Top 40 Baseball Rule Myths
Believe it or not, all of the following statements are FALSE!
- The hands are considered part of the bat.
(true only if swinging and the hands are struck)
- The batter-runner must turn to his right after over running
first base.
(s/he can be inside the line as long as no
intent to advance is made)
- If the batter breaks his wrists when swinging, it is a strike.
(it's only a strike if the bat breaks forward)
- If a batted ball hits the plate first, it is a foul ball.
(the entire plate is fair territory)
- The batter cannot be called out for interference if he is in
the batter's box.
- The ball is dead on a foul tip.
(strike three can be called on a caught foul
tip, so it's live)
- The batter may not switch batter's box after two strikes.
- The batter who batted out of order is the person declared out.
(the batter who should have batted is out and
the next batter in order bats, even if the batter who previously
batted out of order)
- The batter may not overrun first base when he is walked.
- The batter is out if he starts for the dugout before going to
first after a dropped third strike.
- If the batter does not pull the bat out of the strike zone while
in the bunting position, it is an automatic strike.
(intent to make contact is the determining
factor)
- The batter is out if a bunted ball hits the ground and bounces
back up and hits the bat while the batter is holding the bat.
- The batter is out if his foot touches the plate.
- The batter-runner is always out if he runs outside the running
lane after a bunted ball.
- A runner is out if he slaps hands or high-fives other players
after a homerun is hit over the fence.
(once the ball goes over the fence, it's a
dead ball and the running cannot be called out for touching other
players or coaches - the runner can even be carried around the
bases)
- Tie goes to the runner.
(there are no ties, it's either safe or out)
- The runner gets the base he's going to, plus one on a ball thrown
out of play.
- If a coach touches a runner, the runner is out.
(a runner would only be out if the coach assisted
the running in any way)
- Runners may never run the bases in reverse order.
- The runner is always safe when hit by a batted ball while touching
a base.
- A runner may not steal on a foul tip.
(strike three can be called on a caught foul
tip, so it's live)
- It is a force out when a runner is called out for not tagging
up on a fly ball.
- An appeal on a runner who missed a base cannot be a force out.
- No run can score when a runner is called out for the third out
for not tagging up.
(not being a force out is important if the
appeal creates the third out - previous runs count)
- A runner is out if he runs out of the baseline to avoid a fielder
who is fielding a batted ball.
(no, the runner must make an attempt to avoid
interference)
- Runners may not advance when an infield fly is called.
(run at your own risk - still need to tag up
on fly outs)
- A pitch that bounces to the plate cannot be hit.
(you can roll the ball to the plate if you
want to...)
- The batter does not get first base if hit by a pitch after it
bounces.
- If a fielder holds fly ball for two seconds, it is a catch.
(it doesn't matter how long you hold it, another
seperate action must be taken without dropping the ball)
- You must tag the base with your foot on a force out or appeal.
- The ball is always immediately dead on a balk.
- If a player's feet are in fair territory when the ball is touched,
it is a fair ball.
(it's where the ball is when it's touched that
determines fair or foul)
- The ball must always be returned to the pitcher before an appeal
can be made.
(any player can make an appeal while the ball
is "live")
- With no runners on base, it is a ball if the pitcher starts
his windup and then stops.
- The pitcher must come to a set position before a pick off throw.
- The pitcher must step off the rubber before a pick off throw.
- If a fielder catches a fly ball and then falls over the fence,
it is a homerun.
- Anytime an umpire is hit by the ball the ball is dead.
- The home plate umpire can overrule the other umps at anytime.
- You must report all substitutions to the other team.
(it's a courtesy, but not required)
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