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How
many different ways can
a pitcher balk?
When
the pitcher:
1.switches his pitching stance from
the windup position to the set position
(or vice versa) without properly
disengaging the rubber;
2. when
going from the stretch to the set
position, fails to make a complete
stop with his hands together before
beginning to pitch;
3. throws
from the rubber to a base without
stepping toward (gaining distance
in the direction of) that base;
4.
throws from the rubber to a base
where there is no runner and no
possibility of a play;
5. steps
or feints from the rubber to first
base without completing the throw;
6. pitches
a quick return pitch, that is, pitches
with the intent to catch the batter
off-guard;
7. pitches
or mimics a part of his pitching
motion while not in contact with
the rubber;
8.
drops the ball while on the rubber;
9. after
a feint or throw to a base from
the rubber, fails to disengage the
rubber before reengaging and pitching;
10.
after beginning to pitch, interrupts
his pitching motion;
11.
begins to pitch while the catcher
is out of the catcher's box when
giving an intentional walk;
12.
while pitching, removes his pivot
foot from the pitching rubber, except
to pivot or as a natural consequence
of stepping forward to release the
pitch inordinately delays the game;
13.
pitches while facing away from the
batter;
14.
after bringing his hands together
on the rubber, separates them except
in making a pitch or a throw; or
stands on or astride the rubber
without the ball, or mimics a pitch
without the ball In addition, if
a pitcher commits any of the following
illegal actions, it may result in
a balk under certain circumstances:
expectorates on the ball, either
hand or his glove; rubs the ball
on his glove, person or clothing;
applies a foreign substance of any
kind to the ball; deface the ball
in any manner; or delivers a ball
altered in a manner described above
or what is called the “shine” ball,
“spit” ball, “mud” ball or “emery”
ball.
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Follow
the Bouncing Ball
The ballgame is proceeding with no problems.
The pitcher winds up and throws a 44 foot
pitch (or a 58 foot pitch on the 90 foot
diamond.), the ball bouncing in front
of the catcher. Lots of things can happen
then, and lots of people have different
ideas of the implications.
The Little
League rule book says:
1. The batter
swings and misses the bouncing ball. Ball
is alive, umpire calls a strike. Rule
2.00, “Ball”, “In Flight.”
2. The batter
does not swing at the bouncing ball, but
it goes through the strike zone on the
bounce. Ball is alive, umpire calls a
ball. Rule 2.00, “Ball”, “In
Flight.”
3. The batter
does not swing at the bouncing ball, and
it does not go through the strike zone.
Ball is alive, umpire calls a ball. Rule
2.00, “Ball.”
4. The pitch
bounces and hits the batter. The ball
is dead, and the umpire awards the batter
first base. Rule 2.00, “Ball,”
“In Flight,” 5.09 (a).
5. The batter
swings and hits the bouncing ball. Ball
is alive, play it as if it didn’t
bounce. Rule 2.00, “In Flight.”
6. The Junior,
Senior or Big League division batter swings
and misses, strike three with first base
empty or with two outs. The catcher catches
the bounced pitch, but the batter can
STILL attempt to reach first base on the
“dropped” third strike. See
Rule 2.00, “Ball,” “In
Flight “(Because the pitch hit the
ground, it is no longer “in flight”
and therefore, no longer a “catch.”)
7. The pitcher
accidentally throws the ball straight
down; it hits the ground and dribbles
to a stop BEFORE crossing the foul line.
The umpire calls "time" and
on the 60 ft., calls Illegal pitch (or
on the 90 foot diamond with runners on,
Balk). See Rule 8.01(d).
8. The pitcher
accidentally throws the ball straight
down; it hits the ground and dribbles
to a stop AFTER crossing the foul line.
Ball is alive, umpire calls a ball. See
rule 8.01(d).
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Clarification
on Rule 7.14
(the Little League "courtesy runner
rule").
Can any player
not in the line up at that time be a courtesy
runner for another player (not substituting)?
Or is it only for a player who has NOT
YET BEEN IN THE LINE UP AT ANY TIME TO
THAT POINT IN TIME?
We've seen
the rule written and explained a couple
different ways. The rule seems to be written
a little ambigious.
The end of
the rule seems to say that this special
runner (or any other player) may be a
courtesy runner again later in the game,
whether they've been in the line up or
not to that point, as long as when they
are put in as a courtesy runner, that
they are not, right then, in the line-up.
(This end to the rule implies that, in
fact, the rule permits a player NOT THEN
IN THE LINE UP to be this kind of runner,
and that whether or not the runner has
ever been in the line-up or not previsously
in the game does not matter.)
So if A and
B start the game for the home team and
B is substituted for by C on defense in
the top of the 3rd inning. Can B run for
A in the bottom of the third? What if
A bats before B's original place in the
order? (This gets to "when is a player
'removed' from the line up?) Can B then
go back into the field for C in the top
of the 4th? If B does not go back for
C in the 4th (and is sitting on the bench),
can B then run for D in the bottom of
the fourth as a courtesy runner for the
second time in the game for a different
player? Ok, and the last one: Can B be
doing all this courtesy running or not,
but at any time run for C on the bases
regardless of whether another courtesy
runner has been used that inning or not
because B, in that case, is a SUBSTITUTE
for C, and not a courtesy runner and so
not subject to this rule at all?
Explanation:
So if A and
B start the game for the home team and
B is substituted for by C on defense in
the top of the 3rd inning. Can B run for
A in the bottom of the third?
Yes
What if A
bats before B's original place in the
order? (This gets to "when is a player
'removed' from the line up?) [/b] Doesn't
matter. A player is removed when another
legal player properly replaces the player.
Can B then
go back into the field for C in the top
of the 4th? Yes
If B does
not go back for C in the 4th (and is sitting
on the bench), can B then run for D in
the bottom of the fourth as a courtesy
runner for the second time in the game
for a different player? Yes
Ok, and the
last one: Can B be doing all this courtesy
running or not, but at any time run for
C on the bases regardless of whether another
courtesy runner has been used that inning
or not because B, in that case, is a SUBSTITUTE
for C, and not a courtesy runner and so
not subject to this rule at all? Yes,
as a sub, but subject to reentry restrictions.
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Infield
Fly Situations
1/ With runners
at first and second and none out, the batter
hits a low pop-up toward second base. But the
second baseman, who had been holding the runner
on base is out of position. Dashing in at full
speed, he dives for the ball and misses. Although
the umpire makes no call, the runners feel this
is an Infield Fly and hold their bases. The
second baseman recovers, throws to the third
baseman who relays the ball to the shortstop
covering second. What is the proper call?
ANSWER
1/ This is a double play on the outs at third
and second. Since the second baseman could not
catch the ball "with ordinary effort,"
the umpire did not call Infield Fly. (2.00 Infield
Fly)
2/ With runners on first and second, the batter
lifts a one-out pop-up along the first-base
line. After the ump declares "Infield Fly,
if Fair," the ball lands on foul ground
halfway between home and first, then spins into
fair territory, where it is picked up by the
pitcher. The runner from second tries to go
to third but is pegged out by the hurler. What
should the umpire rule?
ANSWER
2/ Since no one touched the ball until it
went fair, it is a fair ball and the batter
is automatically out. The runner who was tagged
is out also becuase the runners advance at their
peril in such instances. (2.00-Infield Fly,
6.05e, 7.08c)
3/ With the bases loaded and none out, the batter
attempting to bunt pops the ball into the air
between the plate and the pitcher's mound. The
ball strikes the ground and spins back to the
catcher, who is standing on home plate. The
catcher then tosses to the third baseman, standing
on the bag, who relays the ball to the second
baseman at second. Fearing the ball would be
caught, all runners held their bases. What is
the result of the play?
ANSWER
3/ An attempted bunt can never be an Infield
Fly. Therefore, this was a triple play, the
first out coming on the catcher's touching home
plate and the next two on subsequent force outs
at third and second. (2.00-Infield Fly-Force
Play, 7.08e)
4/ There are three men on base and one out when
the batter lofts a high pop fly over second
base. As the second sacker drifts out under
the ball, the umpire calls "Infield Fly,
if Fair". Then the center fielder, who
had been playing shallow, races in and tries
to make a catch over his teammate's shoulder.
However, he drops the ball, retrieves it and
fires over first baseman's reach. When the play
ends, two runs have scored, and runners are
on second and third. What about it?
ANSWER
4/ Even though an outfielder handles the
ball, it remains an Infield Fly. Thus, the batter
is automatically out and is ordered off second
base. But since the ball remains in play on
an Infield Fly, the other runners advanced legally.
(2.00-Infield Fly, 6.05e)
5/ With men on first and second and none out,
the next hitter is expected to sacrifice (wimpy
national league ya know...). He shortens up
as if to bunt, but at the last moment draws
back and swings away. He hits a low looper no
more than ten feet off the ground toward the
third baseman. The umpire calls "Infield
Fly". Is he right in doing so?
ANSWER
5/ There is nothing in the rules defining
how high an Infield Fly must go. Since this
is neither a line drive nor attempted bunt,
the umpire is right in calling it an Infield
Fly if he feels it could be caught by an infielder
with ordinary effort. (2.00-Infield Fly)
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MOST COMMONLY
MIS-UNDERSTOOD
AND MIS-APPLIED RULES DURING
LITTLE LEAGUE TOURNAMENT PLAY
The following Rules & Regulations generate
the most misunderstandings throughout the tournaments.
All game directors and managers should have
a copy of this list at all
games on the 60 ft. diamond. It is the responsibility
of the GAME DIRECTORS to correct SAFETY/GAME
ADMIN issues and to assist with RULES questions.
Correction of RULES related items are the responsibility
of the MANAGERS through questioning the umpires
or protesting the misapplication of RULES.
1. NO Adults Warming up Pitchers (SAFETY)
a. NOT Pre-game - NOT in bullpen - NOT behind
dugout - NOT between
innings- NOT squatting or standing.
2. Adults in Dugout (GAME ADMIN)
a. Includes Manager, Coaches, & Scorekeeper
b. Must be approved Adult on the roster and/or
affidavit
c. Depends on number of eligible players in
uniform, at the game
o 13 or more players = THREE Adults
o 12 or less players = TWO Adults
3. CATCHER REQUIREMENTS (SAFETY)
a. ALL CATCHERS MUST WEAR A DANGLING THROAT
GUARD.
ALL helmet/mask combinations are included. NO
EXCEPTIONS
b. Catcher MUST wear Helmet/Mask/Dangler combination
when:
1. Warming up Pitchers
2. Catching Infield Practice
3. Catching Outfield Practice
c. BASEBALL Catchers must wear the LONG-STYLE
Chest Protector
in all BB tournaments played on the 60 ft. diamond.
d. BASEBALL catchers must use a catcher's mitt.
4. NO Jewelry (except medical alert) (SAFETY)
a. Earrings CANNOT be taped/covered with band-aid
b. NO "rubber band-type" or other
non-metal jewelry
c. Medical Alert Jewelry should be taped in
place
5. NO ON DECK BATTER below the Junior Level.
Player may not swing a bat
off the field prior to coming onto the field
for their time at bat. (SAFETY)
6. NO Batting Donuts. Bat Sleeves are OK
(SAFETY)
7. Batting Helmets (SAFETY)
a. DO NOT require Facemasks or Chin Straps
b. NO painted or stickers without permission
from helmet manufacturer
8. NO Courtesy Runners in any tournament
(RULES)
a. Not for pitchers, catchers or any players
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8.01
Legal pitching delivery.
8.01
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. Pitchers shall
take signs from the catcher while standing on the rubber. 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. (a)
The Windup Position. The pitcher shall stand facing the batter, his entire pivot
foot on, or in front of and touching and not off the end of 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 entire
pivot foot on, or in front of and touching
but
not off the end of the pitcher's plate, and his other foot free, he
will be considered in the Windup Position. The pitcher may have one foot, not
the pivot foot, off the rubber and any distance he may desire back of a line which
is an extension to the back edge of the pitcher's plate,
but
not at either side of the pitcher's plate. With his "free" foot the pitcher may
take one step backward and one step forward, but under no circumstances,
to either side, that is to either the first base or third base side of the
pitcher's rubber.
If a pitcher holds the ball with
both hands in front of his body, with his entire pivot foot on or in front of
and touching but not off the end of the pitcher's plate, and his other foot free,
he will be considered in a windup position. From this position he may: (1) deliver
the ball to the batter, or (2) step and throw to a base in an attempt to pick
off a runner, or (3) 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. (b) The Set Position. Set Position shall be indicated
by the pitcher when he stands facing the batter with his entire pivot foot on,
or in front of, and in contact with, and not off the end of the pitcher's plate,
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.
Preparatory to coming to a set position, the pitcher shall have one hand on his
side; from this position he shall go to his set position as defined in Rule 8.01
(b) without interruption and in one continuous motion. The whole width of the
foot in contact with the rubber must be on the rubber. A pitcher cannot pitch
from off the end of the rubber with just the side of his foot touching the rubber.
The pitcher, following his stretch, must (a) hold the ball in both 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." (c) 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. The pitcher
shall step "ahead of the throw." A snap throw followed by the step directly toward
the base is a balk. (d) 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. 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. (e) 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. 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
RULES
THAT ARE HARD TO UNDERSTAND 7.03
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. The preceding
runner is entitled to the base. 7.11
The players, coaches or any member of an offensive team shall vacate any space
(including both dugouts) needed by a fielder who is attempting to field a batted
or thrown ball. PENALTY: Interference shall be called and the batter or runner
on whom the play is being made shall be declared out. 7.07
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. 7.08
Any runner is out when_ He
is touched by a fair ball in fair territory before the ball has touched or passed
an infielder. 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; If two runners
are touched by the same fair ball, only the first one is out because the ball
is instantly dead. 6.03
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. 6.05
A batter is out when 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; 6.06
A batter is out for illegal action when_ (a) He hits a ball with one or both feet
on the ground entirely outside the batter's box. 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. (b) He steps from one batter's box to
the other while the pitcher is in position ready to pitch; |
