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Quiz #11 - Remainder of Section 10 on Additional Procedures

10.7 Procedures For Calling Ball When the Pitcher Goes To His Mouth

1. How does the plate umpire indicate the pitcher going to his mouth on the dirt portion of the mound?

Answer: He says, “That’s a ball; you went to your mouth.” while pointing at the pitcher.

2. What does the plate umpire do then?

Answer: He calls “Time!” and then turns around and announces to the press box, “The pitcher went to his mouth!” (Indicating this by a wiping motion of the hand in front of the mouth), and then give the new count.

10.8 Procedure For Practice Swing Hitting the Catcher’s Mitt

1. How does the plate umpire indicate the batter’s practice swing hit the catcher’s mitt before the pitch?

Answer: 1) Call “Time!” 2) Announce, “Back swing hit the catcher” and use a signal like the foul tip signal and then

3) Point at the catcher.

2. How do you signal catcher’s interference after the batter swings and misses a pitch or hits the ball?

Answer: It would be done in the same way, but you would now award the batter first base and any runner that was forced the next base. If the runner(s) were stealing on the pitch, they would be awarded one base too.

10.9 Procedures for Check Swings 1. If the pitch is a ball and the batter does not swing at the pitch, what mechanic does the plate umpire use?

Answer: “Ball; no, he didn’t go!”

2. If the plate umpire judges the pitch a ball and the batter commits on the check swing, the plate umpire uses what mechanic?

Answer: The plate umpire says, “Yes, he went!” while pointing at the batter on “Yes” and the strike signal on “he went!” (Normally the plate umpire will point with his left arm for a right-handed batter and the right arm for the left-handed batter.

3. Do you have to check with your partner when requested to do so?

Answer: Yes, by rule in the NCAA and pro rule books. In Federation you are not required to get help but in my opinion, you are opening a different can of worms if you do not.

4. Which defensive personnel can ask the umpire?

Answer: Only the catcher and/or manager in Federation and pro baseball. Any player and coach may ask in NCAA.

5. When the plate umpire asks what does he say?

Answer: “Did he go?”

6. How should he point to ask his partner?

Answer: It is preferred that he points with his left hand.

7. How does his partner answer?

Answer: His partner will say and signal either, “Yes, he went!” or “No, he didn’t go!”

8. If the base umpire says, “Yes, he went!” what does the plate umpire do and say?

Answer: “Then, it is a strike,” while giving the strike signal, thereby reversing the call. The plate umpire will then give the proper count (visually and verbally).

9. What does the umpire base his decision on a check swing upon?

Answer: Whether or not the batter struck at the pitch.

10. With a base runner involved in a check swing on ball four and a play made on the bases, should the base umpire make a call? Why or why not?

Answer: No, not until after there may be a checked swing appeal. If you call the base runner out, he may leave the base and now after an appeal it becomes ball four, the base runner may be going back to the dugout and you have placed him in jeopardy because of the preliminary call.

11. When should the plate umpire ask his partner before the defense appeals a check swing?

Answer: On two strikes and the next pitch is a passed ball or wild pitch.

12. Why should the plate umpire ask immediately on a check swing with two strikes and a passed ball or wild pitch?

Answer: This way both the offense and defense are quickly advised as to what the final call will be and therefore make decisions about what they need to do on this play.

13. What should be done if a manager leaves his position to argue a check swing call?

Answer: 1) Warn him that he is not permitted to argue balls and strikes. 2) If he persists after the warning, he must be ejected because he is now arguing balls and strikes.

10.10 Procedures for Calling Balks

1. Where can you find a number of procedures that are to be followed in calling balks?

Answer: Section 6.8 of the PBUC Umpire Manual

2. Which balk is more difficult to call for the base umpire? Why?

Answer: The step balk. Because the base umpire has to focus on the play at first base and cannot concern himself with where the foot landed. The plate umpire has the best look at the step balk.

3. How is a balk called?

Answer: “That’s a balk!” loudly and emphatically. The base umpire stands up from his HOKS and points at the pitcher and then goes back to his HOKS. The plate umpire cannot stand up and point the balk because he may have a pitch coming and must focus on that first. He just remains in his plate set position and says, “That’s a balk!”

4. True False If one umpire calls the balk, the other umpire should follow with the same call.

Answer: True

3. When do you call “Time” after a balk followed by a pickoff at first base?

Answer: When the first baseman catches the ball.

4. When do you call “Time” after a base hit and all runners advance at least one base?

Answer: You do not call time or enforce the balk at all. You do not have to do anything because the offense gained more than what they would have had with a balk enforcement. Basically, the balk is ignored.

5. When do you call “Time” on a fly ball out?

Answer: When the ball is caught in the outfield? Even if the offense scores a run on a fly ball tag up, the balk will be enforced. This way they will get a run anyway and the batter will continue with his previous count.

6. When do you call “Time” on a pitch that is swung at and missed and caught by the catcher?

Answer: When the catcher catches the pitch and then you enforce the balk.

10.11. Explaining Unusual Plays to The Press Box

1. What are the types of unusual plays that might need to be explained to the press box?

Answer: Catcher’s interference, batter’s interference, a balk followed by a batted ball that nullifies the balk, spectator interference, etc.

10.12 Foul Balls in the Batter’s Box

1. True False The plate umpire is the only one that should call foul when a ball hits the batter in the batter’s box?

Answer: False

2. Can the base umpire ever call a batter out for being hit with a ball out of the batter’s box?

Answer: Yes, but this is a very rare occurrence and the base umpire must be 100% sure before he would call a batter out under these circumstances.

10.1 OTHER PROCEDURES – Most of these answers are not in the Manual for 2-Umpire Mechanics

a. Where can you find the obstruction mechanic?

Answer: In the PBUC Umpire Manual in Section 4.29.

4.28 Obstruction

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.

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 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 has missed, he can no longer be in the “act of fielding” the ball. For example: if 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.

In all cases of obstruction, the umpire calling the play should have the benefit of the advice of his partners. The umpire watching the obstruction will have difficulty in determining the position of other runners. It is recommended that when “Time” is called on obstruction, if there is any doubt in the minds of the umpires about where the runner or runners shall be placed, the umpires shall confer.

4.29 Obstruction mechanic – Remember this is the pro mechanic and rules. The NCAA and National Federation have a delayed dead ball on all types of obstruction. In fact, those two codes do not have part a and b. They only have obstruction. The Federation mechanic is not a point either. It is the left arm out to the side and say, “that’s obstruction.” Sometimes the result is the same. Also, in the NCAA rule there is a different definition. The idea of “in the act of receiving” a throw is not a concern in NCAA. If there is obstruction, it makes no difference if anyone is in the “act of receiving a throw.”

There are two types of obstruction, and a different mechanic is used with each type.

1) The first type of obstruction (Official Rule 7.06(a) deals with cases when the runner is obstructed while a play is being made on him. Examples of this type of obstruction include:

1. Runner is obstructed during a rundown.

2. Runner is obstructed as a fielder is making a direct throw to a base in an attempt to retire that runner.

3. Batter-runner is obstructed before reaching first base on a ground ball to an infielder.

4. Any other example where a play is being made directly on the runner at the moment he is obstructed.

This type of obstruction is to be signaled by the umpire immediately calling “Time” (both hands overhead) and then pointing laterally at the obstruction while calling loudly and clearly, “That’s obstruction.” The ball is dead immediately under this section of the obstruction rule, and all runners shall be awarded bases they would have reached had there been no obstruction. Furthermore, the obstructed runner shall be awarded at least one base beyond his last legally touched base at the time of the obstruction.

Note that this section of the obstruction rule (i.e., runner obstructed while play being made on him) also provides for cases when a thrown ball is in flight at the moment the obstruction occurs. In such cases, the umpire shall take into consideration the results of the throw when making the award. As an example, if a throw is in flight at the moment the obstruction occurs (umpire calls “Time”) and if the throw turns out to be wild and goes out of play, all runners will be awarded two bases. In such cases as this, the umpires have the responsibility of determining whether a throw is made before or after the obstruction. If the umpire judges that a throw was made after the obstruction, the obstructed runner will be awarded only one base from the base he last touched at the time of the obstruction.

2) The second type of obstruction (Official Rule 7.06(b) deals with cases when the runner is obstructed while no play is being made on him. Examples of this type of instruction include:

1. Batter-runner is obstructed in rounding first base on a base hit while the ball is in the outfield.

2. Batter-runner is obstructed before reaching first base on a ball hit to the outfield.

3. Runner from first steals second; catcher’s throw is wild and goes into center field; runner is obstructed in attempting to advance to third base. Ball is loose in outfield when obstruction occurs.

4. Runner from second is obstructed while rounding third base on a hit to the outfield.

5. Any other example where no play is being made directly on the runner at the moment he is obstructed.

Under this section of the obstruction rule, the obstruction is to be signaled by the umpire pointing laterally at the obstruction while calling loudly and clearly, “That’s obstruction.” The ball is not dead, however, and the umpire shall allow play to continue until all play has ceased and no further action is possible. At the moment, he shall call “Time” and impose such penalties, if any, that in his judgment will nullify the act of obstruction. It is important to note that in cases occurring under this section of the obstruction rule, the umpire shall not call “Time” until all action has ceased and no further play is possible.

Umpires are reminded that if a runner is obstructed under this second section of the obstruction rule, play is to proceed to completion – even if it results in a play later being made on the runner who was previously obstructed. However, if such a play on a previously obstructed runner results in that runner actually being tagged out before reaching the base to which he would have been awarded because of the obstruction, the umpire shall in that case call “Time” at the moment the runner is tagged out. He shall then impose such penalties that will nullify the obstruction, which will include, of course, the obstructed runner being awarded the base to which he would be entitled because of the obstruction.

NOTE – Runner obstructed While No Play Being Made on Him: In determining what base a runner will be awarded under this second section of the obstruction rule, it is permissible for the umpire to consider the position of the runner, ball, and fielder at the moment the obstruction occurs. However, the ultimate decision in placing the runners shall not be made until all play has ceased and shall be based on the principle that the obstructed runner will be entitled to the base he would have reached had no obstruction occurred.

Play: Batter-runner hits a fair ball down the right field line and is obstructed in rounding first base. At the moment the obstruction occurs, right fielder has not yet fielded the ball, and it appears at that moment that the batter-runner will end up with a stand-up double. However, as play proceeds, the ball gets by the right fielder, and the batter-runner continues on to third. The batter-runner is then throw out at third base on a very close play. Ruling: Since it is permissible for the umpire to consider the position of the runner, ball, and fielder at the moment the obstruction occurs, the umpire may initially plan on “protecting” the batter-runner as far as second base. However, as play continued, it became apparent that had the batter-runner not been obstructed in rounding first base, he would have reached third safely. Therefore, the moment the batter-runner is tagged out at third base, “Time” is called and the batter-runner is awarded third on the obstruction. This decision is made on the principle that the umpire, in making awards on this type of obstruction, shall allow play to continue until no further action is possible and then shall make awards – if any – that will nullify the obstruction. In this example, if the umpire felt that the obstruction had no bearing on the fact that the batter-runner was thrown out at third, the out would stand.

4. 30 Batter-runner obstructed before reaching first base

When the batter-runner is obstructed before reaching first base, it is not always the case that the batter-runner will be awarded first base on this type of obstruction. For example, if the batter-runner is obstructed before reaching first base on a fly ball or line drive that is caught, the batter-runner is out. The reasoning here is that the obstruction had no bearing on the fact that the batter hit a fly ball that was caught by the defense. Similarly, should the batter-runner be obstructed before reaching first base on a foul ball not caught, the foul ball prevails. Again, the reasoning is that the obstruction had nothing to do with the fact that the batter hit a foul ball.

Situations where the batter-runner is obstructed before reaching first base can generally be divided into three cases. Again, not that in this type of obstruction, it is not always the case that “Time” is called immediately and the batter-runner awarded first base.

Case 1: Batter-runner is obstructed before reaching first base on a ground ball to an infielder. It appears that the infielder will have an easy play on the ball.

Ruling: This is obstruction under Official Rule 7.06(a). “Time” is called immediately and the batter-runner is awarded first base.

Case 2: Batter-runner is obstructed before reaching first base on a pop-up or line drive to an infielder.

Ruling: Call the obstruction by pointing at the obstruction and calling, “That’s obstruction.” However, leave the ball in play. If the pop-up or line drive is caught, the batter-runner is out. However, if the pop-up or line drive is dropped (and is a fair ball) and if the batter-runner has not yet reached first base when the ball is dropped, “Time” is called and the batter-runner is awarded first base under Official Rule 7.06(a). Other runners would be awarded bases they would have reached had no obstruction occurred. (In this case, the play reverts back to Case 1 above.) On the other hand, if the batter-runner has clearly reached (or rounded) first base when the fly ball is dropped, play is allowed to continue until no further action is possible with the umpire then making awards – if any – that will nullify the obstruction. (In this case, the obstruction is treated as “Type 2” obstruction. See Section 4.22.)

Case 3: Batter-runner is obstructed before reaching first base on a hit to the outfield.

Ruling; Call the obstruction by pointing at the obstruction and calling, “That’s obstruction”; however leave the ball in play until all action has ceased. Then, call “Time” and impose such penalties, if any, that will nullify the act of obstruction. If a fly ball is caught in this situation, batter-runner is out. If the batted ball was a fair ball not caught, the batter-runner will always be “protected” at least to first base.

4.31 Obstruction and interference plays – approved rulings

1. Runner on first base, batter-runner gets in a rundown between home and first. Can obstruction be called going back to home?

Ruling: No, unless the obstruction is intentional. NOTE: In situations where the batter-runner gets in a rundown between first and home, if the batter-runner retreats and reaches home plate, he shall be declared out.

2. Batter-runner is obstructed before reaching first base with no play being made on him, for example on a ball hit to the outfield.

Ruling: Call the obstruction by pointing at the infraction and calling, “That’s obstruction”; however, leave the ball in play until play is over. Then, impose such penalties, if any that will nullify the act of obstruction. If a fly ball is caught in this situation, the batter-runner is out.

3. Runner is on second base when the batter-runner is obstructed after reaching first base. The umpire intends to award the batter-runner second base on the obstruction. What happens to the runner on second?

Ruling: The runner on second is awarded third base. This is why in the obstruction award you will always award the obstructed runner his base and then the other runners if they are affected by the obstructed runner award. This is opposite overthrows and balk awards.

4. With the bases loaded, the batter hits a sharp ground ball, which deflects off of the shortstop and starts to roll away from him. As the shortstop starts to go after the ball, the runner from second collides with him.

Ruling: After the ball deflects of the shortstop, if the ball is within the fielder’s immediate reach, the runner must avoid the fielder, and if contact occurs under those circumstances, interference shall be called and the runner declared out. However, if the ball is not within reach of the fielder after it deflects off him (i.e., the fielder must chase after the ball), the fielder must then avoid the runner, and if contact occurs under those circumstances, obstruction shall be called under Official Rule 7.06(b).

5. With a runner on first base, the batter hits a line drive back to the pitcher, which deflects off of his glove and rolls toward the second baseman. As the second baseman is attempting to field the ball, the runner from first collides with the second baseman.

Ruling: In the judgment of the umpire if the second baseman has a legitimate play on the ball, the runner from first is called out for interference. The ball is dead at the moment of interference, and the batter-runner is awarded first base (provided the interference was not intentional; if intentional, both runner and batter-runner are declared out). However, if the umpire rules that the second baseman does not have a legitimate play on the ball (i.e., he was merely moving in the direction of a loose ball), then obstruction is called under Official Rule 7.06(b). (Compare with Play 3 in Section 4.5.

6. Runner on first base, no one out. On a hit and run play, batter hits a fair ball down the right field line. In rounding second base and heading for third, the runner from first collides with the shortstop and falls down. Because of the collision, the runner is not able to advance to third base and returns to second as the ball is being thrown back to the infield. Had the runner not collided with the shortstop, he would have easily advanced to third base.

Ruling: Obstruction is called when the collision occurs but the ball remains in play since no play was being made on the obstructed runner at the moment he was obstructed. “Time” is called when all action has ceased, and the obstructed runner is awarded third base since that is the base he would have reached had no obstruction occurred. Batter-runner would also be placed at the base he would have reached had no obstruction occurred (either first or second, depending on the umpire’s judgment).

7. Batter hits a ground ball or pop-up between home and first base which the pitcher or first baseman both attempt to field. Batter-runner makes contact with one or both fielders in running to first base.

Ruling: Under Official Rule 7.09(L), 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 the interference 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. It is therefore possible for the umpire to make either an interference or obstruction call on this play based upon his determination as to which fielder was entitled to field the batted ball. If the runner makes contact with a fielder other than the one the umpire determines to be entitled to field the ball, such a fielder has very likely obstructed the runner.

1. Where can you find the information for turning on the lights?

Answer: In the PBUC Umpire Manual in Section 5.1.

5.1 Turning on the lights

The umpire-in-chief shall order the playing field lights turned on whenever in his opinion darkness makes further play in daylight hazardous.

After a game has been started, the umpire-in-chief is to be the sole judge as to when field lights are to be turned on. He should call for the lights before the beginning of a full inning unless some extraordinary conditions or abnormally long inning prompts otherwise. Umpires are instructed to use good judgment when asking for the lights. Umpires are to signal to turn off the lights when they are no longer needed during day games.

2. Where can find information about altered or tampered bats?

Answer: In the PBUC Umpire Manual in Section 1.20.

Altered or tampered bats – Official Rule 6.06(d) provides that the batter be declared out and ejected from the game if he Uses or attempts to use a bat that has been altered or tampered with in such a way as to improve the distance factor or Cause an unusual reaction to the ball. This rule applies to bats that have been corked, filled, flat-surfaced, nailed, hollowed, grooved, or covered with a substance such as paraffin or wax. This rule does not apply to bats, which have pine tar extending beyond the 18-inch limit. (See Section 1.8, “Pine Tar on Bat.”)

The phrase, “uses or attempts to use” shall be interpreted as one pitch being delivered to the batter. The umpire should stop a batter from using an obviously illegal bat if he notices it before the batter uses the bat. This would include bats, which violate Official Rule 6.06(d), as well as bats that do not conform to Official Rule 1.10. In cases of actual violation of Official Rule 6.06(d), the batter shall be declared out and ejected from the game. Umpires

are to remove the illegal bat from the game and place it in a secure area for the duration of the game. The bat is then to be forwarded to the league president within twenty-four hours. The offending player shall be subject to additional penalties as determined by the league president.

In cases where a questionable bat is brought to the attention of the umpires and the umpires are not able to determine if in fact the bat is illegal, the following procedure is to be observed: The umpires shall remove the bat under question from the game and place it in a secure area for the duration of the game. The bat shall then be forwarded to the league president within twenty-four hours for further investigation by the league president. Upon further investigation, the league president has the power to impose such penalties as he deems justified. Note in this situation that although the bat is removed from the game, this shall NOT cause the batter to be declared out or ejected from the game.