4.03.2008

Baseball myths that have survived as rules

I learned about this from our local little league (thanks to our Umpire lead for putting this together). I've always thought myself well versed in baseball rules, but how wrong I was! I missed the ones I've put an asterisk by. To see the details on what the real rule is, go to the Fall City Little League website, click on coaches corner, and click on myths vs. rules.

1. The hands are considered part of the bat.*
2. If a batter does not swing and is struck by a pitch, the batter automatically is awarded first base.
3. The batter-runner must turn to his right after over-running first base.
4. If a batted ball hits the plate first it's a foul ball.
5. The batter cannot be called out for interference if he/she is in the batter's box.
5. The ball is dead on a foul tip.*
6. The batter may not switch batter's boxes after two strikes.*
7. The batter who batted out of order is the person declared out.
8. The batter may not overrun first base when he/she gets a base-on-balls.
9. The batter is out if he/she starts for the dugout before going to first after a dropped third strike (Junior, Senior & Big League Only).
10. If the batter does not pull the bat out of the strike zone while in the bunting position, it's an automatic strike.* (this was surprising to me! go to the website and read the rule)
11. The batter is out if his foot touches the plate.*
12. The batter-runner is always out if he/she runs outside the running lane to first base after a bunted ball.
13. A runner is out if he/she high-fives the coach while rounding third base (or first base), after a homerun is hit over the fence.
14. Tie goes to the runner.*
15. The runner gets the base he/she's going to, plus one on a ball thrown out-of-play. (this I did know even though most people get this 1+1 wrong)
16. Runners may never run the bases in reverse order.
17. The runner must always slide when the play is close.
18. The runner is always safe when hit by a batted ball while touching a base.*
19. A runner may not steal on a foul tip.*
20. It is a force out when a runner is called out for not tagging up on a fly ball.
21. An appeal on a runner who missed a base cannot be a force out.*
22. A runner is out if he/she runs out of the baseline to avoid a fielder who is fielding a batted ball.*
23. Runners may not advance when an infield fly is called.
24. No run can score when a runner is called out for the third out for not tagging up.
25. A pitch that bounces to the plate cannot be hit.
26. The batter does not get first base if hit by a pitch after it bounces.*
27. If a fielder holds a fly ball for 2 seconds it's a catch.
28. You must tag the base with your foot on a force out or appeal.
29. The ball is always immediately dead on a balk (applies to Junior, Senior and Big League)*
30. If a player's feet are in fair territory when the ball is touched, it is a fair ball.
31. The ball must always be returned to the pitcher before an appeal can be made.*
32. The pitcher must come to a set position before a pick-off throw. (Juniors, Seniors, Big League)
33. The pitcher must step off the rubber before a pick-off throw.
34. If a fielder catches a fly ball and then falls over the fence it is a homerun.
35. The ball is dead anytime the ball hits an umpire.
36. The home plate umpire can overrule the other umps at anytime.
37. A batter-runner may not slide into first base.

1 comment:

Bren said...

I didn't have any asterisks! Maybe you should have paid more attention while watching the Tall Girls play!