90 feet toward first base;
from second base, measure 90 feet toward first base; the intersection
of these lines establishes first base. From home base, measure 90
feet toward third base; from second base, measure 90 feet toward
third base; the intersection of these lines establishes third base. The
distance between first base and third base is 127 feet, 33⁄8 inches. All
measurements from home base shall be taken from the point where
the first and third base lines intersect.
The catcher’s box, the batters’ boxes, the coaches’ boxes, the three-
foot first base lines and the next batter’s boxes shall be laid out as
shown in the diagrams in Appendices 1 and 2.

2
 Rule 2.01 to 2.02

The foul lines and all other playing lines indicated in the diagrams
by solid black lines shall be marked with paint or non-toxic and
non-burning chalk or other white material.
The grass lines and dimensions shown on the diagrams are those
used in many fields, but they are not mandatory and each Club shall
determine the size and shape of the grassed and bare areas of its
playing field, except as follows:
(a) The grass line of the outer boundary of the infield dirt shall be
a 95-foot radius from the center of the pitcher’s plate. A Club
will be considered to be in compliance with this provision if
the average distance of the grass line of the outer boundary of
the infield dirt is less than 96 feet but more than 94 feet, and
no individual measurement is more than 96 feet or less than 94
feet.
(b) The grass line of the infield dirt in fair territory along the first
base line between home and first base shall be no less than 18
inches and no more than 24 inches from the first base line.
NOTE: (a) Any Playing Field constructed by a professional
Club after June 1, 1958, shall provide a minimum distance of
325 feet from home base to the nearest fence, stand or other
obstruction on the right and left field foul lines, and a minimum
distance of 400 feet to the center field fence.
(b) No existing playing field shall be remodeled after
June 1, 1958, in such manner as to reduce the distance from
home base to the foul poles and to the center field fence below
the minimum specified in paragraph (a) above.

2.02 Home Base

Home base shall be marked by a five-sided slab of whitened rubber.
It shall be a 17-inch square with two of the corners removed so that
one edge is 17 inches long, two adjacent sides are 8½ inches and
the remaining two sides are 12 inches and set at an angle to make a
point. It shall be set in the ground with the point at the intersection
of the lines extending from home base to first base and to third base;
with the 17-inch edge facing the pitcher’s plate, and the two 12-inch
edges coinciding with the first and third base lines. The top edges of

3
 Rule 2.02 to 2.05

home base shall be beveled and the base shall be fixed in the ground
level with the ground surface. (See drawing D in Appendix 2.)

2.03 The Bases

First, second and third bases shall be marked by white canvas or
rubber-covered bags, securely attached to the ground as indicated in
Diagram 2. The first and third base bags shall be entirely within the
infield. The second base bag shall be centered on second base. The
bags shall be 18 inches square, not less than three nor more than five
inches thick, and filled with soft material.

2.04 The Pitcher’s Plate

The pitcher’s plate shall be a rectangular slab of whitened rubber,
24 inches by 6 inches. It shall be set in the ground as shown in
Diagrams 1 and 2, so that the distance between the pitcher’s plate
and home base (the rear point of home plate) shall be 60 feet, 6
inches.

2.05 Benches
The home Club shall furnish players’ benches, one each for the home
and visiting teams. Such benches shall not be less than twenty-five
feet from the base lines. They shall be roofed and shall be enclosed
at the back and ends.

4
 Rule 3.01 to 3.02(c)

3.00–EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS

3.01 The Ball

The ball shall be a sphere formed by yarn wound around a small
core of cork, rubber or similar material, covered with two strips of
white horsehide or cowhide, tightly stitched together. It shall weigh
not less than five nor more than 5¼ ounces avoirdupois and measure
not less than nine nor more than 9¼ inches in circumference.
No player shall intentionally discolor or damage the ball by rubbing
it with soil, rosin, paraffin, licorice, sand-paper, emery- paper or
other foreign substance.
PENALTY: The umpire shall demand the ball and remove
the offender from the game. In addition, the offender shall be
suspended automatically for 10 games. For rules in regard to
a pitcher defacing the ball, see Rules 6.02(c)(2) through (6).

Rule 3.01 Comment: Should a ball come par­tially apart in a

game, it is in play until the play is completed.

3.02 The Bat

(a) The bat shall be a smooth, round stick not more than 2.61 inches
in diameter at the thickest part and not more than 42 inches in
length. The bat shall be one piece of solid wood.
NOTE: No laminated or experimental bats shall be used in a
professional game (either championship season or exhibition
games) until the manufacturer has secured approval from Major
League Baseball of his design and methods of manufacture.
(b) Cupped Bats. An indentation in the end of the bat up to 1¼
inches in depth is permitted and may be no wider than two
inches and no less than one inch in diameter. The indentation
must be curved with no foreign substance added.
(c) The bat handle, for not more than 18 inches from its end, may
be covered or treated with any material or substance to improve
the grip. Any such material or substance that extends past the
18-inch limitation shall cause the bat to be removed from the
game.

5
 Rule 3.02(c) to 3.03(f)

NOTE: If the umpire discovers that the bat does not conform
to (c) above until a time during or after which the bat has
been used in play, it shall not be grounds for declaring the
batter out, or ejected from the game.

Rule 3.02(c) Comment: If pine tar extends past the 18-inch

limitation, then the umpire, on his own initiative or if alerted
by the opposing team, shall order the batter to use a different
bat. The batter may use the bat later in the game only if the
excess substance is removed. If no objections are raised prior
to a bat’s use, then a violation of Rule 3.02(c) on that play does
not nullify any action or play on the field.

(d) No colored bat may be used in a professional game unless

approved by Major League Baseball.

3.03 Player Uniforms

(a) All players on a team shall wear uniforms identical in color,
trim and style, and all players’ uniforms shall include minimal
six-inch numbers on their backs.
(b) Any part of an undershirt exposed to view shall be of a uniform
solid color for all players on a team. Any player other than the
pitcher may have numbers, and/or letters, insignia attached to
the sleeve of the undershirt.
(c) No player whose uniform does not conform to that of his
teammates shall be permitted to participate in a game.
(d) A league may provide that each team shall wear a distinctive
uniform at all times, or that each team shall have two sets of
uniforms, white for home games and a different color for road
games.
(e) Sleeve lengths may vary for individual players, but the sleeves
of each individual player shall be approximately the same
length; no player shall wear ragged, frayed or slit sleeves; and
no pitcher shall wear sleeves that are white, gray, nor, in the
judgment of an umpire, distracting in any manner.
(f) No player shall attach to his uniform tape or other material of
different color from his uniform.

6
 Rule 3.03(g) to 3.05

(g) No part of the uniform shall include a pattern that imitates or

suggests the shape of a baseball.

(h) Glass buttons and polished metal shall not be used on a uniform.

(i) No player shall attach anything to the heel or toe of his shoe
other than the ordinary shoe plate or toe plate. Shoes with
pointed spikes similar to golf or track shoes shall not be worn.

(j) No part of the uniform shall include patches or designs relating

to commercial advertisements. Notwithstanding the foregoing
or anything else in these Rules, a Club may license to third-
party commercial sponsors the right to place their name, logos
and/or marks on the uniform, provided that the patch or design
is approved in advance by the Office of the Commissioner after
consultation with the Players Association.

(k) A league may provide that the uniforms of its member teams
include the names of its players on their backs. Any name other
than the last name of the player must be approved by the Office
of the Commissioner. If adopted, all uniforms for a team must
have the names of its players.

3.04 Catcher’s Mitt

The catcher may wear a leather mitt not more than thirty-eight inches
in circumference, nor more than fifteen and one-half inches from top
to bottom. Such limits shall include all lacing and any leather band
or facing attached to the outer edge of the mitt. The space between
the thumb section and the finger section of the mitt shall not exceed
six inches at the top of the mitt and four inches at the base of the
thumb crotch. The web shall measure not more than seven inches
across the top or more than six inches from its top to the base of the
thumb crotch. The web may be either a lacing, lacing through leather
tunnels, or a center piece of leather which may be an extension of the
palm, connected to the mitt with lacing and constructed so that it will
not exceed any of the above mentioned measurements.

3.05 First Baseman’s Glove

The first baseman may wear a leather glove or mitt not more than
thirteen inches long from top to bottom and not more than eight inches

7
 Rule 3.05 to 3.06

wide across the palm, measured from the base of the thumb crotch to
the outer edge of the mitt. The space between the thumb section and
the finger section of the mitt shall not exceed four inches at the top of
the mitt and three and one-half inches at the base of the thumb crotch.
The mitt shall be constructed so that this space is permanently fixed
and cannot be enlarged, extended, widened, or deepened by the use
of any materials or process whatsoever. The web of the mitt shall
measure not more than five inches from its top to the base of the
thumb crotch. The web may be either a lacing, lacing through leather
tunnels, or a center piece of leather which may be an extension of the
palm connected to the mitt with lacing and constructed so that it will
not exceed the above mentioned measurements. The webbing shall
not be constructed of wound or wrapped lacing or deepened to make
a net type of trap. The glove may be of any weight.

3.06 Fielding Gloves

Each fielder, other than the catcher, may use or wear a leather glove.
The measurements covering size of glove shall be made by measuring
front side or ball receiving side of glove. The tool or measuring tape
shall be placed to contact the surface or feature of item being measured
and follow all contours in the process. The glove shall not measure
more than 13 inches from the tip of any one of the 4 fingers, through
the ball pocket to the bottom edge or heel of glove. The glove shall not
measure more than 7¾ inches wide, measured from the inside seam
at base of first finger, along base of other fingers, to the outside edge
of little finger edge of glove. The space or area between the thumb
and first finger, called crotch, may be filled with leather webbing or
back stop. The webbing may be constructed of two plies of standard
leather to close the crotch area entirely, or it may be constructed of a
series of tunnels made of leather, or a series of panels of leather, or of
lacing leather thongs. The webbing may not be constructed of wound
or wrapped lacing to make a net type of trap. When webbing is made
to cover entire crotch area, the webbing can be constructed so as to
be flexible. When constructed of a series of sections, they must be
joined together. These sections may not be so constructed to allow
depression to be developed by curvatures in the section sides. The
webbing shall be made to control the size of the crotch opening. The
crotch opening shall measure not more than 4½ inches at the top, not

8
 Rule 3.06 to 3.08(e)

more than 5¾ inches deep, and shall be 3½ inches wide at its bottom.
The opening of the crotch shall not be more than 4½ inches at any
point below its top. The webbing shall be secured at each side, and at
top and bottom of crotch. The attachment is to be made with leather
lacing, these connections to be secured. If they stretch or become
loose, they shall be adjusted to their proper condition. The glove can
be of any weight. See Appendix 4 for diagram of glove dimensions.

3.07 Pitcher’s Glove

(a) The pitcher’s glove may not, exclusive of piping, be white,
gray, nor, in the judgment of an umpire, distracting in any
manner. No fielder, regardless of position, may use a fielding
glove that falls within a PANTONE® color set lighter than the
current 14-series.
(b) No pitcher shall attach to his glove any foreign material of a
color different from the glove.
(c) The umpire-in-chief shall cause a glove that violates Rules
3.07(a) or (b) to be removed from the game, either on his own
initiative, at the recommendation of another umpire or upon
complaint of the opposing manager that the umpire-in-chief
agrees has merit.

3.08 Helmets
A Professional League shall adopt the following rule pertaining to
the use of helmets:
(a) All players shall use some type of protective helmet while at bat
and while running the bases.
(b) All players in the Minor Leagues shall wear a double ear-flap
helmet while at bat.
(c) All Major League players must wear a single ear-flap helmet (or
at the player’s option, a double ear-flap helmet).
(d) All catchers shall wear a catcher’s protective helmet and face
mask while receiving a pitch.
(e) All base coaches shall wear a protective helmet while performing
their duties.

9
 Rule 3.08(f) to 3.10(b)

(f) All bat/ball boys or girls shall wear a double ear-flap protective

helmet while performing their duties.

Rule 3.08 Comment: If the umpire observes any violation of

these rules, he shall direct the violation to be corrected. If
the violation is not corrected within a reasonable time, in the
umpire’s judgment, the umpire shall eject the offender from
the game, and disciplinary action, as appropriate, will be
recommended.

3.09 Undue Commercialization

Playing equipment including but not limited to the bases, pitcher’s
plate, baseball, bats, uniforms, catcher’s mitts, first baseman’s
gloves, infielders’ and outfielders’ gloves and protective helmets,
as detailed in the provisions of this rule, shall not contain any undue
commercialization of the product. Designations by the manufacturer
on any such equipment must be in good taste as to the size and
content of the manufacturer’s logo or the brand name of the item.
The provisions of this Rule 3.09 shall apply to professional leagues
only.
NOTE: Manufacturers who plan innovative changes in baseball
equipment for professional baseball leagues should submit same to
Major League Baseball prior to production.

3.10 Equipment on the Field

(a) Members of the offensive team shall carry all gloves and other
equipment off the field and to the dugout while their team is at
bat. No equipment shall be left lying on the field, either in fair
or foul territory.
(b) The use of any markers on the field that create a tangible
reference system on the field is prohibited.

10
 Rule 4.01 to 4.01(e)

4.00–GAME PRELIMINARIES

4.01 Umpire Duties

Before the game begins the umpire shall:
(a) Require strict observance of all rules governing implements of
play and equipment of players;
(b) Be sure that all playing lines (heavy lines on Appendices No. 1
and No.2) are marked with lime, chalk or other white material
easily distinguishable from the ground or grass;
(c) Receive from the home Club a supply of regulation baseballs, the
number and make to be certified to the home Club by the Office
of the Commissioner. The umpire shall inspect the baseballs and
ensure they are regulation baseballs and that they are properly
rubbed so that the gloss is removed. The umpire shall be the sole
judge of the fitness of the balls to be used in the game;
(d) Be assured by the home Club that at least one dozen regulation
reserve balls are immediately available for use if required;
(e) Have in his possession at least two alternate balls and shall
require replenishment of such supply of alternate balls as
needed throughout the game. Such alternate balls shall be put
in play when:
(1) A ball has been batted out of the playing field or into the
spectator area;
(2) A ball has become discolored or unfit for further use;
(3) The pitcher requests such alternate ball.

Rule 4.01(e) Comment: The umpire shall not give an alternate

ball to the pitcher until play has ended and the previously used
ball is dead. After a thrown or batted ball goes out of the playing
field, play shall not be resumed with an alternate ball until the
runners have reached the bases to which they are entitled. After
a home run is hit out of the playing grounds, the umpire shall
not deliver a new ball to the pitcher or the catcher until the
batter hitting the home run has crossed the plate.

11
 Rule 4.01(f) to 4.03(c)

(f) Ensure that an official rosin bag is placed on the ground behind

the pitcher’s plate prior to the start of each game.
(g) The umpire-in-chief shall order the playing field lights turned
on whenever in his opinion darkness makes further play in
daylight hazardous.

4.02 Field Manager

(a) The Club shall designate the manager to the Office of the
Commissioner or the umpire-in-chief not less than thirty
minutes before the scheduled starting time of the game.
(b) The manager may advise the umpire-in-chief that he has
delegated specific duties prescribed by the rules to a player or
coach, and any action of such designated representative shall be
official. The manager shall always be responsible for his team’s
conduct, observance of the official rules, and deference to the
umpires.
(c) If a manager leaves the field, he shall designate a player or
coach as his substitute, and such substitute manager shall
have the duties, rights and responsibilities of the manager. If
the manager fails or refuses to designate his substitute before
leaving, the umpire-in-chief shall designate a team member as
substitute manager.

4.03 Exchange of Lineup Cards

Unless the home Club shall have given previous notice that the
game has been postponed or will be delayed in starting, the umpire,
or umpires, shall enter the playing field five minutes before the
hour set for the game to begin and proceed directly to home base
where they shall be met by the managers of the opposing teams. In
sequence:
(a) First, the home manager, or his designee, shall give his batting
order to the umpire-in-chief, in duplicate.
(b) Next, the visiting manager, or his designee, shall give his
batting order to the umpire-in-chief, in duplicate.
(c) As a courtesy, each lineup card presented to the umpire-in-chief

12
 Rule 4.03(c) to 4.03(d)

should list the fielding positions to be played by each player in

the batting order. If a designated hitter is to be used, the lineup
card shall designate which hitter is to be the designated hitter.
See Rule 5.11(a). As a courtesy, potential substitute players
should also be listed, but the failure to list a potential substitute
player shall not make such potential substitute player ineligible
to enter the game.
In accordance with Major League Rule 2(b)(2), each Major
League Club must designate on its lineup card in advance of
that game each player eligible to play in the game as a pitcher, a
position player, or a “Two-Way Player”, as follows:
(1) From Opening Day through August 31 of the championship
season and during postseason games, Major League Clubs
may designate a maximum of 13 pitchers for a game.
(2) From September 1 through the end of the championship
season (including any tiebreaker games), Major League
Clubs may designate a maximum of 14 pitchers for a game.
(3) Players who qualify as “Two-Way Players” under Major
League Rule 2(b)(2) may appear as pitchers during a game
without counting toward a Club’s pitcher limitations.
(4) No player on the lineup card other than those designated
as Two-Way players or pitchers by the Club may appear
in a championship season or postseason game as a pitcher,
except that any player may appear as a pitcher (A) following
the 9th inning of an extra inning game, (B) in any game in
which his team is losing by equal to or more than 8 runs, or
(C) in any game in which his team is winning by equal to or
more than 10 runs in the 9th inning when the player enters
as a pitcher; provided, however, that any player added to the
Active List as a 27th Player prior to September 1 shall not
count toward the maximum of 13 pitchers.
(d) The umpire-in-chief shall make certain that the original and
copies of the respective batting orders are identical, and then
tender a copy of each batting order to the opposing manager.
The copy retained by the umpire shall be the official batting
order. The tender of the batting order by the umpire shall

13
 Rule 4.03(d) to 4.03(e)

establish the batting orders. Thereafter, no substitutions shall

be made by either manager, except as provided in the rules.
(e) As soon as the home team’s batting order is handed to the
umpire-in-chief the umpires are in charge of the playing field
and from that moment the umpire-in-chief shall have sole
authority to determine when a game shall be called, suspended
or resumed on account of weather or the condition of the playing
field. The umpire-in-chief shall not call the game until at least
30 minutes after he has suspended play. The umpire-in-chief
may continue the suspension so long as he believes there is any
chance to resume play. Nothing in this Rule is intended to affect
a Club’s ability to suspend or resume any game pursuant to a
policy governing severe weather, significant weather threats,
and lightning safety that has been filed with the league office
prior to the championship season.

Rule 4.03 Comment: Obvious errors in the batting order, which

are noticed by the umpire-in-chief before he calls “Play” for
the start of the game, should be called to the attention of the
manager or captain of the team in error, so the correction can
be made before the game starts. For example, if a manager
has inadvertently listed only eight men in the batting order, or
has listed two players with the same last name but without an
identifying initial and the errors are noticed by the umpire before
he calls “play,” he shall cause such error or errors to be corrected
before he calls “play” to start the game. Teams should not be
“trapped” later by some mistake that obviously was inadvertent
and which can be corrected before the game starts.
The umpire-in-chief shall at all times try to complete a game.
His authority to resume play following one or more suspensions
of as much as 30 minutes each shall be absolute and he shall
terminate a game only when there appears to be no possibility
of completing it.
The Major Leagues have determined that Rule 4.03(e) does not
apply to any Wild Card, Division Series, League Championship
Series or World Series games or for any additional Major
League championship season game played to break a tie.

14
 Rule 4.04 to 4.05

4.04 Weather and Field Conditions

(a) The home team shall be the sole judge as to whether a game shall
not be started because of unsuitable weather conditions or the
unfit condition of the playing field, except for the second game
of a conventional or split doubleheader. Nothing in this Rule
is intended to affect a Club’s ability to suspend or resume any
game pursuant to a policy governing severe weather, significant
weather threats, and lightning safety that has been filed with the
league office prior to the championship season.
EXCEPTION: The Office of the Commissioner may suspend
the application of this rule as to a League or Leagues during
the closing weeks of the championship season in order to
assure that the championship is decided each year on its
merits. When the postponement of, and possible failure to
play, a game in the final series of a championship season
between any two teams might affect the final standing of any
Club in the league, the Office of the Commissioner, on appeal
from any league Club, may assume the authority granted the
home team by this rule.
(b) The umpire-in-chief of the first game shall be the sole judge
as to whether the second game of a conventional or split
doubleheader shall not be started because of unsuitable weather
conditions or the unfit condition of the playing field.
(c) A postponed game shall be a “No Game” and shall be treated
in the same manner as a game called before it has become a
regulation game within the meaning of Rule 7.01(e).

4.05 Special Ground Rules

The manager of the home team shall present to the umpire-in-chief
and the opposing manager any ground rules he thinks necessary
covering the overflow of spectators upon the playing field, batted or
thrown balls into such overflow, or any other contingencies. If these
rules are acceptable to the opposing manager they shall be legal. If
these rules are unacceptable to the opposing manager, the umpire-
in-chief shall make and enforce any special ground rules he thinks
are made necessary by ground conditions, which shall not conflict
with the official playing rules.

15
 Rule 4.06 to 4.08(c)

4.06 No Fraternization
Players in uniform shall not address or mingle with spectators,
nor sit in the stands before, during, or after a game. No manager,
coach or player shall address any spectator before or during a game.
Players of opposing teams shall not fraternize at any time while in
uniform.

4.07 Security
(a) No person shall be allowed on the playing field during a
game except players and coaches in uniform, managers, news
photographers authorized by the home team, umpires, officers
of the law in uniform and watchmen or other employees of the
home Club.
(b) The home team shall provide police protection sufficient to
preserve order. If a person, or persons, enter the playing field
during a game and interfere in any way with the play, the
visiting team may refuse to play until the field is cleared.
PENALTY: If the field is not cleared in a reasonable length
of time, which shall in no case be less than 15 minutes after
the visiting team’s refusal to play, the umpire-in-chief may
forfeit the game to the visiting team.

4.08 Doubleheaders
(a) (1) Only two championship games shall be played on one date.
Completion of a suspended game shall not violate this rule,
except for games in the Minor Leagues. See Rule 7.02(b)
Comment.
(2) If two games are scheduled to be played for one admission
on one date, the first game shall be the regularly scheduled
game for that date.
(b) After the start of the first game of a conventional or split
doubleheader, that game shall be completed before the second
game of the doubleheader shall begin.
(c) The second game of a doubleheader shall start thirty minutes
after the first game is completed, unless a longer interval (not

16
 Rule 4.08(c) to 4.08(g)

to exceed forty-five minutes) is declared by the umpire-in-chief

and announced to the opposing managers at the end of the first
game.
EXCEPTION: If the Office of the Commissioner has
approved a request of the home Club for a longer interval
between games for some special event, the umpire-in-chief
shall declare such longer interval and announce it to the
opposing managers. The umpire-in-chief of the first game
shall be the timekeeper controlling the interval between
games.
(d) The umpire shall start the second game of a doubleheader,
if at all possible, and play shall continue as long as ground
conditions, local time restrictions, or weather permit.
(e) When a regularly scheduled doubleheader is delayed in starting
for any cause, any game that is started is the first game of the
doubleheader.
(f) When a rescheduled game is part of a doubleheader the
rescheduled game shall be the second game, and the first game
shall be the regularly scheduled game for that date.
(g) Between games of a doubleheader, or whenever a game is
suspended because of the unfitness of the playing field, the
umpire-in-chief shall have control of ground-keepers and
assistants for the purpose of making the playing field fit for play.
PENALTY: For violation, the umpire-in-chief may forfeit the
game to the visiting team.

17
 Rule 5.01 to 5.02(c)

5.00–PLAYING THE GAME

5.01 Starting the Game (“Play Ball!”)

(a) At the time set for beginning the game the players of the home
team shall take their defensive positions, the first batter of the
visiting team shall take his position in the batter’s box, the
umpire-in-chief shall call “Play,” and the game shall start.
(b) After the umpire calls “Play” the ball is alive and in play and
remains alive and in play until for legal cause, or at the umpire’s
call of “Time” suspending play, the ball becomes dead.
(c) The pitcher shall deliver the pitch to the batter who may elect to
strike the ball, or who may not offer at it, as he chooses.

5.02 Fielding Positions

When the ball is put in play at the start of, or during a game, all
fielders other than the catcher shall be on fair territory.
(a) The catcher shall station himself directly back of the plate. He
may leave his position at any time to catch a pitch or make a
play except that when the batter is being given an intentional
base on balls, the catcher must stand with both feet within the
lines of the catcher’s box until the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand.
PENALTY: Balk.
(b) The pitcher, while in the act of delivering the ball to the batter,
shall take his legal position;
(c) Infielder Positioning
Any fielder other than the pitcher and the catcher may station
himself anywhere in fair territory, except as described below:
(i) At the time the pitcher is on the rubber and begins
the natural movement associated with the delivery of
the ball to the batter, the defensive team must have a
minimum of four players (in addition to the pitcher and
the catcher) with both feet completely in front of the
outer boundary of the infield dirt;

18
 Rule 5.02(c)

(ii) at the time the pitcher releases the ball for delivery to
the batter, the defensive team must have a minimum
of four players (in addition to the pitcher and the
catcher) with both feet completely in front of the outer
boundary of the infield dirt, at least two of which must
be positioned with both feet entirely on each side of
second base; and
(iii) from the time the pitcher releases the ball to deliver
the first pitch to the first batter of a half inning, the two
infielders on each side of second base may not switch
sides or move to a position other than their side of the
infield for the entirety of that inning. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, any infielder may switch sides, or move
to any other position at the time of a substitution for one
of the defensive players (other than a pitching change
that substitutes the pitcher for a player not already in
the game). Any player who legally replaces an infielder
during an inning also may not switch sides or move to
a position other than their side of the infield from the
time the pitcher releases the ball to deliver the first pitch
following the substitution to the end of that half inning
(except upon the occurrence of a subsequent substitution
during that half inning).

Rule 5.02(c) Comment. Umpires should bear in mind that the

purpose of the Infielder Positioning rule is to prevent the defense
from having more than two infielders on either side of second
base in an effort to anticipate where the batter will hit the ball
prior to delivery of the pitch. If, in the judgment of the umpire,
any fielder attempts to circumvent the purposes of this Rule
5.02(c), the umpire shall assess the penalty described below.

PENALTY: If the defensive team violates Rule 5.02(c), the

pitch shall be called a “ball” and the ball is dead, unless the
batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a
hit batter, or otherwise, and all other runners advance at least
one base, in which case the play proceeds without reference
to the violation. If any other play follows the violation (e.g.,
sacrifice fly, sacrifice bunt, etc.), the manager of the offense

19
 Rule 5.02(c) to 5.04(a)(3)

may advise the plate umpire that he elects to decline the

penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made
immediately at the end of the play.

5.03 Base Coaches

(a) The team at bat shall station two base coaches on the field
during its time at bat, one near first base and one near third base.
(b) Base coaches shall be limited to two in number and shall be in
team uniform.
(c) Base coaches must remain within the coach’s box consistent
with this Rule, except that a coach who has a play at his base
may leave the coach’s box to signal the player to slide, advance
or return to a base if the coach does not interfere with the play in
any manner. Other than exchanging equipment, all base coaches
shall refrain from physically touching base runners, especially
when signs are being given.
PENALTY: If a coach has positioned himself closer to home plate
than the coach’s box or closer to fair territory than the coach’s
box before a batted ball passes the coach, the umpire shall, upon
complaint by the opposing manager, strictly enforce the rule. The
umpire shall warn the coach and instruct him to return to the box. If
the coach does not return to the box he shall be removed from the
game. In addition, coaches who violate this Rule may be subject to
discipline by the Office of the Commissioner.

5.04 Batting
(a) Batting Order
(1) Each player of the offensive team shall bat in the order
that his name appears in his team’s batting order.
(2) The batting order shall be followed throughout the game
unless a player is substituted for another. In that case the
substitute shall take the place of the replaced player in the
batting order.
(3) The first batter in each inning after the first inning shall
be the player whose name follows that of the last player

20
 Rule 5.04(a)(3) to 5.04(b)(2)

who legally completed his time at bat in the preceding

inning.
(b) The Batter’s Box
(1) The batter shall take his position in the batter’s box
promptly when it is his time at bat.
(2) The batter shall not leave his position in the batter’s
box after the pitcher comes to Set Position, or starts his
windup.
PENALTY: If the pitcher pitches, the umpire shall call “Ball”
or “Strike,” as the case may be.

Rule 5.04(b)(2) Comment: The batter leaves the batter’s box

at the risk of having a strike delivered and called, unless he
requests the umpire to call “Time.” The batter is not at liberty
to step in and out of the batter’s box at will.
Once a batter has taken his position in the batter’s box, he shall
not be permitted to step out of the batter’s box in order to use
the rosin or the pine tar rag, unless there is a delay in the game
action or, in the judgment of the umpires, weather conditions
warrant an exception.
Umpires will not call “Time” at the request of the batter or any
member of his team once the pitcher has started his windup or
has come to a set position even though the batter claims “dust
in his eyes,” “steamed glasses,” “didn’t get the sign” or for any
other cause.
Umpires may grant a hitter’s request for “Time” once he is in
the batter’s box, but the umpire should eliminate hitters walking
out of the batter’s box without reason. If umpires are not lenient,
batters will understand that they are in the batter’s box and they
must remain there until the ball is pitched. See Rule 5.04(b)(4).
If pitcher delays once the batter is in his box and the umpire
feels that the delay is not justified he may allow the batter to
step out of the box momentarily.
If after the pitcher starts his windup or comes to a “set position”
with a runner on, he does not go through with his pitch because

21
 Rule 5.04(b)(2) to 5.04(b)(4)

the batter has inadvertently caused the pitcher to interrupt his

delivery, it shall not be called a balk. Both the pitcher and batter
have violated a rule and the umpire shall call time and both the
batter and pitcher start over from “scratch.”
The following paragraph is additional material for Rule
5.04(b)(2) Comment, for Minor League play:
If after the pitcher starts his windup or comes to a “set position”
with a runner on, he does not go through with his pitch because
the batter has stepped out of the box, the umpire shall not call a
balk. Such action by the batter shall be treated as a violation of
the Batter’s Box Rule and shall subject a batter to the penalties
set forth in Rule 5.04(b)(4)(A).

(3) If the batter refuses to take his position in the batter’s box
during his time at bat, the umpire shall call a strike on
the batter. The ball is dead, and no runners may advance.
After the penalty, the batter may take his proper position
and the regular ball and strike count shall continue. If the
batter does not take his proper position before three strikes
have been called, the batter shall be declared out.

Rule 5.04(b)(3) Comment: The umpire shall give the batter

a reasonable opportunity to take his proper position in the
batter’s box after the umpire has called a strike pursuant to Rule
5.04(b)(3) and before the umpire calls a successive strike
pursuant to Rule 5.04(b)(3).

(4) The Batter’s Box Rule

(A) The batter shall keep at least one foot in the batter’s
box throughout the batter’s time at bat, unless one of
the following exceptions applies, in which case the
batter may leave the batter’s box but not the dirt area
surrounding home plate:
(i) The batter swings at a pitch;
(ii) An attempted check swing is appealed to
a base umpire;
(iii) The batter is forced off balance or out of
the batter’s box by a pitch;

22
 Rule 5.04(b)(4) to 5.04(b)(5)

(iv) A member of either team requests and is

granted “Time”;
(v) A defensive player attempts a play on a
runner at any base;
(vi) The batter feints a bunt;
(vii) A wild pitch or passed ball occurs;
(viii) The pitcher leaves the dirt area of the
pitching mound after receiving the ball;
or
(ix) The catcher leaves the catcher’s box to
give defensive signals.
If the batter intentionally leaves the batter’s box and delays
play, and none of the exceptions listed in Rule 5.04(b)(4)(A)
(i) through (ix) applies, the umpire shall issue a warning to the
batter for the batter’s first violation of this Rule in a game. For a
batter’s second or subsequent violations of this Rule in a game,
the Office of the Commissioner may issue an appropriate disci-
pline. In Minor League play, for a batter’s second or subsequent
violations of this Rule in a game, the umpire shall award a strike
without the pitcher having to deliver the pitch. The ball is dead,
and no runners may advance.
(B) The batter may leave the batter’s box and the dirt area
surrounding home plate when “Time” is called for the
purpose or as a result of
(i) an injury or potential injury;
(ii) making a substitution; or
(iii) a conference by either team.

Rule 5.04(b)(4)(B) Comment: Umpires shall encourage the on-

deck batter to take a position in the batter’s box quickly after
the previous batter reaches base or is put out.

(5) The batter’s legal position shall be with both feet within

the batter’s box.
APPROVED RULING: The lines defining the box are within
the batter’s box.

23
 Rule 5.04(c) to 5.05(a)(6)

(c) Completing Time at Bat

A batter has legally completed his time at bat when he is put out
or becomes a runner.

5.05 When the Batter Becomes a Runner

(a) The batter becomes a runner when:
(1) He hits a fair ball;

Rule 5.05(a) Comment: If the batter hits a pitch that touches the
ground first, the ensuing action shall be the same as if he hit the
ball in flight.

(2) The third strike called by the umpire is not caught,

providing (1) first base is unoccupied, or (2) first base is
occupied with two out;

Rule 5.05(a)(2) Comment: A batter who does not realize his

situation on a third strike not caught, and who is not in the
process of running to first base, shall be declared out once he
leaves the dirt circle surrounding home plate.

(3) If the pitch touches the ground and bounces through the
strike zone it is a “ball.” If such a pitch touches the batter,
he shall be awarded first base. If the batter swings at such
a pitch after two strikes, the ball cannot be caught, for the
purposes of Rule 5.05(b) and 5.09(a)(3).
(4) A fair ball, after having passed a fielder other than the
pitcher, or after having been touched by a fielder, including
the pitcher, shall touch an umpire or runner on fair territory;
(5) A fair ball passes over a fence or into the stands at a distance
from home base of 250 feet or more. Such hit entitles the
batter to a home run when he shall have touched all bases
legally. A fair fly ball that passes out of the playing field
at a point less than 250 feet from home base shall entitle
the batter to advance to second base only;
(6) A fair ball, after touching the ground, bounds into the
stands, or passes through, over or under a fence, or through

24
 Rule 5.05(a)(6) to 5.05(b)(1)

or under a scoreboard, or through or under shrubbery, or

vines on the fence, in which case the batter and the runners
shall be entitled to advance two bases;
(7) Any fair ball which, either before or after touching the
ground, passes through or under a fence, or through or
under a scoreboard, or through any opening in the fence or
scoreboard, or through or under shrubbery, or vines on the
fence, or which sticks in a fence or scoreboard, in which
case the batter and the runners shall be entitled to two bases;
(8) Any bounding fair ball is deflected by the fielder into the
stands, or over or under a fence on fair or foul territory, in
which case the batter and all runners shall be entitled to
advance two bases;
(9) Any fair fly ball is deflected by the fielder into the stands,
or over the fence into foul territory, in which case the batter
shall be entitled to advance to second base; but if deflected
into the stands or over the fence in fair territory, the batter
shall be entitled to a home run. However, should such a
fair fly be deflected at a point less than 250 feet from home
plate, the batter shall be entitled to two bases only.
(b) The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without
liability to be put out (provided he advances to and touches first
base) when:
(1) Four “balls” have been called by the umpire;

Rule 5.05(b)(1) Comment: A batter who is entitled to first base

because of a base on balls, including an award of first base to
a batter by an umpire following a signal from a manager, must
go to first base and touch the base before other base runners are
forced to advance. This applies when bases are full and applies
when a substitute runner is put into the game.
If, in advancing, the base runner thinks there is a play and he
slides past the base before or after touching it he may be put out
by the fielder tagging him. If he fails to touch the base to which
he is entitled and attempts to advance beyond that base he may
be put out by tagging him or the base he missed.

25
 Rule 5.05(b)(2) to 5.05(b)(3)

(2) He is touched by a pitched ball which he is not attempting

to hit unless (A) The ball is in the strike zone when it
touches the batter, or (B) The batter makes no attempt to
avoid being touched by the ball;
I f the ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, it shall be
called a strike, whether or not the batter tries to avoid the ball. If the
ball is outside the strike zone when it touches the batter, it shall be
called a ball if he makes no attempt to avoid being touched.

APPROVED RULING: When the batter is touched by a

pitched ball which does not entitle him to first base, the ball
is dead and no runner may advance.

Rule 5.05(b)(2) Comment: A batter shall not be considered

touched by a pitched ball if the ball only touches any jewelry
being worn by a player (e.g., necklaces, bracelets, etc.).

(3) The catcher or any fielder interferes with him. If a play

follows the interference, the manager of the offense
may advise the plate umpire that he elects to decline the
interference penalty and accept the play. Such election shall
be made immediately at the end of the play. However, if the
batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a
hit batsman, or otherwise, and all other runners advance at
least one base, the play proceeds without reference to the
interference.

Rule 5.05(b)(3) Comment: If catcher’s interference is called

with a play in progress the umpire will allow the play to
continue because the manager may elect to take the play. If the
batter-runner missed first base, or a runner misses his next base,
he shall be considered as having reached the base, as stated in
Note of Rule 5.06(b)(3)(D).
Examples of plays the manager might elect to take:
1. Runner on third, one out, batter hits fly ball to the outfield
on which the runner scores but catcher’s interference
was called. The offensive manager may elect to take the
run and have batter called out or have runner remain at
third and batter awarded first base.

26
 Rule 5.05(b)(3) to 5.06(b)(1)

2. Runner on second base. Catcher interferes with batter

as he bunts ball fairly sending runner to third base. The
manager may rather have runner on third base with an
out on the play than have runners on second and first.
If a runner is trying to score by a steal or squeeze from third
base, note the additional penalty set forth in Rule 6.01(g).
If the catcher interferes with the batter before the pitcher
delivers the ball, it shall not be considered interference on
the batter under Rule 5.05(b)(3). In such cases, the umpire
shall call “Time” and the pitcher and batter start over from
“scratch.”

(4) A fair ball touches an umpire or a runner on fair territory

before touching a fielder.
(d) I f a fair ball touches an umpire after having passed a
fielder other than the pitcher, or having touched a fielder,
including the pitcher, the ball is in play.

5.06 Running the Bases

(a) Occupying the Base
(1) A runner acquires the right to an unoccupied base when he
touches it before he is out. He is then entitled to it until he
is put out, or forced to vacate it for another runner legally
entitled to that base.

Rule 5.06(a)/5.06(c) Comment: If a runner legally acquires title

to a base, and the pitcher assumes his pitching position, the
runner may not return to a previously occupied base.

(2) Two runners may not occupy a base, but if, while the ball
is alive, two runners are touching a base, the following
runner shall be out when tagged and the preceding runner
is entitled to the base, unless Rule 5.06(b)(2) applies.
(b) Advancing Bases
(1) In advancing, a runner shall touch first, second, third and
home base in order. If forced to return, he shall retouch all
bases in reverse order, unless the ball is dead under any

27
 Rule 5.06(b)(1) to 5.06(b)(3)

provision of Rule 5.06(c). In such cases, the runner may

go directly to his original base.
(2) If a runner is forced to advance by reason of the batter
becoming a runner and two runners are touching a base to
which the following runner is forced, the following runner
is entitled to the base and the preceding runner shall be
out when tagged or when a fielder possesses the ball and
touches the base to which such preceding runner is forced.
(3) Each runner, other than the batter, may without liability to
be put out, advance one base when:
(A) There is a balk;
(B) The batter’s advance without liability to be put out
forces the runner to vacate his base, or when the
batter hits a fair ball that touches another runner or
the umpire before such ball has been touched by, or
has passed a fielder, if the runner is forced to advance;

Rule 5.06(b)(3)(B) Comment: A runner forced to advance

without liability to be put out may advance past the base to
which he is entitled only at his peril. If such a runner, forced to
advance, is put out for the third out before a preceding runner,
also forced to advance, touches home plate, the run shall score.
Play. Two out, bases full, batter walks but runner from second
is overzealous and runs past third base toward home and is
tagged out on a throw by the catcher. Even though two are out,
the run would score on the theory that the run was forced home
by the base on balls and that all the runners needed to do was
proceed and touch the next base.

(C) A fielder, after catching a fly ball, steps or falls into

any out-of-play area;

Rule 5.06(b)(3)(C) Comment: If a fielder, after having made

a legal catch, should step or fall into any out-of-play area, the
ball is dead and each runner shall advance one base, without
liability to be put out, from his last legally touched base at the
time the fielder entered such out-of-play area.

28
 Rule 5.06(b)(3) to 5.06(b)(4)

(D) While he is attempting to steal a base, the batter is

interfered with by the catcher or any other fielder.
NOTE: When a runner is entitled to a base without liability
to be put out, while the ball is in play, or under any rule in
which the ball is in play after the runner reaches the base
to which he is entitled, and the runner fails to touch the
base to which he is entitled before attempting to advance to
the next base, the runner shall forfeit his exemption from
liability to be put out, and he may be put out by tagging
the base or by tagging the runner before he returns to the
missed base;
(E) A fielder deliberately touches a pitched ball with his
cap, mask or any part of his uniform detached from its
proper place on his person. The ball is in play, and the
award is made from the position of the runner at the
time the ball was touched.
(4) Each runner including the batter-runner may, without
liability to be put out, advance:
(A) To home base, scoring a run, if a fair ball goes
out of the playing field in flight and he touched all
bases legally; or if a fair ball which, in the umpire’s
judgment, would have gone out of the playing field in
flight, is deflected by the act of a fielder in throwing
his glove, cap, or any article of his apparel;
(B) Three bases, if a fielder deliberately touches a fair ball
with his cap, mask or any part of his uniform detached
from its proper place on his person. The ball is in play
and the batter may advance to home base at his peril;
(C) Three bases, if a fielder deliberately throws his glove
at and touches a fair ball. The ball is in play and the
batter may advance to home base at his peril;
(D) Two bases, if a fielder deliberately touches a thrown
ball with his cap, mask or any part of his uniform
detached from its proper place on his person. The ball
is in play;

29
 Rule 5.06(b)(4)

(E) Two bases, if a fielder deliberately throws his glove at

and touches a thrown ball. The ball is in play;

Rule 5.06(b)(4)(B) through (E) Comment: In applying (B-C-

D-E) the umpire must rule that the thrown glove or detached
cap or mask has touched the ball. There is no penalty if the ball
is not touched.
Under (C-E) this penalty shall not be invoked against a fielder
whose glove is carried off his hand by the force of a batted or
thrown ball, or when his glove flies off his hand as he makes an
obvious effort to make a legitimate catch.

(F) Two bases, if a fair ball bounces or is deflected into

the stands outside the first or third base foul lines; or
if it goes through or under a field fence, or through
or under a scoreboard, or through or under shrubbery
or vines on the fence; or if it sticks in such fence,
scoreboard, shrubbery or vines;
(G) Two bases when, with no spectators on the playing
field, a thrown ball goes into the stands, or into
a bench (whether or not the ball rebounds into the
field), or over or under or through a field fence, or
on a slanting part of the screen above the backstop,
or remains in the meshes of a wire screen protecting
spectators. The ball is dead. When such wild throw is
the first play by an infielder, the umpire, in awarding
such bases, shall be governed by the position of the
runners at the time the ball was pitched; in all other
cases the umpire shall be governed by the position of
the runners at the time the wild throw was made;
APPROVED RULING: If all runners, including the batter-
runner, have advanced at least one base when an infielder
makes a wild throw on the first play after the pitch, the award
shall be governed by the position of the runners when the
wild throw was made.

Rule 5.06(b)(4)(G) Comment: In certain circumstances it is

impossible to award a runner two bases. Example: Runner on

30
 Rule 5.06(b)(4)

first. Batter hits fly to short right. Runner holds up between first
and second and batter comes around first and pulls up behind
him. Ball falls safely. Outfielder, in throwing to first, throws
ball into stands.
APPROVED RULING: Since no runner, when the ball is dead,
may advance beyond the base to which he is entitled, the runner
originally on first base goes to third base and the batter is held
at second base.
The term “when the wild throw was made” means when the
throw actually left the player’s hand and not when the thrown
ball hit the ground, passes a receiving fielder or goes out of play
into the stands.
The position of the batter-runner at the time the wild throw left
the thrower’s hand is the key in deciding the award of bases.
If the batter-runner has not reached first base, the award is
two bases at the time the pitch was made for all runners. The
decision as to whether the batter-runner has reached first base
before the throw is a judgment call.
If an unusual play arises where a first throw by an infielder goes
into stands or dugout but the batter did not become a runner
(such as catcher throwing ball into stands in attempt to get
runner from third trying to score on passed ball or wild pitch)
award of two bases shall be from the position of the runners at
the time of the throw. (For the purpose of Rule 5.06(b)(4)(G) a
catcher is considered an infielder.)
PLAY—Runner on first base, batter hits a ball to the shortstop,
who throws to second base too late to get runner at second,
and second baseman throws toward first base after batter has
crossed first base.
RULING: Runner at second scores. (On this play, only if batter-
runner is past first base when throw is made is he awarded third
base.)

(H) One base, if a ball, pitched to the batter, or thrown by the

pitcher from his position on the pitcher’s plate to a base
to catch a runner, goes into a stand or a bench, or over or
through a field fence or backstop. The ball is dead;

31
 Rule 5.06(b)(4) to 5.06(c)

APPROVED RULING: When a wild pitch or passed ball goes

through or by the catcher, or deflects off the catcher, and goes
directly into the dugout, stands, above the break, or any area
where the ball is dead, the awarding of bases shall be one base.
One base shall also be awarded if the pitcher while in contact
with the rubber, throws to a base, and the throw goes directly
into the stands or into any area where the ball is dead.
If, however, the pitched or thrown ball goes through or by
the catcher or through the fielder, and remains on the playing
field, and is subsequently kicked or deflected into the dugout,
stands or other area where the ball is dead, the awarding of
bases shall be two bases from position of runners at the time
of the pitch or throw.
(I) One base, if the batter becomes a runner on Ball Four
or Strike Three, when the pitch passes the catcher and
lodges in the umpire’s mask or paraphernalia.
(I) If the batter becomes a runner on a wild pitch which
entitles the runners to advance one base, the batter-
runner shall be entitled to first base only.

Rule 5.06(b)(4)(I) Comment: The fact a runner is awarded a

base or bases without liability to be put out does not relieve
him of the responsibility to touch the base he is awarded and all
intervening bases. For example: Batter hits a ground ball which
an infielder throws into the stands but the batter-runner missed
first base. He may be called out on appeal for missing first
base after the ball is put in play even though he was “awarded”
second base.
If a runner is forced to return to a base after a catch, he must
retouch his original base even though, because of some ground
rule or other rule, he is awarded additional bases. He may
retouch while the ball is dead and the award is then made from
his original base.

(c) Dead Balls

The ball becomes dead and runners advance one base, or return to
their bases, without liability to be put out, when:

32
 Rule 5.06(c)(1) to 5.06(c)(6)

(1) A pitched ball touches a batter, or his clothing, while in his

legal batting position; runners, if forced, advance;
(2) The plate umpire interferes with the catcher’s throw
attempting to prevent a stolen base or retire a runner on a
pick-off play; runners may not advance.
NOTE: The interference shall be disregarded if the catcher’s
throw retires the runner.
While the ball is dead no player may be put out, no bases may be
run and no runs may be scored, except that runners may advance
one or more bases as the result of acts which occurred while the
ball was alive (such as, but not limited to a balk, an overthrow,
interference, or a home run or other fair ball hit out of the playing
field).

Rule 5.06(c)(2) Comment: Umpire interference may also occur

when an umpire interferes with a catcher returning the ball to
the pitcher.

(3) A balk is committed; runners advance; (See Penalty

6.02(a).)
(4) A ball is illegally batted; runners return;
(5) A foul ball is not caught, in which case runners return to
their bases. The umpire-in-chief shall not put the ball in
play until all runners have retouched their bases;
(6) A fair ball touches a runner or an umpire on fair territory
before it touches an infielder including the pitcher, or
touches an umpire before it has passed an infielder other
than the pitcher; runners advance, if forced.
(6) If a fair ball goes through, or by, an infielder, no other
infielder has a chance to make a play on the ball and the
ball touches a runner immediately behind the infielder
that the ball went through, or by, the ball is in play and
the umpire shall not declare the runner out. If a fair ball
touches a runner after being deflected by an infielder, the
ball is in play and the umpire shall not declare the runner
out;

33
 Rule 5.06(c)(6) to 5.07(a)

Rule 5.06(c)(6) Comment: If a fair ball touches an umpire

working in the infield after it has bounded past, or over, the
pitcher, it is a dead ball. If a batted ball is deflected by a fielder
in fair territory and hits a runner or an umpire while still in
flight and then caught by an infielder it shall not be a catch, but
the ball shall remain in play.
(7) A pitched ball lodges in the catcher’s mask or parapherna-
lia, or in or against the umpire’s body, mask or parapher-
nalia, and remains out of play, runners advance one base;

Rule 5.06(c)(7) Comment: If a foul tip hits the umpire and is

caught by a fielder on the rebound, the ball is “dead” and the
batsman cannot be called out. The same shall apply where such
foul tip lodges in the umpire’s mask or other paraphernalia.
If a third strike (not a foul tip) passes the catcher and hits an
umpire, the ball is in play. If such ball rebounds and is caught
by a fielder before it touches the ground, the batsman is not out
on such a catch, but the ball remains in play and the batsman
may be retired at first base, or touched with the ball for the out.
If a pitched ball lodges in the umpire’s or catcher’s mask or
paraphernalia, and remains out of play, on the third strike or
fourth ball, then the batter is entitled to first base and all runners
advance one base. If the count on the batter is less than three
balls, runners advance one base.
If a ball is intentionally placed inside a player’s uniform (e.g.,
a pants pocket) for the purpose of deceiving a base runner, the
umpire shall call “Time.” The umpire will place all runners at
least one base (or more if warranted, in the umpire’s judgment,
in order to nullify the action of the ball being put out of play),
from the base they originally occupied.

(8) Any legal pitch touches a runner trying to score; runners

advance.

5.07 Pitching
(a) Legal Pitching Delivery
There are two legal pitching positions, the Windup Position and the
Set Position, and either position may be used at any time.

34
 Rule 5.07(a) to 5.07(a)(1)

 itchers shall take signs from the catcher while in contact with the
P
pitcher’s plate.

Rule 5.07(a) Comment: Pitchers may disengage the rubber after

taking their signs but may not step quickly onto the rubber and
pitch. This may be judged a quick pitch by the umpire. When the
pitcher disengages the rubber, he must drop his hands to his sides.
Pitchers will not be allowed to disengage the rubber after taking
each sign.
The pitcher may not take a second step toward home plate with
either foot or otherwise reset his pivot foot in his delivery of the
pitch. If there is a runner, or runners, on base it is a balk under
Rule 6.02(a); if the bases are unoccupied it should be treated as
an illegal pitch under Rule 6.02(b).

(1) The Windup Position

The pitcher shall stand facing the batter, his pivot foot in
contact with the pitcher’s plate and the other foot free. From
this position any natural movement associated with his
delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch
without interruption or alteration. He shall not raise either foot
from the ground, except that in his actual delivery of the ball
to the batter, he may take one step backward, and one step
forward with his free foot.
When a pitcher holds the ball with both hands in front of his
body, with his pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate
and his other foot free, he will be considered in the Windup
Position.

Rule 5.07(a)(1) Comment: In the Windup Position, a pitcher is

permitted to have his “free” foot on the rubber, in front of the
rubber, behind the rubber or off the side of the rubber.
From the Windup Position, the pitcher may:
(A) deliver the ball to the batter, or
(B) step and throw to a base in an attempt to pick-off a
runner, or

35
 Rule 5.07(a)(1) to 5.07(a)(2)

(C) disengage the rubber (if he does he must drop his hand
to his sides).
In disengaging the rubber the pitcher must step off with his
pivot foot and not his free foot first. He may not go into a set or
stretch position—if he does it is a balk.

(2) The Set Position

Set Position shall be indicated by the pitcher when he stands
facing the batter with his pivot foot in contact with, and his other
foot in front of, the pitcher’s plate, holding the ball in both hands
in front of his body and coming to a complete stop. From such Set
Position he may deliver the ball to the batter, throw to a base or
step backward off the pitcher’s plate with his pivot foot. Before
assuming Set Position, the pitcher may elect to make any natural
preliminary motion such as that known as “the stretch.” But if he
so elects, he shall come to Set Position before delivering the ball
to the batter. After assuming Set Position, any natural motion
associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him
to the pitch without alteration or interruption.
 reparatory to coming to a set position, the pitcher shall have
P
one hand on his side; from this position he shall go to his set
position as defined in Rule 5.07(a)(2) without interruption and
in one continuous motion.
 he pitcher, following his stretch, must (a) hold the ball in both
T
hands in front of his body and (b) come to a complete stop. This
must be enforced. Umpires should watch this closely. Pitchers
are constantly attempting to “beat the rule” in their efforts to
hold runners on bases and in cases where the pitcher fails to
make a complete “stop” called for in the rules, the umpire
should immediately call a “Balk.”

Rule 5.07(a)(2) Comment: With no runners on base, the pitcher

is not required to come to a complete stop when using the
Set Position. If, however, in the umpire’s judgment, a pitcher
delivers the ball in a deliberate effort to catch the batter off
guard, this delivery shall be deemed a quick pitch, for which the
penalty is a ball. See Rule 6.02(a)(5) Comment.

36
 Rule 5.07(a)(2) to 5.07(c)

With a runner or runners on base, a pitcher will be presumed

to be pitching from the Set Position if he stands with his pivot
foot in contact with and parallel to the pitcher’s plate, and
his other foot in front of the pitcher’s plate, unless he notifies
the umpire that he will be pitching from the Windup Position
under such circumstances prior to the beginning of an at-bat.
A pitcher will be permitted to notify the umpire that he is
pitching from the Windup Position within an at-bat only in
the event of (i) a substitution by the offensive team; or (ii)
immediately upon the advancement of one or more runners
(i.e., after one or more base runners advance but before the
delivery of the next pitch).

(b) Warm-Up Pitches

When a pitcher takes his position at the beginning of each inning,
or when he relieves another pitcher, he shall be permitted to
pitch preparatory pitches to his catcher during which play shall
be suspended. A league by its own action may limit the number
of preparatory pitches and/or may limit the amount of time such
preparatory pitches may consume. If a sudden emergency causes a
pitcher to be summoned into the game without any opportunity to
warm up, the umpire-in-chief shall allow him as many pitches as the
umpire deems necessary.
(c) Pitcher Delays
When the bases are unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball to
the batter within 12 seconds after he receives the ball. Each time
the pitcher delays the game by violating this rule, the umpire shall
call “Ball.”
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.
The intent of this rule is to avoid unnecessary delays. The umpire
shall insist that the catcher return the ball promptly to the pitcher,
and that the pitcher take his position on the rubber promptly.
Obvious delay by the pitcher should instantly be penalized by the
umpire.

37
 Rule 5.07(d) to 5.07(f)

(d) Throwing to the Bases

At any time during the pitcher’s preliminary movements and until
his natural pitching motion commits him to the pitch, he may throw
to any base provided he steps directly toward such base before
making the throw.

Rule 5.07(d) Comment: The pitcher shall step “ahead of the

throw.” A snap throw followed by the step directly toward the
base is a balk.

(e) Effect of Removing Pivot Foot From Plate

If the pitcher removes his pivot foot from contact with the
pitcher’s plate by stepping backward with that foot, he thereby
becomes an infielder and if he makes a wild throw from that
position, it shall be considered the same as a wild throw by any
other infielder.

Rule 5.07(e) Comment: The pitcher, while off the rubber, may
throw to any base. If he makes a wild throw, such throw is the
throw of an infielder and what follows is governed by the rules
covering a ball thrown by a fielder.

(f) Ambidextrous Pitchers

A pitcher must indicate visually to the umpire-in-chief, the batter
and any runners the hand with which he intends to pitch, which
may be done by wearing his glove on the other hand while touching
the pitcher’s plate. The pitcher is not permitted to pitch with the
other hand until the batter is retired, the batter becomes a runner,
the inning ends, the batter is substituted for by a pinch-hitter or the
pitcher incurs an injury. In the event a pitcher switches pitching
hands during an at-bat because he has suffered an injury, the
pitcher may not, for the remainder of the game, pitch with the
hand from which he has switched. The pitcher shall not be given
the opportunity to throw any preparatory pitches after switching
pitching hands. Any change of pitching hands must be indicated
clearly to the umpire-in-chief.

38
 Rule 5.08(a) to 5.08(b)

5.08 How a Team Scores

(a) One run shall be scored each time a runner legally advances to
and touches first, second, third and home base before three men
are put out to end the inning.
EXCEPTION: A run is not scored if the runner ad­vances
to home base during a play in which the third out is made
(1) by the batter-runner before he touches first base; (2) by
any runner being forced out; or (3) by a preceding runner
who is declared out because he failed to touch one of the
bases.

Rule 5.08(a) Comment: A run legally scored cannot be nullified

by subsequent action of the runner, such as but not limited to
an effort to return to third base in the belief that he had left the
base before a caught fly ball.

(b) When the winning run is scored in the last half-inning of a

regulation game, or in the last half of an extra inning, as the result
of a base on balls, hit batter or any other play with the bases full
which forces the batter and all other runners to advance without
liability of being put out, the umpire shall not declare the game
ended until the runner forced to advance from third has touched
home base and the batter-runner has touched first base.

Rule 5.08(b) Comment: An exception will be if fans rush onto

the field and physically prevent the runner from touching home
plate or the batter from touching first base. In such cases,
the umpires shall award the runner the base because of the
obstruction by the fans.

PENALTY: If the runner on third refuses to advance to and

touch home base in a reasonable time, the umpire shall
disallow the run, call out the offending player and order the
game resumed. If, with two out, the batter-runner refuses to
advance to and touch first base, the umpire shall disallow
the run, call out the offending player, and order the game
resumed. If, before two are out, the batter-runner refuses to
advance to and touch first base, the run shall count, but the
offending player shall be called out.

39
 Rule 5.08(b)

Rule 5.08 Comment:

APPROVED RULING: No run shall score during a play
in which the third out is made by the batter-runner before
he touches first base. Example: One out, Jones on second,
Smith on first. The batter, Brown, hits safely. Jones scores.
Smith is out on the throw to the plate. Two outs. But Brown
missed first base. The ball is thrown to first, an appeal is
made, and Brown is out. Three outs. Since Jones crossed the
plate during a play in which the third out was made by the
batter-runner before he touched first base, Jones’ run does
not count.
APPROVED RULING: Following runners are not affected
by an act of a preceding runner unless two are out.
EXAMPLE: One out, Jones on second, Smith on first, and
batter, Brown, hits home run inside the park. Jones fails to
touch third on his way to the plate. Smith and Brown score.
The defense holds the ball on third, appeals to umpire, and
Jones is out. Smith’s and Brown’s runs count.
APPROVED RULING: Two out, Jones on second, Smith on
first and batter, Brown, hits home run inside the park. All
three runs cross the plate. But Jones missed third base, and
on appeal is declared out. Three outs. Smith’s and Brown’s
runs are voided. No score on the play.
APPROVED RULING: One out, Jones on third, Smith on
second. Batter Brown flies out to center. Two out. Jones
scores after catch and Smith scores on bad throw to plate.
But Jones, on appeal, is adjudged to have left third before the
catch and is out. Three outs. No runs.
APPROVED RULING: Two out, bases full, batter hits home
run over fence. Batter, on appeal, is declared out for missing
first base. Three outs. No run counts.
Here is a general statement that covers:
When a runner misses a base and a fielder holds the ball
on a missed base, or on the base originally occupied by the
runner if a fly ball is caught, and appeals for the umpire’s
decision, the runner is out when the umpire sustains the

40
 Rule 5.08(b) to 5.09(a)(1)

appeal; all runners may score if possible, except that with

two out the runner is out at the moment he misses the
bag, if an appeal is sustained as applied to the following
runners.
APPROVED RULING: One out, Jones on third, Smith on
first, and Brown flies out to right field. Two outs. Jones tags
up and scores after the catch. Smith attempted to return to
first but the right fielder’s throw beat him to the base. Three
outs. But Jones scored before the throw to catch Smith
reached first base, hence Jones’ run counts. It was not a force
play.

5.09 Making an Out

(a) Retiring the Batter
A batter is out when:
(1) His fair or foul fly ball (other than a foul tip) is legally
caught by a fielder;

Rule 5.09(a)(1) Comment: A fielder may reach into, but not step
into, a dugout to make a catch, and if he holds the ball, the
catch shall be allowed. A fielder, in order to make a catch on
a foul ball nearing a dugout or other out-of-play area (such as
the stands), must have one or both feet on or over the playing
surface (including the lip of the dugout) and neither foot on the
ground inside the dugout or in any other out-of-play area. Ball
is in play, unless the fielder, after making a legal catch, steps
or falls into a dugout or other out-of-play area, in which case
the ball is dead. Status of runners shall be as described in Rule
5.06(b)(3)(C) Comment.

A catch is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in his hand

or glove of a ball in flight and firmly holding it; providing he does
not use his cap, protector, pocket or any other part of his uniform
in getting possession. It is not a catch, however, if simultaneously
or immediately following his contact with the ball, he collides with
a player, or with a wall, or if he falls down, and as a result of such
collision or falling, drops the ball. It is not a catch if a fielder touches

41
 Rule 5.09(a)(1) to 5.09(a)(5)

a fly ball which then hits a member of the offensive team or an umpire
and then is caught by another defensive player. In establishing the
validity of the catch, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to
prove that he has complete control of the ball and that his release of
the ball is voluntary and intentional. If the fielder has made the catch
and drops the ball while in the act of making a throw following the
catch, the ball shall be adjudged to have been caught.

Catch Comment: A catch is legal if the ball is finally held by

any fielder, even though juggled, or held by another fielder
before it touches the ground. Runners may leave their bases
the instant the first fielder touches the ball. A fielder may reach
over a fence, railing, rope or other line of demarcation to make
a catch. He may jump on top of a railing, or canvas that may
be in foul ground. No interference should be allowed when a
fielder reaches over a fence, railing, rope or into a stand to catch
a ball. He does so at his own risk.
If a fielder, attempting a catch at the edge of the dugout, is “held
up” and kept from an apparent fall by a player or players of
either team and the catch is made, it shall be allowed.

(2) A third strike is legally caught by the catcher;

Rule 5.09(a)(2) Comment: “Legally caught” means in the

catcher’s glove before the ball touches the ground. It is not
legal if the ball lodges in his clothing or paraphernalia; or
if it touches the umpire and is caught by the catcher on the
rebound.
If a foul tip first strikes any part of the catcher’s body or
paraphernalia and is caught by hand or glove against his body
or protector, before the ball touches the ground, it is a strike,
and if third strike, batter is out.

(3) A third strike is not caught by the catcher when first base
is occupied before two are out;
(4) He bunts foul on third strike;
(5) An Infield Fly is declared;

42
 Rule 5.09(a)(6) to 5.09(a)(8)

(6) He attempts to hit a third strike and the ball touches him;
(7) His fair ball touches him before touching a fielder. If the
batter is in a legal position in the batter’s box, see Rule
5.04(b)(5), and, in the umpire’s judgment, there was no
intention to interfere with the course of the ball, a batted
ball that strikes the batter or his bat shall be ruled a foul
ball;
(8) After hitting or bunting a fair ball, his bat hits the ball a
second time in fair territory. The ball is dead and no runners
may advance. If the batter-runner drops his bat and the ball
rolls against the bat in fair territory and, in the umpire’s
judgment, there was no intention to interfere with the
course of the ball, the ball is alive and in play. If the batter
is in a legal position in the batter’s box, see Rule 5.04(b)(5),
and, in the umpire’s judgment, there was no intention to
interfere with the course of the ball, a batted ball that strikes
the batter or his bat shall be ruled a foul ball;

Rule 5.09(a)(8) Comment: If a bat breaks and part of it is in

fair territory and is hit by a batted ball or part of it hits a runner
or fielder, play shall continue and no interference called. If a
batted ball hits part of a broken bat in foul territory, it is a foul
ball.
If a whole bat is thrown into fair or foul territory and interferes
with a defensive player attempting to make a play, interference
shall be called, whether intentional or not.
In cases where the batting helmet is accidentally hit with a
batted ball on or over fair territory or a thrown ball, the ball
remains in play the same as if it has not hit the helmet.
If a batted ball strikes a batting helmet or any other object
foreign to the natural ground while on foul territory, it is a foul
ball and the ball is dead.
If, in the umpire’s judgment, there is intent on the part of a base
runner to interfere with a batted or thrown ball by dropping
the helmet or throwing it at the ball, then the runner would be
out, the ball dead and runners would return to last base legally
touched.

43
 Rule 5.09(a)(9) to 5.09(a)(12)

(9) After hitting or bunting a ball that continues to move over

foul territory, he intentionally deflects the course of the
ball in any manner while running to first base. The ball is
dead and no runners may advance;
(10) After a third strike or after he hits a fair ball, he or first
base is tagged before he touches first base;
(11) In running the last half of the distance from home base to
first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, he
runs outside (to the right of) the three-foot line, or inside
(to the left of) the foul line and on the infield grass, and
in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interferes with the
fielder taking the throw at first base, in which case the
ball is dead; except that he may run outside (to the right
of) the three-foot line or inside (to the left of) the foul
line and on the infield grass to avoid a fielder attempting
to field a batted ball;

Rule 5.09(a)(11) Comment: The chalk lines marking the three-

foot lane are a part of that lane and a batter-runner is required to
have both feet within the three-foot lane, on the lines marking
the lane, or on the dirt inside (to the left of) the foul line in
running the last half of the distance from home base to first base.
The umpire will determine that the batter-runner complied with
Rule 5.09(a)(11) if the batter had both feet within the three-foot
lane, or on the lines marking the lane, or on the dirt inside of
the foul line (A) after reaching the last half of the distance from
home base to first base, or (B) after the ball is released by a
fielder in a throw to first base, whichever is later.

(12) An infielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball or line

drive, with first, first and second, first and third, or first,
second and third base occupied before two are out. The
ball is dead and runner or runners shall return to their
original base or bases;
APPROVED RULING: In this situation, the batter is not
out if the infielder permits the ball to drop untouched to the
ground, except when the Infield Fly rule applies.

44
 Rule 5.09(a)(13) to 5.09(b)(2)

(13) A preceding runner shall, in the umpire’s judgment,

intentionally interfere with a fielder who is attempting
to catch a thrown ball or to throw a ball in an attempt to
complete any play;

Rule 5.09(a)(13) Comment: The objective of this rule is to

penalize the offensive team for deliberate, unwarranted, un­
sportsmanlike action by the runner in leaving the baseline for
the obvious purpose of crashing the pivot man on a double
play, rather than trying to reach the base. Obviously this is an
umpire’s judgment play. (See Rule 6.01(j).)

(14) With two out, a runner on third base, and two strikes on

the batter, the runner attempts to steal home base on a legal
pitch and the ball touches the runner in the batter’s strike
zone. The umpire shall call “Strike Three,” the batter is
out and the run shall not count; before two are out, the
umpire shall call “Strike Three,” the ball is dead, and the
run counts;
(15) A member of his team (other than a runner) hinders
a fielder’s attempt to catch or field a batted ball. See
Rule 6.01(b). For interference by a runner, see Rule
5.09(b)(3).
(b) Retiring a Runner
Any runner is out when:
(1) He runs more than three feet away from his base path to
avoid being tagged unless his action is to avoid interference
with a fielder fielding a batted ball. A runner’s base path is
established when the tag attempt occurs and is a straight
line from the runner to the base he is attempting to reach
safely; or
(2) After touching first base, he leaves the base path, obviously
abandoning his effort to touch the next base;

Rule 5.09(b)(1) and (2) Comment: Any runner after reaching

first base who leaves the base path heading for his dugout
or his position believing that there is no further play, may

45
 Rule 5.09(b)(2) to 5.09(b)(4)

be declared out if the umpire judges the act of the runner to

be considered abandoning his efforts to run the bases. Even
though an out is called, the ball remains in play in regard to
any other runner.
This rule also covers the following and similar plays: Less than
two out, score tied last of ninth inning, runner on first, batter
hits a ball out of park for winning run, the runner on first passes
second and thinking the home run automatically wins the game,
cuts across diamond toward his bench as batter-runner circles
bases. In this case, the base runner would be called out “for
abandoning his effort to touch the next base” and batter-runner
permitted to continue around bases to make his home run
valid. If there are two out, home run would not count. See Rule
5.09(d). This is not an appeal play.
PLAY—Runner believing he is called out on a tag at first or
third base starts for the dugout and progresses a reasonable
distance still indicating by his actions that he is out, shall be
declared out for abandoning the bases.

(3) He intentionally interferes with a thrown ball; or hinders

a fielder attempting to make a play on a batted ball (see
Rule 6.01(j));
PENALTY: For penalties applying to a runner’s intentional
interference with a thrown ball or his hindrance of a fielder’s
attempt to make a play on a batted ball, see Rule 6.01(a) Penalty
for Interference Com­ment.
(4) He is tagged, when the ball is alive, while off his base.
EXCEPTION: A batter-runner cannot be tagged out after
overrunning or oversliding first base if he returns immediately to
the base;
APPROVED RULING: (A) If the impact of a runner breaks a
base loose from its position, no play can be made on that runner
at that base if he had reached the base safely.
APPROVED RULING: (B) If a base is dislodged from its
position during a play, any following runner on the same play
shall be considered as touching or occupying the base if, in the

46
 Rule 5.09(b)(4) to 5.09(b)(6)

umpire’s judgment, he touches or occupies the point marked by

the dislodged bag.
(5) He fails to retouch his base after a fair or foul ball is legally
caught before he, or his base, is tagged by a fielder. He
shall not be called out for failure to retouch his base after
the first following pitch, or any play or attempted play.
This is an appeal play;

Rule 5.09(b)(5) Comment: Runners need not “tag up” on a foul

tip. They may steal on a foul tip. If a so-called tip is not caught,
it becomes an ordinary foul. Runners then return to their bases.

(6) He or the next base is tagged before he touches the next

base, after he has been forced to advance by reason of
the batter becoming a runner. However, if a following
runner is put out on a force play, the force is removed and
the runner must be tagged to be put out. The force is re­
moved as soon as the runner touches the base to which he
is forced to advance, and if he overslides or overruns the
base, the runner must be tagged to be put out. However,
if the forced runner, after touching the next base, retreats
for any reason towards the base he had last occupied, the
force play is reinstated, and he can again be put out if the
defense tags the base to which he is forced;

Rule 5.09(b)(6) Comment:

PLAY—Runner on first and three balls on batter: Runner
steals on the next pitch, which is fourth ball, but after
having touched second he overslides or overruns that base.
Catcher’s throw catches him before he can return. Ruling is
that runner is out. (Force out is removed.)
Oversliding and overrunning situations arise at bases other
than first base. For instance, before two are out, and runners
on first and second, or first, second and third, the ball is hit
to an infielder who tries for the double play. The runner
on first beats the throw to second base but over-slides the
base. The relay is made to first base and the batter-runner is
out. The first baseman, seeing the runner at second base off
the bag, makes the return throw to second and the runner

47
 Rule 5.09(b)(6) to 5.09(b)(9)

is tagged off the base. Meanwhile runners have crossed the

plate. The question is: Is this a force play? Was the force
removed when the batter-runner was out at first base? Do
the runs that crossed the plate during this play and before
the third out was made when the runner was tagged at
second, count? Answer: The runs score. It is not a force
play. It is a tag play.

(7) He is touched by a fair ball in fair territory before the ball

has gone through, or by, an infielder and no other in­fielder
has a chance to make a play on the ball. The ball is dead
and no runner may score, nor runners advance, except
runners forced to advance. EXCEPTION: If a runner is
touching his base when touched by an Infield Fly, he is not
out, although the batter is out;

Rule 5.09(b)(7) Comment: If two runners are touched by the

same fair ball, only the first one is out because the ball is
instantly dead.

If a runner is touched by an Infield Fly when he is not

touching his base, and before the ball has gone through,
or by, an infielder, and no other infielder has a chance to
make a play on the ball, both the runner and batter are
out. Regardless of whether a runner is touching his base
or not when touched by an Infield Fly before the ball has
gone through, or by, an infielder and no other infielder has
a chance to make a play on the ball, the ball is dead and
no runner may score, nor runners advance, except runners
forced to advance.
(8) He attempts to score on a play in which the batter
interferes with the play at home base before two are out.
With two out, the interference puts the batter out and no
score counts;
(9) He passes a preceding runner before such runner is out;

Rule 5.09(b)(9) Comment: A runner may be deemed to have

passed a preceding (i.e., lead) runner based on his actions or the
actions of a preceding runner.

48
 Rule 5.09(b)(9) to 5.09(b)(12)

PLAY—Runners on second base and third base with one out.

The runner from third base (i.e., the lead runner) makes an
advance toward home and is caught in a rundown between
third base and home plate. Believing the lead runner will be
tagged out, the runner at second base (i.e., the trailing runner)
advances to third base. Before being tagged, the lead runner
runs back to and beyond third base toward left field. At this
time, the trailing runner has passed the lead runner as a result
of the lead runner’s actions. As a result, the trailing runner is
out and third base is unoccupied. The lead runner is entitled
to third base if he returns to touch it before he is out, see Rule
5.06(a)(1), unless he is declared out for abandoning the bases.

(10) After he has acquired legal possession of a base, he runs

the bases in reverse order for the purpose of confusing
the defense or making a travesty of the game. The umpire
shall immediately call “Time” and declare the runner out;

Rule 5.09(b)(10) Comment: If a runner touches an unoccupied

base and then thinks the ball was caught or is decoyed into
returning to the base he last touched, he may be put out running
back to that base, but if he reaches the previously occupied base
safely he cannot be put out while in contact with that base.

(11) He fails to return at once to first base after overrunning or

oversliding that base. If he attempts to run to second he is
out when tagged. If, after overrunning or oversliding first
base he starts toward the dugout, or toward his position,
and fails to return to first base at once, he is out, on
appeal, when he or the base is tagged;

Rule 5.09(b)(11) Comment: Runner who touches first base in

overrunning and is declared safe by the umpire has, within
the intent of Rule 5.08(a) “reached first base” and any run
which scores on such a play counts, even though the runner
subsequently becomes the third out for failure to return “at
once,” as covered in Rule 5.09(b)(11).

(12) In running or sliding for home base, he fails to touch

home base and makes no attempt to return to the base,

49
 Rule 5.09(b)(12) to 5.09(c)(2)

when a fielder holds the ball in his hand, while touching

home base, and appeals to the umpire for the decision;

Rule 5.09(b)(12) Comment: This rule applies only where runner

is on his way to the bench and the catcher would be required to
chase him. It does not apply to the ordinary play where the runner
misses the plate and then immediately makes an effort to touch
the plate before being tagged. In that case, runner must be tagged.

(13) A play on him is being made and a member of his team

(other than a runner) hinders a fielder’s attempt to field
a thrown ball. See Rule 5.09(b)(3). For interference by a
runner, see Rule 5.09(b)(3).
(c) Appeal Plays
Any runner shall be called out, on appeal, when:
(1) A
 fter a fly ball is caught, he fails to retouch his original
base before he or his original base is tagged;

Rule 5.09(c)(1) Comment: “Retouch,” in this rule, means to tag

up and start from a contact with the base after the ball is caught.
A runner is not permitted to take a flying start from a position
in back of his base. Such runner shall be called out on appeal.
(2) With the ball in play, while advancing or returning to a
base, he fails to touch each base in order before he, or a
missed base, is tagged;
APPROVED RULING: (A) No runner may return to touch
a missed base after a following runner has scored. (B) When
the ball is dead, no runner may return to touch a missed base
or one he has left after he has advanced to and touched a base
beyond the missed base.

Rule 5.09(c)(2) Comment:

PLAY—(A) Batter hits ball out of park or ground rule double
and misses first base (ball is dead)—he may return to first
base to correct his mistake before he touches second but if
he touches second he may not return to first and if defensive
team appeals he is declared out at first.

50
 Rule 5.09(c)(2) to 5.09(c)(4)

PLAY—(B) Batter hits ball to shortstop who throws

wild into stand (ball is dead)—batter-runner misses first
base but is awarded second base on the overthrow. Even
though the umpire has awarded the runner second base on
the overthrow, the runner must touch first base before he
proceeds to second base.
These are appeal plays.

(3) He overruns or overslides first base and fails to return to

the base immediately, and he or the base is tagged prior to
the runner returning to first base;
(4) He fails to touch home base and makes no attempt to
return to that base, and home base is tagged.
Any appeal under this rule must be made before the next pitch, or
any play or attempted play. If the violation occurs during a play
which ends a half-inning, the appeal must be made before the
defensive team leaves the field.
An appeal is not to be interpreted as a play or an attempted play.
Successive appeals may not be made on a runner at the same base.
If the defensive team on its first appeal errs, a request for a second
appeal on the same runner at the same base shall not be allowed
by the umpire. (Intended meaning of the word “err” is that the
defensive team in making an appeal threw the ball out of play. For
example, if the pitcher threw to first base to appeal and threw the
ball into the stands, no second appeal would be allowed.)
Appeal plays may require an umpire to recognize an apparent
“fourth out.” If the third out is made during a play in which an
appeal play is sustained on another runner, the appeal play decision
takes precedence in determining the out. If there is more than one
appeal during a play that ends a half-inning, the defense may elect
to take the out that gives it the advantage. For the purpose of this
rule, the defensive team has “left the field” when the pitcher and
all infielders have left fair territory on their way to the bench or
Clubhouse.

Rule 5.09(c) Comment: If two runners arrive at home base

about the same time and the first runner misses home plate but a

51
 Rule 5.09(c)(4) to 5.10(b)

second runner legally touches the plate, the runner is tagged out
on his attempt to come back and touch the base or is called out,
on appeal, then he shall be considered as having been put out
before the second runner scored and being the third out. Second
runner’s run shall not count, as provided in Rule 5.09(d).
If a pitcher balks when making an appeal, such act shall be a
play. An appeal should be clearly intended as an appeal, either
by a verbal request by the player or an act that unmistakably
indicates an appeal to the umpire. A player, inadvertently
stepping on the base with a ball in his hand, would not constitute
an appeal. Time is not out when an appeal is being made.

(d) Effect of Preceding Runner’s Failure to Touch a Base

Unless two are out, the status of a following runner is not affected
by a preceding runner’s failure to touch or retouch a base. If, upon
appeal, the preceding runner is the third out, no runners following
him shall score. If such third out is the result of a force play, neither
preceding nor following runners shall score.
(e) Retiring the Side
When three offensive players are legally put out, that team takes the
field and the opposing team becomes the offensive team.

5.10 Substitutions and Pitching Changes

(Including Visits to the Mound)
(a) A player, or players, may be substituted during a game at any
time the ball is dead. A substitute player shall bat in the replaced
player’s position in the team’s batting order.
(b) The manager shall immediately notify the umpire-in-chief
of any substitution and shall state to the umpire-in-chief the
substitute’s place in the batting order.

Rule 5.10(b) Comment: To avoid any confusion, the manager

should give the name of the substitute, his position in the
batting order and his position on the field. When two or more
substitute players of the defensive team enter the game at the
same time, the manager shall, immediately before they take
their positions as fielders, designate to the umpire-in-chief such

52
 Rule 5.10(b) to 5.10(d)

players’ positions in the team’s batting order, and the umpire-

in-chief shall so notify the Official Scorer. If this information is
not immediately given to the umpire-in-chief, the umpire- in-
chief shall have authority to designate the substitutes’ places in
the batting order.
If a double-switch is being made, the manager or coach shall first
notify the plate umpire. The umpire-in-chief must be informed of
the multiple substitutions and interchanged batting order before
the manager calls for a new pitcher (regardless of whether the
manager or coach announces the double-switch before crossing
the foul line). Signaling or motioning to the bullpen is to be
considered an official substitution for the new pitcher. It is not
permissible for the manager to go to the mound, call for a new
pitcher, and then inform the umpire of multiple substitutions with
the intention of interchanging the batting order.
Players for whom substitutions have been made may remain with
their team on the bench or may “warm-up” pitchers. If a manager
substitutes another player for himself, he may continue to direct
his team from the bench or the coach’s box. Umpires should not
permit players for whom substitutes have been made, and who
are permitted to remain on the bench, to address any remarks to
any opposing player or manager, or to the umpires.

(c) The umpire-in-chief, after having been notified, shall immedi-

ately announce, or cause to be announced, each substitution.
(d) A player once removed from a game shall not re-enter that
game. If a player who has been substituted for attempts to
re-enter, or re-enters, the game in any capacity, the umpire-
in-chief shall direct the player’s manager to remove such
player from the game immediately upon noticing the player’s
presence or upon being informed of the player’s improper
presence by another umpire or by either manager. If such
direction to remove the substituted for player occurs before
play commences with the player improperly in the game, then
the substitute player may enter the game. If such direction
to remove the substituted-for player occurs after play has
commenced with the substituted-for player in the game, then
the substitute player shall be deemed to have been removed

53
 Rule 5.10(d) to 5.10(f)

from the game (in addition to the removal of the substituted-

for player) and shall not enter the game. If a substitute enters
the game in place of a player-manager, the manager may
thereafter go to the coaching lines at his discretion. When
two or more substitute players of the defensive team enter the
game at the same time, the manager shall, immediately before
they take their positions as fielders, designate to the umpire-
in-chief such players’ positions in the team’s batting order
and the umpire-in-chief shall so notify the Official Scorer.
If this information is not immediately given to the umpire-
in-chief, he shall have authority to designate the substitutes’
places in the batting order.

Rule 5.10(d) Comment: A pitcher may change to another

position only once during the same inning; e.g. the pitcher will
not be allowed to assume a position other than a pitcher more
than once in the same inning.
Any player other than a pitcher substituted for an injured player
shall be allowed five warm-up throws. (See Rule 5.07(b) for
pitchers.)
Any play that occurs while a player appears in a game after
having been substituted for shall count. If, in an umpire’s
judgment, the player re-entered the game knowing that he had
been removed, the umpire may eject the manager.

(e) A player whose name is on his team’s batting order may not
become a substitute runner for another member of his team.

Rule 5.10(e) Comment: This rule is intended to eliminate the

practice of using so-called courtesy runners. No player in
the game shall be permitted to act as a courtesy runner for a
teammate. No player who has been in the game and has been
taken out for a substitute shall return as a courtesy runner. Any
player not in the lineup, if used as a runner, shall be considered
as a substitute player.

(f) The pitcher named in the batting order handed the umpire-in-

chief, as provided in Rules 4.02(a) and 4.02(b), shall pitch to
the first batter or any substitute batter until such batter is put out

54
 Rule 5.10(f) to 5.10(g)

or reaches first base, unless the pitcher sustains injury or illness

which, in the judgment of the umpire-in-chief, incapacitates
him from pitching.

(g) Minimum Batters Faced Requirements

(1) The starting pitcher or any substitute pitcher is required to
pitch to a minimum of three consecutive batters, including
the batter then at bat (or any substitute batter), until such
batters are put out or reach first base, or until the offensive
team is put out, unless the starting pitcher or substitute
pitcher sustains injury or illness which, in the umpire-in-
chief’s judgment, incapacitates him from further play as
a pitcher.

Rule 5.10(g)(1) Comment: To qualify as one of three consecutive

batters, the batter must complete his plate appearance, which
ends only when the batter is put out or becomes a runner. If
the offensive team is put out prior to any substitute pitcher
completing his first three consecutive batters, the pitcher
may be removed from the game between innings; but, if he
returns for the subsequent inning, he must complete pitching
to as many batters as necessary to satisfy the three consecutive
batters requirement, which total would include any batters that
completed a plate appearance with that pitcher the prior inning
(i.e., if he completed 0 PA in inning 1, he must complete 3 PA
in inning 2; if he completed 1 PA in inning 1, he must complete
2 PA in inning 2; if he completed 2 PA in inning 1, he must
complete 1 PA in inning 2). An intentional walk counts toward
fulfilling the number of required batters. Picking off a runner
does not fulfill the minimum batter requirement, but would
permit the early removal of the pitcher if the out recorded by
the pickoff ends the inning.

(2) Any pitcher who warms up on the field at the start of an

inning is required to pitch to at least the first batter of
the inning until such batter (or any substitute batter) is
put out or reaches first base, unless the pitcher sustains
injury or illness which, in the umpire-in-chief’s judgment,
incapacitates him from further play as a pitcher.

55
 Rule 5.10(g) to Rule 5.10(i)

Rule 5.10(g)(2) Comment: A league may provide standards to

determine the pitcher that is subject to Rule 5.10(g)(2) in the
event there is no pitcher warming up on the field at the start
of an inning.

(h) If an improper substitution is made for the pitcher, the umpire

shall direct the proper pitcher to return to the game until the
provisions of this rule are fulfilled. If the improper pitcher is
permitted to pitch, any play that results is legal. The improper
pitcher becomes the proper pitcher as soon as he makes his
first pitch to the batter, or as soon as any runner is put out.

Rule 5.10(h) Comment: If a manager attempts to remove a

pitcher in violation of Rule 5.10(h) the umpire shall notify
the manager of the offending Club that it cannot be done.
If, by chance, the umpire-in-chief has, through oversight,
announced the incoming improper pitcher, he should still
correct the situation before the improper pitcher pitches. Once
the improper pitcher delivers a pitch he becomes the proper
pitcher.

(i) If a pitcher who is already in the game crosses the foul line
on his way to take his place on the pitcher’s plate to start an
inning, he shall pitch to the first batter until such batter is put out
or reaches first base, unless the batter is substituted for, or the
pitcher sustains an injury or illness which, in the judgment of the
umpire-in-chief, incapacitates him from pitching. If the pitcher
ends the previous inning on base or at bat and does not return
to the dugout after the inning is completed, the pitcher is not
required to pitch to the first batter of the inning until he makes
contact with the pitcher’s plate to begin his warm-up pitches.
NOTE: The substitute batter exception to the requirement
that a pitcher already in the game must face the first batter to
start an inning contained in Rule 5.10(i) does not apply to a
substitute pitcher who returns for a subsequent inning without
having satisfied the three batter requirement contained in
Rule 5.10(g). Thus, if a pitcher who has not completed his
three batter requirement at the end of an inning returns for the
subsequent inning, the obligation to satisfy the balance of this

56
 Rule 5.10(i) to 5.10(l)(1)

requirement shall continue even if the opposing team elects to

pinch hit for the first hitter to start a subsequent inning.
(j) If no announcement of a substitution is made, the substitute
shall be considered as having entered the game when:
(1) If a pitcher, he takes his place on the pitcher’s plate;
(2) If a batter, he takes his place in the batter’s box;
(3) If a fielder, he reaches the position usually occupied by the
fielder he has replaced, and play commences;
(4) If a runner, he takes the place of the runner he has replaced.
Any play made by, or on, any of the above mentioned
unannounced substitutes shall be legal.
(k) Players and substitutes of both teams shall confine themselves
to their team’s benches unless actually participating in the play
or preparing to enter the game, or coaching at first or third base.
Players, managers, coaches, trainers, and other Club personnel
permitted to occupy the bench or bullpen area during the game
may not enter the field of play unless actually participating in
the play, preparing to enter the game, or another permissible
reason (e.g., coaching at first or third base, mound visit).
PENALTY: For violation the umpire may, after warning,
remove the offender from the field.

Rule 5.10(k) Comment: Players on the injured list are permitted

to participate in pre-game activity and sit on the bench during a
game but may not take part in any activity during the game such
as warming up a pitcher, bench-jockeying, etc. Injured players
are not allowed to enter the playing surface at any time or for
any purpose during the game.

(l) Visits to the Mound Requiring a Pitcher’s Removal From

the Game
A professional league shall adopt the following rule pertaining to
the visit of the manager or coach to the pitcher:
(1) This rule limits the number of trips a manager or coach
may make to any one pitcher in any one inning;

57
 Rule 5.10(l)(2) to 5.10(l)(4)

(2) A second trip to the same pitcher in the same inning will
cause this pitcher’s automatic removal from the game;
(3) The manager or coach is prohibited from making a second
visit to the mound while the same batter is at bat, but
(4) if a pinch-hitter is substituted for this batter, the manager
or coach may make a second visit to the mound, but must
remove the pitcher from the game.
A manager or coach is considered to have concluded his visit to the
mound when he leaves the 18-foot circle surrounding the pitcher’s
rubber.

Rule 5.10(l) Comment: If the manager or coach goes to the

catcher or infielder and that player then goes to the mound
or the pitcher comes to him at his position before there is an
intervening play (a pitch or other play) that will be the same as
the manager or coach going to the mound.
Any attempt to evade or circumvent this rule by the manager or
coach going to the catcher or an infielder and then that player
going to the mound to confer with the pitcher shall constitute a
trip to the mound.
If the coach goes to the mound and removes a pitcher and then
the manager goes to the mound to talk with the new pitcher,
that will constitute one trip to that new pitcher that inning.
A manager or coach shall not be considered to have concluded
his visit to the mound if he temporarily leaves the 18-foot circle
surrounding the pitcher’s rubber for purposes of notifying the
umpire that a double-switch or substitution is being made.
In a case where a manager has made his first trip to the mound
and then returns the second time to the mound in the same inning
with the same pitcher in the game and the same batter at bat,
after being warned by the umpire that he cannot return to the
mound, the manager shall be removed from the game and the
pitcher required to pitch to the batter until he is retired or gets
on base. After the batter is retired, or becomes a base runner,
then this pitcher must be removed from the game. The manager
should be notified that his pitcher will be removed from the

58
 Rule 5.10(l)(4) to 5.10(m)(2)

game after he pitches to one hitter, so he can have a substitute

pitcher warmed up. In such circumstance, the substitute pitcher
will be allowed as much time to throw preparatory pitches as in
the umpire’s judgment circumstances justify.
For purposes of this Rule 5.10(l), replacing the pitcher shall
constitute one trip to that pitcher that inning, regardless of whether
the manager or coach chooses to go to the mound, or whether the
pitcher remains in the game at a different position on defense.

(m) Limitation on the Number of Mound Visits Per Game

The following rule shall apply in Major League games. The Minor
Leagues may adopt a rule providing for a different limitation on the
number of mound visits permitted in a game or no limitation on the
number of mound visits.
(1) Mound visits without a pitching change shall be limited
to four per team, per nine innings. For any extra inning
played, each team shall be entitled to one additional non-
pitching-change mound visit in that inning, which if not
used in that inning, will not carry over to any subsequent
extra inning played.
(2) For purposes of this Rule 5.10(m), a manager or coach
trip to the mound to meet with the pitcher shall constitute
a visit. A player leaving his position to confer with the
pitcher, including a pitcher leaving the mound to confer
with another player, shall also constitute a visit, regardless
of where the visit occurs or the length of the visit. Visits by
a manager, coach or player to join a mound visit already
in progress shall not constitute an independent visit. In
addition, the following shall not constitute visits:
(A) Discussions between pitchers and position player(s)
that occur between batters in the normal course of
play and do not require either the position player(s)
or the pitcher to relocate;
(B) Visits by position players to the mound solely to clean
spikes, provided the player does not confer with the
pitcher;

59
 Rule 5.10(m)(2) to 5.10(m)(4)

(C) Visits to the mound due to an injury or potential injury

of the pitcher;
(D) Visits by position players to the mound after the
announcement of an offensive substitution but prior
to a subsequent pitch or play;
(E) Visits to the mound by position players that occur
during a suspension of play pursuant to an umpire’s call
of “Time” (e.g., following an injury to an umpire or
player; the presence of a spectator, object, or a member
of the grounds crew on the field; a manager’s initiation
of Replay Review, etc.), provided that the mound visit
does not otherwise delay a return to game action;
(F) Visits to the mound by position players after a home
run, provided that the player returns to his position
before the runner crosses home plate; and
(G) Visits to the mound by position players during an
inning break or pitching change, provided that
the mound visit does not prevent the pitcher from
complying with any applicable inning break or
pitching change time limits.
(3) Cross Up in Signs. In the event a team has exhausted its
allotment of mound visits in a game (or extra inning)
and the home plate umpire determines that the catcher
and pitcher did not have a shared understanding of the
location or type of pitch that had been signaled by the
catcher (otherwise referred to as a “cross up”), the home
plate umpire may, upon request of the catcher, allow the
catcher to make a brief mound visit. However, any mound
visit resulting from a “cross up” prior to a team exhausting
its allotted number of visits shall count against a team’s
total number of allotted mound visits.
(4) Enforcement of Mound Visit Limits. A manager or coach
who crosses the foul line on his way to the mound after his
team has exhausted its mound visits must make a pitching
change, unless the pitcher has not pitched to a minimum of
three consecutive batters in accordance with Rule 5.10(g),

60
 Rule 5.10(m)(4) to 5.11(a)(1)

in which case the pitcher shall continue to pitch only to

complete pitching to his first three consecutive batters (or the
end of the inning, whichever comes first) in accordance with
Rule 5.10(g). If a manager or coach believes an exception to
the mound visit rule applies, he must confer with the umpire
prior to crossing the foul line. In circumstances in which
a team is forced to make an unintended pitching change
by operation of this Rule, and there is no relief pitcher
warming up in the bullpen, the manager or coach who
violated the Rule by exceeding his team’s allotted number
of mound visits shall be subject to ejection from the game.
The umpire may allow the substitute pitcher additional time
to prepare to enter the game.
If a position player makes a visit after his team has exhausted
its allotted number of mound visits he may be subject to
ejection for failing to return to his position when instructed
by the umpire; however, an impermissible visit by a position
player shall not require the removal of the pitcher.

5.11 Designated Hitter Rule

(a) The Designated Hitter Rule provides as follows:
(1) A hitter may be designated to bat for the starting pitcher
and all subsequent pitchers in any game without otherwise
affecting the status of the pitcher(s) in the game. A
Designated Hitter for the pitcher, if any, must be selected
prior to the game and must be included in the lineup
cards presented to the umpire-in-chief. If a manager lists
10 players in his team’s lineup card, but fails to indicate
one as the Designated Hitter, and an umpire or either
manager (or designee of either manager who presents his
team’s lineup card) notices the error before the umpire-in-
chief calls “Play” to start the game, the umpire-in-chief
shall direct the manager who had made the omission to
designate which of the nine players, other than the pitcher,
will be the Designated Hitter.

Rule 5.11(a)(1) Comment: A correction of a failure to indicate a

Designated Hitter when 10 players are listed in a batting order

61
 Rule 5.11(a)(1) to 5.11(a)(10)

is an “obvious” error that may be corrected before a game starts.

See Rule 4.03 Comment.

(2) The Designated Hitter named in the starting lineup must

come to bat at least one time, unless the opposing Club
changes pitchers.
(3) It is not mandatory that a Club designate a hitter for the
pitcher, but failure to do so prior to the game precludes
the use of a Designated Hitter for that Club for that game.
(4) Pinch-hitters for a Designated Hitter may be used. Any
substitute hitter for a Designated Hitter becomes the
Designated Hitter. A replaced Designated Hitter shall not
re-enter the game in any capacity.
(5) The Designated Hitter may be used on defense, continuing
to bat in the same position in the batting order, but the
pitcher must then bat in the place of the substituted
defensive player, unless more than one substitution is
made, and the manager then must designate their spots in
the batting order.
(6) A runner may be substituted for the Designated Hitter
and the runner assumes the role of Designated Hitter. A
Designated Hitter may not pinch-run.
(7) A Designated Hitter is “locked” into the batting order.
No multiple substitutions may be made that will alter the
batting rotation of the Designated Hitter.
(8) Once the game pitcher is switched from the mound to
a position on defense, such move shall terminate the
Designated Hitter role for that Club for the remainder of
the game.
(9) Once a pinch-hitter bats for any player in the batting
order and then enters the game to pitch, such move shall
terminate the Designated Hitter role for that Club for the
remainder of the game.
(10) Once the game pitcher bats or runs for the Designated
Hitter, such move shall terminate the Designated Hitter

62
 Rule 5.11(a)(10) to 5.11(b)

role for that Club for the remainder of the game. The
game pitcher may pinch-hit or pinch-run only for the
Designated Hitter.
(11) If a manager lists 10 players in his team’s lineup card,
but fails to indicate one as the Designated Hitter, and the
opposing manager brings the failure to list a Designated
Hitter to the attention of the umpire-in-chief after the
game starts, then
(A) the pitcher will be required to bat in the batting order
in the place of the listed player who has not assumed
a position on defense, if the team has taken the field
on defense, or
(B) if the team has not yet taken the field on defense, the
pitcher will be placed in the batting order in place of
any player, as chosen by the manager of that team.
I n either case, the player whom the pitcher replaces
in the batting order shall be considered to have been
substituted for and is removed from the game and the
Designated Hitter role for that Club shall be terminated
for the remainder of the game. Any play that occurred
before the violation is brought to the attention of the
umpire-in-chief shall count, subject to Rule 6.03(b).
(12) Once a Designated Hitter assumes a position on defense,
such move shall terminate the Designated Hitter role for
that Club for the remainder of the game.
(13) A substitute for the Designated Hitter need not be
announced until it is the Designated Hitter’s turn to bat.
(14) If a player on defense goes to the mound (i.e., replaces
the pitcher), this move shall terminate the Designated
Hitter’s role for that Club for the remainder of the game.
(15) The Designated Hitter may not sit in the bullpen unless
serving as a catcher in the bullpen.
(b) Starting Pitcher as Designated Hitter. It is not mandatory that a
Club designate a hitter for the pitcher. However, in the event the
starting pitcher will bat for himself, the player will be considered

63
 Rule 5.11(b) to 5.12(b)(3)

two separate people for purposes of Rule 5.11(a). In such cases,

the manager should list 10 players on his team’s lineup card, and
this player should be named twice – once as the starting pitcher
and once as the Designated Hitter. Thus, if the starting pitcher
is replaced, he can continue as the Designated Hitter (but can
no longer pitch in the game), and if the Designated Hitter is
replaced, he can continue as the pitcher (but can no longer hit
for himself). If the player is simultaneously replaced both as a
starting pitcher and Designated Hitter, he cannot be replaced by
another two-way player filling both roles as separate people (this
can be done only once on the initial lineup card by identifying
that the starting pitcher will bat for himself).
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Rule 5.11(a) above,
if that pitcher bats or runs as Designated Hitter, such move will
not terminate the Designated Hitter role for that Club; neither
will the role be terminated in the event that Designated Hitter
assumes the role of pitcher on defense. However, if that player is
switched from the mound or Designated Hitter role to a position
on defense other than pitcher, such move will terminate the
Designated Hitter role for that Club for the remainder of the
game.

5.12 Calling “Time” and Dead Balls

(a) When an umpire suspends play, he shall call “Time.” At the
umpire-in-chief’s call of “Play,” the suspension is lifted and
play resumes. Between the call of “Time” and the call of “Play”
the ball is dead.
(b) The ball becomes dead when an umpire calls “Time.” The
umpire-in-chief shall call “Time:
(1) When in his judgment weather, darkness or similar
conditions make immediate further play impossible;
(2) When light failure makes it difficult or impossible for the
umpires to follow the play;
NOTE: A league may adopt its own regulations governing
games interrupted by light failure.
(3) When an accident incapacitates a player or an umpire;

64
 Rule 5.12(b)(3) to 5.12(b)(8)

(A) If an accident to a runner is such as to prevent him

from proceeding to a base to which he is entitled,
as on a home run hit out of the playing field, or an
award of one or more bases, a substitute runner shall
be permitted to complete the play.
(4) When a manager requests “Time” for a substitution, or for
a conference with one of his players.
(5) When the umpire wishes to examine the ball, to consult
with either manager, or for any similar cause.
(6) When a fielder, after catching a fly ball, steps or falls into
any out-of-play area. All other runners shall advance one
base, without liability to be put out, from his last legally
touched base at the time the fielder entered such out-of-
play area.
(7) When an umpire orders a player or any other person
removed from the playing field.
(8) Except in the cases stated in paragraphs (2) and (3)(A) of
this rule, no umpire shall call “Time” while a play is in
progress.
After the ball is dead, play shall be resumed when the pitcher takes
his place on the pitcher’s plate with a new ball or the same ball in
his possession and the plate umpire calls “Play.” The plate umpire
shall call “Play” as soon as the pitcher takes his place on his plate
with the ball in his possession.

65
 Rule 6.01(a) to 6.01(a)(5)

6.00–IMPROPER PLAY, ILLEGAL ACTION,

AND MISCONDUCT

6.01 Interference, Obstruction, and Catcher Collisions

(a) Batter or Runner Interference
It is interference by a batter or a runner when:
(1) After a third strike that is not caught by the catcher, the
batter-runner clearly hinders the catcher in his attempt to
field the ball. Such batter-runner is out, the ball is dead, and
all other runners return to the bases they occupied at the
time of the pitch. If a pitch that is not caught remains in the
vicinity of home plate and it is inadvertently deflected by
the batter or umpire, that ball is a dead ball and the runners
should return to the bases they occupied at the time of the
pitch (but if the pitch was strike three, the batter is out).

Rule 6.01(a)(1) Comment: If the pitched ball deflects off the

catcher or umpire and subsequently touches the batter-runner,
it is not considered interference unless, in the judgment of the
umpire, the batter-runner clearly hinders the catcher in his
attempt to field the ball.

(2) He intentionally deflects the course of a foul ball in any

manner;
(3) Before two are out and a runner on third base, the batter
hinders a fielder in making a play at home base; the runner
is out;
(4) Any member or members of the offensive team stand or
gather around any base to which a runner is advancing,
to confuse, hinder or add to the difficulty of the fielders.
Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of
his teammate or teammates;
(5) Any batter or runner who has just been put out, or any
runner who has just scored, hinders or impedes any
following play being made on a runner. Such runner shall
be declared out for the interference of his teammate (see
Rule 6.01(j));

66
 Rule 6.01(a)(5) to 6.01(a)(10)

Rule 6.01(a)(5) Comment: If the batter or a runner continues to

advance or returns or attempts to return to his last legally touched
base after he has been put out, he shall not by that act alone be
considered as confusing, hindering or impeding the fielders.

(6) If, in the judgment of the umpire, a base runner willfully

and deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a fielder in
the act of fielding a batted ball with the obvious intent to
break up a double play, the ball is dead. The umpire shall
call the runner out for interference and also call out the
batter-runner because of the action of his teammate. In
no event may bases be run or runs scored because of such
action by a runner (see Rule 6.01(j));
(7) If, in the judgment of the umpire, a batter-runner willfully
and deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a fielder
in the act of fielding a batted ball, with the obvious intent
to break up a double play, the ball is dead; the umpire
shall call the batter-runner out for interference and shall
call out the runner who had advanced closest to the home
plate regardless where the double play might have been
possible. In no event shall bases be run because of such
interference (see Rule 6.01(j));
(8) In the judgment of the umpire, the base coach at third base,
or first base, by touching or holding the runner, physically
assists him in returning to or leaving third base or first base;
(9) With a runner on third base, the base coach leaves his box
and acts in any manner to draw a throw by a fielder;
(10) He fails to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field a
batted ball, or intentionally interferes with a thrown ball,
provided that if two or more fielders attempt to field a
batted ball, and the runner comes in contact with one or
more of them, the umpire shall determine which fielder is
entitled to the benefit of this rule, and shall not declare the
runner out for coming in contact with a fielder other than
the one the umpire determines to be entitled to field such
a ball. The umpire shall call the runner out in accordance
with Rule 5.09(b)(3). If the third out occurs because a

67
 Rule 6.01(a)(10) to 6.01(a)(11)

runner is declared out for interference on a foul batted ball,

the batter-runner is considered to have completed his at
bat, and the first batter up the following inning will be the
player who follows him in the batting order (if there are
less than two outs, the batter will complete his at-bat). If
the batter-runner is adjudged not to have hindered a fielder
attempting to make a play on a batted ball, and if the base
runner’s interference is adjudged not to be intentional, the
batter-runner shall be awarded first base;

Rule 6.01(a)(10) Comment: When a catcher and batter-runner

going to first base have contact when the catcher is fielding the
ball, there is generally no violation and nothing should be called.
“Obstruction” by a fielder attempting to field a ball should be
called only in very flagrant and violent cases because the rules
give him the right of way, but of course such “right of way” is
not a license to, for example, intentionally trip a runner even
though fielding the ball. If the catcher is fielding the ball and
any fielder, including the pitcher, obstructs a runner going to first
base, “obstruction” shall be called and the base runner awarded
first base.

(11) A fair ball touches him on fair territory before touching a

fielder. If a fair ball goes through, or by, an infielder, and
touches a runner immediately back of him, or touches
the runner after having been deflected by a fielder, the
umpire shall not declare the runner out for being touched
by a batted ball. In making such decision the umpire
must be convinced that the ball passed through, or by, the
fielder, and that no other infielder had the chance to make
a play on the ball. If, in the judgment of the umpire, the
runner deliberately and intentionally kicks such a batted
ball on which the infielder has missed a play, then the
runner shall be called out for interference.

PENALTY FOR INTERFERENCE:

The runner is out and the ball is dead.
If the umpire declares the batter, batter-runner, or a runner out for
interference, all other runners shall return to the last base that was

68
 Rule 6.01(a)(11) to 6.01(b)

in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the

interference, unless otherwise provided by these rules.
In the event the batter-runner has not reached first base, all
runners shall return to the base last occupied at the time of the
pitch; provided, however, if during an intervening play at the
plate with less than two outs a runner scores, and then the batter-
runner is called out for interference outside (to the right of) the
three-foot line, or inside (to the left of) the foul line and on the
infield grass, in running the last half of the distance from home
base to first base, the runner is safe and the run shall count.

Rule 6.01(a) Penalty for Interference Comment: A runner who

is adjudged to have hindered a fielder who is attempting to
make a play on a batted ball is out whether it was intentional
or not.
If, however, the runner has contact with a legally occupied base
when he hinders the fielder, he shall not be called out unless,
in the umpire’s judgment, such hindrance, whether it occurs on
fair or foul territory, is intentional. If the umpire declares the
hindrance intentional, the following penalty shall apply: With
less than two out, the umpire shall declare both the runner and
batter out. With two out, the umpire shall declare the batter out.
If, in a run-down between third base and home plate, the
succeeding runner has advanced and is standing on third base
when the runner in a run-down is called out for offensive
interference, the umpire shall send the runner standing on third
base back to second base.

This same principle applies if there is a run-down between second

and third base and succeeding runner has reached second (the
reasoning is that no runner shall advance on an interference play
and a runner is considered to occupy a base until he legally has
reached the next succeeding base).
(b) Fielder Right of Way
The players, coaches or any member of a team at bat shall vacate
any space (including both dugouts or bullpens) needed by a fielder
who is attempting to field a batted or thrown ball. If a member of

69
 Rule 6.01(b) to 6.01(c)

the team at bat (other than a runner) hinders a fielder’s attempt to

catch or field a batted ball, the ball is dead, the batter is declared
out and all runners return to the bases occupied at the time of
the pitch. If a member of the team at bat (other than a runner)
hinders a fielder’s attempt to field a thrown ball, the ball is dead,
the runner on whom the play is being made shall be declared out
and all runners return to the last legally occupied base at the time
of the interference.

Rule 6.01(b) Comment: Defensive interference is an act by a

fielder that hinders or prevents a batter from hitting a pitch.

(c) Catcher Interference

The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without
liability to be put out (provided he advances to and touches first
base) when the catcher or any fielder interferes with him. If a play
follows the interference, the manager of the offense may advise
the plate umpire that he elects to decline the interference penalty
and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at
the end of the play. However, if the batter reaches first base on a
hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batsman, or otherwise, and all
other runners advance at least one base, the play proceeds without
reference to the interference.

Rule 6.01(c) Comment: If catcher’s interference is called with

a play in progress the umpire will allow the play to continue
because the manager may elect to take the play. If the batter-
runner missed first base, or a runner misses his next base, he
shall be considered as having reached the base, as stated in
Note of Rule 5.06(b)(3)(D).
Examples of plays the manager might elect to take:
   1. Runner on third, one out, batter hits fly ball to the outfield
on which the runner scores but catcher’s interference was
called. The offensive manager may elect to take the run
and have batter called out or have runner remain at third
and batter awarded first base.
   2. Runner on second base. Catcher interferes with batter.
As he bunts ball fairly sending runner to third base. The

70
 Rule 6.01(c) to 6.01(d)

manager may rather have runner on third base with an out

on the play than have runners on second and first.
    If a runner is trying to score by a steal or squeeze from
third base, note the additional penalty set forth in Rule
6.01(g).
    If the catcher interferes with the batter before the pitcher
delivers the ball, it shall not be considered interference on
the batter under Rule 5.05(b)(3). In such cases, the umpire
shall call “Time” and the pitcher and batter start over from
“scratch.”

(d) Unintentional Interference

In case of unintentional interference with play by any person herein
authorized to be on the playing field (except members of the team
at bat who are participating in the game, or a base coach, any of
whom interfere with a fielder attempting to field a batted or thrown
ball; or an umpire) the ball is alive and in play. If the interference is
intentional, the ball shall be dead at the moment of the interference
and the umpire shall impose such penalties as in his opinion will
nullify the act of interference.

Rule 6.01(d) Comment: For interference with a fielder

attempting to field a batted or thrown ball by members of the
team at bat or base coaches, who are excepted in Rule 6.01(d),
see Rule 6.01(b). See also Rules 5.06(c)(2), 5.06(c)(6) and
5.05(b)(4), which cover interference by an umpire, and Rule
5.09(b)(3), which covers interference by a runner.
The question of intentional or unintentional interference shall
be decided on the basis of the person’s action. For example:
a bat boy, ball attendant, policeman, etc., who tries to avoid
being touched by a thrown or batted ball but still is touched
by the ball would be involved in unintentional interference. If,
however, he picks up the ball, catches it, or touches the ball
by intentionally pushing or kicking at the ball, this act would
constitute intentional interference.
PLAY: Batter hits ball to shortstop, who fields ball but throws
wild past the first baseman. The coach at first base, to avoid

71
 Rule 6.01(d) to 6.01(e)

being hit by the ball, falls to the ground and the first baseman
on his way to retrieve the wild thrown ball, runs into the coach.
The batter-runner finally ends up on third base. Whether the
umpire should call interference on the part of the coach is up
to the judgment of the umpire and if the umpire felt that the
coach did all he could to avoid interfering with the play, no
interference need be called. If, in the judgment of the umpire,
the coach was attempting to make it appear that he was trying
not to interfere, the umpire should rule interference.

(e) Spectator Interference

When there is spectator interference with any thrown or batted ball,
the ball shall be dead at the moment of interference and the umpire
shall impose such penalties as in his opinion will nullify the act of
interference.

APPROVED RULING: If spectator interference clearly

prevents a fielder from catching a fly ball, the umpire shall
declare the batter out.

Rule 6.01(e) Comment: There is a difference between a ball

which has been thrown or batted into the stands, touching a
spectator thereby being out of play even though it rebounds
onto the field and a spectator going onto the field or reaching
over, under or through a barrier and touching a ball in play or
touching or otherwise interfering with a player. In the latter case
it is clearly intentional and shall be dealt with as intentional
interference as in Rule 6.01(d). Batter and runners shall be
placed where in the umpire’s judgment they would have been
had the interference not occurred.
No interference shall be allowed when a fielder reaches over a
fence, railing, rope or into a stand to catch a ball. He does so
at his own risk. However, should a spectator reach out on the
playing field side of such fence, railing or rope, and plainly
prevent the fielder from catching the ball, then the batsman
should be called out for the spectator’s interference.
EXAMPLE: Runner on third base, one out and a batter hits
a fly ball deep to the outfield (fair or foul). Spectator clearly

72
 Rule 6.01(e) to 6.01(h)(1)

interferes with the outfielder attempting to catch the fly ball.

Umpire calls the batter out for spectator interference. Ball is
dead at the time of the call. Umpire decides that because of the
distance the ball was hit, the runner on third base would have
scored after the catch if the fielder had caught the ball which
was interfered with, therefore, the runner is permitted to score.
This might not be the case if such fly ball was interfered with a
short distance from home plate.

(f) Coach and Umpire Interference

If a thrown ball accidentally touches a base coach, or a pitched or
thrown ball touches an umpire, the ball is alive and in play. However,
if the coach interferes with a thrown ball, the runner is out.

Rule 6.01(f) Comment: Umpire’s interference occurs (1) when

a plate umpire hinders, impedes or prevents a catcher’s throw
attempting to prevent a stolen base or retire a runner on a pick-off
play; or (2) when a fair ball touches an umpire on fair territory
before passing a fielder. Umpire interference may also occur when
an umpire interferes with a catcher returning the ball to the pitcher.

(g) Interference With Squeeze Play or Steal of Home

If, with a runner on third base and trying to score by means of a
squeeze play or a steal, the catcher or any other fielder steps on, or
in front of home base without possession of the ball, or touches the
batter or his bat, the pitcher shall be charged with a balk, the batter
shall be awarded first base on the interference and the ball is dead.
(h) Obstruction
 hen obstruction occurs, the umpire shall call or signal
W
“Obstruction.”
(1) If a play is being made on the obstructed runner, or if the
batter-runner is obstructed before he touches first base, the
ball is dead and all runners shall advance, without liability
to be put out, to the bases they would have reached, in
the umpire’s judgment, if there had been no obstruction.
The obstructed runner shall be awarded at least one base
beyond the base he had last legally touched before the

73
 Rule 6.01(h)(1) to 6.01(h)(2)

obstruction. Any preceding runners, forced to advance by

the award of bases as the penalty for obstruction, shall
advance without liability to be put out.

Rule 6.01(h)(1) Comment: When a play is being made on an

obstructed runner, the umpire shall signal obstruction in the
same manner that he calls “Time,” with both hands overhead.
The ball is immediately dead when this signal is given; however,
should a thrown ball be in flight before the obstruction is called
by the umpire, the runners are to be awarded such bases on wild
throws as they would have been awarded had not obstruction
occurred. On a play where a runner was trapped between
second and third and obstructed by the third baseman going
into third base while the throw is in flight from the shortstop, if
such throw goes into the dugout the obstructed runner is to be
awarded home base. Any other runners on base in this situation
would also be awarded two bases from the base they last legally
touched before obstruction was called.

(2) If no play is being made on the obstructed runner, the

play shall proceed until no further action is possible. The
umpire shall then call “Time” and impose such penalties,
if any, as in his judgment will nullify the act of obstruction.

Rule 6.01(h)(2) Comment: Under Rule 6.01(h)(2), when the ball

is not dead on obstruction and an obstructed runner advances
beyond the base which, in the umpire’s judgment, he would
have been awarded because of being obstructed, he does so at
his own peril and may be tagged out. This is a judgment call.
NOTE: The catcher, without the ball in his possession, has no
right to block the pathway of the runner attempting to score. The
base line belongs to the runner and the catcher should be there
only when he is fielding a ball or when he already has the ball in
his hand.

Rule 6.01(h) Comment: If a fielder is about to receive a thrown

ball and if the ball is in flight directly toward and near enough to
the fielder so he must occupy his position to receive the ball he
may be considered “in the act of fielding a ball.” It is entirely up

74
 Rule 6.01(h)(2) to 6.01(i)(2)

to the judgment of the umpire as to whether a fielder is in the act

of fielding a ball. After a fielder has made an attempt to field a
ball and missed, he can no longer be in the “act of fielding” the
ball. For example: An infielder dives at a ground ball and the ball
passes him and he continues to lie on the ground and delays the
progress of the runner, he very likely has obstructed the runner.

(i) Collisions at Home Plate

(1) A runner attempting to score may not deviate from his
direct pathway to the plate in order to initiate contact with
the catcher, or otherwise initiate an avoidable collision.
If, in the judgment of the umpire, a runner attempting to
score initiates contact with the catcher in such a manner, the
umpire shall declare the runner out (regardless of whether
the catcher maintains possession of the ball). In such
circumstances, the umpire shall call the ball dead, and all
other base runners shall return to the last base touched at
the time of the collision. If the runner slides into the plate
in an appropriate manner, he shall not be adjudged to have
violated Rule 6.01(i).

Rule 6.01(i)(1) Comment: The failure by the runner to make an

effort to touch the plate, the runner’s lowering of the shoulder,
or the runner’s pushing through with his hands, elbows or
arms, would support a determination that the runner deviated
from the pathway in order to initiate contact with the catcher in
violation of Rule 6.01(i), or otherwise initiated a collision that
could have been avoided. A slide shall be deemed appropriate,
in the case of a feet first slide, if the runner’s buttocks and legs
should hit the ground before contact with the catcher. In the
case of a head first slide, a runner shall be deemed to have slid
appropriately if his body should hit the ground before contact
with the catcher. If a catcher blocks the pathway of the runner,
the umpire shall not find that the runner initiated an avoidable
collision in violation of this Rule 6.01(i)(1).

(2) Unless the catcher is in possession of the ball, the catcher

cannot block the pathway of the runner as he is attempting
to score. If, in the judgment of the umpire, the catcher

75
 Rule 6.01(i)(2) to 6.01(j)

without possession of the ball blocks the pathway of the

runner, the umpire shall call or signal the runner safe.
Notwithstanding the above, it shall not be considered a
violation of this Rule 6.01(i)(2) if the catcher blocks the
pathway of the runner in a legitimate attempt to field
the throw (e.g., in reaction to the direction, trajectory or
the hop of the incoming throw, or in reaction to a throw
that originates from a pitcher or drawn-in infielder). In
addition, a catcher without possession of the ball shall not
be adjudged to violate this Rule 6.01(i)(2) if the runner
could have avoided the collision with the catcher (or other
player covering home plate) by sliding.

Rule 6.01(i)(2) Comment: A catcher shall not be deemed

to have violated Rule 6.01(i)(2) unless he has both blocked
the plate without possession of the ball (or when not in a
legitimate attempt to field the throw), and also hindered or
impeded the progress of the runner attempting to score. A
catcher shall not be deemed to have hindered or impeded
the progress of the runner if, in the judgment of the umpire,
the runner would have been called out notwithstanding the
catcher having blocked the plate. In addition, a catcher should
use best efforts to avoid unnecessary and forcible contact
while tagging a runner attempting to slide. Catchers who
routinely make unnecessary and forcible contact with a runner
attempting to slide (e.g., by initiating contact using a knee,
shin guard, elbow or forearm) may be subject to discipline by
the Office of the Commissioner.
All references to “the catcher” in this Rule 6.01(i) shall apply
equally to other players covering home plate. In addition, Rule
6.01(i)(2) shall not apply to force plays at home plate.

(j) Sliding to Bases on Double Play Attempts

If a runner does not engage in a bona fide slide, and initiates (or
attempts to make) contact with the fielder for the purpose of breaking
up a double play, he should be called for interference under this Rule
6.01. A “bona fide slide” for purposes of Rule 6.01 occurs when the
runner:

76
 Rule 6.01(j)(1) to 6.02(a)(1)

(1) begins his slide (i.e., makes contact with the ground)

before reaching the base;
(2) is able and attempts to reach the base with his hand or foot;
(3) is able and attempts to remain on the base (except home
plate) after completion of the slide; and
(4) slides within reach of the base without changing his
pathway for the purpose of initiating contact with a
fielder.
A runner who engages in a “bona fide slide” shall not be called for
interference under this Rule 6.01, even in cases where the runner
makes contact with the fielder as a consequence of a permissible
slide. In addition, interference shall not be called where a runner’s
contact with the fielder was caused by the fielder being positioned
in (or moving into) the runner’s legal pathway to the base.
Notwithstanding the above, a slide shall not be a “bona fide slide” if a
runner engages in a “roll block,” or intentionally initiates (or attempts
to initiate) contact with the fielder by elevating and kicking his leg
above the fielder’s knee or throwing his arm or his upper body.
If the umpire determines that the runner violated this Rule 6.01(j),
the umpire shall declare both the runner and batter-runner out.
Note, however, that if the runner has already been put out then the
runner on whom the defense was attempting to make a play shall
be declared out.

6.02 Pitcher Illegal Action

(a) Balks
If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when:
(1) The pitcher, while touching his plate, makes any motion
naturally associated with his pitch and fails to make such
delivery;

Rule 6.02(a)(1) Comment: If a left-handed or right-handed

pitcher swings his free foot past the back edge of the pitcher’s
rubber, he is required to pitch to the batter except to throw to
second base on a pick-off play.

77
 Rule 6.02(a)(2) to 6.02(a)(6)

(2) The pitcher, while touching his plate, feints a throw to first
or third base and fails to complete the throw;
(3) The pitcher, while touching his plate, fails to step directly
toward a base before throwing to that base;

Rule 6.02(a)(3) Comment: Requires the pitcher, while touching

his plate, to step directly toward a base before throwing to
that base. If a pitcher turns or spins off of his free foot without
actually stepping or if he turns his body and throws before
stepping, it is a balk.
A pitcher is to step directly toward a base before throwing
to that base and is required to throw (except to second base)
because he steps. It is a balk if, with runners on first and third,
the pitcher steps toward third and does not throw, merely to
bluff the runner back to third; then seeing the runner on first
start for second, turn and step toward and throw to first base. It
is legal for a pitcher to feint a throw to second base.

(4) The pitcher, while touching his plate, throws, or feints a

throw to an unoccupied base, except for the purpose of
making a play;

Rule 6.02(a)(4) Comment: When determining whether the

pitcher throws or feints a throw to an unoccupied base for
the purpose of making a play, the umpire should consider
whether a runner on the previous base demonstrates or
otherwise creates an impression of his intent to advance to
such unoccupied base.

(5) The pitcher makes an illegal pitch;

Rule 6.02(a)(5) Comment: A quick pitch is an illegal pitch.

Umpires will judge a quick pitch as one delivered before the
batter is reasonably set in the batter’s box. With runners on base
the penalty is a balk; with no runners on base, it is a ball. The
quick pitch is dangerous and should not be permitted.

(6) The pitcher delivers the ball to the batter while he is not
facing the batter;

78
 Rule 6.02(a)(7) to 6.02(a)(13)

(7) The pitcher makes any motion naturally associated with

his pitch while he is not touching the pitcher’s plate;
(8) The pitcher unnecessarily delays the game;

Rule 6.02(a)(8) Comment: Rule 6.02(a)(8) shall not apply when

a warning is given pursuant to Rule 6.02(c)(8) (which prohibits
intentional delay of a game by throwing to fielders not in an
attempt to put a runner out). If a pitcher is ejected pursuant to
Rule 6.02(c)(8) for continuing to delay the game, the penalty
in Rule 6.02(a)(8) shall also apply. Rule 5.07(c) (which sets a
time limit for a pitcher to deliver the ball when the bases are
unoccupied) applies only when there are no runners on base.

(9) The pitcher, without having the ball, stands on or astride

the pitcher’s plate or while off the plate, he feints a pitch;
(10) The pitcher, after coming to a legal pitching position,
removes one hand from the ball other than in an actual
pitch, or in throwing to a base;
(11) The pitcher, while touching his plate, accidentally or
intentionally has the ball slip or fall out of his hand or
glove;
(12) The pitcher, while giving an intentional base on balls,
pitches when the catcher is not in the catcher’s box;
(13) The pitcher delivers the pitch from Set Position without
coming to a stop.
PENALTY: The ball is dead, and each runner shall advance one
base without liability to be put out, unless the batter reaches first
on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter, or otherwise, and
all other runners advance at least one base, in which case the play
proceeds without reference to the balk.
APPROVED RULING: In cases where a pitcher balks and throws
wild, either to a base or to home plate, a runner or runners may
advance beyond the base to which he is entitled at his own risk.
APPROVED RULING: A runner who misses the first base to which
he is advancing and who is called out on appeal shall be considered
as having advanced one base for the purpose of this rule.

79
 Rule 6.02(a) to 6.02(c)(1)

Rule 6.02(a) Comment: Umpires should bear in mind that

the purpose of the balk rule is to prevent the pitcher from
deliberately deceiving the base runner. If there is doubt in
the umpire’s mind, the “intent” of the pitcher should govern.
However, certain specifics should be borne in mind:
(A) S
 traddling the pitcher’s rubber without the ball is to be
interpreted as intent to deceive and ruled a balk.
(B) With a runner on first base the pitcher may make a
complete turn, without hesitating toward first, and
throw to second. This is not to be interpreted as
throwing to an unoccupied base.

(b) Illegal Pitches With Bases Unoccupied

If the pitcher makes an illegal pitch with the bases unoccupied, it
shall be called a ball unless the batter reaches first base on a hit, an
error, a base on balls, a hit batter or otherwise.

Rule 6.02(b) Comment: A ball which slips out of a pitcher’s

hand and crosses the foul line shall be called a ball; otherwise it
will be called no pitch. This would be a balk with men on base.

(c) Pitching Prohibitions

The pitcher shall not:
(1) While in the 18-foot circle surrounding the pitcher’s plate,
touch the ball after touching his mouth or lips, or touch his
mouth or lips while he is in contact with the pitcher’s plate.
The pitcher must clearly wipe the fingers of his pitching
hand dry before touching the ball or the pitcher’s plate.
EXCEPTION: Provided it is agreed to by both managers, the
umpire prior to the start of a game played in cold weather,
may permit the pitcher to blow on his hand.
PENALTY: For violation of this part of this rule the umpires
shall immediately remove the ball from play and issue a warning
to the pitcher. Any subsequent violation shall be called a ball.
However, if the pitch is made and a batter reaches first base on
a hit, an error, a hit batsman or otherwise, and no other runner
is put out before advancing at least one base, the play shall

80
 Rule 6.02(c)(1) to 6.02(c)(9)

proceed without reference to the violation. Repeat offenders

shall be subject to a fine by the Office of the Commissioner.
(2) expectorate on the ball, either hand or his glove;
(3) rub the ball on his glove, person or clothing;
(4) apply a foreign substance of any kind to the ball;
(5) deface the ball in any manner; or
(6) deliver a ball altered in a manner prescribed by Rule 6.02(c)
(2) through (5) or what is called the “shine” ball, “spit”
ball, “mud” ball or “emery” ball. The pitcher is allowed to
rub the ball between his bare hands.
(7) Have on his person, or in his possession, any foreign
substance.

Rule 6.02(c)(7) Comment: The pitcher may not attach anything

to either hand, any finger or either wrist (e.g., Band-Aid, tape,
Super Glue, bracelet, etc.). The umpire shall determine if such
attachment is indeed a foreign substance for the purpose of
Rule 6.02(c)(7), but in no case may the pitcher be allowed to
pitch with such attachment to his hand, finger or wrist.

(8) Intentionally delay the game by throwing the ball to

players other than the catcher, when the batter is in
position, except in an attempt to retire a runner.
PENALTY: If, after warning by the umpire, such delaying action is
repeated, the pitcher shall be removed from the game.
(9) Intentionally Pitch at the Batter.
(1) I f, in the umpire’s judgment, such a violation occurs, the
umpire may elect either to:
(A) Expel the pitcher, or the manager and the pitcher,
from the game, or
(B) may warn the pitcher and the manager of both teams
that another such pitch will result in the immediate
expulsion of that pitcher (or a replacement) and the
manager.

81
 Rule 6.02(c)(9) to 6.02(d)(5)

If, in the umpire’s judgment, circumstances warrant, both

teams may be officially “warned” prior to the game or at
any time during the game.
(The Office of the Commissioner may take additional
action under authority provided in Rule 8.04.)

Rule 6.02(c)(9) Comment: Team personnel may not come onto

the playing surface to argue or dispute a warning issued under
Rule 6.02(c)(9). If a manager, coach or player leaves the dugout
or his position to dispute a warning, he should be warned to
stop. If he continues, he is subject to ejection.
To pitch at a batter’s head is unsportsmanlike and highly danger-
ous. It should be—and is—condemned by everybody. Umpires
should act without hesitation in enforcement of this rule.

(d) PENALTY: For violation of any part of (c)(2) through (7):

(1) The pitcher shall be ejected immediately from the game
and shall be suspended automatically. In the Minor
Leagues, the automatic suspension shall be for 10
games.
(2) If a play follows the violation called by the umpire, the
manager of the team at bat may advise the umpire-in-chief
that he elects to accept the play. Such election shall be
made immediately at the end of the play. However, if the
batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls,
a hit batsman, or otherwise, and no other runner is put out
before advancing at least one base, the play shall proceed
without reference to the violation.
(3) Even though the team at bat elects to take the play,
the violation shall be recognized and the penalties in
subsection 1 will still be in effect.
(4) If the manager of the team at bat does not elect to accept
the play, the umpire-in-chief shall call an automatic ball
or, if there are any runners on base, a balk.
(5) The umpire shall be sole judge on whether any portion of
this rule has been violated.

82
 Rule 6.02(d) to 6.03(a)(4)

Rule 6.02(d)(1) through 6.02(d)(5) Comment: If a pitcher

violates either Rule 6.02(c)(2) or Rule 6.02(c)(3) and, in the
judgment of the umpire, the pitcher did not intend, by his act,
to alter the characteristics of a pitched ball, then the umpire
may, in his discretion, warn the pitcher in lieu of applying the
penalty set forth for violations of Rules 6.02(c)(2) through
6.02(c)(6). If the pitcher persists in violating either of those
Rules, however, the umpire should then apply the penalty.

Rule 6.02(d) Comment: If at any time the ball hits the rosin bag it
is in play. In the case of rain or wet field, the umpire may instruct
the pitcher to carry the rosin bag in his hip pocket. A pitcher may
use the rosin bag for the purpose of applying rosin to his bare
hand or hands. Neither the pitcher nor any other player shall dust
the ball with the rosin bag; neither shall the pitcher nor any other
player be permitted to apply rosin from the bag to his glove or
dust any part of his uniform with the rosin bag.

6.03 Batter Illegal Action

(a) A batter is out for illegal action when:
(1) He hits a ball with one or both feet on the ground entirely
outside the batter’s box.

Rule 6.03(a)(1) Comment: If a batter hits a ball fair or foul

while out of the batter’s box, he shall be called out. Umpires
should pay particular attention to the position of the batter’s
feet if he attempts to hit the ball while he is being intentionally
passed. A batter cannot jump or step out of the batter’s box and
hit the ball.

(2) He steps from one batter’s box to the other while the
pitcher is in position ready to pitch;
(3) He interferes with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by
stepping out of the batter’s box or making any other
movement that hinders the catcher’s play at home base.
(4) He throws his bat into fair or foul territory and hits a
catcher (including the catcher’s glove) and the catcher

83
 Rule 6.03(a)(4) to 6.03(a)(5)

was attempting to catch a pitch with a runner(s) on base

and/or the pitch was a third strike.
EXCEPTION to Rules 6.03(a)(3) and (4): Batter is not out if any
runner attempting to advance is put out, or if runner trying to score
is called out for batter’s interference.

Rules 6.03(a)(3) and (4) Comment: If the batter interferes with

the catcher, the plate umpire shall call “interference.” The
batter is out and the ball dead. No player may advance on such
interference (offensive interference) and all runners must return
to the last base that was, in the judgment of the umpire, legally
touched at the time of the interference.
If, however, the catcher makes a play and the runner attempting
to advance is put out, it is to be assumed there was no actual
interference and that runner is out—not the batter. Any other
runners on the base at the time may advance as the ruling is that
there is no actual interference if a runner is retired. In that case
play proceeds just as if no violation had been called.
If a batter strikes at a ball and misses and swings so hard he
carries the bat all the way around and, in the umpire’s judgment,
unintentionally hits the catcher or the ball in back of him on the
backswing, it shall be called a strike only (not interference).
The ball will be dead, however, and no runner shall advance
on the play.

(5) He uses or attempts to use a bat that, in the umpire’s

judgment, has been altered or tampered with in such a
way to improve the distance factor or cause an unusual
reaction on the baseball. This includes bats that are filled,
flat-surfaced, nailed, hollowed, grooved or covered with a
substance such as paraffin, wax, etc.
(1) N
 o advancement on the bases will be allowed (except
advancements that are not caused by the use of an illegal
bat, e,g., stolen base, balk, wild pitch, passed ball), and any
out or outs made during a play shall stand. In addition to
being called out, the player shall be ejected from the game
and may be subject to additional penalties as determined
by the Office of the Commissioner.

84
 Rule 6.03(a)(5) to 6.03(b)(7)

Rule 6.03(a)(5) Comment: A batter shall be deemed to have

used or attempted to use an illegal bat if he brings such a bat
into the batter’s box.

(b) Batting Out of Turn

(1) A batter shall be called out, on appeal, when he fails to bat
in his proper turn, and another batter completes a time at
bat in his place.
(2) The proper batter may take his place in the batter’s box at
any time before the improper batter becomes a runner or
is put out, and any balls and strikes shall be counted in the
proper batter’s time at bat.
(3) When an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out,
and the defensive team appeals to the umpire before the
first pitch to the next batter of either team, or before any
play or attempted play, the umpire shall (1) declare the
proper batter out; and (2) nullify any advance or score
made because of a ball batted by the improper batter or
because of the improper batter’s advance to first base on a
hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter or otherwise.
(4) If a runner advances, while the improper batter is at bat,
on a stolen base, balk, wild pitch or passed ball, such
advance is legal.
(5) When an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out,
and a pitch is made to the next batter of either team before
an appeal is made, the improper batter thereby becomes the
proper batter, and the results of his time at bat become legal.
(6) When the proper batter is called out because he has failed
to bat in turn, the next batter shall be the batter whose
name follows that of the proper batter thus called out.
(7) When an improper batter becomes a proper batter because
no appeal is made before the next pitch, the next batter
shall be the batter whose name follows that of such
legalized improper batter. The instant an improper batter’s
actions are legalized, the batting order picks up with the
name following that of the legalized improper batter.

85
 Rule 6.03(b)(7)

Rule 6.03(b)(7) Comment: The umpire shall not direct the

attention of any person to the presence in the batter’s box of
an improper batter. This rule is designed to require constant
vigilance by the players and managers of both teams.
There are two fundamentals to keep in mind: When a player
bats out of turn, the proper batter is the player called out.
If an improper batter bats and reaches base or is out and no
appeal is made before a pitch to the next batter, or before any
play or attempted play, that improper batter is considered to
have batted in proper turn and establishes the order that is to
follow.
APPROVED RULING: To illustrate various situations arising
from batting out of turn, assume a first-inning batting order as
follows:
Abel-Baker-Charles-Daniel-Edward-Frank-George-Hooker-
Irwin.
PLAY (1) — Baker bats. With the count 2 balls and 1 strike,
(a) the offensive team discovers the error or (b) the defensive
team appeals. Ruling—In either case, Abel replaces Baker,
with the count on him 2 balls and 1 strike.
PLAY (2)—Baker bats and doubles. The defensive team
appeals (a) immediately or (b) after a pitch to Charles.
RULING: (a) Abel is called out and Baker is the proper
batter; (b) Baker stays on second and Charles is the proper
batter.
PLAY (3)—Abel walks. Baker walks. Charles forces
Baker. Edward bats in Daniel’s turn. While Edward is at
bat, Abel scores and Charles goes to second on a wild
pitch. Edward grounds out, sending Charles to third. The
defensive team appeals (a) immediately or (b) after a
pitch to Daniel.
RULING: (a) Abel’s run counts and Charles is entitled to
second base since these advances were not made because of
the improper batter batting a ball or advancing to first base.
Charles must return to second base because his advance
to third resulted from the improper batter batting a ball.
Daniel is called out, and Edward is the proper batter; (b)

86
 Rule 6.03(b)(7)

Abel’s run counts and Charles stays on third. The proper

batter is Frank.
PLAY (4)—With the bases full and two out. Hooker bats in
Frank’s turn, and triples, scoring three runs. The defensive
team appeals (a) immediately, or (b) after a pitch to George.
RULING: (a) Frank is called out and no runs score. George
is the proper batter to lead off the second inning; (b)
Hooker stays on third and three runs score. Irwin is the
proper batter.
PLAY (5)—After Play (4)(b) above, George continues at bat.
(a) Hooker is picked off third base for the third out, or (b)
George flies out, and no appeal is made. Who is the proper
leadoff batter in the second inning?
RULING: (a) Irwin. He became the proper batter as soon
as the first pitch to George legalized Hooker’s triple; (b)
Hooker. When no appeal was made, the first pitch to the
leadoff batter of the opposing team legalized George’s time
at bat.
PLAY (6)—Daniel walks and Abel comes to bat. Daniel was
an improper batter, and if an appeal is made before the first
pitch to Abel, Abel is out, Daniel is removed from base, and
Baker is the proper batter. There is no appeal, and a pitch is
made to Abel. Daniel’s walk is now legalized, and Edward
thereby becomes the proper batter. Edward can replace Abel
at any time before Abel is put out or becomes a runner. He
does not do so. Abel flies out, and Baker comes to bat. Abel
was an improper batter, and if an appeal is made before the
first pitch to Baker, Edward is out, and the proper batter is
Frank. There is no appeal, and a pitch is made to Baker.
Abel’s out is now legalized, and the proper batter is Baker.
Baker walks. Charles is the proper batter. Charles flies out.
Now Daniel is the proper batter, but he is on second base.
Who is the proper batter?
RULING: The proper batter is Edward. When the proper
batter is on base, he is passed over, and the following batter
becomes the proper batter.

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 Rule 6.04(a) to 6.04(d)

6.04 Unsportsmanlike Conduct

(a) No manager, player, substitute, coach, trainer or batboy shall
at any time, whether from the bench, the coach’s box or on the
playing field, or elsewhere:
(1) Incite, or try to incite, by word or sign a demonstration by
spectators;
(2) Use language which will in any manner refer to or reflect
upon opposing players, an umpire, or any spectator;
(3) Call “Time,” or employ any other word or phrase or
commit any act while the ball is alive and in play for the
obvious purpose of trying to make the pitcher commit a
balk.
(4) Make intentional contact with the umpire in any
manner.
(b) Players in uniform shall not address or mingle with spectator,
nor sit in the stands before, during, or after a game. No manager,
coach or player shall address any spectator before or during a
game. Players of opposing teams shall not fraternize at any time
while in uniform.
(c) No fielder shall take a position in the batter’s line of vision,
and with deliberate unsportsmanlike intent, act in a manner to
distract the batter.
PENALTY: The offender shall be removed from the game
and shall leave the playing field, and, if a balk is made, it
shall be nullified.
(d) When a manager, player, coach or trainer is ejected from a
game, he shall leave the field immediately and take no further
part in that game. He shall remain in the clubhouse or change
to street clothes and either leave the park or take a seat in the
grandstand well removed from the vicinity of his team’s bench
or bullpen.

Rule 6.04(d) Comment: If a manager, coach or player is under

suspension he may be in uniform and may participate in the
regular pre-game routines of the Club. At game time, however,

88
 Rule 6.04(d) to 6.04(e)

suspended personnel must be out of uniform, may not be in

the dugout, and must be away from areas where players are
expected to be during a game. Suspended personnel also are
not permitted in the press box or any broadcast areas during the
course of a game, but are permitted to watch the game from the
stands or suite level.

(e) When the occupants of a player’s bench show violent disapproval

of an umpire’s decision, the umpire shall first give warning that
such disapproval shall cease.
PENALTY: [If such action continues] The umpire shall order
the offenders from the bench to the clubhouse. If he is unable
to detect the offender, or offenders, he may clear the bench
of all substitute players. The manager of the offending team
shall have the privilege of recalling to the playing field only
those players needed for substitution in the game.

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 Rule 7.01 to 7.01(b)(2)

7.00–ENDING THE GAME

7.01 Regulation Games

(a) A regulation game consists of nine innings, unless extended
because of a tie score, or shortened (1) because the home team
needs none of its half of the ninth inning or only a fraction
of it, or (2) because the umpire-in-chief or the Office of the
Commissioner calls the game.
(b) Extra Innings
(1) If the score is tied after nine completed innings, play
shall continue until (1) the visiting team has scored more
total runs than the home team at the end of a completed
inning, or (2) the home team scores the winning run in an
uncompleted inning.
(2) Each half-inning following the ninth inning will begin
with a runner on second base, as follows:
(A) The batter (or a substitute for the batter) who leads off
an inning shall continue to be the batter who would
lead off the inning in the absence of this Extra Innings
rule.
(B) The runner placed on second base at the start of each
half-inning shall be the player (or a substitute for such
player) in the batting order immediately preceding
that half-inning’s leadoff hitter. By way of example,
if the number five hitter in the batting order is due to
lead off the tenth inning, the number four player in
the batting order (or a pinch-runner for such player)
shall begin the inning on second base. However, if the
player in the batting order immediately preceding that
half-inning’s leadoff hitter is the pitcher, the runner
placed on second base at the start of that half-inning
may be the player preceding the pitcher in the batting
order. Any runner or batter removed from the game
for a substitute shall be ineligible to return to the
game in accordance with Rule 5.10.

90
 Rule 7.01(b)(2) to 7.01(d)(2)

(C) For purposes of calculating earned runs under Rule

9.16, the runner who begins an inning on second base
pursuant to this rule shall be deemed to be a runner
who has reached second base because of a fielding
error, but no error shall be charged to the opposing
team or to any player. For purposes of Rule 9.02, the
Official Scorer shall keep records of the number of
times each batter and runner is placed at second base
in accordance with this rule.
(D) Starting in the tenth inning and until the game has
ended, the plate umpire shall check the offensive
team’s line-up card to verify the proper runner
starting at second base. If an improper runner is
placed, the plate umpire shall inform the offensive
manager immediately and have the proper runner
placed at second base. If an improper runner is
noticed by an umpire or either manager after play
has commenced, he shall be replaced with the
proper runner and all plays made will be legal,
unless a batting out of order situation nullifies the
advancement. There is no penalty for an improper
runner before or after scoring.
(c) The umpire-in-chief or the Office of the Commissioner may
postpone or call a game because of weather, field or ballpark
conditions, malfunction of, or unintentional operator error in
employing equipment (e.g., retractable roof, tarpaulin, etc.), air
quality, a curfew, loss of electricity or lighting, local or national
emergencies or disasters, government restrictions, darkness, the
health and safety of fans, players, team or stadium employees,
or any extraordinary circumstances that prevent the game from
being played or continued safely.
(d) A called game shall be considered a regulation game, if:
(1) five innings have been completed;
(2) the home team has scored more runs in four or four and a
fraction half-innings than the visiting team has scored in
five completed half-innings;

91
 Rule 7.01(d)(3) to 7.01(e)(3)

(3) the home team scores one or more runs in its half of the
fifth inning to tie the score.
The score of a called regulation game is the score at the time the
game is called. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a called game
that would otherwise qualify as a regulation game will be treated
as a suspended game covered by Rule 7.02 below if the game
is called when the score is tied; or if a game is called while an
inning is in progress and before the inning is completed, and the
visiting team has scored one or more runs to tie the game or take
the lead and the home team has not retaken the lead. The Office
of the Commissioner also may determine that the circumstances
of a called game are so unique or extraordinary that fairness
requires that the game be treated as a suspended game or treated
in a different manner.
(e) The score of a regulation game is the total number of runs
scored by each team at the moment the game ends, as follows:
(1) A completed regulation game ends when the visiting team
completes its half of the ninth inning if the home team is
ahead.
(2) A completed regulation game ends when the ninth inning
is completed, if the visiting team is ahead.
(3) If the home team scores the winning run in its half of the
ninth inning (or its half of an extra inning after a tie), the
game ends immediately when the winning run is scored.
EXCEPTION: If the last batter in a game hits a home run out
of the playing field, the batter-runner and all runners on base
are permitted to score, in accordance with the base-running
rules, and the game ends when the batter-runner touches
home plate.
APPROVED RULING: The batter hits a home run out of the
playing field to win the game in the last half of the ninth
or an extra inning, but is called out for passing a preceding
runner. The game ends immediately when the winning run is
scored, unless there are two out and the winning run has not
yet reached home plate when the runner passes another, in

92
 Rule 7.01(e)(3) to 7.02(d)

which case the inning is over and only those runs that scored
before the runner passes another shall count.
(4) The score of a called regulation game is the total number
of runs scored by each team at the moment the game ends.

7.02 Suspended Games

(a) Any postponed game or game that is called:
(1) prior to it becoming a regulation game,
(2) when the game is tied, or
(3) while an inning is in progress and before the inning is
completed, and the visiting team has scored one or more
runs to tie the game or take the lead and the home team has
not retied the game or retaken the lead,
must be immediately scheduled to be resumed and/or played
to a completed regulation game, as described in Rule 7.02(b)
below.
(b) P
 ostponed games or suspended games described in Rule
7.02(a) above must be immediately scheduled to be resumed
and/or played to a completed regulation game during a
scheduled series between the Clubs (i.e., preceding the next
scheduled game between the two Clubs), preferably on the
same grounds, or on a mutual off-day.
(c) I f a postponed or suspended game cannot be scheduled to be
completed during the championship season in accordance
with Rule 7.02(b) above, or the available options during the
season would cause undue hardship to one or both teams,
the Office of the Commissioner will determine whether and
when to play or resume the game, including following the
completion of the championship season, by considering all
relevant factors, including whether the failure to resume and/
or complete the game will materially impact the postseason.
(d) I f a suspended game is not resumed to completion pursuant
to Rule 7.02(c) above, and it has progressed far enough to
become a regulation game at the time it was called, it shall
be scored as follows:

93
 Rule 7.02(d)(1) to 7.02(h)

(1) the team ahead at the time the game was called shall be
declared the winner; or
(2) if the score was tied at the time the game was called, the
game shall be declared a “tie game.”
Notwithstanding Rule 7.02(d)(1) and (2) above, if the game
was called while an inning is in progress and before the
inning is completed, and the visiting team has scored one
or more runs either to take the lead or tie the game, and the
home team has not retaken the lead or retied the game, the
score upon the completion of the last full inning shall stand
for purposes of this Rule 7.02.
(e) I f a postponed game is not rescheduled or a suspended game
is not resumed to completion pursuant to Rule 7.02(c) above,
and it did not progress far enough to become a regulation
game at the time it was called, it shall be declared a “No
Game” and will not count as a game for any purpose.
(f) T
 he Minor Leagues may adopt different rules for
determining regulation games and how and/or whether to
postpone, reschedule, call, and/or complete postponed, tied
or suspended games, in the regular season or postseason.
(g) T
 he Major Leagues have determined that Rule 7.01(b)
(2) (runner on second base in Extra Innings) does not
apply to any Wild Card Series, Division Series, League
Championship Series or World Series games. In addition,
notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Rule
7.01(c), 7.01(d) or 7.02(a)-(e), the Major Leagues may
adopt different rules for postponing, suspending, calling,
resuming, and/or completing any games, or otherwise,
in any Wild Card Series, Division Series, League
Championship Series, or World Series.
(h) A
 suspended game shall be resumed at the exact point
of suspension of the original game. The completion of a
suspended game is a continuation of the original game.
The lineup and batting order of both teams shall be exactly
the same as the lineup and batting order at the moment of
suspension, subject to the rules governing substitution. Any

94
 Rule 7.02(h) to 7.03(a)(5)

player may be replaced by a player who had not been in the

game prior to the suspension. No player removed before
the suspension may be returned to the lineup.
A player who was not with the Club when the game was
suspended may be used as a substitute, even if he has taken
the place of a player no longer with the Club who would not
have been eligible because he had been removed from the
lineup before the game was suspended.

Rule 7.02(h) Comment: If immediately prior to the call of a

suspended game, a pitcher has not pitched to a minimum of
three consecutive batters in accordance with Rule 5.10(g),
such pitcher, when the suspended game is later resumed may,
but is not required to start the resumed portion of the game.
However, if he does start the resumed portion of the game, he
shall have to complete pitching to his first three consecutive
batters in accordance with Rule 5.10(g); and, if he does not
start upon resumption of the game, he will be considered as
having been substituted for and may not be used again in that
game.

7.03 Forfeited Games

(a) A game may be forfeited to the opposing team when a team:
(1) Fails to appear upon the field, or being upon the field,
refuses to start play within five minutes after the umpire-
in-chief has called “Play” at the appointed hour for
beginning the game, unless such delayed appearance is, in
the umpire-in-chief’s judgment, unavoidable;
(2) Employs tactics palpably designed to delay or shorten the
game;
(3) Refuses to continue play during a game unless the game
has been suspended or terminated by the umpire-in-chief;
(4) Fails to resume play, after a suspension, within one minute
after the umpire-in-chief has called “Play;”
(5) After warning by the umpire, willfully and persistently
violates any rules of the game;

95
 7.03(a)(6) to 7.04

(6) Fails to obey within a reasonable time the umpire’s order

for removal of a player from the game;
(7) Fails to appear for the second game of a doubleheader
within thirty minutes after the close of the first game
unless the umpire-in-chief of the first game shall have
extended the time of the intermission.
(b) A game shall be forfeited to the opposing team when a team is
unable or refuses to place nine players on the field.
(c) A game shall be forfeited to the visiting team if, after it has been
suspended, the order of the umpire to groundskeepers respecting
preparation of the field for resumption of play intentionally or
willfully is not complied with.
(d) If the umpire-in-chief declares a game forfeited, he shall
transmit a written report to the Office of the Commissioner
within 24 hours thereafter, but failure of such transmittal shall
not affect the forfeiture.

7.04 Protesting Games

Protesting a game shall never be permitted, regardless of
whether such complaint is based on judgment decisions by the
umpire or an allegation that an umpire misapplied these rules or
otherwise rendered a decision in violation of these rules.

96
 Rule 8.01 to 8.02(a)

8.00–THE UMPIRE

8.01 Umpire Qualifications and Authority

(a) The Office of the Commissioner shall appoint one or more
umpires to officiate at each league championship game. The
umpires shall be responsible for the conduct of the game
in accordance with these official rules and for maintaining
discipline and order on the playing field during the game.
(b) Each umpire is the representative of the league and of
professional baseball, and is authorized and required to enforce
all of these rules. Each umpire has authority to order a player,
coach, manager or Club officer or employee to do or refrain
from doing anything which affects the administering of these
rules, and to enforce the prescribed penalties.
(c) Each umpire has authority to rule on any point not specifically
covered in these rules.
(d) Each umpire has authority to disqualify any player, coach,
manager or substitute for objecting to decisions or for unsports-
manlike conduct or language, and to eject such disqualified
person from the playing field. If an umpire disqualifies a player
while a play is in progress, the disqualification shall not take
effect until no further action is possible in that play.
(e) Each umpire has authority at his discretion to eject from the
playing field (1) any person whose duties permit his presence on
the field, such as ground crew members, ushers, photographers,
newsmen, broadcasting crew members, etc., and (2) any spectator
or other person not authorized to be on the playing field.

8.02 Appeal of Umpire Decisions

(a) Any umpire’s decision which involves judgment, such as, but
not limited to, whether a batted ball is fair or foul, whether a
pitch is a strike or a ball, or whether a runner is safe or out, is
final. No player, manager, coach or substitute shall object to any
such judgment decisions.

Rule 8.02(a) Comment: Players leaving their position in the

field or on base, or managers or coaches leaving the bench or

97
 Rule 8.02(a) to 8.02(c)

coaches box, to argue on BALLS AND STRIKES will not be

permitted. They should be warned if they start for the plate to
protest the call. If they continue, they will be ejected from the
game.

(b) If there is reasonable doubt that any umpire’s decision may be

in conflict with the rules, the manager may appeal the decision
and ask that a correct ruling be made. Such appeal shall be
made only to the umpire who made the protested decision.
(c) If a decision is appealed, the umpire making the decision may
ask another umpire for information before making a final
decision. No umpire shall criticize, seek to reverse or interfere
with another umpire’s decision unless asked to do so by the
umpire making it. If the umpires consult after a play and change
a call that had been made, then they have the authority to take
all steps that they may deem necessary, in their discretion, to
eliminate the results and consequences of the earlier call that
they are reversing, including placing runners where they think
those runners would have been after the play, had the ultimate
call been made as the initial call, disregarding interference
or obstruction that may have occurred on the play; failures
of runners to tag up based upon the initial call on the field;
runners passing other runners or missing bases; etc., all in the
discretion of the umpires. No player, manager or coach shall
be permitted to argue the exercise of the umpires’ discretion in
resolving the play and any person so arguing shall be subject to
ejection. Notwithstanding the foregoing, correction of a missed
ball-strike count shall not be permitted after a pitch is thrown
to a subsequent batter, or in the case of the final batter of an
inning or game, after all infielders of the defensive team leave
fair territory.

Rule 8.02(c) Comment: A manager is permitted to ask the

umpires for an explanation of the play and how the umpires
have exercised their discretion to eliminate the results and
consequences of the earlier call that the umpires are reversing.
Once the umpires explain the result of the play, however, no
one is permitted to argue that the umpires should have exercised
their discretion in a different manner.

98
 Rule 8.02(c) to 8.02(e)

The manager or the catcher may request the plate umpire to ask
his partner for help on a half swing when the plate umpire calls
the pitch a ball, but not when the pitch is called a strike. The
manager may not complain that the umpire made an improper
call, but only that he did not ask his partner for help. Field
umpires must be alerted to the request from the plate umpire
and quickly respond. Managers may not protest the call of a
ball or strike on the pretense they are asking for information
about a half swing.
Appeals on a half swing may be made only on the call of ball
and when asked to appeal, the home plate umpire must refer to
a base umpire for his judgment on the half swing. Should the
base umpire call the pitch a strike, the strike call shall prevail.
Appeals on a half swing must be made before the next pitch,
or any play or attempted play. If the half swing occurs during a
play which ends a half-inning, the appeal must be made before
all infielders of the defensive team leave fair territory.
Baserunners must be alert to the possibility that the base umpire
on appeal from the plate umpire may reverse the call of a ball to
the call of a strike, in which event the runner is in jeopardy of
being out by the catcher’s throw. Also, a catcher must be alert
in a base stealing situation if a ball call is reversed to a strike by
the base umpire upon appeal from the plate umpire.
The ball is in play on appeal on a half swing.
On a half swing, if the manager comes out to argue with first or
third base umpire and if after being warned he persists in arguing,
he can be ejected as he is now arguing over a called ball or strike.

(d) No umpire may be replaced during a game unless he is injured

or becomes ill.
(d) I f there is only one umpire, he shall have complete jurisdiction
in administering the rules. He may take any position on the
playing field which will enable him to discharge his duties
(usually behind the catcher, but sometimes behind the pitcher
if there are runners). He shall be considered umpire-in-chief.
(e) If there are two or more umpires, one shall be designated
umpire-in-chief and the others field umpires.

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 8.03(a) to 8.03(c)

8.03 Umpire Position

(a) The umpire-in-chief shall stand behind the catcher. (He usually
is called the plate umpire.) His duties shall be to:
(1) Take full charge of, and be responsible for, the proper
conduct of the game;
(2) Call and count balls and strikes;
(3) Call and declare fair balls and fouls except those commonly
called by field umpires;
(4) Make all decisions on the batter;
(5) Make all decisions except those commonly reserved for
the field umpires;
(6) Decide when a game shall be forfeited;
(7) If a time limit has been set, announce the fact and the time
set before the game starts;
(8) Inform the Official Scorer of the official batting order, and
any changes in the lineups and batting order, on request;
(9) Announce any special ground rules, at his discretion.
(b) A field umpire may take any position on the playing field he
thinks best suited to make impending decisions on the bases.
His duties shall be to:
(1) Make all decisions on the bases except those specifically
reserved to the umpire-in-chief;
(2) Take concurrent jurisdiction with the umpire-in-chief in
calling “Time,” balks, illegal pitches, or defacement or
discoloration of the ball by any player.
(3) Aid the umpire-in-chief in every manner in enforcing
the rules, and excepting the power to forfeit the game,
shall have equal authority with the umpire-in-chief in
administering and enforcing the rules and maintaining
discipline.
(c) If different decisions should be made on one play by different
umpires, the umpire-in-chief shall call all the umpires into

100
 Rule 8.03(c) to 8.04

consultation, with no manager or player present. After

consultation, the umpire-in-chief (unless another umpire may
have been designated by the Office of the Commissioner) shall
determine which decision shall prevail, based on which umpire
was in best position and which decision was most likely correct.
Play shall proceed as if only the final decision had been made.

8.04 Reporting
(a) The umpire shall report to the Office of the Commissioner after
the end of a game all violations of rules and other incidents
worthy of comment, including the disqualification of any
trainer, manager, coach or player, and the reasons therefor.
(b) When any trainer, manager, coach or player is disqualified
for a flagrant offense such as the use of obscene or indecent
language, or an assault upon an umpire, trainer, manager, coach
or player, the umpire shall forward full particulars to the Office
of the Commissioner after the end of the game.
(c) After receiving the umpire’s report that a trainer, manager, coach
or player has been disqualified, the Office of the Commissioner
shall impose such penalty as it deems justified, and shall notify
the person penalized and the Club of which the penalized person
is a member. If the penalty includes a fine, the penalized person
shall pay the amount of the fine to the league as directed in the
notice of discipline. Failure to pay such fine as directed shall
result in the offender being debarred from participation in any
game and from sitting on the players’ bench during any game,
until the fine is paid.

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 General Instructions to Umpires

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO UMPIRES

Umpires, on the field, should not indulge in conversation with
players. Keep out of the coaching box and do not talk to the coach on
duty.
Keep your uniform in good condition. Be active and alert on the
field.
Be courteous, always, to Club officials; avoid visiting in Club offices
and thoughtless familiarity with officers or employees of contesting
Clubs.
When you enter a ball park your sole duty is to umpire a ball game
as the representative of baseball.
Do not allow criticism to keep you from studying out bad situations.
Carry your rule book. It is better to consult the rules and hold up the game
ten minutes to decide a knotty problem than to inadvertently misapply
these rules.
Keep the game moving. A ball game is often helped by energetic
and earnest work of the umpires.
You are the only official representative of baseball on the ball field.
It is often a trying position which requires the exercise of much patience
and good judgment, but do not forget that the first essential in working out
of a bad situation is to keep your own temper and self-control.
You no doubt are going to make mistakes, but never attempt to
“even up” after having made one. Make all decisions as you see them and
forget which is the home or visiting Club.
Keep your eye everlastingly on the ball while it is in play. It is more
vital to know just where a fly ball fell, or a thrown ball finished up, than
whether or not a runner missed a base. Do not call the plays too quickly,
or turn away too fast when a fielder is throwing to complete a double play.
Watch out for dropped balls after you have called a man out.
Do not come running with your arm up or down, denoting “out” or
“safe.” Wait until the play is completed before making any arm motion.
Each umpire team should work out a simple set of signals, so
the proper umpire can always right a manifestly wrong decision when

102
 General Instructions to Umpires

convinced he has made an error. If sure you got the play correctly, do not
be stampeded by players’ appeals to “ask the other man.” If not sure, ask
one of your associates. Do not carry this to extremes, be alert and get your
own plays. But remember! The first requisite is to get decisions correctly.
If in doubt don’t hesitate to consult your associate. Umpire dignity is
important but never as important as “being right.”
Most important rule for umpires is always “BE IN POSITION TO
SEE EVERY PLAY.” Even though your decision may be 100% right,
players still question it if they feel you were not in a spot to see the play
clearly and definitely.
Finally, be courteous, impartial and firm, and so compel respect
from all.

103
 Rule 9.01(a)

THE RULES OF SCORING

Index
Appeal of scoring decision: 9.01(a) Ordinary effort: Definitions of Terms
Assists: 9.10 Oversliding: Definitions of Terms
Base hits: 9.05, 9.06 Passed balls: 9.13
Bases on balls: 9.14 Percentages, how determined: 9.21
Batting out of turn: 9.01(b)(4), 9.03(d) Protested game: 9.01(b)(3)
Box scores: 9.02, 9.03(b) Putouts: 9.09
Box scores: how to prove, 9.03(c) Report: 9.02, 9.03
Called game: 9.03(e) Runs allowed: 9.16
Caught stealing: 9.07(h) Runs batted in: 9.04
Cumulative performance records Sacrifices: 9.08
guidelines: 9.23
Saves for relief pitchers: 9.19
Defensive indifference: 9.07(g)
Shutouts: 9.18
Determining value of base hits: 9.06
Statistics: 9.20
Double plays: 9.11
Earned runs: 9.16 Stolen bases: 9.07
Errors: 9.12 Streaks, how determined: 9.22
Fielder’s choice: Definitions, 9.12(f)(2) Strikeouts: 9.15
Forfeited game: 9.03(e) Substitutes: 9.03(b)
Game-ending hits: 9.06(f), 9.06(g) Suspended game: 9.01(b)(3), 9.23(d)
Individual championships, how Triple plays: 9.11
determined: 9.22 Wild pitches: 9.13
Official scorer: 9.01 Winning and losing pitcher: 9.17

9.00—THE OFFICIAL SCORER

9.01 Official Scorer (General Rules)

(a) The Office of the Commissioner, with respect to Major League
games, and the Commissioner’s designee, with respect to
Minor League games, shall appoint an Official Scorer for each
league championship, post-season or all-star game. The Official
Scorer shall observe the game from a position in the press box,
in permanent assigned seating as designated by the home Club,
in a seat adjacent to league Official Data Collection staff. The
Official Scorer shall have sole authority to make all decisions
concerning application of Rule 9 that involve judgment, such as
whether a batter’s advance to first base is the result of a hit or

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 Rule 9.01(a)

an error. The Official Scorer shall communicate such decisions

first to league Official Data Collection staff, and second to staff
and media personnel in the press box and broadcasting booths
by hand signals or over the press box loudspeaker system and
shall advise the public address announcer of such decisions, if
requested. All persons, including Club officials and players,
are prohibited from protesting to the Official Scorer or league
Official Data Collection staff regarding any such decisions.
(a) T
 he Official Scorer shall make all decisions concerning judgment
calls. Upon conclusion of an event in the field requiring a scorer’s
judgment, the Official Scorer will first make a “preliminary”
judgment call, generally using best efforts to do so in a timely
fashion in line with the general pace of play, and no later than the
start of the next plate appearance. Within 24 hours after a game
concludes or is suspended, the Official Scorer will, at his or her
discretion, render such preliminary judgments as “final,” or revise
the initial judgment call to become a final judgment. A Major
League player or Club may request that the Commissioner’s
designee review a final judgment call of an Official Scorer made
in a game in which such player or Club participated, by notifying
the Office of the Commissioner in writing or by approved
electronic means within 72 hours of a judgment becoming final.
The Commissioner’s designee shall have access to all relevant
and available video and, after considering any evidence he
wishes to consider, may order a change in a final judgment call
if he determines that the final judgment of the Official Scorer
was clearly erroneous. No judgment decision shall be changed
thereafter. If the Commissioner’s designee determines that a
player or Club has abused the appeals process by repeatedly filing
frivolous appeals, or acting in bad faith, he may, after providing
a warning, impose reasonable sanctions on the Club or player. A
Minor League player or Club may request that the Office of the
Commissioner review a judgment call of an Official Scorer in
accordance with league rules.
(a) A
 fter each game, including forfeited and called games, the
Official Scorer shall prepare a report, on a form prescribed by
the Office of the Commissioner, with respect to Major League
games, and the Commissioner’s designee, with respect to

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 Rule 9.01(a) to Rule 9.01(b)(2)

Minor League games, listing the date of the game, where it was
played, the names of the competing Clubs and the umpires,
the full score of the game and all records of individual players
compiled according to the system specified in this Rule 9.
The Official Scorer shall forward this report to the Office of
the Commissioner, with respect to Major League and Minor
League games, as soon as practicable after the game ends. The
Official Scorer shall forward the report of any suspended game
as soon as practicable after the game has been completed, or
after it becomes a called game because it cannot be completed,
as provided by the Rule 7.02.

Rule 9.01(a) Comment: The Official Scorer shall forward the

official score report to the league statistician instead of to
the league office, if requested to do so by the league. In the
event of any discrepancy in records maintained by a league
statistician and the rulings by an Official Scorer, the report
of such Official Scorer shall control. League statisticians and
Official Scorers should consult cooperatively to resolve any
discrepancies.

(b) (1) In all cases, the Official Scorer shall not make a scoring
decision that is in conflict with Rule 9 or any other Official
Baseball Rule. The Official Scorer shall conform strictly
to the rules of scoring set forth in this Rule 9. The Official
Scorer shall not make any decision that conflicts with an
umpire’s decision. The Official Scorer shall have authority
to rule on any point not specifically covered in these rules.
The Office of the Commissioner, with respect to Major
League and Minor League scorers shall order changed
any decision of an Official Scorer that contradicts the rules
of scoring set forth in this Rule 9 and shall take whatever
remedial actions as may be necessary to correct any
statistics that need correction as a result of such mistaken
scoring decision.
(2) If the teams change sides before three men are put out, the
Official Scorer shall immediately inform the umpire-in-
chief of the mistake.

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 Rule 9.01(b)(3) to 9.02(a)

(3) If the game is suspended, the Official Scorer shall make

a note of the exact situation at the time of the suspension,
including the score, the number of outs, the position of
any runners, the ball-and-strike count on the batter, the
lineups of both teams and the players who have been
removed from the game for each team.

Rule 9.01(b)(3) Comment: It is important that a suspended

game resume with exactly the same situation as existed at the
time of suspension.

(4) The Official Scorer shall not call the attention of any

umpire or of any member of either team to the fact that a
player is batting out of turn.
(c) The Official Scorer for Major League and Minor League games
is an official representative who is entitled to the respect and
dignity of his office and shall be accorded full protection by
the Office of the Commissioner. The Official Scorer shall report
to the appropriate league official any indignity expressed by
any manager, player, Club employee, Club officer, or media
personnel in the course of, or as the result of, the discharge of
Official Scorer duties.

9.02 Official Scorer Report

The official score report prepared by the Official Scorer shall be in
a form prescribed by the league and shall include:
(a) The following records for each batter and runner:
(1) Number of times batted, except that no time at bat shall be
charged when a player
(A) hits a sacrifice bunt or sacrifice fly;
(B) is awarded first base on four called balls;
(C) is hit by a pitched ball; or
(D) is awarded first base because of interference or
obstruction;
(2) Number of runs scored;
(3) Number of safe hits;

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 Rule 9.02(a) to 9.02(c)

(4) Number of runs batted in;

(5) Two-base hits;
(6) Three-base hits;
(7) Home runs;
(8) Total bases on safe hits;
(9) Stolen bases;
(10) Sacrifice bunts;
(11) Sacrifice flies;
(12) Total number of bases on balls;
(13) Separate listing of any intentional bases on balls;
(14) Number of times hit by a pitched ball;
(15) Number of times awarded first base for interference or
obstruction;
(16) Strikeouts;
(17) Number of force double plays and reverse-force double
plays grounded into; and

Rule 9.02(a)(17) Comment: The Official Scorer should not

charge a batter with grounding into a double play if the batter-
runner is called out due to interference by a preceding runner.

(18) Number of times caught stealing.

(b) The following records for each fielder:
(1) Number of putouts;
(2) Number of assists;
(3) Number of errors;
(4) Number of double plays participated in; and
(5) Number of triple plays participated in.
(c) The following records for each pitcher:
(1) Number of innings pitched;

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 Rule 9.02(c) to 9.02(d)

Rule 9.02(c)(1) Comment: In computing innings pitched, the

Official Scorer shall count each putout as ⅓ of an inning. For
example, if a starting pitcher is replaced with one out in the
sixth inning, the Official Scorer shall credit that pitcher with
5⅓ innings. If a starting pitcher is replaced with none out in
the sixth inning, the Official Scorer shall credit that pitcher
with 5 innings and make the notation that that pitcher faced
_____ batters in the sixth, noting the number of batters faced.
If a relief pitcher retires two batters and is replaced, the Official
Scorer shall credit that pitcher with ⅔ of an inning pitched. If a
relief pitcher enters a game and his team initiates a successful
appeal play that results in one out, the officer scorer shall credit
such relief pitcher with ⅓ of an inning pitched.

(2) Total number of batters faced;

(3) Number of batters officially at bat against pitcher,
computed according to Rule 9.02(a)(1);
(4) Number of hits allowed;
(5) Number of runs allowed;
(6) Number of earned runs allowed;
(7) Number of home runs allowed;
(8) Number of sacrifice hits allowed;
(9) Number of sacrifice flies allowed;
(10) Total number of bases on balls allowed;
(11) Separate listing of any intentional bases on balls
allowed;
(12) Number of batters hit by pitched balls;
(13) Number of strikeouts;
(14) Number of wild pitches; and
(15) Number of balks.
(d) The following additional data:
(1) Name of the winning pitcher;

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 Rule 9.02(d) to 9.03(a)

(2) Name of the losing pitcher;

(3) Names of the starting pitcher and the finishing pitcher for
each team; and
(4) Name of pitcher credited with a save, if any.
(e) Number of passed balls allowed by each catcher.
(f) Name of players participating in double plays and triple plays.

Rule 9.02(f) Comment: For example, an Official Scorer would

note: “Double Plays—Jones, Roberts and Smith (2). Triple
Play—Jones and Smith.”

(g) Number of runners left on base by each team. This total shall

include all runners who get on base by any means and who do
not score and are not put out. The Official Scorer shall include
in this total a batter-runner whose batted ball results in another
runner being retired for the third out.
(h) Names of batters who hit home runs with the bases full.
(i) Number of outs when winning run scored, if the game was won
in the last half-inning.
(j) The score by innings for each team.
(k) Names of umpires, listed in this order: plate umpire, first-
base umpire, second-base umpire, third-base umpire, left-field
umpire (if any) and right-field umpire (if any).
(l) Time required to play the game, with delays deducted for
weather, light failure or technological failure not related to
game action.

Rule 9.02(l) Comment: A delay to attend to the injury of a player,

manager, coach or umpire shall be counted in computing time
of game.

(m) Official attendance, as provided by the home Club.

9.03 Official Score Report (Additional Rules)

(a) In compiling the official score report, the Official Scorer shall
list each player’s name and fielding position, or positions, in

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 Rule 9.03(a) to 9.03(c)

the order in which the player batted, or would have batted if the
game ended before the player came to bat.

Rule 9.03(a) Comment: When a player does not exchange

positions with another fielder but is merely placed in a different
spot for a particular batter (for example, if a second baseman goes
to the outfield to form a four-man outfield, or if a third baseman
moves to a position between the shortstop and second baseman),
the Official Scorer should not list this as a new position.

(b) The Official Scorer shall identify in the official score report any
player who enters the game as a substitute batter or substitute
runner, whether or not such player continues in the game
thereafter, in the batting order by a special symbol that shall refer
to a separate record of substitute batters and runners. The record
of substitute batters shall describe what the substitute batter did.
The record of substitute batters and runners shall include the
name of any such substitute whose name is announced, but
who is removed for another substitute before he actually gets
into the game. Any such second substitute shall be recorded as
batting or running for the first announced substitute.

Rule 9.03(b) Comment: Lower case letters are recommended as

symbols for substitute batters and numerals are recommended
as symbols for substitute runners. For example, an official
score report may note as follows: “a-Singled for Abel in third
inning; b-Flied out for Baker in sixth inning; c-Hit into force for
Charles in seventh inning; d-Grounded out for Daniel in ninth
inning; 1-Ran for Edward in ninth inning.” If a substitute’s
name is announced but the substitute is removed for another
substitute before he actually gets into the game, the Official
Scorer report shall record the substitute, for example, as follows:
“e-Announced as substitute for Frank in seventh inning.”

(c) How to Prove a Box Score

(c) A box score shall balance (or is proven) when the total of the
team’s times at bat, bases on balls received, hit batters, sacrifice
bunts, sacrifice flies and batters awarded first base because of
interference or obstruction equals the total of that team’s runs,
players left on base and the opposing team’s putouts.

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 Rule 9.03(d) to 9.03(e)

(d) When Player Bats Out of Turn

(d) W
 hen a player bats out of turn and is put out, and the proper
batter is called out before the ball is pitched to the next batter,
the Official Scorer shall charge the proper batter with a time at
bat and score the putout and any assists the same as if the correct
batting order had been followed. If an improper batter becomes
a runner and the proper batter is called out for having missed
his turn at bat, the Official Scorer shall charge the proper batter
with a time at bat, credit the putout to the catcher and ignore
everything entering into the improper batter’s safe arrival on
base. If more than one batter bats out of turn in succession, the
Official Scorer shall score all plays just as they occur, skipping
the turn at bat of the player or players who first missed batting
in the proper order.
(e) Called and Forfeited Games
(1) If a regulation game is called, the Official Scorer shall
include the record of all individual and team actions up
to the moment the game ends, as defined in Rule 7.01. If
the game is a tie game, the Official Scorer shall not enter
a winning or losing pitcher.
(2) If a regulation game is forfeited, the Official Scorer shall
include the record of all individual and team actions up to
the time of forfeit. If the winning team by forfeit is ahead
at the time of forfeit, the Official Scorer shall enter as
winning and losing pitchers the players who would have
qualified as the winning and losing pitchers if the game
had been called at the time of forfeit. If the winning team
by forfeit is behind or if the score is tied at the time of
forfeit, the Official Scorer shall not enter a winning or
losing pitcher. If a game is forfeited before it becomes
a regulation game, the Official Scorer shall include no
records and shall report only the fact of the forfeit.

Rule 9.03(e) Comment: The Official Scorer shall not consider

that, by rule, the score of a forfeited game is 9 to 0 (see Definition
of Terms (Forfeited Game)), notwithstanding the results on the
field at the point the game is forfeited.

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 Rule 9.04 to 9.05(a)(1)

9.04 Runs Batted In

A run batted in is a statistic credited to a batter whose action at bat
causes one or more runs to score, as set forth in this Rule 9.04.
(a) The Official Scorer shall credit the batter with a run batted in for
every run that scores
(1) unaided by an error and as part of a play begun by the
batter’s safe hit (including the batter’s home run), sacrifice
bunt, sacrifice fly, infield out or fielder’s choice, unless
Rule 9.04(b) applies;
(2) by reason of the batter becoming a runner with the bases
full (because of a base on balls, an award of first base
for being touched by a pitched ball or for interference or
obstruction); or
(3) when, before two are out, an error is made on a play on
which a runner from third base ordinarily would score.
(b) The Official Scorer shall not credit a run batted in
(1) when the batter grounds into a force double play or a
reverse-force double play; or
(2) when a fielder is charged with an error because the fielder
muffs a throw at first base that would have completed a
force double play.
(c) The Official Scorer’s judgment must determine whether a run
batted in shall be credited for a run that scores when a fielder
holds the ball or throws to a wrong base. Ordinarily, if the runner
keeps going, the Official Scorer should credit a run batted in; if
the runner stops and takes off again when the runner notices the
misplay, the Official Scorer should credit the run as scored on
a fielder’s choice.

9.05 Base Hits

A base hit is a statistic credited to a batter when such batter reaches
base safely, as set forth in this Rule 9.05.
(a) The Official Scorer shall credit a batter with a base hit when:
(1) the batter reaches first base (or any succeeding base)

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 Rule 9.05(a)(1) to 9.05(b)

safely on a fair ball that settles on the ground, that touches

a fence before being touched by a fielder or that clears a
fence;
(2) the batter reaches first base safely on a fair ball hit with
such force, or so slowly, that any fielder attempting to
make a play with the ball has no opportunity to do so;

Rule 9.05(a)(2) Comment: The Official Scorer shall credit a hit

if the fielder attempting to handle the ball cannot make a play,
even if such fielder deflects the ball from or cuts off another
fielder who could have put out a runner.

(3) the batter reaches first base safely on a fair ball that takes
an unnatural bounce so that a fielder cannot handle it with
ordinary effort, or that touches the pitcher’s plate or any
base (including home plate) before being touched by a
fielder and bounces so that a fielder cannot handle the ball
with ordinary effort;
(4) the batter reaches first base safely on a fair ball that has
not been touched by a fielder and that is in fair territory
when the ball reaches the outfield, unless in the scorer’s
judgment the ball could have been handled with ordinary
effort;
(5) a fair ball that has not been touched by a fielder touches
a runner or an umpire, unless a runner is called out for
having been touched by an Infield Fly, in which case the
Official Scorer shall not score a hit; or
(6) a fielder unsuccessfully attempts to put out a preceding
runner and, in the Official Scorer’s judgment, the batter-
runner would not have been put out at first base by
ordinary effort.

Rule 9.05(a) Comment: In applying Rule 9.05(a), the Official

Scorer shall always give the batter the benefit of the doubt. A
safe course for the Official Scorer to follow is to score a hit when
exceptionally good fielding of a ball fails to result in a putout.

(b) The Official Scorer shall not credit a base hit when a:

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 Rule 9.05(b)(1) to 9.06(b)

(1) runner is forced out by a batted ball, or would have been

forced out except for a fielding error;
(2) batter apparently hits safely and a runner who is forced to
advance by reason of the batter becoming a runner fails to
touch the first base to which such runner is advancing and
is called out on appeal. The Official Scorer shall charge
the batter with a time at bat but no hit;
(3) pitcher, the catcher or any infielder handles a batted ball
and puts out a preceding runner who is attempting to
advance one base or to return to his original base, or would
have put out such runner with ordinary effort except for a
fielding error. The Official Scorer shall charge the batter
with a time at bat but no hit;
(4) fielder fails in an attempt to put out a preceding runner
and, in the scorer’s judgment, the batter-runner could have
been put out at first base; or

Rule 9.05(b) Comment: Rule 9.05(b) shall not apply if the

fielder merely looks toward or feints toward another base
before attempting to make the putout at first base.

(5) is called out for interference with a fielder attempting

to field a batted ball, unless in the scorer’s judgment the
batter-runner would have been safe had the interference
not occurred.

9.06 Determining Value of Base Hits

The Official Scorer shall score a base hit as a one-base hit, two-base
hit, three-base hit or home run when no error or putout results, as
follows:
(a) Subject to the provisions of Rule 9.06(b) and 9.06(c), it is a
one-base hit if the batter stops at first base; it is a two-base hit
if the batter stops at second base; it a three-base hit if the batter
stops at third base; and it is a home run if the batter touches all
bases and scores.
(b) When, with one or more runners on base, the batter advances
more than one base on a safe hit and the defensive team makes

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 Rule 9.06(b) to 9.06(c)

an attempt to put out a preceding runner, the scorer shall

determine whether the batter made a legitimate two-base hit or
three-base hit, or whether the batter-runner advanced beyond
first base on the fielder’s choice.

Rule 9.06 Comment: The Official Scorer shall not credit the
batter with a three-base hit when a preceding runner is put out
at home plate, or would have been out but for an error. The
Official Scorer shall not credit the batter with a two-base hit
when a preceding runner trying to advance from first base is
put out at third base, or would have been out but for an error.
The Official Scorer shall not, however, with the exception of
the above, determine the value of base-hits by the number of
bases advanced by a preceding runner. A batter may deserve a
two-base hit even though a preceding runner advances one or
no bases; a batter may deserve only a one-base hit even though
he reaches second base and a preceding runner advances two
bases. For example:
(1) Runner on first. Batter hits to right fielder, who throws
to third base in an unsuccessful attempt to put out
runner. Batter takes second base. The Official Scorer
shall credit batter with one-base hit.
(2) Runner on second. Batter hits fair fly ball. Runner holds
up to determine if ball is caught and then advances
only to third base, while batter takes second base. The
Official Scorer shall credit batter with two-base hit.
(3) Runner on third. Batter hits high, fair fly. Runner takes
a lead, then runs back to tag up, thinking the ball will
be caught. The ball falls safe, but runner cannot score,
although batter has reached second. The Official
Scorer shall credit batter with a two-base hit.

(c) When the batter attempts to make a two-base hit or a three-base

hit by sliding, he must hold the last base to which he advances.
If a batter-runner overslides and is tagged out before getting back
to the base safely, he shall credit with only as many bases as he
attained safely. If a batter-runner overslides second base and is
tagged out, the Official Scorer shall credit him with a one-base

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 Rule 9.06(c) to 9.06(f)

hit; if the batter-runner overslides third base and is tagged out, the
Official Scorer shall credit him with a two-base hit.

Rule 9.06(c) Comment: If the batter-runner overruns second or

third base and is tagged out trying to return, the Official Scorer
shall credit the batter-runner with the last base he touched. If
a batter-runner runs past second base after reaching that base
on his feet, attempts to return and is tagged out, the Official
Scorer shall credit the batter with a two-base hit. If a batter-
runner runs past third base after reaching that base on his feet,
attempts to return and is tagged out, the Official Scorer shall
credit the batter with a three-base hit.

(d) When the batter, after making a safe hit, is called out for having
failed to touch a base, the last base the batter reached safely
shall determine if the Official Scorer shall credit him with a
one-base hit, a two-base hit or a three-base hit. If a batter-
runner is called out after missing home plate, the Official
Scorer shall credit him with a three-base hit. If a batter-runner
is called out for missing third base, the Official Scorer shall
credit him with a two-base hit. If a batter-runner is called out
for missing second base, the Official Scorer shall credit him
with a one-base hit. If a batter-runner is called out for missing
first base, the Official Scorer shall charge him with a time at
bat, but no hit.
(e) When a batter-runner is awarded two bases, three bases or a
home run under the provisions of Rules 5.06(b)(4) or 6.01(h),
the Official Scorer shall credit the batter-runner with a two-base
hit, a three-base hit or a home run, as the case may be.
(f) Subject to the provisions of Rule 9.06(g), when a batter ends a
game with a safe hit that drives in as many runs as are necessary
to put his team in the lead, the Official Scorer shall credit such
batter with only as many bases on his hit as are advanced by the
runner who scores the winning run, and then only if the batter
runs out his hit for as many bases as are advanced by the runner
who scores the winning run.

Rule 9.06(f) Comment: The Official Scorer shall apply this rule
even when the batter is theoretically entitled to more bases

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 Rule 9.06(f) to 9.07(b)

because of being awarded an “automatic” extra-base hit under

various provisions of Rules 5.05 and 5.06(b)(4).
The Official Scorer shall credit the batter with a base touched
in the natural course of play, even if the winning run has scored
moments before on the same play. For example, the score is
tied in the bottom of the ninth inning with a runner on second
base and the batter hits a ball to the outfield that falls for a base
hit. The runner scores after the batter has touched first base and
continued on to second base but shortly before the batter-runner
reaches second base. If the batter-runner reaches second base,
the Official Scorer shall credit the batter with a two-base hit.

(g) When the batter ends a game with a home run hit out of the
playing field, the batter and any runners on base are entitled to
score.

9.07 Stolen Bases and Caught Stealing

The Official Scorer shall credit a stolen base to a runner whenever
the runner advances one base unaided by a hit, a putout, an error,
a force-out, a fielder’s choice, a passed ball, a wild pitch or a balk,
subject to the following:
(a) When a runner starts for the next base before the pitcher delivers
the ball and the pitch results in what ordinarily is scored a wild
pitch or passed ball, the Official Scorer shall credit the runner
with a stolen base and shall not charge the misplay, unless, as
a result of the misplay, the stealing runner advances an extra
base, or another runner also advances, in which case the Official
Scorer shall score the wild pitch or passed ball as well as the
stolen base.
(b) When a runner is attempting to steal, and the catcher, after
receiving the pitch, makes a wild throw trying to prevent the
stolen base, the Official Scorer shall credit the runner with a
stolen base. The Official Scorer shall not charge an error unless
the wild throw permits the stealing runner to advance one or
more extra bases, or permits another runner to advance, in
which case the Official Scorer shall credit the runner with the
stolen base and charge one error to the catcher.

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 Rule 9.07(c) to 9.07(g)

(c) When a runner, attempting to steal, or after being picked off

base, evades being put out in a run-down play and advances
to the next base without the aid of an error, the Official Scorer
shall credit the runner with a stolen base. If another runner
also advances on the play, the Official Scorer shall credit both
runners with stolen bases. If a runner advances while another
runner, attempting to steal, evades being put out in a run-down
play and returns safely, without the aid of an error, to the base
he originally occupied, the Official Scorer shall credit a stolen
base to the runner who advances.
(d) When a double- or triple-steal is attempted and one runner is
thrown out before reaching and holding the base such runner
is attempting to steal, no other runner shall be credited with a
stolen base.
(e) When a runner is tagged out after oversliding a base, while
attempting either to return to that base or to advance to the next
base, the Official Scorer shall not credit such runner with a
stolen base.
(f) When in the scorer’s judgment a runner attempting to steal is safe
because of a muffed throw, the Official Scorer shall not credit a
stolen base. The Official Scorer shall credit an assist to the fielder
who made the throw, charge an error to the fielder who muffed
the throw and charge the runner with “caught stealing.”
(g) The Official Scorer shall not score a stolen base when a runner
advances solely because of the defensive team’s indifference
to the runner’s advance. The Official Scorer shall score such a
play as a fielder’s choice.

Rule 9.07(g) Comment: The scorer shall consider, in judging

whether the defensive team has been indifferent to a runner’s
advance, the totality of the circumstances, including the inning
and score of the game, whether the defensive team had held the
runner on base, whether the pitcher had made any pickoff attempts
on that runner before the runner’s advance, whether the fielder
ordinarily expected to cover the base to which the runner advanced
made a move to cover such base, whether the defensive team had
a legitimate strategic motive to not contest the runner’s advance

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 Rule 9.07(g) to 9.08(a)

or whether the defensive team might be trying impermissibly to

deny the runner credit for a stolen base. For example, with runners
on first and third bases, the Official Scorer should ordinarily credit
a stolen base when the runner on first advances to second, if, in the
scorer’s judgment, the defensive team had a legitimate strategic
motive—namely, preventing the runner on third base from
scoring on the throw to second base—not to contest the runner’s
advance to second base. The Official Scorer may conclude that
the defensive team is impermissibly trying to deny a runner credit
for a stolen base if, for example, the defensive team fails to defend
the advance of a runner approaching a league or career record or
a league statistical title.

(h) The Official Scorer shall charge a runner as “caught stealing” if

such runner is put out, or would have been put out by errorless
play, when such runner
(1) tries to steal;
(2) is picked off a base and tries to advance (any move toward
the next base shall be considered an attempt to advance); or
(3) overslides while stealing.

Rule 9.07(h) Comment: In those instances where a pitched ball

eludes the catcher and the runner is put out trying to advance,
the Official Scorer shall not charge any “caught stealing.” The
Official Scorer shall not charge any caught stealing when a
runner is awarded a base due to obstruction or when a runner is
called out due to interference by the batter. The Official Scorer
shall not charge a runner with a caught stealing if such runner
would not have been credited with a stolen base had such runner
been safe (for example, when a catcher throws the runner out
after such runner tries to advance after a ball that had eluded the
catcher on a pitch).

9.08 Sacrifices
The Official Scorer shall:
(a) Score a sacrifice bunt when, before two are out, the batter
advances one or more runners with a bunt and is put out at first

120
 Rule 9.08(a) to 9.08(d)

base, or would have been put out except for a fielding error,
unless, in the judgment of the Official Scorer, the batter was
bunting exclusively for a base hit and not sacrificing his own
chance of reaching first base for the purpose of advancing a
runner or runners, in which case the Official Scorer shall charge
the batter with a time at bat;

Rule 9.08(a) Comment: In determining whether the batter had

been sacrificing his own chance of reaching first base for the
purpose of advancing a runner, the Official Scorer shall give the
batter the benefit of the doubt. The Official Scorer shall consider
the totality of the circumstances of the at-bat, including the
inning, the number of outs and the score.

(b) Score a sacrifice bunt when, before two are out, the fielders
handle a bunted ball without error in an unsuccessful attempt
to put out a preceding runner advancing one base, unless, an
attempt to turn a bunt into a putout of a preceding runner fails,
and in the judgment of the Official Scorer ordinary effort would
not have put out the batter at first base, in which case the batter
shall be credited with a one-base hit and not a sacrifice;
(c) Not score a sacrifice bunt when any runner is put out attempting
to advance one base on a bunt, or would have been put out,
except for a fielding error, in which case the Official Scorer
shall charge the batter with a time at bat; and
(d) Score a sacrifice fly when, before two are out, the batter hits a
ball in flight handled by an outfielder or an infielder running in
the outfield in fair or foul territory that
(1) is caught, and a runner scores after the catch, or
(2) is dropped, and a runner scores, if in the scorer’s judgment
the runner could have scored after the catch had the fly
been caught.

Rule 9.08(d) Comment: The Official Scorer shall score a

sacrifice fly in accordance with Rule 9.08(d)(2) even though
another runner is forced out by reason of the batter becoming
a runner.

121
 Rule 9.09 to 9.09(b)(8)

9.09 Putouts
A putout is a statistic credited to a fielder whose action causes the
out of a batter-runner or runner, as set forth in this Rule 9.09.
(a) The Official Scorer shall credit a putout to each fielder who
(1) catches a ball that is in flight, whether fair or foul;
(2) catches a batted or thrown ball and tags a base to put out
a batter or runner; or

Rule 9.09(a)(2) Comment: The Official Scorer shall credit a

fielder with a putout if such fielder catches a thrown ball and
tags a base to record an out on an appeal play.

(3) tags a runner when the runner is off the base to which the
runner is entitled.
(b) The Official Scorer shall credit an automatic putout to the
catcher when a:
(1) batter is called out on strikes;
(2) batter is called out for an illegally batted ball;
(3) batter is called out for bunting foul for his third strike;

Rule 9.09(b)(3) Comment: Note the exception in Rule

9.15(a)(4).

(4) batter is called out for being touched by his own batted

ball;
(5) batter is called out for interfering with the catcher;
(6) batter is called out for failing to bat in his proper turn;

Rule 9.09(b)(6) Comment: See Rule 9.03(d).

(7) batter is called out for refusing to touch first base after

receiving a base on balls, after being hit by a pitch or after
a catcher’s interference; or
(8) runner is called out for refusing to advance from third base
to home plate.

122
 Rule 9.09(c)(1) to 9.09(c)(7)

(c) The Official Scorer shall credit automatic putouts as follows

(and shall credit no assists on these plays except as specified):
(1) When the batter is called out on an Infield Fly that is
not caught, the Official Scorer shall credit the putout to
the fielder who the scorer believes could have made the
catch;
(2) When a runner is called out for being touched by a fair ball
(including an Infield Fly), the Official Scorer shall credit
the putout to the fielder nearest the ball;
(3) When a runner is called out for running out of line to avoid
being tagged, the Official Scorer shall credit the putout to
the fielder whom the runner avoided;
(4) When a runner is called out for passing another runner, the
Official Scorer shall credit the putout to the fielder nearest
the point of passing;
(5) When a runner is called out for running the bases in
reverse order, the Official Scorer shall credit the putout to
the fielder covering the base the runner left in starting his
reverse run;
(6) When a runner is called out for having interfered with a
fielder, the Official Scorer shall credit the putout to the
fielder with whom the runner interfered, unless the fielder
was in the act of throwing the ball when the interference
occurred, in which case the Official Scorer shall credit
the putout to the fielder for whom the throw was intended
and shall credit an assist to the fielder whose throw was
interfered with; or
(7) When the batter-runner is called out because of
interference by a preceding runner, as provided in Rule
6.01(a)(5), the Official Scorer shall credit the putout to
the first baseman. If the fielder interfered with was in the
act of throwing the ball, the Official Scorer shall credit
such fielder with an assist but shall credit only one assist
on any one play under the provisions of Rules 9.09(c)(6)
and 9.09(c)(7).

123
 Rule 9.10 to 9.10(b)(3)

9.10 Assists
An assist is a statistic credited to a fielder whose action contributes
to a batter-runner or runner being put out, as set forth in this Rule
9.10.
(a) The Official Scorer shall credit an assist to each fielder who
(1) throws or deflects a batted or thrown ball in such a way
that a putout results, or would have resulted except for a
subsequent error by any fielder. Only one assist and no
more shall be credited to each fielder who throws or deflects
the ball in a run-down play that results in a putout, or would
have resulted in a putout, except for a subsequent error; or

Rule 9.10(a)(1) Comment: Mere ineffective contact with the ball

shall not be considered an assist. “Deflect” shall mean to slow
down or change the direction of the ball and thereby effectively
assist in putting out a batter or runner. If a putout results from an
appeal play within the natural course of play, the Official Scorer
shall give assists to each fielder, except the fielder making the
putout, whose action led to the putout. If a putout results from
an appeal play initiated by the pitcher throwing to a fielder after
the previous play has ended, the Official Scorer shall credit the
pitcher, and only the pitcher, with an assist.

(2) throws or deflects the ball during a play that results in a

runner being called out for interference or for running out
of line.
(b) The Official Scorer shall not credit an assist to
(1) the pitcher on a strikeout, unless the pitcher fields an
uncaught third strike and makes a throw that results in a
putout;
(2) the pitcher when, as the result of a legal pitch received by
the catcher, a runner is put out, as when the catcher picks a
runner off base, throws out a runner trying to steal or tags
a runner trying to score; or
(3) a fielder whose wild throw permits a runner to advance,
even though the runner subsequently is put out as a result

124
 Rule 9.10(b)(3) to 9.12(a)(1)

of continuous play. A play that follows a misplay (whether

or not the misplay is an error) is a new play, and the fielder
making any misplay shall not be credited with an assist
unless such fielder takes part in the new play.

9.11 Double and Triple Plays

The Official Scorer shall credit participation in a double play or
triple play to each fielder who earns a putout or an assist when two
or three players are put out between the time a pitch is delivered and
the time the ball next becomes dead or is next in possession of the
pitcher in a pitching position, unless an error or misplay intervenes
between putouts.

Rule 9.11 Comment: The Official Scorer shall credit a double

play or triple play also if an appeal play after the ball is in
possession of the pitcher results in an additional putout.

9.12 Errors
An error is a statistic charged against a fielder whose action has
assisted the team on offense, as set forth in this Rule 9.12.
(a) The Official Scorer shall charge an error against any fielder:
(1) whose misplay (fumble, muff or wild throw) prolongs the
time at bat of a batter, prolongs the presence on the bases of
a runner or permits a runner to advance one or more bases,
unless, in the judgment of the Official Scorer, such fielder
deliberately permits a foul fly to fall safe with a runner on
third base before two are out in order that the runner on
third shall not score after the catch;

Rule 9.12(a)(1) Comment: Slow handling of the ball that does

not involve mechanical misplay shall not be construed as an
error. For example, the Official Scorer shall not charge a fielder
with an error if such fielder fields a ground ball cleanly but
does not throw to first base in time to retire the batter. It is not
necessary that the fielder touch the ball to be charged with an
error. If a ground ball goes through a fielder’s legs or a fly ball
falls untouched and, in the scorer’s judgment, the fielder could
have handled the ball with ordinary effort, the Official Scorer

125
 Rule 9.12(a)(1) to 9.12(a)(3)

shall charge such fielder with an error. For example, the Official
Scorer shall charge an infielder with an error when a ground ball
passes to either side of such infielder if, in the Official Scorer’s
judgment, a fielder at that position making ordinary effort would
have fielded such ground ball and retired a runner. The Official
Scorer shall charge an outfielder with an error if such outfielder
allows a fly ball to drop to the ground if, in the Official Scorer’s
judgment, an outfielder at that position making ordinary effort
would have caught such fly ball. If a throw is low, wide or high,
or strikes the ground, and a runner reaches base who otherwise
would have been put out by such throw, the Official Scorer shall
charge the player making the throw with an error.
The Official Scorer shall not score mental mistakes or misjudg-
ments as errors unless a specific rule prescribes otherwise. A
fielder’s mental mistake that leads to a physical misplay—such
as throwing the ball into the stands or rolling the ball to the pitch-
er’s mound, mistakenly believing there to be three outs, and
thereby allowing a runner or runners to advance—shall not be
considered a mental mistake for purposes of this rule and the
Official Scorer shall charge a fielder committing such a mistake
with an error. The Official Scorer shall not charge an error if the
pitcher fails to cover first base on a play, thereby allowing a bat-
ter-runner to reach first base safely. The Official Scorer shall not
charge an error to a fielder who incorrectly throws to the wrong
base on a play.
The Official Scorer shall charge an error to a fielder who causes
another fielder to misplay a ball—for example, by knocking the
ball out of the other fielder’s glove. On such a play, when the
Official Scorer charges an error to the interfering fielder, the
Official Scorer shall not charge an error to the fielder with whom
the other fielder interfered.

(2) when such fielder muffs a foul fly to prolong the time at

bat of a batter, whether the batter subsequently reaches
first base or is put out;
(3) when such fielder catches a thrown ball or a ground ball in
time to put out the batter-runner and fails to tag first base
or the batter-runner;

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 Rule 9.12(a)(4) to 9.12(b)

(4) when such fielder catches a thrown ball or a ground ball in

time to put out any runner on a force play and fails to tag
the base or the runner;
(5) whose wild throw permits a runner to reach a base safely,
when in the scorer’s judgment a good throw would
have put out the runner, unless such wild throw is made
attempting to prevent a stolen base;
(6) whose wild throw in attempting to prevent a runner’s
advance permits that runner or any other runner to advance
one or more bases beyond the base such runner would
have reached had the throw not been wild;
(7) whose throw takes an unnatural bounce, touches a base
or the pitcher’s plate, or touches a runner, a fielder or an
umpire, thereby permitting any runner to advance; or

Rule 9.12(a)(7) Comment: The Official Scorer shall apply this

rule even when it appears to be an injustice to a fielder whose
throw was accurate. For example, the Official Scorer shall
charge an error to an outfielder whose accurate throw to second
base hits the base and caroms back into the outfield, thereby
permitting a runner or runners to advance, because every base
advanced by a runner must be accounted for.

(8) whose failure to stop, or try to stop, an accurately

thrown ball permits a runner to advance, so long as
there was occasion for the throw. If such throw was
made to second base, the Official Scorer shall determine
whether it was the duty of the second baseman or the
shortstop to stop the ball and shall charge an error to
the negligent fielder.

Rule 9.12(a)(8) Comment: If, in the Official Scorer’s judgment,

there was no occasion for the throw, the Official Scorer shall
charge an error to the fielder who threw the ball.

(b) T
 he Official Scorer shall charge only one error on any wild
throw, regardless of the number of bases advanced by one or
more runners.

127
 Rule 9.12(c) to 9.12(e)

(c) W
 hen an umpire awards the batter or any runner or runners
one or more bases because of interference or obstruction, the
Official Scorer shall charge the fielder who committed the
interference or obstruction with one error, no matter how many
bases the batter, or runner or runners, may advance.

Rule 9.12(c) Comment: The Official Scorer shall not charge an

error if obstruction does not change the play, in the opinion of
the scorer.

(d) The Official Scorer shall not charge an error against:

(1) the catcher when the catcher, after receiving the pitch, makes
a wild throw attempting to prevent a stolen base, unless the
wild throw permits the stealing runner to advance one or
more extra bases or permits any other runner to advance
one or more bases;
(2) any fielder who makes a wild throw if in the scorer’s
judgment the runner would not have been put out with
ordinary effort by a good throw, unless such wild throw
permits any runner to advance beyond the base he would
have reached had the throw not been wild;
(3) any fielder who makes a wild throw in attempting to
complete a double play or triple play, unless such wild    
throw enables any runner to advance beyond the base
such runner would have reached had the throw not been
wild;

Rule 9.12(d) Comment: When a fielder muffs a thrown ball

that, if held, would have completed a double play or triple play,
the Official Scorer shall charge an error to the fielder who drops
the ball and credit an assist to the fielder who made the throw.

(4) any fielder when, after a ground ball or dropping a batted

ball that is in flight or a thrown ball, the fielder recovers
the ball in time to force out a runner at any base; or
(5) any fielder when a wild pitch or passed ball is scored.
(e) The Official Scorer shall not charge an error when the batter is
awarded first base on four called balls, when the batter is awarded

128
 Rule 9.12(e) to 9.13(a)

first base when touched by a pitched ball, or when the batter

reaches first base as the result of a wild pitch or passed ball.

Rule 9.12(e) Comment: See Rule 9.13 for additional scoring

rules relating to wild pitches and passed balls.

(f) The Official Scorer shall not charge an error when a runner or

runners advance as the result of a passed ball, a wild pitch or a
balk.
(1) When the fourth called ball is a wild pitch or a passed ball
and as a result
(A) the batter-runner advances to a base beyond first base;
(B) any
 runner forced to advance by the base on balls
advances more than one base; or
(C) any
 runner, not forced to advance, advances one or
more bases, the Official Scorer shall score the base on
balls and also the wild pitch or passed ball, as the case
may be.
(2) When the catcher recovers the ball after a wild pitch or
passed ball on the third strike, and throws out the batter-
runner at first base, or tags out the batter-runner, but
another runner or runners advance, the Official Scorer
shall score the strikeout, the putout and assists, if any, and
credit the advance of the other runner or runners on the
play as a fielder’s choice.

Rule 9.12(f) Comment: See Rule 9.13 for additional scoring

rules relating to wild pitches and passed balls.

9.13 Wild Pitches and Passed Balls

A wild pitch is defined in the Definition of Terms (Wild Pitch). A
passed ball is a statistic charged against a catcher whose action has
caused a runner or runners to advance, as set forth in this Rule 9.13.
(a) T
 he Official Scorer shall charge a pitcher with a wild pitch
when a legally delivered ball is so high, so wide or so low that
the catcher does not stop and control the ball by ordinary effort,
thereby permitting a runner or runners to advance. The Official

129
 Rule 9.13(a) to 9.14(a)

Scorer shall charge a pitcher with a wild pitch when a legally

delivered ball touches the ground or home plate before reaching
the catcher and is not handled by the catcher, thereby permitting
a runner or runners to advance. When the third strike is a wild
pitch, permitting the batter to reach first base, the Official Scorer
shall score a strikeout and a wild pitch.
(b) T
 he Official Scorer shall charge a catcher with a passed ball
when the catcher fails to hold or to control a legally pitched
ball that should have been held or controlled with ordinary
effort, thereby permitting a runner or runners to advance.
When the third strike is a passed ball, permitting the batter to
reach first base, the Official Scorer shall score a strikeout and
a passed ball.

Rule 9.13 Comment: The Official Scorer shall not charge a wild
pitch or passed ball if the defensive team makes an out before
any runners advance. For example, if a pitch touches the ground
and eludes the catcher with a runner on first base, but the catcher
recovers the ball and throws to second base in time to retire the
runner, the Official Scorer shall not charge the pitcher with a wild
pitch. The Official Scorer shall credit the advancement of any
other runner on the play as a fielder’s choice. If a catcher drops
a pitch, for example, with a runner on first base, but the catcher
recovers the ball and throws to second base in time to retire the
runner, the Official Scorer shall not charge the catcher with a
passed ball. The Official Scorer shall credit the advancement of
any other runner on the play as a fielder’s choice.
See Rules 9.07(a), 9.12(e) and 9.12(f) for additional scoring
rules relating to wild pitches and passed balls.

9.14 Base on Balls

A base on balls is defined in the Definition of Terms (Base on Balls).
(a) The Official Scorer shall score a base on balls whenever a batter
is awarded first base because of four balls having been pitched
outside the strike zone, but when the fourth such ball touches
the batter it shall be scored as a “hit batter.”

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 Rule 9.14(b) to 9.15(b)

Rule 9.14(a) Comment: See Rule 9.16(h) for the procedure

when more than one pitcher is involved in giving a base on
balls. See also Rule 9.15, which addresses situations in which a
substitute batter receives a base on balls.

(b) The Official Scorer shall score an intentional base on balls

when the pitcher makes no attempt to throw the last pitch to the
batter into the strike zone, but purposely throws the ball wide to
the catcher outside the catcher’s box.
(c) If a batter awarded a base on balls is called out for refusing to
advance to first base, the Official Scorer shall not credit the base
on balls and shall charge a time at bat.
(d) The Official Scorer shall score an intentional base on balls
when a batter is awarded first base because the defensive team’s
manager informs the umpire of the team’s intention to walk the
batter.

9.15 Strikeouts
A strikeout is a statistic credited to a pitcher and charged to a batter
when the umpire calls three strikes on a batter, as set forth in this
Rule 9.15.
(a) The Official Scorer shall score a strikeout whenever a batter:
(1) is put out by a third strike caught by the catcher;
(2) is put out by a third strike not caught when there is a
runner on first before two are out;
(3) becomes a runner because a third strike is not caught; or
(4) bunts foul on third strike, unless such bunt on third strike
results in a foul fly caught by any fielder, in which case the
Official Scorer shall not score a strikeout and shall credit
the fielder who catches such foul fly with a putout.
(b) When a batter leaves the game with two strikes against him, and
the substitute batter completes a strikeout, the Official Scorer
shall charge the strikeout and the time at bat to the first batter.
If the substitute batter completes the turn at bat in any other
manner, including a base on balls, the Official Scorer shall
score the action as having been that of the substitute batter.

131
 Rule 9.16 to 9.16(a)

9.16 Earned Runs and Runs Allowed

An earned run is a run for which a pitcher is held accountable. In
determining earned runs, the Official Scorer shall reconstruct the
inning without the errors (which exclude catcher’s interference) and
passed balls, giving the benefit of the doubt always to the pitcher in
determining which bases would have been reached by runners had
there been errorless play. For the purpose of determining earned
runs, an intentional base on balls, regardless of the circumstances,
shall be construed in exactly the same manner as any other base on
balls.
(a) The Official Scorer shall charge an earned run against a pitcher
every time a runner reaches home base by the aid of safe hits,
sacrifice bunts, a sacrifice fly, stolen bases, putouts, fielder’s
choices, bases on balls, hit batters, balks or wild pitches
(including a wild pitch on third strike that permits a batter to
reach first base) before fielding chances have been offered to put
out the offensive team. For the purpose of this rule, a defensive
interference penalty shall be construed as a fielding chance. A
wild pitch is solely the pitcher’s fault and shall contribute to an
earned run just as a base on balls or a balk.

Rule 9.16(a) Comment: The following are examples of earned

runs charged to a pitcher:
(1) Peter pitches and retires Abel and Baker, the first two
batters of an inning. Charlie reaches first base on an error
charged to a fielder. Daniel hits a home run. Edward hits
a home run. Peter retires Frank to end the inning. Three
runs have scored, but no earned runs are charged to Peter,
because Charlie should have been the third out of the
inning, as reconstructed without the error.
(2) Peter pitches and retires Abel. Baker hits a triple. While
pitching to Charlie, Peter throws a wild pitch, allowing
Baker to score. Peter retires Daniel and Edward. One
run has scored, charged as an earned run to Peter,
because the wild pitch contributes to an earned run.
In an inning in which a batter-runner reaches first base
on a catcher’s interference, such batter-runner shall

132
 Rule 9.16(a) to 9.16(d)

not count as an earned run should he subsequently

score. The Official Scorer shall not assume, however,
that such batter would have made an out absent the
catcher’s interference (unlike, for example, situations
in which a batter-runner reaches first base safely
because of a fielder’s misplay of a ball for an error).
Because such batter never had a chance to complete
his time at bat, it is unknown how such batter would
have fared absent the catcher’s interference. Compare
the following examples:
(3) With two out, Abel reaches first on an error by the
shortstop in misplaying a ground ball. Baker hits a
home run. Charlie strikes out. Two runs have scored,
but none is earned, because Abel’s at-bat should have
been the third out of the inning, as reconstructed without
the error.
(4) With two out, Abel reaches first on a catcher’s
interference. Baker hits a home run. Charlie strikes
out. Two runs have scored, but one (Baker’s) is earned,
because the Official Scorer cannot assume that Abel
would have made an out to end the inning, absent the
catcher’s interference.

(b) No run shall be earned when scored by a runner who reaches

first base
(1) on a hit or otherwise after his time at bat is prolonged by
a muffed foul fly;
(2) because of interference or obstruction; or
(3) because of any fielding error.
(c) No run shall be earned when scored by a runner whose presence
on the bases is prolonged by an error, if such runner would have
been put out by errorless play.
(d) No run shall be earned when the scoring runner’s advance has
been aided by an error, a passed ball or defensive interference or
obstruction, if in the Official Scorer’s judgment the run would
not have scored without the aid of such misplay.

133
 Rule 9.16(e) to 9.16(g)

(e) An error by a pitcher is treated exactly the same as an error by

any other fielder in computing earned runs.
(f) Whenever a fielding error occurs, the pitcher shall be given the
benefit of the doubt in determining to which bases any runners
would have advanced had the fielding of the defensive team
been errorless.
(g) When pitchers are changed during an inning, the Official
Scorer shall not charge the relief pitcher with any run (earned
or unearned) scored by a runner who was on base at the time
such relief pitcher entered the game, nor for runs scored by any
runner who reaches base on a fielder’s choice that puts out a
runner left on base by any preceding pitcher.

Rule 9.16(g) Comment: It is the intent of Rule 9.16(g) to charge

each pitcher with the number of runners he put on base, rather
than with the individual runners. When a pitcher puts runners on
base and is relieved, such pitcher shall be charged with all runs
subsequently scored up to and including the number of runners
such pitcher left on base when such pitcher left the game, unless
such runners are put out without action by the batter (i.e., caught
stealing, picked off base or called out for interference when a
batter-runner does not reach first base on the play). For example:
(1) Peter is pitching. Abel reaches first base on a base
on balls. Roger relieves Peter. Baker grounds out,
advancing Abel to second base. Charlie flies out. Daniel
singles, scoring Abel. Abel’s run is charged to Peter.
(2) Peter is pitching. Abel reaches first base on a base
on balls. Roger relieves Peter. Baker forces Abel at
second bases. Charlie grounds out, advancing Baker
to second base. Daniel singles, scoring Baker. Baker’s
run is charged to Peter.
(3) Peter is pitching. Abel reaches first base on a base on
balls. Roger relieves Peter. Baker singles, advancing
Abel to third base. Charlie grounds to short, with Abel
out at home plate and Baker advancing to second
base. Daniel flies out. Edward singles, scoring Baker.
Baker’s run is charged to Peter.

134
 Rule 9.16(g) to 9.16(h)

(4) Peter is pitching. Abel reaches first base on a base on

balls. Roger relieves Peter. Baker reaches on a base on
balls. Charlie flies out. Abel is picked off second base.
Daniel doubles, scoring Baker from first base. Baker’s
run is charged to Roger.
(5) Peter is pitching. Abel reaches first base on a base on
balls. Roger relieves Peter. Baker reaches first base
on a base on balls. Sierra relieves Roger. Charlie
forces Abel at third base. Daniel forces Baker at third
base. Edward hits a home run, scoring three runs. The
Official Scorer shall charge one run to Peter, one run
to Roger and one run to Sierra.
(6) Peter is pitching. Abel reaches first base on a base on
balls. Roger relieves Peter. Baker reaches first base
on a base on balls. Charlie singles, filling the bases.
Daniel forces Abel at home plate. Edward singles,
scoring Baker and Charlie. The Official Scorer shall
charge one run to Peter and one run to Roger.
(7) Peter is pitching. Abel reaches first base on a base on
balls. Roger relieves Peter. Baker singles, but Abel
is out trying to reach third base and Baker advances
to second base on the throw. Charlie singles, scoring
Baker. Baker’s run is charged to Roger.

(h) A relief pitcher shall not be held accountable when the first
batter to whom he pitches reaches first base on four called balls
if such batter has a decided advantage in the ball and strike
count when pitchers are changed.
(1) If, when pitchers are changed, the count is
2 balls, no strike,
2 balls, 1 strike,
3 balls, no strike,
3 balls, 1 strike,
3 balls, 2 strikes,

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 Rule 9.16(h) to 9.16(i)

a nd the batter gets a base on balls, the Official Scorer shall

charge that batter and the base on balls to the preceding
pitcher, not to the relief pitcher.
(2) Any other action by such batter, such as reaching base
on a hit, an error, a fielder’s choice, a force-out, or being
touched by a pitched ball, shall cause such a batter to be
charged to the relief pitcher.

Rule 9.16(h) Comment: The provisions of Rule 9.16(h)(2)

shall not be construed as affecting or conflicting with the
provisions of Rule 9.16(g).

(3) If, when pitchers are changed, the count is

2 balls, 2 strikes,
1 ball, 2 strikes,
1 ball, 1 strike,
1 ball, no strike,
no ball, 2 strikes,
no ball, 1 strike,
the Official Scorer shall charge that batter and the actions
of that batter to the relief pitcher.
(i) When pitchers are changed during an inning, the relief pitcher
shall not have the benefit of previous chances for outs not
accepted in determining earned runs.

Rule 9.16(i) Comment: It is the intent of Rule 9.16(i) to charge

a relief pitcher with earned runs for which such relief pitcher is
solely responsible. In some instances, runs charged as earned
against the relief pitcher can be charged as unearned against the
team. For example:
(1) With two out and Peter pitching, Abel reaches first
base on a base on balls. Baker reaches first base on
an error. Roger relieves Peter. Charlie hits a home
run, scoring three runs. The Official Scorer shall
charge two unearned runs to Peter, one earned run to

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 Rule 9.16(i) to 9.17(a)

Roger and three unearned runs to the team (because

the inning should have ended with the third out when
Baker batted and an error was committed).
(2) With two out, and Peter pitching, Abel and Baker each
reach first base on a base on balls. Roger relieves Peter.
Charlie reaches first base on an error. Daniel hits a
home run, scoring four runs. The Official Scorer shall
charge two unearned runs to Peter and two unearned
runs to Roger (because the inning should have ended
with the third out when Charlie batted and an error
was committed).
(3) With none out and Peter pitching, Abel reaches first
base on a base on balls. Baker reaches first base on
an error. Roger relieves Peter. Charlie hits a home
run, scoring three runs. Daniel and Edward strike out.
Frank reaches first base on an error. George hits a
home run, scoring two runs. The Official Scorer shall
charge two runs, one of them earned, to Peter, three
runs, one of them earned, to Roger and five runs, two
of them earned, to the team (because only Abel and
Charlie would have scored in an inning reconstructed
without the errors).

9.17 Winning and Losing Pitcher

(a) The Official Scorer shall credit as the winning pitcher that pitcher
whose team assumes a lead while such pitcher is in the game, or
during the inning on offense in which such pitcher is removed
from the game, and does not relinquish such lead, unless
(1) such pitcher is a starting pitcher and Rule 9.17(b) applies;
or (2) Rule 9.17(c) applies.

Rule 9.17(a) Comment: Whenever the score is tied, the game

becomes a new contest insofar as the winning pitcher is concerned.
Once the opposing team assumes the lead, all pitchers who have
pitched up to that point and have been replaced are excluded
from being credited with the victory. If the pitcher against whose
pitching the opposing team gained the lead continues to pitch

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 Rule 9.17(a) to 9.17(c)

until his team regains the lead, which it holds to the finish of the
game, that pitcher shall be the winning pitcher.
(b) If the pitcher whose team assumes a lead while such pitcher
is in the game, or during the inning on offense in which such
pitcher is removed from the game, and does not relinquish such
lead, is a starting pitcher who has not completed
(1) five innings of a game that lasts six or more innings on
defense, or
(2) four innings of a game that lasts five innings on defense,
then the Official Scorer shall credit as the winning pitcher
the relief pitcher, if there is only one relief pitcher, or the
relief pitcher who, in the Official Scorer’s judgment was
the most effective, if there is more than one relief pitcher.

Rule 9.17(b) Comment: It is the intent of Rule 9.17(b) that a

relief pitcher pitch at least one complete inning or pitch when a
crucial out is made, within the context of the game (including
the score), in order to be credited as the winning pitcher. If the
first relief pitcher pitches effectively, the Official Scorer should
not presumptively credit that pitcher with the win, because
the rule requires that the win be credited to the pitcher who
was the most effective, and a subsequent relief pitcher may
have been most effective. The Official Scorer, in determining
which relief pitcher was the most effective, should consider
the number of runs, earned runs and base runners given up by
each relief pitcher and the context of the game at the time of
each relief pitcher’s appearance. If two or more relief pitchers
were similarly effective, the Official Scorer should give the
presumption to the earlier pitcher as the winning pitcher.

(c) The Official Scorer shall not credit as the winning pitcher a

relief pitcher who is ineffective in a brief appearance, when at
least one succeeding relief pitcher pitches effectively in helping
his team maintain its lead. In such a case, the Official Scorer
shall credit as the winning pitcher the succeeding relief pitcher
who was most effective, in the judgment of the Official Scorer.

Rule 9.17(c) Comment: The Official Scorer generally should,

but is not required to, consider the appearance of a relief pitcher

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 Rule 9.17(c) to 9.19

to be ineffective and brief if such relief pitcher pitches less than

one inning and allows two or more earned runs to score (even
if such runs are charged to a previous pitcher). Rule 9.17(b)
Comment provides guidance on choosing the winning pitcher
from among several succeeding relief pitchers.

(d) A losing pitcher is a pitcher who is responsible for the run that
gives the winning team a lead that the winning team does not
relinquish.

Rule 9.17(d) Comment: Whenever the score is tied, the game

becomes a new contest insofar as the losing pitcher is concerned.

(e) A league may designate a non-championship game (for

example, the Major League All-Star Game) for which Rules
9.17(a)(1) and 9.17(b) do not apply. In such games, the Official
Scorer shall credit as the winning pitcher that pitcher whose
team assumes a lead while such pitcher is in the game, or during
the inning on offense in which such pitcher is removed from the
game, and does not relinquish such lead, unless such pitcher is
knocked out after the winning team has attained a commanding
lead and the Official Scorer concludes that a subsequent pitcher
is entitled to credit as the winning pitcher.

9.18 Shutouts
A shutout is a statistic credited to a pitcher who allows no runs in
a game. No pitcher shall be credited with pitching a shutout unless
he pitches the complete game, or unless he enters the game with
none out before the opposing team has scored in the first inning,
puts out the side without a run scoring and pitches the rest of the
game without allowing a run. When two or more pitchers combine
to pitch a shutout, the league statistician shall make a notation to
that effect in the league’s official pitching records.

9.19 Saves for Relief Pitchers

A save is a statistic credited to a relief pitcher, as set forth in this
Rule 9.19.
The Official Scorer shall credit a pitcher with a save when such
pitcher meets all four of the following conditions:

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 Rule 9.19(a) to 9.20

(a) He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his team;

(b) He is not the winning pitcher;
(c) He is credited with at least 1/3 of an inning pitched; and
(d) He satisfies one of the following conditions:
(1) He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs
and pitches for at least one inning;
(2) He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the
potential tying run either on base, or at bat or on deck
(that is, the potential tying run is either already on base or
is one of the first two batters he faces); or
(3) He pitches for at least three innings.

9.20 Statistics
The Office of the Commissioner shall appoint an official statistician.
The statistician shall maintain an accumulative record of all the
batting, fielding, running and pitching records specified in Rule
9.02 for every player who appears in a league championship game
or post-season game.
The statistician shall prepare a tabulated report at the end of
the season, including all individual and team records for every
championship game, and shall submit this report to the Office of
the Commissioner. This report shall identify each player by his first
name and surname and shall indicate as to each batter whether he
bats righthanded, lefthanded or both ways, and as to each fielder
and pitcher, whether he throws righthanded or lefthanded.
When a player listed in the starting lineup is substituted for before
he plays on defense, he shall not receive credit in the defensive
statistics (fielding) unless he actually plays that position during the
game. All such players, however, shall be credited with one game
played (in batting statistics) so long as they are announced into the
game or listed on the official lineup card.

Rule 9.20 Comment: The Official Scorer shall credit a player

with having played on defense if such player is on the field for at
least one pitch or play. If a game is called (for example, because
of rain) after a substitute player enters the field but before a

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 Rule 9.20 to 9.21(f)

pitch is thrown or a play is made, the Official Scorer shall credit

such player with a game played in the batting statistics but shall
not credit such player in any defensive statistics. If a game is
called (for example, because of rain) after a relief pitcher enters
the field but before a pitch is thrown or a play is made, the
Official Scorer shall credit such pitcher with a game played
in the batting statistics but shall not credit such pitcher in any
defensive statistics or with a game pitched.

Any games played to break a divisional tie shall be included in the

statistics for that championship season.

9.21 Determining Percentage Records

To compute:
(a) Percentage of games won and lost, divide the number of games
won by the sum of games won and games lost;
(b) Batting average, divide the total number of safe hits (not the total
bases on hits) by the total times at bat, as defined in Rule 9.02(a);
(c) Slugging percentage, divide the total bases of all safe hits by the
total times at bat, as defined in Rule 9.02(a);
(d) Fielding average, divide the sum of putouts and assists by the
sum of putouts, assists and errors (which shall be called chances);
(e) Pitcher’s earned-run average, multiply the total earned runs
charged against such pitcher by 9, and divide the result by the
total number of innings he pitched, including fractions of an
inning; and

Rule 9.21(e) Comment: For example, 91/3 innings pitched and

3 earned runs is an earned-run average of 2.89 (3 earned runs
times 9 divided by 91/3 equals 2.89).

(f) On-base percentage (or on-base average), divide the sum of hits,

bases on balls and times hit by pitch by the sum of at-bats, bases
on balls, times hit by pitch and sacrifice flies.

Rule 9.21(f) Comment: For the purpose of computing on-base

percentage, ignore instances of a batter being awarded first base
on interference or obstruction.

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 Rule 9.22 to 9.22(a)

9.22 Minimum Standards for Individual Championships

To assure uniformity in establishing the batting, pitching and
fielding championships of professional leagues, such champions
shall meet the following minimum performance standards:
(a) The individual batting, slugging or on-base percentage
champion shall be the player with the highest batting average,
slugging percentage or on-base percentage, as the case may
be, provided the player is credited with as many or more total
appearances at the plate in league championship games as the
number of games scheduled for each Club in his Club’s league
that season, multiplied by 3.1 in the case of a Major League
player and by 2.7 in the case of a Minor League player. Total
appearances at the plate shall include official times at bat, plus
bases on balls, times hit by pitcher, sacrifice hits, sacrifice
flies and times awarded first base because of interference or
obstruction. Notwithstanding the foregoing requirement of
minimum appearances at the plate, any player with fewer than
the required number of plate appearances whose average would
be the highest, if he were charged with the required number of
plate appearances shall be awarded the batting, slugging or on-
base percentage championship, as the case may be.

Rule 9.22(a) Comment: For example, if a Major League

schedules 162 games for each Club, 502 plate appearances
qualify (162 times 3.1 equals 502) a player for a batting,
slugging or on-base percentage championship. If 140 games
are scheduled for each Club in a Minor League, 378 plate
appearances qualify (140 times 2.7 equals 378) a player for
a batting, slugging or on-base percentage championship.
Fractions of a plate appearance are to be rounded up or down
to the closest whole number. For example, 162 times 3.1 equals
502.2, which is rounded down to a requirement of 502.
If, for example, Abel has the highest batting average among
those with 502 plate appearance in a Major League with a .362
batting average (181 hits in 500 at-bats), and Baker has 490
plate appearances, 440 at-bats and 165 hits for a .375 batting
average, Baker shall be the batting champion, because adding
12 more at-bats to Baker’s record would still give Baker a

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 Rule 9.22(a) to 9.22(c)

higher batting average than Abel: .365 (165 hits in 452 at-bats)
to Abel’s .362.

(b) The individual pitching champion in a Major League shall

be the pitcher with the lowest earned-run average, provided
that the pitcher has pitched at least as many innings in league
championship games as the number of games scheduled for
each Club in his Club’s league that season. The individual
pitching champion in a Minor League shall be the pitcher with
the lowest earned-run average provided that the pitcher has
pitched at least as many innings in league championship season
games as 80% of the number of games scheduled for each Club
in the pitcher’s league.

Rule 9.22(b) Comment: For example, if a Major League

schedules 162 games for each Club, 162 innings qualify a pitcher
for a pitching championship. A pitcher with 1612/3 innings
would not qualify. If 140 games are scheduled for each Club
in a Minor League, 112 innings qualify a pitcher for a pitching
championship. Fractions of an inning for the required number of
innings are to be rounded to the closest third of an inning. For
example, 80% of 144 games is 115.2, so 1151⁄3 innings would be
the minimum required for a pitching championship in a Minor
League with 144 games scheduled and 80% of 76 games is 60.8,
so 60 2/3 innings would be the minimum required for a pitching
championship in a Minor League with 76 games scheduled.

(c) The individual fielding champions shall be the fielders with the

highest fielding average at each position, provided:
(1) A catcher must have participated as a catcher in at least
one-half the number of games scheduled for each Club in
his league that season;
(2) An infielder or outfielder must have participated at his
position in at least two-thirds of the number of games
scheduled for each Club in his league that season; and
(3) A pitcher must have pitched at least as many innings as the
number of games scheduled for each Club in his league
that season, unless another pitcher has a fielding average

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 Rule 9.22(c) to 9.23

as high or higher and has handled more total chances in

fewer innings, in which case such other pitcher shall be
the fielding champion.

9.23 Guidelines for Cumulative Performance Records

(a) Consecutive Hitting Streaks
(a) A
 consecutive hitting streak shall not be terminated if a batter’s
plate appearance results in a base on balls, hit batsman, defensive
interference or obstruction or a sacrifice bunt. A sacrifice fly
shall terminate the streak.
(b) Consecutive-Game Hitting Streaks
(b) A consecutive-game hitting streak shall not be terminated
if all of a batter’s plate appearances (one or more) in a game
result in a base on balls, hit batsman, defensive interference or
obstruction or a sacrifice bunt. The streak shall terminate if the
player has a sacrifice fly and no hit.
(b) A player’s individual consecutive-game hitting streak shall
be determined by the consecutive games in which such player
appears and is not determined by his Club’s games.
(c) Consecutive-Game Playing Streak
(c) A
 consecutive-game playing streak shall be extended if a player
plays one half-inning on defense or if the player completes a
time at bat by reaching base or being put out. A pinch-running
appearance only shall not extend the streak. If a player is ejected
from a game by an umpire before such player can comply with
the requirements of this Rule 9.23(c), such player’s streak shall
continue.
(d) Suspended Games
(d) F
 or the purpose of this Rule 9.23 all performances in the
completion of a suspended game shall be considered as
occurring on the original date of the game.

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 Definitions of Terms

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS
(All definitions are listed alphabetically)

ADJUDGED is a judgment decision by the umpire.

An APPEAL is the act of a fielder in claiming violation of the rules
by the offensive team.
A BALK is an illegal act by the pitcher with a runner or runners on
base, entitling all runners to advance one base.
A BALL is a pitch which does not enter the strike zone in flight and
is not struck at by the batter. If the pitch touches the ground and bounces
through the strike zone it is a “ball.”
A BASE is one of four points which must be touched by a runner
in order to score a run; more usually applied to the canvas bags and the
rubber plate which mark the base points.
A BASE COACH is a team member in uniform who is stationed in
the coach’s box at first or third base to direct the batter and the runners.
A BASE ON BALLS is an award of first base granted to a batter
who, during his time at bat, receives four pitches outside the strike zone
or following a signal from the defensive team’s manager to the umpire
that he intends to intentionally walk the batter. If the manager informs the
umpire of this intention, the umpire shall award the batter first base as if
the batter had received four pitches outside the strike zone.
A BATTER is an offensive player who takes his position in the
batter’s box.
BATTER-RUNNER is a term that identifies the offensive player
who has just finished his time at bat until he is put out or until the play on
which he became a runner ends.
The BATTER’S BOX is the area within which the batter shall stand
during his time at bat.
The BATTERY is the pitcher and catcher.
BENCH OR DUGOUT is the seating facilities reserved for
players, substitutes and other team members in uniform when they are not
actively engaged on the playing field.

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 Definitions of Terms

A BUNT is a batted ball not swung at, but intentionally met with the
bat and tapped slowly within the infield.
A CALLED GAME is one in which, for any reason, the umpire-in-
chief or the Office of the Commissioner terminates play before the game
is completed.
A CATCH is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in
his hand or glove of a ball in flight and firmly holding it; providing he
does not use his cap, protector, pocket or any other part of his uniform
in getting possession. It is not a catch, however, if simultaneously
or immediately following his contact with the ball, he collides with
a player, or with a wall, or if he falls down, and as a result of such
collision or falling, drops the ball. It is not a catch if a fielder touches a
fly ball which then hits a member of the offensive team or an umpire and
then is caught by another defensive player. In establishing the validity
of the catch, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove that
he has complete control of the ball and that his release of the ball is
voluntary and intentional. If the fielder has made the catch and drops
the ball while in the act of making a throw following the catch, the ball
shall be adjudged to have been caught.

(Catch) Comment: A catch is legal if the ball is finally held

by any fielder, even though juggled, or held by another fielder
before it touches the ground. Runners may leave their bases the
instant the first fielder touches the ball. A fielder may reach over
a fence, railing, rope or other line of demarcation to make a
catch. He may jump on top of a railing, or canvas that may be in
foul ground. No interference should be allowed when a fielder
reaches over a fence, railing, rope or into a stand to catch a ball.
He does so at his own risk.
If a fielder, attempting a catch at the edge of the dugout, is “held
up” and kept from an apparent fall by a player or players of
either team and the catch is made, it shall be allowed.

The CATCHER is the fielder who takes his position back of the
home base.
The CATCHER’S BOX is that area within which the catcher shall
stand until the pitcher delivers the ball.

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 Definitions of Terms

THE CLUB is a person or group of persons responsible for

assembling the team personnel, providing the playing field and required
facilities, and representing the team in relations with the league.
A COACH is a team member in uniform appointed by the manager
to perform such duties as the manager may designate, such as but not
limited to acting as base coach.
A DEAD BALL is a ball out of play because of a legally created
temporary suspension of play.
The DEFENSE (or DEFENSIVE) is the team, or any player of the
team, in the field.
A DOUBLE-HEADER is two regularly scheduled or rescheduled
games, played in immediate succession.
A DOUBLE PLAY is a play by the defense in which two offensive
players are put out as a result of continuous action, providing there is no
error between putouts.
(a) A force double play is one in which both putouts are force
plays.
(b) A reverse force double play is one in which the first out is a
force play and the second out is made on a runner for whom
the force is removed by reason of the first out. Examples of
reverse force plays: runner on first, one out; batter grounds to
first baseman, who steps on first base (one out) and throws to
second baseman or shortstop for the second out (a tag play).
Another example: bases loaded, none out; batter grounds to
third baseman, who steps on third base (one out); then throws
to catcher for the second out (tag play).
DUGOUT (See definition of BENCH)
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.

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 Definitions of Terms

A fair fly shall be judged according to the relative position of the

ball and the foul line, including the foul pole, and not as to whether the
fielder is on fair or foul territory at the time he touches the ball.

(Fair Ball) Comment: If a fly ball lands in the infield between

home and first base, or home and third base, and then bounces
to foul territory without touching a player or umpire and before
passing first or third base, it is a foul ball; or if the ball settles
on foul territory or is touched by a player on foul territory, it is
a foul ball. If a fly ball lands on or beyond first or third base and
then bounces to foul territory, it is a fair hit.
A batted ball not touched by a fielder, which hits the pitcher’s
rubber and rebounds into foul territory, between home and first,
or between home and third base is a foul ball.
Clubs, increasingly, are erecting tall foul poles at the fence line
with a wire netting extending along the side of the pole on fair
territory above the fence to enable the umpires more accurately
to judge fair and foul balls.

FAIR TERRITORY is that part of the playing field within, and

including the first base and third base lines, from home base to the bottom
of the playing field fence and perpendicularly upwards. All foul lines are
in fair territory.
A FIELDER is any defensive player.
FIELDER’S CHOICE is the act of a fielder who handles a fair
grounder and, instead of throwing to first base to put out the batter-runner,
throws to another base in an attempt to put out a preceding runner. The
term is also used by scorers (a) to account for the advance of the batter-
runner who takes one or more extra bases when the fielder who handles
his safe hit attempts to put out a preceding runner; (b) to account for the
advance of a runner (other than by stolen base or error) while a fielder is
attempting to put out another runner; and (c) to account for the advance
of a runner made solely because of the defensive team’s indifference
(undefended steal).
A FLY BALL is a batted ball that goes high in the air in flight.
A FORCE PLAY is a play in which a runner legally loses his right
to occupy a base by reason of the batter becoming a runner.

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 Definitions of Terms

(Force Play) Comment: Confusion regarding this play is

removed by remembering that frequently the “force” situation is
removed during the play. Example: Man on first, one out, ball hit
sharply to first baseman who touches the bag and batter-runner is
out. The force is removed at that moment and runner advancing
to second must be tagged. If there had been a runner on third or
second, and either of these runners scored before the tag-out at
second, the run counts. Had the first baseman thrown to second
and the ball then had been returned to first, the play at second
was a force out, making two outs, and the return throw to first
ahead of the runner would have made three outs. In that case, no
run would score.
Example: Not a force out. One out. Runner on first and third.
Batter flies out. Two out. Runner on third tags up and scores.
Runner on first tries to retouch before throw from fielder reaches
first baseman, but does not get back in time and is out. Three
outs. If, in umpire’s judgment, the runner from third touched
home before the ball was held at first base, the run counts.

A FORFEITED GAME is a game declared ended by the umpire-in-

chief in favor of the offended team by the score of 9 to 0, for violation of
the rules.
A FOUL BALL is a batted ball that settles on foul territory between
home and first base, or between home and third base, or that bounds
past first or third base on or over foul territory, or that first falls on foul
territory beyond first or third base, or that, while on or over foul territory,
touches the person of an umpire or player, or any object foreign to the
natural ground.
A foul fly shall be judged according to the relative position of the
ball and the foul line, including the foul pole, and not as to whether the
infielder is on foul or fair territory at the time he touches the ball.

(Foul Ball) Comment: A batted ball not touched by a fielder,

which hits the pitcher’s rubber and rebounds into foul territory,
between home and first, or between home and third base is a
foul ball.
If a fly ball lands in the infield between home and first base, or
home and third base, and then bounces to foul territory without

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 Definitions of Terms

touching a player or umpire and before passing first or third

base, it is a foul ball; or if the ball settles on foul territory or is
touched by a player on foul territory, it is a foul ball. If a fly ball
lands on or beyond first or third base and then bounces to foul
territory, it is a fair hit.

FOUL TERRITORY is that part of the playing field outside the first
and third base lines extended to the fence and perpendicularly upwards.
A FOUL TIP is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat
to the catcher and is legally caught. It is not a foul tip unless caught, and
any foul tip that is caught is a strike, and the ball is in play.
A GROUND BALL is a batted ball that rolls or bounces close to
the ground.
The HOME TEAM is the team on whose grounds the game is
played, or if the game is played on neutral grounds, the home team shall
be designated by mutual agreement.
ILLEGAL (or ILLEGALLY) is contrary to these rules.
An ILLEGAL PITCH is (1) a pitch delivered to the batter when the
pitcher does not have his pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate; (2)
a quick return pitch. An illegal pitch when runners are on base is a balk.
An INFIELDER is a fielder who occupies a position in the infield.
An INFIELD FLY is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive nor an
attempted bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort,
when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied, before
two are out. The pitcher, catcher and any outfielder who stations himself
in the infield on the play shall be considered infielders for the purpose of
this rule.
When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an Infield Fly,
the umpire shall immediately declare “Infield Fly” for the benefit of the
runners. If the ball is near the baselines, the umpire shall declare “Infield
Fly, if Fair.”
The ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball
being caught, or retouch and advance after the ball is touched, the same
as on any fly ball. If the hit becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as
any foul.

150
 Definitions of Terms

If a declared Infield Fly is allowed to fall untouched to the

ground, and bounces foul before passing first or third base, it is a foul
ball. If a declared Infield Fly falls untouched to the ground outside the
baseline, and bounces fair before passing first or third base, it is an
Infield Fly.

(Infield Fly) Comment: On the infield fly rule the umpire is to

rule whether the ball could ordinarily have been handled by
an infielder-not by some arbitrary limitation such as the grass,
or the base lines. The umpire must rule also that a ball is an
infield fly, even if handled by an outfielder, if, in the umpire’s
judgment, the ball could have been as easily handled by an
infielder. The infield fly is in no sense to be considered an
appeal play. The umpire’s judgment must govern, and the
decision should be made immediately.
When an infield fly rule is called, runners may advance at their
own risk. If on an infield fly rule, the infielder intentionally
drops a fair ball, the ball remains in play despite the provisions
of Rule 5.09(a)(12). The infield fly rule takes precedence.
If interference is called during an Infield Fly, the ball remains
alive until it is determined whether the ball is fair or foul. If fair,
both the runner who interfered with the fielder and the batter
are out. If foul, even if caught, the runner is out and the batter
returns to bat.

IN FLIGHT describes a batted, thrown, or pitched ball which has

not yet touched the ground or some object other than a fielder.
IN JEOPARDY is a term indicating that the ball is in play and an
offensive player may be put out.
An INNING is that portion of a game within which the teams
alternate on offense and defense and in which there are three putouts for
each team. Each team’s time at bat is a half-inning.
INTERFERENCE
(a) Offensive interference is an act by the team at bat which
interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any
fielder attempting to make a play.

151
 Definitions of Terms

(b) Defensive interference is an act by a fielder that hinders or

prevents a batter from hitting a pitch.
(c) Umpire’s interference occurs (1) when a plate umpire hinders,
impedes or prevents a catcher’s throw attempting to prevent a
stolen base or retire a runner on a pick-off play, or (2) when a
fair ball touches an umpire on fair territory before passing a
fielder.
(d) Spectator interference occurs when a spectator (or an object
thrown by the spectator) hinders a player’s attempt to make a
play on a live ball, by going onto the playing field, or reaching
out of the stands and over the playing field.
THE LEAGUE is a group of Clubs whose teams play each other in
a pre-arranged schedule under these rules for the league championship.
LEGAL (or LEGALLY) is in accordance with these rules.
A LIVE BALL is a ball which is in play.
A LINE DRIVE is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the
bat to a fielder without touching the ground.
THE MANAGER is a person appointed by the Club to be
responsible for the team’s actions on the field, and to represent the team
in communications with the umpire and the opposing team. A player may
be appointed manager.
MINOR LEAGUE shall refer to any league within the professional
development league system operated by Major League Baseball in which
Minor League Clubs are assigned to compete.
MINOR LEAGUE CLUB shall refer to any professional baseball
club that is party to a Player Development License Agreement (“PDL”).
OBSTRUCTION is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession
of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of
any runner.
OFFENSE is the team, or any player of the team, at bat.
OFFICIAL SCORER. See Rule 9.00.
ORDINARY EFFORT is the effort that a fielder of average skill
at a position in that league or classification of leagues should exhibit

152
 Definitions of Terms

on a play, with due consideration given to the condition of the field and
weather conditions.

(Ordinary Effort) Comment: This standard, called for several

times in the Official Scoring Rules (e.g., Rules 9.05(a)(3), 9.05(a)
(4), 9.05(a)(6), 9.05(b)(3) (Base Hits); 9.08(b) (Sacrifices);
9.12(a)(1) Comment, 9.12(d)(2) (Errors); and 9.13(a), 9.13(b)
(Wild Pitches and Passed Balls)) and in the Official Baseball
Rules (e.g., Definitions of Terms, Infield Fly), is an objective
standard in regard to any particular fielder. In other words, even
if a fielder makes his best effort, if that effort falls short of what
an average fielder at that position in that league would have made
in a situation, the Official Scorer should charge that fielder with
an error.

An OUT is one of the three required retirements of an offensive

team during its time at bat.
An OUTFIELDER is a fielder who occupies a position in the outfield,
which is the area of the playing field most distant from home base.
OVERSLIDE (or OVERSLIDING) is the act of an offensive player
when his slide to a base, other than when advancing from home to first
base, is with such momentum that he loses contact with the base.
A PENALTY is the application of these rules following an illegal act.
The PERSON of a player or an umpire is any part of his body, his
clothing or his equipment.
A PITCH is a ball delivered to the batter by the pitcher.

(Pitch) Comment: All other deliveries of the ball by one player

to another are thrown balls.

A PITCHER is the fielder designated to deliver the pitch to the

batter.
The pitcher’s PIVOT FOOT is that foot which is in contact with the
pitcher’s plate as he delivers the pitch.
“PLAY” is the umpire’s order to start the game or to resume action
following any dead ball.

153
 Definitions of Terms

A POSTPONED GAME is one in which, for any reason, the game

is not commenced on the day it was scheduled.
A QUICK RETURN pitch is one made with obvious intent to catch
a batter off balance. It is an illegal pitch.
REGULATION GAME See Rule 7.01.
A RETOUCH is the act of a runner in returning to a base as legally
required.
A RUN (or SCORE) is the score made by an offensive player who
advances from batter to runner and touches first, second, third and home
bases in that order.
A RUN-DOWN is the act of the defense in an attempt to put out a
runner between bases.
A RUNNER is an offensive player who is advancing toward, or
touching, or returning to any base.
“SAFE” is a declaration by the umpire that a runner is entitled to the
base for which he was trying.
SET POSITION is one of the two legal pitching positions.
SQUEEZE PLAY is a term to designate a play when a team, with
a runner on third base, attempts to score that runner by means of a bunt.
A STRIKE is a legal pitch when so called by the umpire, which:
(a)Is struck at by the batter and is missed;
(b) Is not struck at, if any part of the ball passes through any part of
the strike zone;
(c) Is fouled by the batter when he has less than two strikes;
(d) Is bunted foul;
(e) Touches the batter as he strikes at it;
(f) Touches the batter in flight in the strike zone; or
(g) Becomes a foul tip.
The STRIKE ZONE is that area over home plate the upper limit of
which is a horizontal line at the midpoint between the top of the shoulders
and the top of the uniform pants, and the lower level is a line at the hollow

154
 Definitions of Terms

beneath the kneecap. The Strike Zone shall be determined from the
batter’s stance as the batter is prepared to swing at a pitched ball. (For
diagram of STRIKE ZONE, see Appendix 5.)
A SUSPENDED GAME is a called game which is to be completed
at a later date.
A TAG is the action of a fielder in touching a base with his body
while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or glove; or
touching a runner with the ball, or with his hand or glove holding the
ball (not including hanging laces alone), while holding the ball securely
and firmly in his hand or glove. It is not a tag, however, if simultaneously
or immediately following his touching a base or touching a runner, the
fielder drops the ball. In establishing the validity of the tag, the fielder
shall hold the ball long enough to prove that he has complete control of
the ball. If the fielder has made a tag and drops the ball while in the act of
making a throw following the tag, the tag shall be adjudged to have been
made. For purposes of this definition any jewelry being worn by a player
(e.g., necklaces, bracelets, etc.) shall not constitute a part of the player’s
body.
A THROW is the act of propelling the ball with the hand and arm to
a given objective and is to be distinguished, always, from the pitch.
A TIE GAME is a regulation game which is called when each team
has the same number of runs.
“TIME” is the announcement by an umpire of a legal interruption of
play, during which the ball is dead.
TOUCH. To touch a player or umpire is to touch any part of his
body, or any uniform or equipment worn by him (but not any jewelry
(e.g., necklaces, bracelets, etc.) worn by a player).

(Touch) Comment: Equipment shall be considered worn by a

player or umpire if it is in contact with its intended place on
his person.

A TRIPLE PLAY is a play by the defense in which three offensive

players are put out as a result of continuous action, providing there is no
error between putouts.

155
 Definitions of Terms

WILD PITCH is one so high, so low, or so wide of the plate that it

cannot be handled with ordinary effort by the catcher.
WIND-UP POSITION is one of the two legal pitching positions.

NOTE: Any reference in these Official Baseball Rules to

“he,” “him” or “his” shall be deemed to be a reference to
“she,” “her” or “hers,” as the case may be,
when the person is a female.

156
APPENDICES
 Appendix 1

Diagram No. 1
Diagram of the Playing Field

GRA
SS L
INE

S
IU
AD
'R
95
13'
"
'0

90
90

'0
"

3'

E
FO

N
LI
U
L

L
U
LI

FO
N

127-3 3/8"
E

127-3 3/8"

13' 13'
'
15

3'
'M N

18' CIRCLE
AX
10 ' MI
1

20
'

"
'-0

COACH'S
COACH'S
45
6'

3'

BOX
60'6"

BOX
3'
6'
'M N
AX
10 ' MI
1

"

E
'-0

S
BA
45

26' CIRCLE
M
O
R
'F

E
60

N
LI
E
C

L
U
N

NEXT BATTER'S BOX NEXT BATTER'S BOX

FO
FE
R

37' 37'
O

O
D
AN

5' CIRCLE 5' CIRCLE

ASE M

ST
O

D
HOM IUS FR

AN
R
EB

G
60'
RAD

BACKSTOP

DIAGRAM NO. 1

LEGEND
BATTER'S BOX,
CATCHER'S BOX, FOUL LINE,
PITCHER'S PLATE, COACH'S BOX
NEXT BATTER'S BOX
BASE LINES
GRASS LINES
Rev2018TL

158
 Appendix 2

Diagram No. 2
Layout at Home Plate, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Bases

"
18

18
"
90
LAYOUT AT
SECOND BASE
FO

NE
UL

LI
LI

UL
NE

FO
A A
90

90
LAYOUT AT FOR LAYOUT AT PITCHER'S PLATE LAYOUT AT
SEE DIAGRAM NO. 3
THIRD BASE FIRST BASE

90

B 6" 17" 6" B

3'0"
81 2 "81 2 "

D
3'0"

4'0" 4'0"

C
8'0"

43"

LAYOUT AT HOME BASE

DIAGRAM NO. 2

LEGEND
A 1st, 2nd, 3rd BASES
B BATTER'S BOX
C CATCHER'S BOX
D HOME BASE
E PITCHER'S PLATE

Rev2023RW

159
 Appendix 3

Diagram No. 3
Layout of Pitching Mound

Suggested Layout of Pitching Mound

This Diagram No. 3 supplements and, in cases of difference, supersedes Diagram No. 2.

REAR SLOPE
GRADUAL TO CIRCLE EDGE

LEVEL AREA
SHADED
(5' x 34" ) 5'

22"
34" 2'

6"
18"
6"
18"
1" 1'
9' 9'

1" 2'
Slope

1" 3'

1" 4'

1" 5'

10'
1" 6'

DIAGRAM NO. 3
Pitching Mound: An 18' diameter circle, The degree of slope from a starting
center of which is 59' from back of home plate. point 6" in front of the pitcher's plate to
a point 6' toward home plate shall
Locate front edge of rubber 18" behind
be 1" to 1', and such degree of slope
center of mound.
shall be uniform.
Front edge of rubber to back point Level area surrounding rubber should be 6"
of home plate, 60'6". in front of rubber, 18" to each side and 22"
Slope starts 6" from front edge of rubber. to rear of rubber. Total level area 5' x 34".

Rev2018TL

160
 Appendix 4

Dimensions of Fielder’s Glove

H
H
F
E

G
H

A
D

B
H

I J K L M

DIAGRAM NO. 4
(A) Palm width—7 /4" 3 (H) Crotch seam—13 3/4"
(B) Palm width—8" (I) Thumb top to bottom edge—7 3/4"
(C) Top opening of web—41/2" (J) 1st finger top to bottom edge—13"
(webbing not to be wider (K) 2nd finger top to bottom edge—113/4"
than 41/2" at any point) (L) 3rd finger top to bottom edge—10 3/4"
(D) Bottom opening of web—3 1/2" (M) 4th finger to bottom edge—9"
(E) Web top to bottom—5 3/4"
(F) 1st finger crotch seam—51/2"
(G) Thumb crotch seam—51/2"

161
 Appendix 5

The Strike Zone

Top of shoulders

Midpoint

Top of pants

STRIKE
ZONE

Hollow beneath kneecap

162
 Index

Rules 1.00 through 8.00

Note: For any items not listed and for additional information,
see alphabetized entries in Definitions of Terms.

Abandoning Effort to Run Bases—5.05(a)(2) Comment, 5.05(b),

5.09(b)(2), 5.09(b)(11), 5.09(c)(3).
Accident to Player or Umpire—5.12(b)(3,8).
Ambidextrous Pitcher—5.07(f).
Apparent Fourth Out—5.09(c).
Appeals—5.06(b)(3)(D) Note, 5.06(b)(4)(I) Comment, 5.09(b)(5,11-12),
5.09(c), 6.03(b), 8.02(c);
Check-swing appeal to end inning 8.02(c) Comment;
Limitation on requesting check-swing appeals 8.02(c) Comment.
Apparent Fourth Out—5.09(c)(4).
Awarded Bases—
Appeal 5.09(c);
Balk 5.06(c)(3), 6.01(g);
Catcher interference 6.01(c);
Ground rules 4.05;
Obstruction 6.01(a)(10) Comment, 6.01(h)(1) Comment;
Overthrown ball, by infielder 5.06(b)(4)(G);
Overthrown ball, by pitcher from pitcher’s plate 5.06(b)(4)(G-I),
5.07(e);
Spectator interference 6.01(e) Comment.
“Backswing” (Follow-Through) Interference—6.03(a)(3) Comment.
Balk—5.02(a), 6.01(g), and various violations in Rule 5.07;
When making an appeal 5.09(c) Comment;
Penalty 5.06(b)(3)(A), 5.06(c)(3), 6.02.
Ball/Strike Count, Limits on Being Corrected—8.02(c).
Base—2.01, 2.02, 2.03, Definitions of Terms (“Base”);
Dislodged 5.09(b)(4) Approved Rulings A, B.
Baseball—3.01;
Defaced 3.01, 6.02(c-d);
Official game balls 4.01(c-e).

163
 Index

Base on Balls (Automatic by Manager’s Signal)—

Definitions of Terms (“Base on Balls”), 5.05(b)(1) Comment.
Base Coaches—5.03;
Helmets 3.08(e);
Interference 6.01(a)(8-9), 6.01(b), 6.01(d), 6.01(f);
Restrictions 5.03(a-c), 5.03 PENALTY, 5.10(k), 6.04(a).
Bat—3.02;
Altered 6.03(a)(4).
Bat Boy/Girl—3.08(f), 4.07(a), 5.10(k).
Batter/Batter-Runner—
Backswing strikes catcher 6.03(a)(3);
Batter becomes a runner 5.05
Fails to advance to first base 5.05(a)(2), 5.05(b);
Hit by pitch 5.05(b)(2), 5.06(c)(1), 5.09(a)(6), Definitions of
Terms (“Ball,” “Strike”);
Illegal action 6.03;
Interference by 5.09(a)(7-9,11), 5.09(b)(8), 6.01(a), 6.03(a)(3-4);
6.03(a)(3 and 4) EXCEPTION and Comment.
Interference with 5.05(b)(3), 5.06(b)(3)(D);
Interferes with catcher after dropped third strike 6.01(a)(1),
6.01(a)(1) Comment;
Position in batter’s box Definitions of Terms, 5.04(b), 5.04(b)(4-5),
6.03(a)(1-3);
Struck by batted ball 5.05(b)(2) Comment, 5.06(c)(6)(1),
5.09(a)(7), 6.01(a)(11).
Batter’s Box—2.01, Definitions of Terms, 5.04(b), 6.03(a), Appendix 2.
Batter’s Box Rule—5.04(b).
NAPBL Regulations—5.04(b)(2) Comment, 5.04(b)(4).
Batting Order—4.03, 5.04(a), 5.10(a-f,j), 8.03(a)(8).
Batting Out of Order—6.03(b).
Bench/Dugout—2.05, Definitions of Terms.
Catch/Play attempts Definitions of Terms (“Catch” Comment),
5.06(b)(3)(C), 5.09(a)(1) Comment, 5.12(b)(6), 6.01(b);
Equipment 3.10;

164
 Index

Live ball deflected into 5.06(b)(4)(H);

Occupants 5.10(b) Comment, 5.10(k), 6.04(a,c-e), 8.04(c).
Bounced Pitch—Definitions of Terms (“Ball”).
Catch—Definitions of Terms, 5.09(1-2).
Catcher—
Interference by: Definitions of Terms (Interference (b)), 5.05(b)(3),
5.06(b)(3)(D), 6.01(c,g);
Interference with: Definitions of Terms (Interference (c)),
5.06(c)(2), 5.09(b)(8), 6.03(a)(3);
Pitch lodges in equipment 5.06(b)(4)(I), 5.06(c)(7);
Position, 5.02(a,c), 6.01(a)(12).
Catcher’s Box—2.01 (Appendix 2), Definitions of Terms, 5.02(a),
6.02(a)(12).
Checked Swing—8.02(c) Comment.
Coach—Definitions of Terms, 4.02(b), 5.03, 6.01(a)(8-9), 6.01(b),
6.01(d), 6.01(d) Comment, 6.01(f).
Collision Rule—6.01(i).
Curfew—7.02(a) Note, 7.02(a)(1).
Darkness/Field Lights—4.01(g), 5.12(b)(1-2), 7.02(a) Note, 7.02(a)(4).
Dead Ball (“Time”) and Resuming Play—Definitions of Terms,
5.01(b), 5.04(b)(2) Comment, 5.06(c), 5.12.
Defacing, Discoloring Baseball—3.01, 6.02(c).
Delay of Game—
By batter 5.04(b)(3-4);
By pitcher 5.04(b)(2) Comment, 5.07, 6.02(a)(8), 6.02(d)(3);
Forfeit for delay 7.03(a).
Designated Hitter—5.11;
Pinch-hitting or pinch-running for game pitcher 5.11(a)(10).
Detached Equipment—5.06(b)(3)(E), 5.06(b)(4)(A-E).
Disabled List Players—5.10(k) Comment.
Dislodged Base—5.09(b)(4) Approved Rulings A and B.
Doubleheaders—4.04(a-b), 4.08, 7.02(a)(1), 7.02(b);
Length of time between 4.08(c);
NAPBL rule: 4.08(a)(1), 7.02(a) Exception, 7.02(b) Comment.

165
 Index

Double-Switches—5.10(b);
Manager/coach limitations regarding double-switches 5.10(b)
Comment.
Dropped Third Strike—Definitions of Terms (“Ball”), 5.05(a)(2),
5.06(c)(7) Comment, 5.09(a)(2) Comment, 5.09(a)(3-4, 6, 10,
14), 6.01(a)(1).
Doubleheaders, Length Between—4.08(c)
Dugout—see Bench.
Ejection—6.04(a,c-e), 8.01, 8.02, 8.04.
Equipment—
Base 2.03;
Baseball 3.01;
Bat 3.02;
Bench 2.05;
Commercialization 3.09;
Glove/Mitt 3.04, 3.05, 3.06, 3.07;
Helmet 3.08
Home base 2.02;
Pitcher’s plate 2.01, 2.04;
Uniforms 3.03.
Equipment Illegally Touches Live Ball—5.06(b)(3)(E), 5.06(b)(4)(A-E).
Electronic Equipment on Field—3.10(b)
Fair Ball—Definitions of Terms;
Bounces out of play 5.05(a)(6-8), 5.06(b)(4)(F);
Deflected out of play 5.05(a)(8-9), 5.06(b)(4)(A,F);
Intentionally dropped 5.09(a)(12);
Touches runner or umpire, 5.05(a)(4), 5.05(b)(4), 5.06(b)(3)(B),
5.06(c)(6) Comment, 5.09(b)(7), 6.01(a)(11).
Field Markers—3.10(b).
Fielder—
Glove specifications 3.04, 3.05, 3.06, 3.07, Appendix 4.
Stepping or falling into out-of-play area 5.06(b)(3)(C), 5.09(a)(1)
Comment, 5.12(b)(6);
Positioning on field of play 5.02;

166
 Index

Sleeves 3.03(e);
Throws glove at ball (detached equipment) 5.06(b)(3)(E),
5.06(b)(4)(A-E).
Fielder’s Choice—Definitions of Terms, 9.12(f)(2).
“Flying Start” by Runner—5.09(c)(1) Comment.
Force Play/Force Out—Definitions of Terms, 5.09(b)(6);
Reinstated 5.09(b)(6).
Forfeit—4.07(b), 4.08(g), 4.07(b), 7.03, 8.03(a)(6), 9.03(e).
Foul Ball—Definitions of Terms, 5.06(c)(5), 5.09(a)(7-8).
Foul Tip—Definitions of Terms, 5.06(c)(7) Comment, 5.09(a)(2)
Comment, 5.09(b)(5) Comment.
Fraternization—4.06.
Game-Ending Runs—5.08(b), 5.09(b)(1,2) Comment, 5.09(c)
Comment, 7.01(g)(3).
Glove/Mitt—3.04, 3.05, 3.06, 3.07;
Illegally touches live ball 5.06(b)(4)(A,C,E).
Ground Rules—4.05, 8.03(a)(9).
Groundskeepers—4.03(e), 4.08(g), 7.03(c).
Helmet—3.08, 5.09(a)(8) Comment.
Hidden Ball Trick—6.02(a)(9).
Home Run—5.05(a)(5,9), 5.06(b)(4)(A).
Illegal Bat—3.02, 6.03(a)(5), 6.03(a)(5) Comment.
Illegal Pitch—Definitions of Terms (Illegal Pitch and Quick Return),
5.07(a)(2) Comment, 6.02(a)(5), 6.02(b).
Illegally Batted Ball—5.06(c)(4), 6.03(a)(1).
Infield Fly—Definitions of Terms, 5.09(a)(5,12), 5.09(b)(7) Exception;
Strikes runner (on or off base) 5.09(b)(7), 5.09(b)(7) Exception.
Intentional Walk (Automatic by Manager’s Signal)—Definitions of
Terms (“Base on Balls”), 5.05(b)(1) Comment;
How Official Scorer Notates 9.14(d).
Intentionally Dropped Ball—5.09(a)(12).
Intentional Pitch at Batter—6.02(c)(9).
Interference—
Authorized on-field personnel 4.07(a);

167
 Index

“Backswing” (Follow-Through) 6.03(a)(3) Comment;

Batter’s 5.09(a)(8), 5.09(b)(8), 6.01(a)(3);
By batter after dropped third strike 6.01(a)(1), 6.01(a)(1)
Comment;
Catcher’s 5.05(b)(3), 5.06(b)(3)(D,E), 6.01(g);
Coach’s 6.01(a)(8), 6.01(d) Comment, 6.01(f);
Defensive Definitions of Terms, 5.05(b)(3), 5.06(b)(3), 6.01(d,g);
Intentional (Double Play) 5.09(a)(13), 5.09(a)(13) Comment,
5.09(b)(3), 6.01(a)(6-7), 6.01(j);
Offensive Definitions of Terms, 5.05(b)(4), 5.06(c)(6-7),
5.09(a)(8-9,13-15), 5.09(b)(3,7-8,13), 6.01(a-b,d), 6.03(a)(3);
Runner struck by batted ball 5.05(a)(4), 5.05(b)(4), 5.06(c)(6),
5.09(b)(7), 6.01(a)(11);
Spectator Definitions of Terms (Interference(d)), 6.01(e);
Umpire Definitions of Terms, 5.05(b)(4), 5.06(c)(2-6);
While in contact with base 6.01(a)(1) Comment;
see also Base Coaches, Batter and Catcher.
Jewelry—5.05(b)(2) Comment, Definition of Terms (“Tag,” “Touch.”)
Length Between Doubleheaders—4.08(c).
Limitations on Visits to the Mound Per Game—5.10(m).
Light Failure—5.12(b), 7.02(a).
Lineup Cards—4.03, 5.11(a)(1,11).
Lodged Ball—5.05(a)(7), 5.06(b)(4)(F-G,I), 5.06(c)(7), 5.09(a)(2)
Comment.
Missed Base or Home Plate—5.06(b)(4)(I) Comment, 5.09(b)(12),
5.09(c)(2-4);
see also Appeals and Runner (Touch requirements).
“No Game”—4.04(c), 7.01(e).
Obstruction—Definitions of Terms, 6.01(a)(10) Comment, 6.01(h);
By spectators 5.08(b) Comment.
Official Scorer—5.10(d), 8.03(a)(8);
Demeanor towards 9.01(a), 9.01(c);
Notating intentional walk by manager’s signal 9.14(d);
see also Definitions of Terms and Rule 9.00.

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Overrunning/Oversliding—
First base, 5.09(b)(4,6,11), 5.09(c)(3);
Home plate 5.09(b)(12), 5.09(c)(4).
“Overzealous Runner”—5.06(b)(3)(B) Comment.
Pinch-Hitter/Runner—see Substitutions.
Pitch—
Ball Definitions of Terms;
Pitcher delivery time limit 5.07(c);
Goes out of play 5.06(b)(4)(H);
Intentionally thrown at batter 6.02(c)(9);
Lodges in catcher’s or umpire’s equipment 5.06(b)(4)(I),
5.06(c)(7);
Strike Definitions of Terms;
Touches batter 5.05(b)(2), 5.06(c)(1), 5.09(a)(6), Definitions of
Terms (Ball, Strike);
Touches runner attempting to score 5.06(c)(8), 5.09(a)(14).
Pitcher—
Altered baseball 3.01, 6.02(c)(2-7);
Ambidextrous 5.07(f);
Becomes infielder 5.07(e);
Changes to defensive position 5.10(d) Comment;
Delivery restrictions 5.07(a);
Delivery time limit 5.07(c);
Injured 5.07(b,f), 5.10(d) Comment, 5.10(f-g);
Intentionally pitches at batter 6.02(c)(9);
Legal position 5.07(a)(1-2);
Length of time for warm-up pitches between innings 5.07(b);
Limitations on warm-up pitches 5.07(b);
Minimum number of batters to face (NAPBL rule only) 5.10(g);
Mouth, goes to on mound 6.02(c)(1);
Pitcher delays 5.07(c);
Pitcher visits by manager or coach 5.10(l);
Pivot foot Definitions of Terms, 5.07(a)(1-2); 5.07(a)(2)
Comment, 5.07(e);

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Possesses foreign object or substance 6.02(c)(7);

Preparatory pitches 5.07(b), 5.10(l) Comment;
Sleeves 3.03(e);
Throws out of play from pitcher’s plate 5.06(b)(4)(H);
Warm-up pitches 5.07(b), 5.10(l) Comment.
Pitcher’s Plate—2.01, 2.04.
Player or Umpire Incapacitated—5.10(f-g,i), 5.12(b)(3,8).
Player Restrictions—
Barred from stands 4.06;
Confined to bench 5.10(k);
Fraternizing 4.06;
General conduct 5.10(b) Comment, 6.04(a,d-e);
Placing ball inside uniform 5.06(c)(7) Comment.
Playing Field—2.01.
Police Protection—4.07(b).
Postponed Game—Definition of Terms
Postponement Responsibility—4.04.
Pregame Conference—4.03.
Protested Game—7.04, 8.02(b).
Quick Pitch—Definitions of Terms (Illegal Pitch, Quick Return),
5.07(a)(3), 6.02(a)(2) Comment, 6.02(b).
Rain Delays—4.03(e), 4.03 Comment.
Regulation Game—1.06, 7.01, 7.01(g), 7.02;
7-inning Game 7.01(a) Exception.
Rosin Bag—4.01(f), 6.02(d) Comment.
Runner—
Abandons effort to run bases 5.05(a)(2) Comment, 5.05(b),
5.09(b)(2, 11), 5.09(c)(3);
Advancing or returning after being put out—6.01(a)(5) Comment.
Entitled to base 5.06(a)(1-2), 6.01(a) Comment;
“Flying Start” when tagging up 5.09(c)(1) Comment;
Injured 5.12(b)(3)(A);
Intentionally crashing into catcher 6.01(i)(1);

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Intentionally interferes with fielder—5.09(a)(13) Comment,

5.09(b)(3), 6.01(a)(5-7), 6.01(j);
Interferes after scoring 6.01(a)(5);
Interferes while in contact with base 6.01(a) Comment;
Interferes with potential double play 6.01(j);
Leaves basepath to avoid tag 5.09(b)(1)
“Overzealous Runner” 5.06(b)(3)(B) Comment;
Passes lead runner 5.09(b)(9);
Retouch (tag up) requirements Definitions of Terms, Definitions
of Terms (Infield Fly), 5.06(b)(4)(I) Comment, 5.06(c)(5),
5.09(b)(5), 5.09(c)(1);
Return prohibited 5.06(a)/5.06(c) Comment, 5.08(a) Comment,
5.09(c)(2) Approved Ruling and Comment;
Reverse base-running prohibited 5.09(b)(10);
Struck by batted ball 5.05(b)(4), 5.06(c)(6), 5.09(b)(7), 5.09(b)(7)
Comment, 6.01(a)(11);
Struck by batted ball (before or after passing fielder) 5.06(c)(6),
5.09(b)(7), 5.09(b)(7) Comment, 6.01(a)(11);
Struck by Infield Fly (on or off base) 5.09(b)(7);
Touch requirements 5.06(b)(1), 5.09(b)(4) Approved Ruling (B);
Touched by pitched ball 5.06(c)(8), 5.09(a)(14);
Two runners struck by same batted ball 5.09(b)(7) Comment.
see also Batter-Runner.
Score of Game—7.01(g).
Scoring Rules (Official Scorer)—Rule 9.00.
Scoring Runs—1.04, 5.06(b)(3)(B) Comment, 5.08, 5.09(a)(14),
5.09(b)(8), 5.09(c) Comment, 5.09(d), 6.01(g);
“Fourth Out” Appeal 5.09(c).
Set Position—5.07(a)(2);
Slide/Sliding Rule—5.05(b)(1) Comment, 5.09(a)(11) Comment,
6.01(i,j), 6.01(i)(1) Comment, 6.01(i)(2) Comment.
Spectators—4.05, 4.07, 5.06(b)(3)(C), 5.12(b)(6), 6.04(a)(1-2), 6.04(b),
8.01(e);
Interference Definitions of Terms (Interference (d)), 6.01(e).

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Stepping or Falling Into Out-of-Play Area—5.06(b)(3)(C), 5.09(a)(1),

5.12(b)(6);
Strike/Strike Zone—Definitions of Terms, 5.05(b)(2), Appendix 5.
Substitutions—5.10(a-k), 5.04(a)(2);
Double-Switches 5.10(b), 5.10(b) Comment.
Suspended Game—7.01(d), 7.02;
NAPBL rule 4.08(a)(1), 7.02(a)(1), 7.02(b);
NAPBL rule (optional) 7.02(a)(7-9).
Tag—Definitions of Terms (TAG, TOUCH), 5.09(b)(4-5);
After awarded base (live ball) 5.05(b)(1) Comment,
5.06(b)(3)(B) Comment;
After missed home plate 5.09(b)(12) Comment, 5.09(c) Comment;
After overrunning first base 5.09(b)(4, 11), 5.09(c)(3);
While two runners touch same base 5.06(a)(2).
Tagging Up (Retouch)—Definitions of Terms (Infield Fly, Retouch),
5.06(b)(4)(I), 5.06(c)(5), Comment, 5.09(b)(5), 5.09(c)(1).
Third Strike Situations—Definitions of Terms (Ball), 5.05(a)(2),
5.06(c)(7) Comment, 5.09(a)(2-4,6,10,14), 6.01(a)(1), 6.03(a)(4).
“Third-to-First” Move—6.02(a)(3) Comment.
Three-Batter Minimum—5.10(g), 5.10(g) Comment, 5.10(i) Note,
5.10(m)(4), 7.02(c) Comment
Three-Foot Lane—2.01, 5.09(a)(11).
Throw—Definitions of Terms (Pitch–Comment and Throw);
Pitcher 5.07(a)(1-2), 6.02(a)(2-4), 6.02(a) Approved Ruling,
6.02(a) Comment (B), 6.02(c)(8);
Interference with 5.06(b)(4)(E), 5.06(c)(2), 5.09(a)(8, 11, 13),
5.09(b)(3), 6.01(a)(10), 6.01(b,f), 6.03(a)(3).
Thrown Ball Out of Play—4.01(e) Comment, 5.06(b)(4)(G-I), 5.07(e);
Appeal, during 5.09(c);
Ground rules 4.05;
Obstruction, during 6.01(h)(1) Comment;
Spectator interference Rule 6.01(e) Comment.
Tie Game—Definitions of Terms, 7.01(d), 7.02.
Time Limits—7.02(a)(2), 7.02(a) Note, 8.03(a)(7).

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Trips to the Mound—5.10(l), 5.10(l) Comment; 5.10(m);

Exceptions to trips 5.10(m)(2)(A-G), 5.10(m)(3);
Enforcement of mound visits 5.10(m)(4);
Limitation on number per game 5.10(m)(1).
Two-Way Player—4.03(c)
Umpire—8.00;
Changing call after consultation 8.02(c), 8.02(c) Comment;
Controls ground crew 4.08(g);
Field lights 4.01(g), 5.12(b)(1-2);
Incapacitated 5.12(b)(3, 8);
Judge of playing conditions 4.03(d), 4.04(b-c), 5.12(b)(1);
Pitched ball lodges in or against body or paraphernalia 5.06(c)(7),
5.06(c)(7) Comment;
Pregame duties 4.01;
Struck by batted ball 5.05(a)(4), 5.05(b)(4), 5.06(b)(3)(B);
5.06(c)(6);
Touched by pitch or throw 5.06(b)(4)(I), 5.06(c)(7),
5.09(a)(2) Comment, 6.01(f);
Written reports to the Office of the Commissioner 7.03(d), 8.04.
Uniforms—3.03, 3.09.
Visit of Manager to Pitcher—5.10(l), 5.10(l) Comment, 5.10(m).
Warm-Up Throws/Pitches—5.07(b), 5.10(d) Comment, 5.10(l)
Comment.
Fielders other than pitchers 5.10(d) Comment;
Pitchers 5.07(b), 5.10(l) Comment.
Weather and Playing Conditions—4.03(e), 4.03 Comment, 4.04,
4.08(d,g), 5.12(b)(1), 5.04(b)(2) Comment, 6.02(c)(1) Exception,
7.02(a)(5), 7.02 Exception, 7.02(a) Note;
Club responsibilities 4.03(e), 4.04(a);
Weather takes precedence 7.02(a) Note.
Wild Card/Division Series Eligibility (Completing Games For)—
7.02(b)(5).
Windup Position—5.07(a)(1).

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