No. SZll GV 877 .F6 1920 Price z^ events By BILLY EVANS and ^ JOHN B. FOSTER lAIVDEIRICAN SPORTS PUBLISHING COMRANY m 45 ROSE STREET. NEW YORK SPALDING ^ ^ COMPLETE LINE OF ATHLETIC COO-DS IN THE FOLLOWING QTIES. NEW YORK 124-128 Nassau SI. Ha.«-523 Fifth Avenue NEWARK, N. J. 688 Broad Street PBILAOELPHIA. PA. 1210 Chestnut Street BOSTON. MASS. 74 Summer Street PITTSBURGH. PA. 608 Wood Street BUFFALO. N. Y. eil Main Street SYRACUSE. N. Y CHICAGO 211-217 So. Slate St. INDIANAPOLIS. IND. 1 36 N. Pennsylvania SI. CINCINNATI. O. lie East Fifth Avenue CLEVELAND, O. 1117 Euclid Avenue COLUMBUS. O. 187 South High Street f., j'*?L '*• *• LOUISVILLE. KY. 357 So. Warret^^lreet^ 1 1 328 West Jefferson St DETROIT. MICH. 121 Woodward Ave WASHINGTON. D. C. 613 14th Street. N.W. LOUISVILLE. KY. BOCBESTER. N. Y. «0 Clinton Ave.. North ALBANY, N. Y. I S2 Slate Street BALTIMORE, MD. aiO E. Baltimore SI. ATLANTA. GA. 74 N. Broad Street NEW ORLEANS. LA. I 1 30 Carondelel SIreel DAIXAS. TEX. 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FOSTER Editor Spalding* s Official Base Ball Guide and BILLY EVANS American League Umpire Revised in Accordance with the Changes in the Official Playing Rules as Adopted by the National and American Leagues PUBLISHED HY AMERICAN SPORTS PUBLISHING COMPANY 45 Rose Street, New Yokk P H f- ^ n n COPYRIGHT, IB30, BV AMERICAN SPORTS PUBLISHING COMPANY BILLY EVANS. g)CU570373 Introduction From n lialf dozen answers to queries which had been received in regard to base ball problems that had vexed young players, the volume of "Knotty Problems" traces its 1 ('ginning. The publishers, ever anxious to help young ball players, advised that if the thousands of readers of Spald- ing's Official Base Ball Guide, in playing base ball games, should find some point in the rules that to them was not quite clear, information would gladly be given by writing to the editor of the Spalding Guide at 45 Rose Street. New York City. It seemed to be the very message for which the young I. all players had been looking. The first mail brought a lew questions, the next brought a great many more, and they continued to increase. It is true that many sought assistance on the same topic, but that merely proved the wide scope of the field for information. Tlie appreciatioji which the replies received and the interest which they I rv)ught forth suggested the idea of permanency. For that reason they were published in the Spalding Guide from year to year. They outgrew their chapter in the Guide and became a part of the volume of "How to Umpire," and now they have outgrown the latter and have been incorporated in a volume by themselves. Mr. William J. Evans, the American League umpire, has given the benefit of his knowledge and valuable experience in making clear many of the problems. He has had the oi-portunity to consult frequently, not only with the pres- ident and the umpires of his own league but with the umpires of the National League at the time of the games of the various world series. Other of the problems have leen answered by the editor of the Guide. Problems are still arriving and are always welcome. Address them to John B. Foster, American Sports Publishing Company, 45 Rose Street, New York City. Never forget that the batter is the only player in a base ball game who can start a force play, and unless there is a runner on first base when the batter is compelled to go to first base by one of the rules of play, there can be no force. If there are runners on second and third, but none on first, the batter cannot force either of them by going to first. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Problems of Batting Failure to touch base spoils chances. In the last half of the ninth with the home team one run behind, things begin to happen. With two down the home team managed to get runners on first and third. The batsman hits safely to left. The runner on third jogs home with what appears to be the tieing run. In going from first to third, the runner originally on first fails to touch second. Both umpire and players noticed the mistake. The shortstop, after calling for the ball, touches second, and the umpire rules out the runner standing on third. Does the run count? The run does not count. The failure to touch second made a force play at that base for the third out. The runner who went to third never legally touched second, and the throwing of the ball to that base simply made a force play out of the situation, the ball beating the runner to the bag. Rule 59 states no run can be scored in which the third out is a force play. Ball seems to be fair but is foul. Batter hits ball back at the pitcher. It is a low liner that strikes the pitcher's rubber and rebounds back over the foul line midway be- tween home and third base, rolling into the players' bench. Runners were on second and third at the time and both scored, while the batsman went to second. Was that the proper ruling? Strange as it may seem to some, the drive which rebounded ofif the rubber and into the players' bench was nothing more than an ordinary foul. The runners should have been sent back to their respective bases and the batter made to hit over. The definition of a fair hit ball says it must settle in fair territory between home and first, or home and third, or that the ball must be on fair ground w^hen bounding to the outfield past first or third base. This particular ball settled on foul territory after bounding over the foul line and out of fair territory midway between home and first base. Once again the catcher interferes. With the bases filled and two out, the batsman swings hard and sends up a pop foul fly to the third baseman for what appeared to be the third out. It so happened that the catcher tipped the bat of the batsman as he was at)Out to hit the ball. What Is the proper ruling on such a play? Despite the fact that the batsman's effort was merely a foul fly that was caught did not change the situation. Since the catcher tipped the batter's bat, he created an interference, and such an act permits the batter to go to first, and allows all others to ad- vance when forced. Since the bases were filled at the time, the runner on third scored and the other two runners moved up a base on a foul fly that was caught. 6 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Infield fly that strikes a runner. Runners are on first and sooond, one out, when the batter hits a high 07 to the infield. The umpire ruled it an infield fly which retired the batsman. A high wind was blowing, making it diflicult to judge fly balls. In its descent the ball hit the base-runner, who was standing on second base. The umpire ruled him out for being hit by a batted ball, which retired the side. Were the two rulings on the same hit correct? The umpire In rendering two such rulings brought about con- flicting situations. If he desired to call the batter out on the infield fly, he was perfectly within his rights. On such a play the base-runner, in order to avoid being doubled up, had a right to hold his base. If the umpire was of the opinion that the base- runner hit by the batted ball should be declared out, then he should not have enforced the infield fly rule, for when a base-runner Is declared out for being hit by a batted ball, the batsman is en- titled to first base. The umpire could have advanced a good reason for declaring either of the two out, but had no right to declare both out on the play. The batsman after base on balls fails to touch first. In the last half of the ninth, with two men out, and the score one to nothing against the home team, the batter hits for three bases. With the count three to two on the next batter, the pitcher uncorks a wild pitch for the fourth ball, which gets away from the catcher. The runner on third scores easily, while the batter scampered to first on four balls. In going from the plate to second, he fails to touch first in rounding that bag. The first baseman noticed the error, calls for the ball and touches the bag. The umpire rules the batter out, retiring the side. Does the run count? Common sense would allow the run. It should count. It is impossible to make a force third out of the play at first, because the base on balls really entitled the batsman to first base. It Is Impossible to force a man at a base to which the rules state he is legally entitled. On stepping out of the batter's box. How strictly do major league umpires enforce the rule that the batsman shall not step out of the box while in the act of hitting the ball? I refer to Rule 50, which states that an illegally batted ball is a ball batted by the batsmiin when either or lK>th of his feet are upon the ground out- side the lines of the batsman's position. For this offense, as I under- 8t4ind It, the batsman should be declared out. Major league umpires do not enforce the rule to the letter. Nine out of every ten batters have one foot or part of it outside of the lines wh«'n they connect with the ball. The batter's stride in- variably drives him over the boundary lines. When it is merely a matter of inches it is overlooked. When the batter advances so far out of position that both feet overstep the limit, he is always declared out. In the first case, the force of the swing is the reason ; in the second case, it is invariably done to gain an undue advantage SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 7 To award first on fly that is caught. Batsman strikes at a pitched ball, his effort being a foul fly to the first baseman, which was caught by that player. In striking at the ball the catcher's glove came into contact with the player's bat, thereby interfering with him in getting his proper swing at the call. What would have been the proper ruling? The batsman is entitled to first base anj' time the catcher inter- feres with him in, or prevents him from striking at, a pitched ball. The fact that the ball was a foul, also that it was caught, had no bearing upon the case. The batsman is entitled to first. Where ball first hits makes no difference on this play. Ball hits a yard foul about midway between first and home, and then slowly rolls onto fair territory, and is picked up by the pitcher on fair territory about ten feet from the first base. Is the ball fair or foul? The ball is fair. It makes no difference where the ball first strikes. It depends on the final resting place of the ball, provided it does not pass first or third base, and if it does, it depends in what territory it happened to be when it passed either base. Rule 44 clearly defines the happening. Advancing bases on fly that is juggled. Runners are on second and third, one man is out, batter hits fly to deep left field. Runner on third believes fly will be caught and holds his base, runner on second does not think ball will be caught and starts for third as soon as it is hit. The moment the ball strikes the fielder's hands, the runner on third starts for home. The ball bounds out of the fielder's hands, but he recovers it before it falls to the ground. By a swift accurate throw he manages to get the ball to second before the original occupant of that bag can get back, thereby retiring him for the second out. The ball was then thrown to the third baseman and a triple play claimed, since the runner originally on that base had left the bag before the ball was actually caught. Was a triple play made, or did the run scored from third count? It was not a triple play, and the run scored from third counted. The moment a fly ball strikes the hands of a fielder, the base- runner has a right to advance, if he has held his base. Otherwise a fielder could juggle a ball as long as he desired, and all the time be rushing in to the infield. Being hit by a slow pitched ball. If the batsman is hit by a slow pitched ball, which he plainly attempts to avoid, is he entitled to first base? It is argued that on a slow pitched ball, the batsman is not entitled to first, even though it is impossible for him to get out of the way. At one time failure of the batsman to get out of the way of a slow pitched ball did not entitle him to first. It was left to the umpire to determine whether or not the ball was a fast one or slow one. ' Tender the present rules the batsman is entitled to first base if he is hit by any pitched ball at which he did not strike, unless in the opinion of the umpire he plainly made no effort to get out of the way of the pitched ball. 8 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY This play was not a force third out. The bases are filled, two are out, batter hits a sliort fly to left field on which each runner advances a base. The runner who advanced from first to second on the hit was in an excellent position to see the catch. Evi- dently he thought the left fielder had made a legal catch that made the third out, for he left second and started for first base, his position on the team. In the meantime the batsman had reached first, the runner on second had gone to third, wiiile the man on third had gone home. The iimpire ruled that the fielder had trapped the ball, not caught it. The players on the team at bat finally made the runner who had left second, realize the decision, but before he could get back he w\i8 tagged out. Did the run count? The run counted. The third out made at second base was not a f(trce out, as the team in the field contended. The runner having once touched second base became the occupant of that base, thereb.v eliminating any possibility of a force play. He left the base at his own peril after having become the possessor of it. Runner was entitled to score. In the ninth inning, with the score a tie, two men out and a runner on second, the batsman singled sharply to left field. The runner on second, away to a good start, decided to try and score on the hit. The left fielder made a perfect throw to the plate, which had the runner beaten a considerable distance. The runner slid into the plate at full speed. It so happened that the ball took a last bad bound and hopped over the catcher's head. The pitcher of the team in the field was backing up the play. The catcher decided the one thing to do was to keep the runner from touching the jd.-ite. He set himself squarely in front of the plate to carry out that idea. Runner and catcher became tangled up and due to the rough actions of the catcher, the runner was tagged out by the pitcher before he was able to touch the plate. Was the runner out or should the score have been allowed? The runner should have been allowed to score. Under Section .5 of Rule 54, the runner is entitled to advance a base when the obstruction of a fielder prevents him from making a base, unless latter has l)all in his hand ready to touch runner. Coacher pulls a bad piece of work. Two out, runner on first, last half of the ninth. Batter hit a short fly to right, which looked like an easy chance. Runner on first reached third and was rounding the bag for home when the coacher Informed him the ball had fallen foul. The runner started to cut across the diamond to go back to first. His team mat«>s finally made him understand the ball was fair. In the meantime the ball had been thrown to the third baseman. The runner originally on first realized there was no chance for him to reach third in safety, neither could he get to first, as the man who hit the ball was standing on that bag. He made a wild dash for second and readied it before being touclied with the ball. He was later touched with the ball in the hands of the shortstop, while he was standing on th^ b;!g. AVas the runner safe or out? Ihe runner was out. even though he was standing on second base when touched with the ball. Under Rule 52. the base-runner the nionicrit he touched third base became the occupant of that bag. Cetting back to sec(;nd did not exempt him from being put out, third base alone insured him safety. It was a prize "bone" on the part of the coacher. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 9 Failure to touch first causes trouble. The score is five to four against the home team, it is the last half of the ninth and a runner is on second and two men out. With three balls and two strikes on the batter, the pitcher threw a low ball at which the batter swung and missed. The ball got away from the catcher and rolled a considerable distance. The coaoher at first noticed this and urged the batter to try for second. On recovering the ball the catcher threw badly to second. During the mixup, the runner originally on second scored, while the batsman continued on to third and eventually scored, when a bad peg was made to that base. At this stage the first baseman, who had been frantically yelling for the ball, made it known that the batsman who had struck out had missed first base in making the circuit. Getting the ball he touched first base. The umpire declared the batter out. Does the run scored by the man originally on second stand? The run does not score. The failure of th"e batsman who had struck out to touch first base made the play at that base a force third out, and on such plays no runs can score. Man apparently scored but didn't. Two are out in the last half of the ninth, and the score is 9 to 1 against the home team. The batter singles. He steals second and third un- molested on the first tw<) balls pitched. Since his run had no direct bearing on the result, no attention was paid to his efforts. Some wag in the bleachers suggested he steal home. Acting on the suggestion he dashed for the plate as the pitcher started his windup. The pitcher decided to let him complete the theft and purposely continued to wind up, until the runner slid across the plate in safety. Before he actually delivered the ball to the batter, the runner who had stolen home was half way to the bench. The batsman hit the ball when it was finally delivered and went out on a fly to left field, which retired the side and ended the game. Does the run count? This run does not count. The play is based on Rule 59, which relates to the scoring of runs. A clause in this rule states, a run shall not be scored, if after touching the first three bases, the runner comes home from third on a play in which the third man Is forced out, or is put out before reaching first. The start of the play was when the pitcher started the windup, the completion was the fly to the outfield, which was caught, thus making the batter out before he reached first base. The run certainly did count. With the score a tie, team at bat fills bases with two down. With the count three balls and two strikes on the batter, the runners very properly started to advance at top speed, as the pitcher began his windup. The pitch was wide, making the fourth ball. The runner coming home from third seeing the pitch was a ball, slowed up and merely walked toward the plate. The runner originally on second slightly overran third on reaching that bag. A snap throw from the catcher retired him, making the third out. The third out was made before the runner from third had actually crossed the plate. Does the run count? The run counts. The base on balls to the batter with the bases filled, entitled the runner on third to score. It made no difference whether he had actually crossed the plate or not before the third out wfts made. TO Sl\1LI)IXG'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Bonehead work on the coacher's part. Kuim.T «.ii tliiiri. no one (.ut, hatter liit to the left of the shortstop, wlio was forced to go nearly to second to get the grounder. Knowing proi)er base ball called for the runner on third to hold his base, he gave him little thought. lie figured only on making a play at first. Just as he fielded the ball tlie shouts of his team mates caused him to look toward the plate, and lie saw a visiting player running from third at full speed. He made a good throw to the plate, and the catcher touched I'Ut the visitor as he slid into the plate, the umpire rendering such a ruling. It then developed that the runner who had been thrown out at the plate was none other than the coacher from third. What about such a play? The umpire should have declared out the runner originally on third. The rule go.vorninp: this play state.s : if, while third base is occupied, the coacher stationed near the base shall run in the direction of home base, or near the base line, while the fielder is making or trying to make a play on a batted ball not caught on the fly, or a thrown ball, and thereby draws a throw to the home base, the base runner shall be declared out for the coacher's in- terference. Four interesting queries and the answers. Here are four (lueries from one f«in Avhich, being often asked, will be answered under one head : 1. With man on first and no one out, the batter strikes out, but ball gets away from the catcher. Catcher recovers ball and throws to second ahead of runner, who advances from first to second on the play. Fielder receiving ball toiiclies base in :idvance of runner and then throws to first ahead of the batter who had struck out and run to first. How many are out ? 2. Hunner cui first, batt.-r hits ball to first baseman, who fields it and t touclied out on such a playV 3. Hunner on tliird. I'uipire calls a balk on pitcher. Can runner score from third? 4.^Why -runners are entitled to advance. In Query 4, no intield (ly is dedaj-ed with a runner on first for the reason that (here is seldom :, chan.-e for a double play, If the batsman runs out his hit. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY n Once again runner must be touched. One out, runners on first and second, batsman strikes out, but ball gets away from catcher. Catcher recovers ball and throws to third ahead of runner, who advanced from second, but fielder does not touch runner with the ball. Is the runner out, and are runners forced to advance on such a play? According to Section 6 of Rule 51, unless two men are already out, the batsman is out if a third strike is called on him when first base is occupied by a runner. Thus, in the above case, the batsman was automatically out when the third strilje was called, regardless of the fact that it was not held by the catcher. In such case runners were not forced to advance; they did so at their own risk. The fact that the ball arrived at third ahead of the runner was not enough to retire him ; it was necessary to touch him out. Fielder had a chance to make play. Runner is on second, batter hits a ball to the shortstop. It is a hard hit ball. One is out at the time. The runner on second starts for third, believing the fielder will not get the ball. The ball gets away from the fielder after he gets it squarely in his hands, and rolls about ten feet away. The shortstop starts after it and the runner collides with him. The decision was that the runner was out because of interference with the shortstop in fielding the ball. Was that proper? Once the fielder had a chance to make a play on the ball, it killed any chance for an interference play, when the shortstop collided with him as he pursued the ball. If such interference plays were allowed, infielders after making an error on a ball would always purposely try to collide Avith a runner in order to atone for the misplay. Team should not suffer for umpire's mistake. Runner on third, two men out, batter hits a ball which travels down the first base line a yard foul. Runnet on third off at the pitch, crosses the plate while the ball is still in foul territory. Umpire believes ball is sure to remain foul and so calls it. The. moment he does so, the batsman who is Hearing first, stops and hastens back to the plate. The next in- stant the ball hits something and rolls into fair territoi-y and is a fair ball. First baseman recovers ball, touches first and claims the out. "What was the proper ruling? The umpire was in error, because he ruled too quickly. How- ever, since he declared it a foul ball, he had no recourse other than to stick to his decision. Had he not ruled too quickly, the batsman would have probably continued to first, beaten the play and the runner from third would have scored. In all probability the first baseman \YO"le called for holding the ball too long after a pitcher gets on the rubber in position to deliver the ball to the batter? The rules give the umpire the right to inflict such a penalty. It would probably be helpful if the umpire took more advantage of the clause, which gives him the right to call a balk any time in his belief such action on the part of the pitcher unnecessarily delays the game. Calling a balk suspends play. Runner on first, pitcher makes a foint to throw to first, but fails to do so. and umpiro loudly calls balk. I'itcher then hurriedly throws to plate and batter hits ball over the fence. What should have been the proper ruling? Sucn a happening as the above is a very unfortunate one for the umpire. The moment he declared a balk, play ceased. The de- claring of the balk ontitiod the runner on first to advance to second. The fact that the pitcher delivered the ball and the bats- man hit it over the fence cannot be given any consideration. The ball was not in play, hence the batsman must hit over again. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 13 Umpire must use his judgment on this one. Runner on cecond, the batsman hito the ball to the left of the third baseman, which it seems he will have no difficulty in handling. The shortstop. Just as the pitcher was delivering the ball, was in the act of driving the runner on second back to that base by running toward ic, as if expecting a throw from the pitcher. The moment the ball was pitched he started toward his own position so as to keep the batter from hitting through the spot he had just vacated. Not more than ten feet from second base the runner collided with the shortstop and both fell to the ground. In the meantime the third baseman had allowed the ball hit right at him to trickle through his hands and roll into left field. The runner regained his feet and managed to reach third in safety. The team in the field contended that the runner should have been declared out, because he interfered with the shortstop, who they insisted would probably have made the play. What about the argument of the team in the field? When two or more men attempt to field the ball and the base- runner comes into contact with one of them, the umpire shall declare the runner out for coming into contact with a fielder other than the one the umpire determines to be entitled to make the play. From the description, it would seem that it was the third base- man's ball, that the shortstop had no chance of making a play, hence no attention should have been paid to the collision, and the runner allowed to advance at his risk. Runner from third is out. Runner is on third, one man is out, squeeze play is called for. The batsman fails to connect and the runner from third would have easily been retired had not the batsman interfered with the catcher in making the play and prevented him from doing so. What would have been the proper ruling, should the batsman or base-runner be declared out, because of the interference? In this case the runner from third should have been declared out. Section 15 of Rule 56 specifically states, the base-runner is out if with one or no one out and a base-runner on third, the batsman interferes with the play being made at the plate. The Idea is to inflict the penalty that will be the most severe, and the calling out of the base-runner kills the chance of a possible score. With two men out if the same play comes up, the batter is made to suffer and he is the one declared out, retiring the side. Fielder always has right of way. Batsman hits foul fly that comes down near the bench of his team mates. First baseman makes a play on the ball. Just as the player is about to complete the catch, one of the players tosses out a bat, which strikes the feet of the first baseman with considerable force. He gets the ball squarely in his hands, but drops it, due no doubt to the action of one of the players, who hit him with the bat. The umpire ruled the batsman out. Was he right? The umpire was perfectly correct in his ruling. The fielder always has the right of way. The action of a player on the bench in striking the fielder with his bat while about to make the catch, certainly constituted an Interference. 1 4 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Can a foul ball be an infield fly? One out. runners on first and second, batter hits fly ball, which it appears will be caught by the second baseman. The umpire declares It an infl»'ld flv. When he so calls it the ball is about thirty feet in fair ff-rritory. A liiph wind is l>lowing, which eventually carries the ball foul. It is mufTcd l»v the second baseman in foul territory. Should the batsman be declared out under the infield fly rule since the ball was in fair terri- tory wlien he made such a ruling? The inlield fly rule relates only to fair balls. Since the wind carried the ball foul there was nothing for the umpire to do, other than to reverse his original ruling, which declared the batter out on an infield fly and let him hit over again. Ball in play even though it hit the umpire. One down, runner on first, b.itsman hits liner back at pitcher, who merely throws up his gloved liand in self protection. The ball struck the glove squarely and rebounded toward the shortstop. As it passed the umpire it just grazed his trousers. The shortstop recovered the ball, tossed to second, forcing the runner there, and the throw to first beat the batsman. The manager of team at bat argued against the double play, whicb tlie umpire allowed, claiming, because the batted ball struck the umpire, it should give the batsman the right to first, and that the runner on first should of course advance to second. What was the proper ruling? The umpire was right in allowing a double play. Once a fielder has made a play on a ball and touches it, the fact that it later hits the umpire has no bearing on the case. Runners should have been sent back. Runner on first, one out. three balls and two strikes on the batter. On the next i)itch the runner starts for second. The batter swings and misses tlie third strike. The catcher makes a perfect throw to second and retires tlie runner trying to steal. Tlie ball at which the batter swung for the third strike was close and inside. It just grazed his uniform as he struck out. What was the proper ruling? The team in the field claimed a double plaj'. The batsman is out, if. while attenii)ting a third strike, the ball touch any part of the liatsman's person. In all such cases base- runners cannot advance. The umpire should have declared the batsman out and sent the runner, who had apparently been retired, back to first, the base he occupied when the play started. On passing a preceding runner. Kunn.-r on first, one out. hatter hits a deep drive to right field. Runner believes fly will be caught and stops half way between first and second. Batsman feels certain the ball will go safe and tears around the bases at full speed. He passes runner originally on first, while running from first to second. liatsman who hit the ball was able to complete the circuit on the <;rive. as the fielder was unable to make the catch. What should have been the ruling? Even though the baisman apparently made a home run, he was out the moment he passed a preceding runner between first and second. This i)lay is covered in Section IG of Rule 56. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 15 Intent cannot be considered in interference plays. The bases are filled, two men are out and the batsman hits the ball to the shortstop. The base-runner very properly runs behind the tielder, in order not in any way to interfere. The shortstop gets set for the ball, just as the runner is in the act of passing him from the rear. The fielder at that very moment decides that if he takes another step back- ward he will be in a better position to handle the ball. The step is disastrous; it results in a collision between fielder and base-runner, both falling to the ground. All three runners score and the batter reaches second. What was the proper ruling on this play? The umpire should have called the runner going to third out for interference. The fielder always has the right of way and while he may have directly been the cause of the collision, it was the duty of the base-runner to avoid him. In all plays of interference, the intent cannot be considered. This play nearly came up in world series. Overflow crowd in right and left field, while in left field a number of fans sit on top of the fence to get a better view of the game. Agreement is that a ball hit into the crowd shall be good for two bases. Batter hits a ball that would have cleared the left field fence. One of the fans sitting on the fence sets himself and tries to catch the ball. It strikes in his hands, but he fails to hold it, and it falls into the overflow crowd. Team in the field contends that the hit is only good for two bases, while the team at bat claimsi it should be a home run. The hit should have been allowed a home run, if in the opinion of the umpire, it would have cleared the fence, had it not been for the spectator's interference. Such a happening almost came up in the 1911 world series between New York and Philadelphia at Shibe Park, Philadelphia. The wall at Shibe Park was lined with spec- tators. One of them almost caught the home run drive which Frank Baker hit off "Rube" Marquard. That hit caused the umpires at once to confer and make a rule to cover the happening. It was agreed that a home run was the only fair solution of the problem. A fair or foul hit is determined by the location of the ball and not that of the fielder. Line drive Is hit outside of third base; third baseman has foot on bag, when he reaches out and knocks down the ball. Is it a fair bit? The hit is foul. Read Rule 44'. Why ball is called foul when it hits batsman standing in his box. Why is it that when a batter hits a ball directly in front of the plate, and it then bounds up and hits the batsman, before he starts away, that the ball is invariably called a foul? The position assumed by the batter is always in foul territory, so that even though the ball first hits fair it must be in foul terri- tory to hit the batter, who has not left his position, hence is always called a foul ball. 1 6 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Fielding balls on restricted territory. Overflow crowd causes ropos to be stretched, making a ground rule necessary, that hits into the overflow should go for two bases. At one end of the stretched rope there were no fans. Batsman hits ball to right center. The fielder backs up against the rope. When it becomes apparent that he can make the catch, if he jumps over the rope which is about two feet high, he does so and makes the catch. What should have been the ruling? Later In the game a batsman hits a ball to the right fielder. Just as he gets the ball into his hands and makes the catch, he crashes against the ropes and falls backward into the overflow crowd. How about this play? In the first case, the umpire should not have allowed the out, but granted the batsman two bases. The ropes acted as the end of the playing field, and a catch made outside the boundary limita- tions was not legal. In the second case, the out should have been allowed, as the completion of the catch was made on the playing field. No con- sideration should be giveft to the fact that the fielder later fell over the ropes. Relative to substitution of pinch hitters. Pitcher suffers a broken finger in the third inning, but same not being on his pitching hand, he finished out the inning. In the fourth inning, with runners on second and third, and one out, it was the pitcher's turn to bat. An extra catcher was sent in to bat for the pitcher. At the close of the inning, the manager decided to use an entirely new battery. He put in a pitcher to replace the injured pitcher, for whom the extra catcher had acted as a pinch hitter, and decided to substitute the extra catcher in place of the regular backstop. In the original lineup the catcher had batted seventh and the pitcher ninth. How should the new battery have hit? Since the extra catcher, who had acted as pinch hitter, was pressed into the game as a regular, it became necessary that during the remainder of the game he continue to bat in the same place as the original pitcher, ninth. That of course made it necessary that the substituted pitcher bat in the position of the original catcher, which was seventh. The infield fly rule does not apply when there is a runner on first only. After reading the so-called infield fly rule regarding runners on first and second bases and on first, second and third bases, I do not see any mention made when there is a runner on first only. What happens when that is the case? If there is a runner on first only and a fly is batted to the Infield, the general rules of Base Ball follow. In other words, it Is not necessary for the umpire to announce either "batter out" or "infield fly." Same applies with a runner on first and one on third, second base being vacant. The reason is that there is not a chance for a double play if the batsman runs out his hit. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY i? Spectator's interference makes trouble. There Is an overflow crowd, which makes a ground rule necessary on thrown and batted balls. It is agreed that a throw into the crowd shall be good for two bases. Late in the game, with the score a tie, first batter for the home team hits for two bases. The next batter bunts down the first base line. The first baseman rushes in, gets the ball, and makes a hurried throw to third to get the runner. A perfect throw would have turned the trick, but the throw is high and gets away from the third baseman. It rolls perhaps thirty feet. The third baseman rushes for the ball, as does a fan sitting in the front row of the overflow crowd. The ball Is practically motionless when the fan picks it up and rushes back to cover in the crowd. The runner dashes from second to the plate, and the batter scores, while the third sacker attempts to regain the ball. The manager of the team at bat contends both runners should score because it is a blocked ball. Later he insists the runner should score and the batter go to second because the ball went into the crowd. What should have been the ruling? The umpire should have granted the batsman first and allowed the runner on second to advance to third. Rule 37, Section 3, states If a person not engaged in the game should retain possession of a blocked ball, or throw or kick it beyond the reach of the fielders, the umpire shall call time and require both runners to stop at the base last touched by him. Batsman is out when with two strikes he strikes at and misses the ball which hits him. There are runners on second and third bases and one out. In attempt- ing a third strike, the batter missed the ball, which came into contact with his person. The catcher also missed the ball, the runners on second and third scoring and the batter reaching second base. What was the proper ruling? When the missed third strike came into contact with the oerson of the batsman, he was automatically retired. On such a play no bases can be run, so that the two men who scored should have been sent back to their original bases. With runner on first and not two out, batsman is auto- matically out whether third strike is caught or not. With a runner on first base and one out, the catcher drops the third strike. The runner goes to third and the batter to second. The catcher throws the ball to third base and claims an out on the ground that the runner had no right to advance, as the batter was out and the runner should have remained at first. The batter was out, but the runner can get as far as he is able to run. The final resting place of the ball determines whether a hit is fair or foul. If the batsman hits a ball that first strikes several feet in foul terri- tory and then rolls into fair territory, finally settling on fair territory, between first and home, is it a fair or foul ball? It is a fair ball, despite the fact that it first hit foul. The status of the hit is determined by where the ball finally settles, which was on fair territory. I 8 SI\U.ni\C/3 ATHLETIC LIBRARY Batsman stepping out of box when pitcher is in position. Can !i Jinfsiii.iri stt-p out of the batter's box after the pitcher is standing oil the rubbirV IIo is not supposed to do so, but conditions frequently arise that make it neeessury. He should appeal to the umpire, who will call time if the jjitcher lias not started his delivery. » How players assume their positions in the batting order when, after first acting as pinch hitters, they become regular substitutes. .M:in:ij:attory, sending in a new pair. He selects his star pitclicr, who was used as a pinch hitter, to do the pitching and another catcher to do the receiving. I^w will these two players bat in tlie line-up? The star pitcher will continue to bat in the position of the catcher in whose place he batted, while the new catcher will bat in the pitcher's position in the line-up. Batter can never go to first base when the umpire calls a balk. What effect does the calling of a balk by the umpire have on the bat- ter? Can the batter at any time go t© first base on a balk? The calling of a balk has no effect whatever on the batsman. It relates only to the base-runner, or runners, entitling each runner to advance a base without liability to be put out. When batsman throws bat at ball in fair territory inter- ference is constituted. Hiiniur on tirst base, batter attempting to sacrifice bunts the ball down tlie tliird base line. Just as the catclier is about to make a play on the liall, tlie batsman so throws his bat that it comes into contact with the ball, knocking it thirty feet into foul territory. Runner on first reaches third base, wliile the batsman goes to second. What is the proper ruling on the playV The bntsnian should be declared out for interference and the runner who reached third should be sent back to his original base, which was first base. Right of the base-runner to leave the line to avoid inter- ference with a fielder whose right of way is privileged. ,.„V''^ M '"'riV'''"!'"''" "•'? ''f.'.'l^" ^■'.'" f"»^i'lcrably more than three feet a balttvl bair'"' "'""" ^""''•'l'"*'' ^^i^h a fielder about to make a play on The base-runner certainly has such a right, provided the fielder has not the ball in his hands ready to touch him. As a matter of fact, the runner must so run that he will not collide with the fielder, under penalty of being called out for interference. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 19 An attempt to bunt is a strike even if the batsman does not touch the ball if there is no one out. There is no one out and two strikes on the batter. The hitter attempts to bunt the ball but misses it. The catcher also misses the ball. The batsman runs to first base but is called out by the umpire. Was the umpire right? The batsman was not out. He became a base runner immedi- ately after three strikes had, been called by the umpire. Had the batsman bunted a foul on the third strike he would have been out, but his attempt to bunt — even though he missed the ball — was as if he had swung freely at the ball. If the catcher failed to hold the third strike, the batsman becoming a base-runner, must pro- ceed-to first base. If he arrived there in advance of the ball he Was safe. Batsman should be given reasonable time to regain his balance if he slips when swinging at the ball. Batsman swung very hard at the second strike and, slipping, staggered back three or four steps. Before he had recovered his balance and could return to the batsman's box the pitcher delivered the ball and the batsman was called out on strikes. Was the umpire right? Technically he was. The literal construction of the rule gives the umpire no alternative than to call a strike if the batsman has begun his turn at bat. On the other hand, if the umpire was satis- fied that the batsman was a victim of an accident — In other words, had slipped out of position — it would have been permissible for him to suspend play. The umpire must use his judgment if the batter deliberately walks out of the box. In the last half of the seventh (and final) inning, the game being short- ened by mutual agreement, with the score 7 — 5 in favor of the team in the field, no runs, two hands out, two strikes and no balls on the batter, the latter walked out of his box. The pitcher threw the ball and the umpire called a strike, which retired the side and ended the game. The losing team protested. If the protest was sustained it was a question whether the game was to start again where it had terminated in the seventh inn- ing, with two strikes and no balls, or whether the game should be played from the start. If the batsman did not ask the umpire to suspend play for some cause of more than ordinary importance, a protest of the game should never have been considered. In all that is related above the umpire is sole judge. Runner can steal a base on a foul tip that is caught. Can a runner steal a base on a foul ball which is also the second strike? If a foul tip, yes. If a foul fly, he should hold first base until after the ball is caught. 20 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 1. Impossible to make a force-out at a base to which the runner is entitled. 2. No run can be scored on third out in which the batsman fails to reach first. Please state tlie difiference between these two plays, which seem very similar: No. 1— Runner on third, two men out, three balls and two strikes on the batter. The delivery was a wild pitch, making the fourth ball, en- titling the runner to first base. The ball rolled almost to the grand stand. The batsman raced to second base, while the runner on third scored. In running to second, the batsman failed to touch first base. The ball was thrown to that base and the umpire declared an out, mak- ing tlie third out and retiring the side. Does the run count? No. 2 — Rimner on third, two men out. two strikes and three balls. The batter swings at the ne.\t delivery and misses, but the ball gets away and rolls almost to the grandstand. The runner on third scores and the batsman reaches second. As in the other case, the batsman fails to ttnich tirst biist- iiu his way to second. The ball is thrown to tirst base, and the umpire declared the runner on second out, making the third out and retiring the side. Does the run count? In play No. 1, the run surely does count. The batsman who received a base on balls is entitled to first base, and the throwing of the ball to that base, which he missed on his way to second, retires him, but is not a force-out. In play No. 2, the run does not count. When the batsman who struck out, and who failed to touclj first base on his way to sec- ond, was retired by having the ball thrown to the base missed, it made the third out, and a run cannot score on a play in which the third man be put out before reaching first. Position of ball determines whether fair or foul. A fly was batted Just within the right field foul line. The right fielder had one foot on foul territory and one foot on fair territory when he caught tlie ball. The umpire said it was a foul because the fielder had one foot on foul territory although the ball was plainly over fair ground. Was the umpire right? No. The position of the fielder has nothing to do with a de- cision of this kind. It is the position of the ball which must govern the umpire as to whether the hit is fair or foul. If the ball is outside the foul line and the fielder on fair ground it is a foul. If the ball is over fair ground and the fielder outside the foul line, it is a fair hit. Umpire decides home run on boundary fence. A long fly was batted into the stand in right field. The ball passed over the feme between the stand and the field on fair ground but it curved after passing the fence and dropped foul. Was it a foul ball or a fair ball? The new rules would make it a fair ball. The umpire Is no longer required to give u decision on a bit where he last sees the ball, \i\ii where he noted it when it passed the boundary fence. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 21 Bunted fair fly not an infield fly. ^^rhe batter bunted ami lifted a fair lly into the air. Was it an infield ^ See Rule 51, Section 8. The umpire is not to call it an infield A ground rule is arbitrary and a runner may advance only to the limit of bases allowed by the rule. at^spl'on/">ln, ''i^r^'^t^ ^'*'" ^:^''' 'i^'? ^'^ « h^t. Runner does not remain at second, but goes home. Can he be put out? No. Send him back to second. The ground rule is arbitrary. If a backstop is at the legal distance, runner may make as many bases as possible if fourth ball is a wild pitch. he^such'r^ghtV^ " ^'^^^ ^'*'''' ""'^ batter-runner goes to second base. Has Yes, if the backstop is the le^al distance from the plate and the runner can reach second without being touched out. When a balk is called each base-runner is entitled to ad- vance one base, regardless of his station. There are runners on first and third bases. In attempting to catch the barL^t?tl^?\o"S'^!- ^'^ ^^'^^'' "^'^'^ ^ ''''^- '^ ^'« rlrlr:n%^^r'a The runner on third certainly is entitled to saore, and the run- ner on first should advance to second. A great many people seem to have the impression that a run cannot score on a balk That is wrong. When there is a runner on first base and the batsman is retired pnor to the runner, there no longer can be a force play. Runner is on first base, also runner on third base, one man out Tke wilf"^f,? i^ ty.^ grounder to the second baseman, and a double play that ^lIL^ K^^ *^^ ^.V° ^^^^ certain. Shortstop is slow in covering, and the second baseman throws the ball to first, getting the batter. When the runner advancing from first gets within about thirty feet of second he l!^^^ ^^ fi^""^, ^^"^- '^.*'^ ^^^* baseman throws the ball to the shortstop, who has finally covered second and the runner is touched out as he slides into that base, completing a double play and retiring the side. The run- ner on third had scored long before the third out was made. Does the run count? The run does count. The moment the batsman was retired at first base, there was no longer a chance for a force play on the runner trying t« reach second base. If said runner had cared to, and could have gotten back in safety, he could have returned to first base. There was nothing that forced him to continue on his way to second after the batsman had been retired. 11 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Definition of infield fly. Please define the infield fly rule. It seems to be misunderstood by the umpires in our industrial league. They insist there are two ways to rule upon it. The change in the rules which was made February 10, 1920, shouhl help every umpire to understand the "infield fly" rule without trouble in the future. Section 8 of Rule 51 now reads : "If before two hands are out. when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied, the batter hit a fair fly (note the word 'fair') other than a line drive that can be handled by an infielder, he is out. In such case the umpire shall, as soon as the ball be hit, declare it an infield or outfield hit." Now comes an addition to the rule that makes it much clearer than before : "The runners may be off their bases or advance at the risk of the ball being caught, the same as on any other fly ball." This change will make customs uniform in all leagues. When base umpire is hit by batted ball the batsman is en- titled to first base, but no bases are run unless forced. Runner on first. Batter raps the ball through the infield and it hits the base umpire, )»ounding from him to the shortstop, who touches second, and the riuiner from first is called out on force. Ruling by an expert is that the ball is not in play. Is that correct? Rule 55, Section 6, reads : "The base-runner shall return to his base without liability to be put out if the umpire be struck by a fair hit ball before touching a fielder; in which case no base shall be run unless necessitated by the batsman becoming a base-runner and no run shall be scored unless all the bases are occupied." Runner from first was forced. One runner is forced out but the other is not. There are base-runuers on first and second bases with no one out. The next batter raps a fly to the outfield, where it is muflfed. The fielder throws the ball to second base and the second baseman throws it to third base, as both runners move up when the ball is muffed. The throw arrives at second base ahead of the runner from first base, but it does not arrive at tliird base ahead of the runner from second. tJive the correct ruling. The runner from first base to second base is out. He was forced when the fly hit was muffed, and as the ball arrived at second in advance of him no other ruling could be legal. The runner from second base to third base is not out. as he arrived at third base after the force play had been eliminated. If the fielder had first thrown the ball to third base the force would have begun there and it W(tuM have been possible to retire the runner at second base in a double play if a supplementary throw reached the latter base before the runner. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 23 Batting out of turn. When it came time for the sixth batter in the list to go to the plate the seventh man went to bat in his place and made a hit; then No. 6 discovered the mistake and went to bat, whereupon the umpire called him out for batting out of turn. Should not No. 7 come back to bat, since No. 6 was out, or should he stay on first as a result of his hit? Batsman No. 6 was out for not batting in his turn. If this is the third man out the proper batsman in the next inning is the player who would have come to bat had the players been put out by ordinary play in the preceding inning; No. 7 would thus come up again, to bat in his regular turn. If not the third man out, the game stands as it is being played, with No. 6 out and No. 7 is the next batter. Another version of alleged force-out. Runner on first base when batter hits for three bases; batter being faster than the other man, he reaches third base before man ahead gets home; ball is thrown to catcher, who touches home base before runner gets there and umpire calls runner out, claiming a force; this decision was dis- puted and broke up the game; give correct decision. The umpire's ruling was absurd. Very frequently a slow runner is ahead of two speedy ones. There is no reason why a force can exist because one man can run faster than another. As repeatedly stated, there is no force play in Base Ball except it begins by the batter pushing the next runner, the next two runners or the next three runners ahead of him. When the infield fly rule is applied. One out; man on first base and man on third base; batter hits infield fly which by ordinary playing could be caught. Is it compulsory for the batter to run to first base and the man on first to try for second? The infield fly rule does not apply under the conditions outlined. First and second, or first, second and third must be occupied before the rule can apply. In case the batsman did not run out the hit, or the runner on first held that base, the fielder had the opportunity to drop the ball, throw it to second and so to first for a double play. Rule 53, section 4, covers what should be done. Batter has two strikes and three balls. The next pitched ball strikes batsman on the arm. Umpire calls it "dead ball" and brings the bats- man to bat over, calling it neither ball nor strike, on the ground that he tries purposely to get hit. Was umpire right or wrong in his ruling, and is there any specific rule in the book covering this particular play? For every fairly delivefed ball the umpire must call a strike; if unfairly delivered he must call a ball. If the ball was fairly delivered and the player purposely got in the way of it, the umpire should have called him out for interference. If it was unfairly delivered, it was a dead ball. All balls that hit batsman are dead balls. 24 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY If he had hit the ball he would have been out, because he was not within the lines of his position. Batter runs toward the pitcher out of the batter's box and strikes at the ball but misses it. Is he out? lie is not, if he failed to bat the ball. Batter can be removed at any time. Sixth inning; batter has taken two strikes, when team captain halts game, takes batter out and sends in substitute, who takes third strike and is out. Is this in accordance with rules? Yes, batter can be removed at any time. It is not too late. If, when a batter has two strikes and two balls charged against him, it is found that he is batting out of turn, is he out, or does the rule mean that the right batter shall be substituted immediately if the mistake is discovered? a The rule says the right batter shall be substituted at once. Depends on where it stops before reaching first or third bases. Batter bunts the ball on fair ground; it rolls foul and then back inside the diamond before reaching third base. He hits another ball to foul ground, ^nd it rolls on fair ground before reaching third base and remains there. What are these two hits? Both hits are fair. Must show exactly where rule was violated. After a baseman has called the attention of the umpire to the fact that he should watch all of the bases when a batter seems to have made a three-base hit or a home run, should the umpire call the batter out if he fails, for instance, to touch second base? Not unless the fielding side makes a play on second base showing that someone knows the batter forgot to touch second on his way around the The batter receives credit for a safe hit nevertheless. If two hands are out and a runner from first base to second base is hit by a batted ball, is the batter credited with a base hit, even though it is the third out? The batter always receives a base hit, no matter what the status of the game may be, if a runner is hit by a batted ball. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 25 Umpire certainly did not understand "infield fly" rule. With men on first and second and one out, batsman hits a foul fly between third and home and the shortstop tries to catch the ball but drops it. The umpire rules the batsman out, under the infield fly rule. Was he right? Rule 51, Section 8, says: "The batsman is out if, before two hands are out, while first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied. he hit a fly ball, other than a line drive, that can be handled by an in- fielder. In such case the umpire shall, as soon as the ball be hit, declare it an infield or outfield fly." It is very evident that this rule is intended to apply where there is a possibility of a double play. As there could be na double play on a trapped foul fly, the umpire was wrong. When batter can change from right to left, or vice versa. Batter after having one strike called on him changed to opposite side of plate, while pitcher had ball but was not in box ready to pitch. Was batter out? Also, batter turned his back to pitcher and refused to swing at ball, but did not leave batter's box: umpire called him out. Was umpire's deci- sion correct? While batter was standing with his back to the plate, pitcher delivered ball which hit him, though he tried to get out of the way of it. Was batter out or was he entitled to his base? Batter can change to opposite mcond and the runner declared out, when the fielder touched that base with the ball in his possession. Was that the proper decision? It certainly was, for in such a case as you have cited the runner must touch all intervening bases on his way back to his original base. Player must have ball in his possession to block a runner legally off a base. Runner on second, batter singles to right field, and runner attempts to score on the liit. The catcher blocks the plate, and the runner slides into him, while the ball is still some distance away. Despite frantic efforts on the part of the runner, he is unable to reach tlie plate, although within about six inches of it all the time. In the meantime the ball arrives, and the catcher touches the runner. What is the proper ruling on the play? The runner should have been declared safe. The catcher has no right te block off the runner without having the ball in his possession. ^ 40 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Running across the base line with the ball in a fielder's hand does not retire a base-runner by a presumable force play. If a fielder with the ball in his hand runs across a base line ahead of a runner who is trying to advance from one base to another, can the runner be declared out on a force play? A base-runner may not be put out in this manner and the query which came from the Far West is not so extraordinary as it may seem. There has been an opinion of this nature held by heritage of custom of long ago. It is due to improvised rules which were made for "two old cat" and "town ball" and very likely the idea insinu- ated itself into Base Ball because of local desire. Runners score ahead of home run in final inning. I have read the new rule in regard to making a home run in the last half of the final inning of any game. Do I understand that all of the runners who are on bases, provided there are any, must score ahead of the batter, even if more runs are to be made than the actual one which wins for the team last at bat? That is the correct understanding. If the score is 2 to 1 in favor of the team which was first at bat when their half of the tinal inning is pl.'iyed and then three runners for the team second at bat should get on bases, and the next batter should make a homo run, all of the runners as well as the batter would score. Thiit would make the score 5 to 2 in favor of the team last at bat in the final inning. Be sure to note that all of the runners as well as the batter must touch the bases in regular order. Penalty for failure to touch the bases in regular order would be enforced as at any other stage of a gam*. Base-runner's right to score from third base with bases filled when batsman is given base on balls. The bases are filled, two men out, when the batter receives a base on balls. Of course, that really ended the ball game, as it was the last half of the ninth, with the score a tie. In their excitement over the finish, the runner on third, after getting to within thirty feet of the plate, started for his bench, and the batsman, after running half way down the line, started for the bench. Meml>ers of the team at bat rushed out and told the runner originally on third to go back and touch the plate; also made the batsman go to first. The team in the field kicked long and loud on allowing the run, insisting that either one of the two— In fact, lx)th— were really out for running out of the line. The umpire allowed the run. Was he correct in the ruling? The umpire ruled correctly in allowing the run. When the bats- man received a base on balls it entitled him to first, and all run- ners to advance one base. It is impossible to take away something to whick you are entitled in Base Ball, hence it would have been wrong to have called either man out, even though they did not follow the straight and narrow path direct to the next base. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 41 Run cannot score on third out in which the batter did not reach first base. Two out and mimer oa second; batter bits for two bases, but "cuts flnt base; ball is returned to that base and umpire calls runner out and says run from second does not count. Is decision correct? The run does not count. After a fielder has had a chance to make a play on the ball, collision with a base-runner does not constitute in- terference. Runner on second, one man out, batter hits a ball to the shortstop's right. The runner on second doesn't believe the shortstop will be able to make the play and tries for third. The shortstop manages to knock the ball down, but it bounds away. In going after the ball, the shortstop collides with the base-runner, knocking the fielder down, but the runner was able to continue on his way. The runner after reaching third, con- tinued on his way to the plate, while the batsman reached second base. What was the proper ruling? Should the runner have been declared out for interference, and the batsman only allowed to take first base? If a fielder, who always has the right of way, is interfered with by a base-runner, he should always be called out because of the interference. In the case you have cited, however, there was no Interference, because the fielder had his chance to make a play on the ball. First baseman could have touched bag and did not need to throw to catcher. Runner on first base; batter bits short fly to second baseman, who pur- posely drops it; runner stays on first and batter stops on his way to base; second baseman recovers ball and throws to first bn soman, who tags run- ner on base, then throws to catcher, who runs down and tags the batter. What is the decision? Both are out. Base-runner may turn either way after passing first base and return to first without liability to be put out, pro- viding he does not attempt to go to second. What are the rights of a base-runnar after he passes first base? Can he turn to either the right or left? Must the turn be made in foul terri- tory? Did a base-runner at any time, under the old rules, forfeit his right to first base, if he turned to the left? A base-runner can turn either to the right or left, without for- feiting his right to the base. The only move that makes him liable to be put out is to make a break in the direction of second base. The runner can make the turn in either foul or fair territory, it makes no difeerence. At one time under the rules a player made himself liable to be put out if he turned to the left. Memory of that rule gtill is retained and undoubtedly is the reason why so many believe no runner may turn to the left. Changes in the pitching rules adopted in 1920 were intended to end "for good and all" every kind of "freak" delivery. Base ball, a rational game, had given latitude to pitchers to deface and injure one of the two principal playing adjuncts of that game. This had made the ball a mechanical contrivance, varying in flight as it was mistreated, and not an imple- ment of sport for sport's sake. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 43 Problems of Pitching How to rule when a pitched ball strikes the ground before it reaches the batsman. Pitcher delivers the ball to the batsman. It strikes about six feet in front of the plate, then bounds over the heart of the plate, waist high. Was it a ball or a strike? Would it have been perfectly proper for the batter to have swung at such a ball? If the ball struck the batsman, WQuld he have been entitled to first base, if the moment the ball struck the ground the umpire called it a ball? The moment the ball struck the ground six feet in front of the plate, there was no longer a chance of it being a strike. It surely would have been perfectly proper for the batsman to have hit the ball. In ruling the pitch a ball, the moment it struck the ground, the umpire was in error. He should have waited for the comple- tion of the pitch, which was when the ball passes the batter. When tke ball hit the batsman he was entitled to first base. Inception of a play starts with the wind-up of the pitcher. The score is 9 to 1 in favor of the team in the field, and it is the first half of the ninth, with two down. The batter singles, and since his run means nothing he is allowed to steal second and third without any atten- tion being paid to his efforts. He Avas urged to steal home, and as the pitcher started his wind-up he made a break for the plate. At the time there was two balls and one strike ou the batter. The pitcher, to add to the foolishness of the situation, kept on winding up as the runner raced for the plate. The runner reached the plate, and was on hi? way to the bench, before the pitcher finally delivered the ball. If the batter had allowed it to pass, there would have been no question as to the legality of the run. He chose to hit the ball and went out on a fly to left field. Does the run count? Even though the runner was over the plate in safety, and on his way to the bench, before the ball ever left the pitcher's hands, the run does not count. A run cannot score on a third out, in which such out is a fly ball that is caught. The inception of the play that retired the side was the start of the wind-up, so that the run- ner actually crossed the plate on a ball that was finally hit to the outfield for a third out. Pitcher must not wind-up without pitching the ball unless he steps off pitcher's plate. With a runner on first base the pitcher starts his customary wind-up. Instead of delivering the ball to the batsman he throws to first base and the runner is caught at second base. Does the pitcher's action come under the head of a balk? It does. The wind-up is one of the customary motions which he uses to deliver the ball. A customary pitching motion not followed by the actual delivery of the ball to the batsman is a balk, unless the pitcher voluntarily steps off the plate. 44 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY If pitcher feints to catch a runner, first base is the only base to which he must complete his throw. Is it necessary that the pitcher throw the ball to third base or to second base when he makes a feint to catch a runner napping at either of the two bases mentioned? It is not necessary that the pitcher complete the throw to second or third bases, when making a feint in either direction. All that is necessary is that he step toward the base at which he is consider- ing making a play. Pitcher is differently penalized for the same fault, all de- pending upon existing conditions. Ig it possible for a pitcher to suffer different penalties for the same Infraction of a pitching rule? That is, can a certain faulty delivery under certain conditions be called a ball and under other conditions be ruled a balk? Yes, it is possible for a certain infraction of the pitching rules to draw different penalties, according to the conditions that exist. For instance, if a pitcher deliver a ball to the batter without having one foot in contact with the rubber, such an infraction is simply called a ball, provided there are no runners on the bases. With a runner or runners on the bases, the delivering of the ball to the batsman without having one foot in contact with the rub- ber, is ruled a balk, and all runners are entitled to advance one base. Play is automatically suspended when balk is called. Runner on first base. Pitcker, after making several efforts t« catch him napping, pulls a move that the umpire rules a balk and so declares. Not heeding the ruling, the pitcher delivers the ball to the batsman, aad he hits for three bases, scoring the runner from first. What is the prop«r ruling? The moment the umpire declared a balk, play was suspended and no attention should be paid to any action on the part of the bats- man. The runner on first was entitled to second under the balk, but had no right to score. The batsman who tripled should have been made to bat again. Pitcher must step off rubber when trying to catch runner stealing home. If a runner attempts to steal home, while the pitcher is standing on the rubber without having made any motion to pitch, is it possible for th« pitcher to make a play on that runner at the plate? If the pitcher has not started his delivery, all he need to do is back off the rublter, and then he has the same right to make a play at home as at any other base. If he remains on the rubber and throws the ball to the plate, it is a legal delivery, at which the batsman has the right to swing if he desires. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 45 Penalty for a wild pitch. Base-runner on first; pitcher makes a wild pitch and ball strikes home plate, bounds on top of grandstand, strikes wire netting at back of stand, rolls around roof and then drops into playing field. I claim ball had left playing field and Is out of play and that base-runner is entitled to two bases under the rule. Is that correct? If there was any ground rule that gave the runner two bases be was entitled to them, as the ball is always out of play on a wild pitch. "Hidden ball" penalized. Has the pitcher the right to stand on the pitcher's plate, as if he meant to pitch, but without the ball in his possession? No. Section 7, Rule 34, states explicitly that if the pitcher takes a legal position on the rubber without the ball in his possession, regardless of whether he makes any motion to pitch or not, it is a balk. A balk advances each base-runner and, in addition to that, the ball is dead. Should a pitcher try the old "hidden ball" trick with the score even and a runner on third base his foolishness would lose the game for his side. Dead ball if ball hits bat accidentally. The pitcher threw a fast inshoot at which the batter dodged and in dodging he threw up his bat. The ball passed over the batter's head but struck his bat and fell foul. What is the ruling? Before the changes were made in the rule code this would have been a strike if the batter did not have two strikes when the ball hit his bat. Now it is a dead ball, providing the batter dodged the ball for safety. Pitcher may step off plate. May the pitcher step off the plate after being in position because per- spiration trickling into his eyes temporarily blinds him? He may. The umpire should call "Time." He may also step off the plate to dry his hands. This becomes necessary when a game is played in a heavy mist or a light shower. Balk if pitcher drops ball. With a runner on first base the pitcher in the act of delivering the ball to the batsman dropped it. What is the ruling? It is a balk under the new rules. It is also a balk if he drop the ball in the act of throwing it to first base. There is no balk penalty jf the ball is dropped in the act of delivering it to the batter when there is no one on bases, since the batter never advances to first base on a balk. 46 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Strike even if pitcher is off plate. The pitcher was not standing on his plate, but, as much for fun as anything else, delivered the ball to the bat and the batter swung at .it. The umpire called a strike. The batter said it could not be a strike unless the pitcher were on the plate. The umpire was right.' It is a strike. If the batter had batted the ball to the shortstop and the shortstop had thrown it to first base the batter would have been out if the ball had reached the base before him. Also, if he made a safe hit it would have counted as a safe hit. This was a prize "bone" play on part of pitcher. Batter hits ball to pitcher, runs towards first base and then stops. The pitcher, forgetting to throw to first base, steps on the rubber, facing the next batter. The runner, seeing this, continues to first base after he has stepped outside of the three-foot limit. Is he out if he reaches first base before the ball is thrown there? No. He is plainly within the rule and the pitcher is wholly at fault for not making the play correctly. Any motion to deceive a base runner is a balk. If the pitcher should make a motion with his knee, which is similar to that which he makes when he is about to pitch the ball, should the umpire call a balk against him? The umpire certainly should. Any motion which tends to deceive a base- runner should be punished at once by the umpire. Pitcher taken out with two balls on batter. In fourth inning pitcher becomes wild and after filling bases on passes has two balls on fourth batter, when manager orders him out; umpire refuses to let him leave position, telling manager he must dispose of man at bat before he can be relieved. Umpire was wrong. Rule says pitcher must dispose of his first batter upon going into game and this pitcher had disposed of three already in this inning. Where a pitcher makes a motion to throw to second base. Can the pitcher turn toward second and make a motion to throw without a balk being charged against him. Yes. Only the base-runners can advance on a balk. Does the batter go to first when the umpire declares a balk? No. Only the base-runners can advance on a balk. The pitcher performed his part and should get credit. WTien batsman reaches first base after catcher drops the third strike is the pitcher credited with a strike out in his record, although the catcher is charged with an error? The pitcher is credited with a strike-out. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 47 The most deliberate kind of a balk. Runners on second and third; pitcher makes motion to throw to batter, al s to throw to third, but does not throw to either; umpire calls runner in from third and scores him. Was he right? It was a balk and runner scores from third and runner on second advances to third. In this case it was not a balk, but a catcher can make one under certain circumstances. Runner on third base, pitcher delivers ball to the batsman as the runner starts to steal home. The catcher steps outside his box and receives the ball. The batsman makes no attempt to strike at the ball but blocks the catcher as the latter tries to touch the runner. The team at bat claims that the runner scores because the catcher balked. What should the decision be? If the batsman clearly interfered with the catcher the runner is out under Rule 56, Section 15, which reads: "The base-runner is out if with one or no one out and a base-runner on third base, the batsman inter- feres with a play being made at home plate." It has erroneously been asserted that the catcher cannot make a balk. He can assist a balk, but not on this play. Rule 34, Section 9, reads: "Delivery of the ball to the bat when the catcher is standing outside the lines of the catcher's posi- tion as defined in Rule 3." This rule is meant to apply to an instance where the catcher would stand outside of his position in order that a bats- man might purposely be given first base on four called balls. Pitcher finishing the game figures as the winner— or loser— as the case may be. If a pitcher is taken out of the game with the score a tie and another pitcher finishes the game which is won by his team, does he get credit for the victory? He does, even if tke game lasts but an inning longer. This point has been incorrectly ruled upon, on the theory that because a pitcher is in the game nine innings he should receive credit for the game because he goes out when it is a tie. However, the pitcher who is compelled to take his place is as likely to lose the game in one inning, perhaps, as he is to win it, so that all things being equal he must receive credit for a victory as he would be penalized for a defeat. Some pitchers get away with what clearly resembles a balk. Is a Ditcher compelled to stand perfectly still while in position to pitch or else be charged with a balk? If not, what movements can he make? The only restriction is that he shall not make any motions that are part of his delivery. It. depends largely upon the peculiarities of each pitcher in his delivery. No umpire can be too familiar with the rules and all umpires will find it worth while to read them over every now and then, to be assured that the mind is fully in touch with all points. The Field Umpire has more authority now than he had when the position was created. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 49 Problems in Umpiring Umpire's duty in case of injury. With the score a tie in the last half of the ninth, and two out, the batsman hits a long line drive to right center. Both the right and cen- ter fielders make a try for the hit, and either might have made the catch, had it not been for the interference of the other. The right fielder got his hands on the ball, but the moment it struck his hands the center fielder collided with him and both pla.vers dropped to the ground uncon- scious. The ball continued on its way towards the fence. At the moment the ball struck the fielder's hands, the batsman was midway between flret and second. It was apparent both players were badly hurt. The crowd, as well as the players in the field, insisted that time be called. The left fielder recovered the ball and relayed it to the plate, but the batter made the circuit easily. Was it proper to allow the run? It did seem wrong to allow play to continue, but the umpire under the rules could not do otherwise. Play can only be sus- pended when all chance for action ceases. If the umpires called time every time a player was injured, it would only be a short while when all would be feigning injury when it would be to their advantage. Failure to announce substitutes does not affect plays. If the umpire fails to announce a substitute because the captain of the team on wliich the substitution took place forgot to tell him, are tlie plays in which that player engaged illegal? No. The rules now provide distinctly that whether the substi- tuted player is a batter, fielder, catcher, or pitcher, each play in which be toolc part is legal, even if the umpire did fail to make an announcement. The umpire and a thrown ball. When the umpire is hit by a thrown ball does it make any difference whether he is on fair or foul territory? Is there any way in which a thrown ball can be ruled dead and no bases advanced by contact of the ball with the umpire? ? A thrown ball is always in play whether it strikes the umpire on fair or foul territory. Base-runner, or runners, shall be entitled to all the bases they can make. When the umpire is stationed back of the bat, the ball becomes dead and runners return to their original bases, if the person or clothing of the umpire interfere with the catcher in an attempt to throw. Dead ball not fourth ball if bat is accidentally hit. The ball accidentally hit the bat of the player at bat. It should have been the fourth ball in the sequence of delivery. What was the right decision? The umpire should have called it a dead ball. So far as strikes and balls were concerned it was nothing. It is presumed that the ball was a wild pitch. If not, and the ball had rolled fair, it might have been a hit. 50 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Protector did not help the catcher. With two strikes on batter, pitcher delivers ball, which batter foula. It strikes the catcher squarely on the protector and bounds into the air. The catcher managed to regain possession of the ball before it touched the ground. The umpire ruled the batter out. The manager of the team at bat protested against the decision, claiming the catcher had been aided in making the catch by the protector. Since the ball struck the catcher's protector squarely, and then bounded directly ol¥ same into the air and was recovered by the catcher before touching the ground, the umpire ruled cor- rectly. If the ball had caught in the protector, and held mo- mentarily, it would have been different, as in such a case the pro- tector would have aided in making the catch and the batter would not have been out. In all the cases the rebound must be direct. Ground rules should always be definite. An overflow crowd makes a ground rule necessary. A badly thrown bali is apt to go into the crowd. It is agreed that on such throws runners shall be entitled to one base aside from the one to which they are going. There is a runner on first, the pitcher catches him napping off of first base but throws the ball into the crowd. The team in the field contends that the runner was going back to first to avoid being caught, and, as he was going back to first, he Avas only entitled to one base, which would send him to second. The team at bat contended the moment the runner was caught he started for second and was entitled to go to third. Is this a good rule? The base to which you are going and one additional base on an overthrow is always a bad rule. It always causes a dispute as to which way the runner was actually headed. A much better rule is simply two additional bases from the one occupied at the start of the play. When umpire calls time players colliding. In a collision on the base lines the ball was diverted to one side and two runners scored from second and third. The side in the field said the umpire should have called "Time" and not permitted more than one to score. Is there a rule to govern this? Yes. Rule 74. section 2, says : "In case of accident to a player or players in attempting to make a play on either a batted or thrown ball, 'Time' shall not be called until, in the judgment of the umpire, no further play is possible." If two runners had an opportunity to score, he could not rule against them. When fair ball hits umpire on foul ground. A hit on fair ground after it passed third base rolled foul and struck an umpire who was watcliing u play. The side in the field insisted the ball was dead and base-runners must hold their bases. Were they right? No. In Rule 54, section 1, it explicitly states that if the ball fairly hit strike the \nin>ir<- on foul ground, the ball shall be con- sidered in i)la\ SPALDING'S A THLE TIC LIBRAE Y S ^ Umpire to determine batted ball hitting runner. The ball, after being hit by the batter, passed the shortstop and hit the runner back of the shortstop. The umpire called the runner out. although It looked as if the shortstop should have handled the ball Was the decision right? This is a matter of judgment on the part of the umpire. If he were satisfied that the. shortstop should have handled the ball he should not have called the runner out. On the other hand, if satisfied that the hit might have been safe, so far as fielding was concerned, the runner should have been called out. Umpire must rule on "freak" delivery without appeal. Must the umpire enforce the new rules which have been adopted to eliminate the "freak" pitching? I mean, is it necessary that he shall enforce the rule without an appeal from the side at bat? The umpire is expected to enforce the rule without appeal and, more than that, if there are two umpires, the Field Umpire has the same jurisdiction over the "freak" deliveries as the Umpire-in- Chief. It will keep both of them busy, but ultimately it is safe to say that "freak" deliveries will be dropped from the game. The pitchers will learn to depend upon their personal skill as opposed to "freak" pitching. The umpire is not to act as a coacher. Is the Field Umpire permitted to tell base-runners when and when not to run? He is not. The Field Umpire is a judge of play and not a coach of the players. Umpire may make ground rule when the captains of the teams do not agree on one. There is an overflow crowd which fringes the playing field. The captain of the home team proposes a ground rule to the umpire that all balls hit into the crowd shall be good for three bases. Such a rule is not accept- able to the visiting captain, who believes such, a hit does not merit more than two bases. The two captains are deadlocked. What should the umpire do in such a case? The rules give the umpire the right to make a special rule in case the captains cannot agree, and his decision shall be final. Umpire renders a decision on a balk without appeal being made. Does the team at bat have to make an appeal to the umpire when it is believed that the pitcher has committed a balk? It is not necessary for an appeal on a balk. The umpire, if he believes a balk has been committed, always immediately calls It. The fact that the team at bat always raises a protest, if they be- lieve a pitcher has made a balk, has caused many people to be- lieve that an appeal must be made for a balk ruling. 52 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY When the Umpire-in- Chief was justified in asking the Field Umpire for information. With a base-runner on second base the batsman tapped the ball in front of the plate on fair ground. He started to run to first base and ran into the ball. I did not see it. Players of the fielding side raised the question as to whether the batsman was out. I asked the Field Umpire for infor- mation and after he had related the circumstances I declared the batter out and sent the runner back from third base to second base. Did 1 do right? Yes. The rules Rave you permission to ask for information and the rules also make it imperative that any runner who may have advanced under such conditions be sent back to the base which he had left. When players are ordered from the field by the umpire and refuse to depart. The Field Umpire in a game in which a local champiODShlp was at stake ordered two players to leave the field. They refused to do so and defied him to put them off. They continued to play and the umpire said nothing further to them. What should he have done? The rules give the Field Umpire right to remove players from the field, but do not permit him to forfeit a game. When the play- ers who had been notified to leave the playing field refused to depart the Field Umpire should have notified the Umpire-in-Chief. The latter had it within his power to forfeit the game because of diso bedience on the part of the players in question. If there had been a mistaken ruling on the part of the Field Umpire the Umpire-in- Chief could have consulted with his assistant and decided according to the outcome of the consultation. The Umpire-in-Chief would sustain the Field Umpire to preserve discipline, and no matter what the outcome of a consultation might be the players who were ordered from the field should have departed immediately, to conform to the rules for sportsmanlike Base Ball. If they believed that a rule had been misinterpreted they could appeal to their captain for Justice. Umpire is asked to make a decision by the team in the field on three different plays. On what play or plays is it necessary for the team in the field to make an appeal to the umpire for a decision? In a batting-out-of-order play it is necessary that the team in the field make an appeal that the proper batsman be declared out, before a ball is pitched to the next batter. In all plays where a base-runner misses a base, it is necessary that a player with the bull in his possession touch the base which he misses or the player and ask for a ruling. Also when a base-runner leaves a base before the ball is caught. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY S3 Ball is in play even when it hits an umpire. While runner is trying to steal second the catcher throws the ball and hits the umpire. The latter sends the runner back to first. Was he right V No. The ball is in play. Umpire may not enforce penalty if thrown glove does not hit ball. Suppose an infielder throws his glove at the ball, but does not hit it. Is the penalty still to be enforced'/ No. If the ball has not been interfered with, there is no penalty. In regard to the method to be employed by the umpire to suspend play. Is it possible for the umpire to suspend play unless he actually calls out the word "Time"? He should say "Time," if he can articulate. However, if he should put up his arm during an uproar, or if in some other way that is plainly manifest, he should make it evident that play was to cease,, the intent of the rule would have been observed. Fre- quently, not half of the players on a ball field hear an umpire when he^calls "Time," but take it for granted by indications that "Time" has been called. When umpire working back of catcher interferes with catcher, play is automatically suspended. Runner on first attempts a steal of second. The umpire working back of the plate interferes with the catcher in making the throw, the ball going to right field, runner reaching third base. What is th3 proper ruling? On all such plays where the umpire interferes with the catcher, play is immediately suspended and no bases run. The runner who advanced to third on the bad throw should be sent back to first. How umpire should handle play when runner proceeds from first base to third on single. With a runner on first base, the batsman singles to right field, the run- ner on first going to third on the play. The fielder makes a throw to that base in an effort to cut him down. What umpire should make a ruling on such a play at third? The plate umpire should go down to third the moment he sees the batsman has hit safely. He has plenty of time to be in a per- fect position to judge such a play. The field umpire must watch the batsman to see that he touches first base, also to be in a posi- tion to get. a play at second base, in case the batsman decides to go down on the throw-in. Very often the throw is cut ofif and a play made on the batsman at second. By such a scheme of work- ing, the two umpires are in a perfect position to handle any of the plays that can possibly arise. 54 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Catcher may not interfere on "squeeze" play. With .1 runiKT on tliird the batter tried the "squeeze" play to get him home. The catcher ran in front of the batter and caught the ball, touch- ing the runner out. The umpire allowed it. "Was he right? There was some question in regard to this play up to 1920, but there should be none in the future. Rule 56, section 21, distinctly provides that if the catcher leaves his position to run in front of the batter and prevent a "squeeze" play, the runner shall be per- mitted to score and the batter be permitted to go to first base. If the catcher pushes the batter out of the way or tips his bat, the same penalty must be enforced. As the "squeeze" play, which is a bunt-and-run play, nothing else, usually is tried in an attempt to tie the score or win a game, the catcher will have to be very careful that he does not interfere with the intent of the batter. Umpire must reverse his decision if the wind blows a seem- ing infield fly hit into foul territory. Runners on first and second, one man out, batter hits up fly ball in the general direction of the pitcher's box. The third baseman elects to make the play. The umpire declares the hit an intield fly, which, of course, is supposed to retire the batsman. A high wind is blowing, which causes the ball to veer in the direction of the foul line. The third baseman was unable to make the catch, but the wind has so carried the ball out of its course that when it falls safely to the ground it is in foul territory. The team in the field contends that since the umpire once ruled the hit an infield fly, the batsman is out. What is the proper ruling? The batsman is out when the umpire declares an infield fly, but the high wind rather tangled up the judgment of the umpire. Since it is impossible to have an infield fly on a foul ball, there is nothing for the umpire to do except reverse his original ruling, and make the batter hit over. When an umpire announces "infield fly/' his ruling stands whether an infielder or an outfielder tries for the ball. The bases are filled, one man out, when the batter hits a high fly to deep short. The umpire believes that the ball can be easily handled by an infielder and calls infield fly. The left fielder, who was playing in close, comes running in for the bail, despite the shouts of the shortstop that he would make the play. The shortstop, fearing a collision, steps out of the way, and permits the fielder to make the play. All runners hold their bases. The left fielder not only muffed the ball, but ga/e it a kick as it hit the ground. All three runners scored, and the batsmnn reached second base. The team at bat claims the batsman is entitled to hold second, because the handling of the ball by an outfielder made void the ruling of infield fly on the part of the umpire. The batsman was out, despite the fact that the outfielder in-. sist«'d on butting in and making the play. If the umpire believes an infielder can make a play on the ball, and so rules to protect, the base-runner, the batsman is out no matter who handles the ball. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 55 Umpire rendered only decision possible. Batsman hits ball to shortstop, who makes a bad throw to first. The first baseman in an effort to make the catch went far up the line, colli- ding with the base-runner. So great was the force of the collision that runner and fielder were rendered unconscious. The runner was thrown beyond and over first base, but, of course, failed to touch it. The ball rolled into the infield and was recovered by the pitcher, who touched first base. The crowd yelled for the umpire to call time, the moment the players collided? What ruling should have been made on the play? There is nothing in the rules that gives the umpire the right to call time before the completion of a play, consequently when the pitcher recov- ered the ball and touched first base, there was nothing for the umpy-e to do other than to declare the batter out. It does seem almost inhuman to let play go on while a player is helpless on the ground. Yet, if time was called for an accident, regardless of the completion of a play, it would be greatly to the benefit of a team for players to feign injury any time it would work to their advantage. Umpire "beaned," but ball was in play. Score a tie in the ninth and two out, when batter hits to third baseman, who makes perfect throw to first that would have retired batter, but umpire gets in way of throw and is hit on the head; runner on third goes home and umpire rules run counts, winning the game. Was umpire correct? Yes, under the rules; if a thrown or pitched ball hits the umpire, it is in play. This is a change from the previous rule and differs from the rule regarding a batted ball hitting the umpire. Umpire hit before or after another player had touched ball. When is a ball that is fouled in play again? Does it go into play as soon as the batter gets in his" box and the pitcher is in position or does the runner have to retouch the base he left before it is in play? Batter hits throtigh pitcher and the ball hits the umpire; pitcher recovers ball and throws batter out at first; was not the batter entitled to first base? Under the rules regarding the foul ball not caught, play is not resumed until the umpire has ordered it and the umpire's duty is to see that all players are back in position, the runner on the base he had left and the pitcher in position with the ball. In brief, play is not resumed until the umpire orders it. If ball did not touch pitcher before hitting umpire, then batter is entitled to base; if it first touches pitcher or was touched by him, then ball is in play and batter can be thrown out. A player may "revolve'* as long as he has not been out of that particular game. Can a player pitch four innings, play right field two innings and then return to the box and pitch to the finish of the game? Certainly. So long as the player does not leave the team and the field he may play a different position every inning, if there is occasion for him to do so. _._ 56 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY \ When thrown ball hits coacher. In throwing to third base the ball got away from the baseman and hit the coacher. The latter did not purposely get in the way of the ball, but the side in the field claimed that it was dead because it had hit him. Was the claim right? If the coacher did not interfere purposely, the ball was not dead but in play. If the umpire thought the coacher purposely inter- fered, he should send the runners back to their bases and put the coacher on the players' bench. Catcher cannot help pitcher to give intentional base. Do the new rules say that the pitcher may not give an intentional base on balls? No. They do provide that the catcher may not leave his posi- tion in order to assist the pitcher to give an intentional base on balls. If the catcher remain in his position and the pitcher can devise some method by which to get a batter to first base without permitting him to hit the ball, he has that privilege. However, he can no longer have the catcher as an ally for the latter is not permitted to stand far to one side of home plate. When umpire removes a player for cause from the game play is automatically suspended. Umpire puts third baseman out of the game for kicking. The pitcher Is not aware of it and delivers the ball to the batsman, who hits safely, •coring two runs. What is the proper decision? Umpires always rule that the moment a player is put out of the game, play is automatically suspended, hence no further action is possible. Usually they call time, but that really is not regarded as necessary, since the suspension of play is automatic. Incidentally, the ejection of a player removes a man from the line-up, making eight instead of nine players on a team, and it is impossible to play with such a condition existing. The runners should be sent back to their original bases, and the batter made to hit over again. Position of fielder does not make hit fair or foul. A hiill fairly hit in tlie diroction cf first base passes about a foot inside, liiit cnrvt'd until it was a foot outside after passing first base. The riglit (ieldor in trying to field tlie ball touched same witli liis gloved hand, but did not hold it. Tlie ball fell on foul territory and tlie umpire declared it a fair ball, claiming tliat as tlie fielder was on fair ground at the time, that the fact of liim touching the ball made it a fair ball irre- spective of where it fell. The hit was a "foul ball," if the outfielder touched it first in foul territory, regardless of the fact that his body Avas in fair territory. The position of the fielder had nothing whatever to do with this case. SPALDING'S A THLE TIC LIBRAE Y 57 An important decision. ChTlf ii?the&nn"nL*i]f American League sustained a decision of Umpire 1 • u J *^ Boston-Cleveland game of June 3, 1916, which it is said estab. ruSner^ ^hTd'.^Lo^n'" ''ITuI? -hich' an umpire inTerferes with '1 'base! runner. Ihe decision of Chill, against which Boston protested was that the runner return to his base. So far as known no similaV case has occurred in major league base ball and is not covered by the rSles Turner after making a hit. rounded first base and collided with Chill wice He then stopped and walked to second base, where he was touched by the BostoS TWr/n-n"^"- He was. first called out. but, after a con'^erence whh r^?S?n to first ' ^^' ''^'''''^ ^"^ '^"'■""'' ^^« allowed to This was a tie game. .,nV^t ^^** ^^^^ °^ *^® "'"*'* inning, after two men were out, the umoire Jj^^^it^^""^ °" ^f°r* °f darkness. Before the ninth inning wis tW h;h n?."^o ^^'"t J^^ding. 8 to 3 During their first half of the ninth they did not score, but during the Blues' half, or until two men were called the /amT^Th^. 'm"'' 'T?^ the game. At this moment thL "umpire u.fiJf J,? ' ■ il^ ?'"^^ claimed that as there were two-thirds of the last half of the ninth played before game was called score remains a tie The game in question ended a tie (see Rule 24). Returning to base under ground rules agreement. In the third inning with one out, A walked and, on the next pitch A started for second (with the intention of stealing). B hit this pitch for a clean, single to right, on which A kept going !o third, and also scored! gomg to second on the throw-in. Owing to the ground rule, which was One base on anything hit into right; you had to make it" (no stipu- lation about over-running and being put out) A was sent back to third and on his way back was touched out, umpire ruling play O. K., also putting B back on first. Was the umpire correct in his decision? Clearly a wrong and unjust decision. It frequently occurs that players go beyond the bases to which they are entitled under a ground rule agree- ment. In such instances play is automatically suspended and the umpire directs such a player or players to return to the base or bases to which they are entitled under the ground rule agreement, and in returning they run no risk or liability of being put out. Umpires have been known to ask scorer for the count. Are the official balls and strikes, as called by the umpire, kept bv the official scorer? ^ "y No; unless be likes to do it for amusement. It is up to the captain of the opposing team to decide. Is it possible for a player to return to the game after another player has run for him? Yes, if it has been agreed upon by both captains. If the opposing cap- tain will not permit a player to return to the game after a player has run for him, it is impossible for the player again to resume his place on the field. Do not forget that when a catcher drops the third strike it is an error. When the first baseman fails to touch first because his feet and mind do not work in harmony as a runner comes down from home, and if he has had ample time to touch the base to put the man out, it is an error. The rules say so now. The "error" was always there, but it was not an easy matter to make some per- sons grasp the fact. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY S9 Problems in Scoring Defining the credit of the pitcher for a strike-out, a point which embarrasses many yoimg scorers. If the catcher drops the third strike and the base-runner reaches first base in safety, is the pitcher credited with a strike-out? If the catcher drops a third strike and the runner is put out at first, does the Ditcher receive credit for a strike-out? In both instances credit the pitcher with a strike-out in the summary of the score. How to score the play when the batter steps outside of the batsman's lines. The batter, in taking a running start for the ball, hits it to fair terri- tory and beats the throw to first base but is called out by the umpire for stepping out of his position. What is the correct manner in which to score the play and to whom should credit for the put-out be given? Charge the batter with a time at bat, but do not credit him with a base hit. This is in accordance with Rule 85, section 6, which states that the catcher is given credit for the put-out when the ball is Illegally batted. When a palpable muff is made on a foul fly it is scored an error always. First baseman drops a foul fly. On the next pitched ball the batter is retired on strikes. One authority says the first baseman should not be given an error because the batter never reached first. Is that right? No. A palpable mufiE is scored an error, no matter what happens to the batter later. Base-runner not to be credited with stolen base if he over- slides the base and is touched out. Runner steals second but overslides and is touched out. Does he get credit for a stolen base? No. Read Section 9, Rule 85. Batsman receives credit for a sacrifice on fly hit only when a run scores. On a fly out to right field, runner goes from second to third; does batter get credit for a sacrifice fly? He does not. A sacrifice fly can be credited only when a run scores from third base. If a runner were on second base, and advanced from second to third base on a fly hit and scored from third base on an error, the batsman who had been caught out on the fly would not be credited with a sacrifice fly hit. 6o SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Any misplay that prolongs the life of a base-runner is scored as an error. Runner on first is caught off base and is run back and forth; then first baseman drops ball and runner is safe back on first, is first baseman charged with error? Yes. Runner on first steals second and umpire calls him out. Umpire finds shortstop dropped the ball and calls runner safe. Is shortstop given error? Yes. Two continuous plays are always a double play. Rnnner on first and batter hits to pitcher, who throws to first, retir- lag batter; runner from first rounds second and tries for third, bat first baseman makes throw that puts him out before he reaches base. I con- tend it is scored double play, but others say it is no double play because runner had reached second safe and then another play starts. Which is right? It is a double play. Error for catcher on dropped third strike. The catcher dropped the third strike, allowing the runner to reach first base. How should this be scored? Score it as an error. It's just the same as a fumble on the* part of an infielder or a muffed fly. Cannot score a base hit on a force play. Batsman hits the ball to the outfield. It is hit far enough and appar- ently safely enough for a base-hit. There is a runner on first base, but he is so slow in running to second that he is thrown out. The batsman is easily safe on first. A contends that it is a base-hit and B contends that ic is not. Who is right? , B is right. No base-hit can be scored on a force play. Of course, it seems unjust to A, but even in the major leagues there have been instances when runners "loafed" between bases until the batsman lost a base-hit. No player should be given an error for trying. An outfielder, after a long run, touches the ball with the palm of his hand, but is unable to hold it. Please decide whether this is an error. Not as the writer states the case. Earnest eflfort on the part of a fielder to attempt to field a fly or ground hit never should be scored as an error. In former days there was a general impression that if a player only touched the ball on a fielding play an error should be scored against him. Harsh treatment of that character would discourage every ambitious ball player. SPJLDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 6t Home run not scored if preceding runner is third out. A runuer is on first base and the batter raps the ball over the fence, • The runner on first cuts second on his way to the plate and is declared out. He is the third hand out. Is the batter given a home run for his liit over the fence? No. The game was completed when the third hand was put out. The batter could not get to second base, because the runner was theoretically out at second base before the batter could touch it, and the runner positively out when it was decided that he did not touch the base. Error for first baseman failing to touch first. The first baseman had the ball in time to put out the runner, but he failed to touch first base. How should that have been scored? Give the first baseman an error. When bases are not to be credited as stolen. With the score 10 to 2 in the first half of the ninth inning, and two hands out, the side at bat got a man to first base. He stole second and third, no effort being made to prevent him. The next batter made a hit. He also stole second and third, no effort being made to prevent him. That resulted in a total of four stolen bases. Should they be credited? No longer. They were credited in the past and it was an unfair method. In case of a keen race between players for the base- stealing championship of the year, one or two bases given any one of three or four men might decide an unearned title in favor of the recipient of the gifts. When catcher interferes with the batsman, the latter goes to first base, but no runner may advance unless forced to do so. Runner on third and two out; baiter in swinging at ball strikes catrber'n Diltt with his bat. Umpire allows him first base and lets runner »core on ground of Interference. Was decision correct? The run shonld not have been allowed to score. Plainly an error, and a stupid one. With two batters out a grounder is batted to the shortstop. There are runners on second and third bases. The shortstop, forgetting that there is not a runner on first base, picks the ball up and throws it to the home plate. The runner who was going in from third gets back to third safely. The batter also reaches first in safety. Is this what is called a fielder's choice ? "Fielder's choice" has to stand for a great deal, but it doesn't have to stand for that. With two out the shortstop had but one play to make— throw to first base. When he failed to do so he was to be charged with an error, exactly as he would have been if he ha* thrown the ball over the grand stand. The side in the field must appeal for a dec^-'ion — When runner fails to touch a base; — When the runner is said to have left a base before a fly ball is caught; and When the runner is alleged to have turned toward second base after passing first. The lunpire never volunteers a decision on these plays. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY ^3 Miscellaneous Problems Basemen are entitled to stand on their bases when runners are advancing. The batsman raps a long drive to the outfield. The ball is safe and it seems as if the batsman should make a home run. When the ball is batted all of the basemen step on their bases and the runner is compelled to go around them. Do the rules permit that? They do. If the basemen do not interfere with the runners they have a perfect right to stand on the bases in position to catch any throw which may be made to them, even though a runner is circling the bases. No specific penalty for a plugged bat. What is the exact rule penalty if the batsman uses a plugged bat? The rules do not specify any exact penalty for using a plugged bat. If the umpire were satisfied that the bat which was used vio- lated the rules of the game he could insist upon its removal from the playing field and upon refusal to remove it might forfeit the game under Rule 26. section 5. The fact that a batsman bats out of turn must be discov- ered during the game. After a championship game was completed it was discovered that a bats- man of one of the teams had not batted in turn. That he did not bat in turn would not have affected the outcome of the game? Should the game have been declared no game? The score and the outcome of the game must remain as the contest finished. If the team in the field does not discover that the wrong batsman is at bat, as is defined by the rules, the game stands as played. Players of the team at bat should not touch the ball even when it appears not to be in play. There is a runner on third base. The batsman hits the ball down the tl'ird-base line. The runner on third leaves the base and kicks the ball when it is about three inches out on foul ground. Is he out for so doing? While it is true that the ball to all intents was not in play, the runner took an unnecessary risk. It is better for the players of the team at bat not to touch the ball at any time. Suppose the umpire, not being in the best of position to watch the ball, took the ground that it had not stopped rolling and might have rolled fair? As a result of this he might have called the runner out for obstructing an infi elder. 64 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY A player may play in more than one position if he does not leave the game. Suppose the pitcher is batted hard and the shortstop goes in to pitch. When this takes place the pitcher goes to the shortstop's position or per- haps the pitcher goes to right field and the right fielder to the shortstop's position. Is it legal? A player may play in as many positions as his captain permits on the fielding side of a team if he does not leave the game. He can occupy the nine different positions if he plays continuously. Third put-out ends inning; batsman had term at bat. The rule reads a base on balls is not a "time at bat." Suppose a player receives a base on balls or is hit by a pitched ball and there is a runner on the bases who is put out while the player receiving the base on balls is jogging to first base; does the player who received a base on balls go to bat first in the next inning? He did not have a "time at bat." It is true that he did not have a technical "time at bat," so far as the scoring definition is concerned, but he did have a term at bat, and he does not go to bat first in the following inning. The batter who succeeds him in the batting order is the first batter in the next inning. Different degrees of similar penalty when thrown glove strikes a batted or thrown ball. What is the difference between a batted ball and a thrown ball being hit by a glove detached from the person of a fielder? When a fielder hits a thrown ball with his glove, all runners are entitled to advance two bases. When the glove comes into contact with a batted ball, all runners are entitled to three bases. When clothing, mask or protector assist catcher in making a play all conditions are changed. There are two strikes on the batter. The batter swings at the next delivery and misses, fouling the ball slightly. It strikes the catcher's protector and bounds off, the catcher recovering the ball before it touches the ground. Is the batsman out? The batsman is out in all such cases, provided the ball bounds direct off the protector. If on such a play, the ball was momenta- rily held, say between the mask and protector, and then rolled out, being recovered by the catcher before the ball touched the ground, the batter would not be out. Game won in last half of fifth inning. The score of a game in which we were playing was 3 to 2, in favor of the team second at bat in the last half of the fifth inning, with only one out, when rain fell and prevented the continuance of the game. Did the team second at bat win? It did. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 65 What happened when a ball out of play was returned to the field. With a base-runner on third, the batsman hit a foul. The ball went outside the ground. The umpire threw the alternate ball to the pitcher and called "Play." As the runner started to try to steal home, some one returned the first ball to the diamond. It dropped on the infield and as it bounded struck the pitcher on the nose. The latter became confused and the runner who had been on third scored with ease. What should the umpire have done? As a ball not in play had been thrown back to the field, it was interfering with the work of the pitcher. Section 2 of Rule 74 covers the case. This section reads : "In case of an accident which incapacitates a player from service on the field the umpire must suspend play." This would cut off the run, as the runner from third base would have been running on a dead ball. When a ball hits stand not the regulation distance. Grandstand is less than ninety feet from the home plate, as prescribed by the rules. It is agreed that on a wild pitch the runner shall be en- titled to one base. If the ball comes into contact with the stand. Such a thing happens, but the runner on first at the time tries to go to third on a wild pitch that strikes the stand. The catcher recovers the ball and throws the runner out at third. What is the decision? The moment the ball strikes the stand, which is less than ninety feet from the plate, it becomes dead. The runner who tried to go from first to third on the play, should not be declared out, but simply sent to second. Advancing a base on a wild pitch with an overthrow ground rule. A city league adopted a rule by which the base-runner was to be allowed to take one base on an overthrow at first base, third or home. A runner started from second to steal third and the pitcher also made a wild pitch at the same time. The umpire would not permit the runner to score from second, holding him at third. Was he right? Advancing a base on a wild throw may mean that the runner is awarded a base if he has made a start for it and in addition is given another base, which is the penalty of the wild throw. The same penalty could be enforceable so far as a wild pitch is con- cerned, but one base is technically right. First game of double-header regular game. Our amateur league occasionally plays a double-header due to Postpone- ment of some othir game. We would like to know if there is an official Sg as to which of the games of the double-header is the game regularly scheduled for that afternoon. The game first played has been declared to be the regulariy schedtiled game in the professional leagues and the same rule should apply in amateur games, to bring about uniformity. ^6 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Player benched cannot again enter game. If a player was in the game and was taken out and put on the bench, could he run as a substitute runner? Man taken out of game could not enter game again. See Rule 28, Sec- tion 2. Passed ball agreement when there is not a backstop. In a game where there was na backstop it was agreed that only one base should be allowed on a passed ball. With A on third and B on second, catcher caught B oH his base; at same time A started for home plate and B started for third ; wild throw to home and both men scored. B had not touched third base at the time the ball was thrown to home. Is B entitled to score on this play? Supposing that second baseman threw wild to home plate, B is entitled to score, as a wild throw is not a passed ball (see Rule 85, Section 10); if one base only was agreed on as the limit on wild throv.'s then B was not entitled to score. An intelligent fielder would not make an attempt to catch a foul fly if there was a chance of the base-runner scoring. Can a base-runner advance on a foul fly caught by an outfielder? Yes, but an intelligent fielder would not make an attempt to catch a foul fly if there was a chance of the base-runner scoring. See diagram of field in Spalding Base Ball Guide. A statement is made that the distance from the pitcher's box to home plate is 60 feet 3 inches. The other side of the argument says it is 60 feet 5 inches. Which is right? Neither! it is 60 feet 6 inches. Hitting a batted ball with the glove. Batter hits a long drive on a line to left center. Both the left and center fielder started in pursuit of the ball. Neither got within ten feet of the ball as it whizzed by them. The left fielder threw his glove at the ball. It was apparent that the glove had come in contact with the ball. The center fielder recovered the ball, which rolled to the fence. Although he made a fast play on it and a speedy throw to the plate the batsman easily made the circuit on the drive. The team in the field contended that the batsman was only entitled to three bases. What would have been the proper ruling? Section 6 of Rule 54 does say that the runner shall be entitled to three bases if the fielder stops a batted ball with his glove while detached from his person. It does not, however, say that the base-runner is entitled to more if he can make it. Several years ago I had an outfielder throw his glove at the ball as it was about to pass over the fence. The glove hit the ball, but the ball cleared the fence. I allowed a home run, although the team in the field contended that the batter was entitled to three bases. I have brought the above query up for discussion and the leading umpires are a unit in the belief a home run should be allowed. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 67 When bases are not to be credited as stolen. With the score 10 to 2 in the first half of the ninth inning, and two hands out, the side at bat got a man to first base. He stole second and third, no effort being made to prevent him. The next batter made a hit. He also stole second and third, no effort being made to prevent him. That resulted in a total of four stolen bases. Should they be credited? No longer. They were credited in the past and it was an unfair method. In case of a keen race between players for the base- stealing- championship of the year, one or two bases thus given any one of three or four men might decide an unearned title in favor of the recipient of the gifts. Legal game if score equal in last half of fifth inning. Is a tie game in the last half of the fifth inning legal if the side second at bat is unable to complete its half of the fifth inning because of storm or for other good reason? Your question has been definitely settled by the new rules, which provide that if the side last at bat in the fifth inning has equaled' the score which has been made by the team first at bat, the game is a legal drawn game if it is impossible to proceed further. Game must be forfeited when there are less than nine players on the field. Eight players take the field for their half of an inning. The ball Is batted and caught. At that moment the captain of the team at bat notes that but eight men are in the field. What should the umpire do upon appeal? The umpire has but one thing to do. Section 7 of Rule 26 says the umpire must forfeit a game if for any cause there be less than nine players on either team. Score a run after two hands are out if the third out is not made until after the runner has crossed home plate. In the first half of the eleventh inning, with the score a tie and two hands out, the batsman hits safely to left field. The runner scores, but the batter is thrown out trying to make third base after the run is over . the plate. Does the run count? It is a legal run. If the third hand had been put out before the batsman had reached first base, or the third hand had been put out on a force play, the run would not have counted. In the case cited, the batsman did reach first base in safety and continued to run the bases while the base-runner, who scored, crossed home plate in safety before the batsman, who had become a base-runner, was put out. But don't score a safe hit, too, for the batter. If a fielder fumbles a sure sacrifice hit and the batter reaches first base. l8 he still credited with a sacrifice? Yes. If the attempt to sacrifice Is palpable, the batter must not be penalized for the mistake of a fielder. 68 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Index to ''Knotty Problems" BATTIN Page . 10 Balk, runner on third scares... play ceases when called 12 batter never goes to first 18 each base-runner may advance... 21 pitcher's delay may cause one.... 12 Ball, bounds foul from pitcher's plate 5 final resting place decides fairness 7 being hit by one slow pitched.... 7 foul cannot be called infield fly... 14 in play although it may hit the umpire 14 fair or foul determined by loca- tion of ball not of fielder IS why foul when it hits batsman in box fair if it rolls between first 15 on fair territory md home 17 position of fielder nothing to do with decision on fair or foul... 20 pitched, strikes batter, dead ball. 23 bunt, fair or foul, where ball rests before reaching first or third base 24 walking into pitched ball and penalty 26 in hands of first baseman, though touching ground, runner out... 31 Base-runner, when failure to touch base may kill run 5 hit by an infield fly 6 may advance on fly that is juggled 7 entitled to score if catcher tries to block him without ball in hand. 8 fails to touch first, run cannot score 9 may not score if third hand is out before reaching first 9 may score when bases are filled and batter gets base on balls... 9 not always forced if catcher drops third strike 10 not forced at second out in advance batter is 10 G. Page ase-runner not forced at second when catcher drops third strike, runners on first and second, unless two out 11 with two on same base runner entitled to base not out if touched 12 runner on third out if batsman in- terferes with catcher in squeeze play 13 must return to base when ball hits batsman 14 out when he passes preceding runner 14 right to leave base line to prevent interfering with fielder 18 may steal base on caught foul tip. 19 scores if batsman is entitled to ^first base 20 not entitled to score when bats- man is out before reaching first base 20 how he may advance on ground rule 21 entitled to all bases he can make if backstop is at legal distance. 21 not forced when on first base and batsman is put out before he is. 21 first and second bases occupied, if runner from first is out first no force play on runner at . second 22 hit by batted ball between first and second, batter receives credit for a hit 24 may step out of three-foot line, home to first 25 when not to score from third if catcher interferes, batter to go to first 27 on third never out because catcher drops third strike 28 from first stops, fielder puts out batter, no longer any force play 28 not forced when catcher drops third strike unless two out 28 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 69 INDEX TO "KNOTTY PROBLEMS"— BATTING— Continued. Page Base-runner on first steps off long enough for batter to be retired, then steps back, not forced .... 29 may score from third on passed ball 29 scores if third hand is out be- tween second and third after he is home 29 may hold base with no one out when catcher drops third strike. 29 if on third, not privileged to score when catcher drops third strike. 31 Batsman may go to first on catcher's interference 5 out, if after base on balls, he fails to touch first trying for second 6 penalty for stepping out of bat- ter's box 6 even if foul fly is caught safe at first if catcher interferes with him 7 out if one of his own team strikes with bat fielder trying for catch 13 hits ball that would have gone over fence but for spectator entitled to home run if- ground rule 15 not out if ball is caught beyond ropes by fielder jumping barrier 16 out if ball is caught by fielder on fair ground who falls over bar- rier 16 out when with two strikes he swings at ball which hits him.. 17 automatically out if catcher drops ball on third strike, none out, runner on first 17 stepping out of box with pitcher in position 18 position in batting order when after acting as pinch hitter he becomes substitute 18 interferes if he throws bat at ball in fair territory 18 attempting to bunt makes strike.. 19 should be given reasonable time to regain his balance 19 entitled to first base if base um- pire is hit by batted ball 22 penalty for batting out of turp... 23 running out of box not out if he fails to hit ball 24 Page Batsman can be removed at any time 24 right may be substituted at once. 24 when he may change from right to left, or vice versa 25 strike against him because hit by pitched ball, runner goes back to third 26 not out for taking two steps out of base line after missed third strike 27 out if ball hit player before um- pire and was fielded to first in time 27 may sacrifice player from second to third 28 hit by ball which touches him in batter's box, not out 30 when out for not batting in turn. 30 leaves batter's box, umpire must use judgment 19 cuts a base, umpire must not give decision except on appeal 24 tries for double, run scores before he is put out 26 out on outfield fly run scores if made before third hand out.... 26 home run to be decided on play- ing field boundary fence 20 Coacher, lost run for his team by bad advice 8 runs home against rule forfeiting base-runner's right to score.... 10 Force out, none because a runner in rear is faster than one in front. 23 not possible on dropped third strike, no one out 29 Foul ball, team not to be penalized if umpire makes mistake in calling one. Decision reversed. 11 if caught between chest protector and catcher's body batter may strike again 26 ball tipped and caught is second strike runner may steal 27 umpire not to send runner back who steals on foul tip 28 Glove thrown, penalty if glove hits ball 26 Infield fly, rule does not apply when only runner on first 16 70 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY INDEX TO "KNOTTY PROBLEMS"— BATTING Page Infield fly, fly .. bunted fair fly not infield 21 definition of 22 when rule is applied 23 does not apply on foul fly 25 plays that hinge on it 27 if only runner on first umpire must not call batter out and send runner back 30 Interference, not to be allowed after fielder has had chance to re- cover ball 11 Continued. Page Interference, umpire must judge with whom takes place 13 intent cannot be considered in interference 15 special rule when spectators inter- fere 17 Pinch hitters, how to be substi- tuted 16 Pitcher in action, batter must not go from one box to the other.. '25 substituted, to whom loss of game is charged 30 Scoring on squeeze, unusual play in major league 12 Base-runner, bases may not be run in reverse order captain must give consent for sub- stitute to remain in game must touch bases regular order for run to count base always belongs to original holder hustle back to base after foul hit. may risk advance on infield fly... force rule explained 34 batsman and not runner starts force play 35 on base out by being hit by batted ball 35 , not out if pitcher does not handle ball properly after foul 35 struck by thrown ball 36 hit by batted ball 36 failure to touch base is out 36 must touch home plate to score.. 36 sliding to the bases 36 may turn either way after touch- ing first 37 not penalized because thrown ball hits umpire 37 missing first may cost batter long distance hit 37 batter becoming base-runner starts force play BASE-RUNNING. Base-runner may steal on foul tip.. 38 running outside of base lines on long hits 38 safe at second after fourth ball to batter even if touched 38 coacher may not "make believe" to score 38 turning first base 38 may start the instant ball touches fielder's hands 39 must retouch bases in regular order 39 cannot be blocked o£f base unless baseman has ball in his pos- session 39 not out if fielder merely crosses line, ball in hand 40 scores ahead of home run in final inning 40 scores from third if bases are filled and batsman receives base on balls 40 cannot score if batter was third out before reaching first 41 not out if fielder collides after chance to handle the ball 41 doubled on first base 41 after turning first base forfeits right to return if direct start is made for second 41 Balk, pitcher must pitch ball after windup 43 two penalties for same fault 44 . 37 PITCHING. Balk, if play suspended 44 p-'tcher drops ball in act of delivery 45 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 71 INDEX TO "KNOTTY PROBLEMS"— PITCHING— Continued Page Balk, any motion to deceive base- runner 46 none if pitcher makes a motion to throw to second base 46 only base-runners advance 46 deliberate on part of pitcher 47 not one if the batsman interferes with catcher 47 pitcher's delivery should be watched closely 47 Ball, strikes ground before reach- ing batsman 43 need not be thrown, to second or third bases on feint to catch runner ,44 niav not be hidden 45 Page Ball, dead if bat is hit accidentally. 45 two on batter, pitcher may be taken out 46 Pitcher, inception of play begins with his windup 43 must step oflf plate to get runner trying to steal home 44 may ask umpire for permission to step off plate 45 strike when pitcher is off plate. . . 46 cannot claim out because of his forgetfulness 46 gets strikeout if catcher drops third strike 46 is credited with win if he enters game with score tied 47 Wild pitch, penalty for one 45 UMPIRING. Ball, in play when umpire is hit by throw, runner stealing 53 thrown and hitting umpire in fair or four territory is in play 49 dead, not fourth ball, bat acci- dentally hit 49 bounds from protector, caught by catcher is out 50 fair, hits umpire on foul ground.. 50 batted, hits runner. Umpire to determine whether penalty 51 not hit by thrown glove, penalty not enforced 53 hits umpire on throw to first in play 55 fouled when in play again 55 hit through infielder touches um- pire 55 hits coacher 56 Balk, umpire renders decision with- out appeal 51 Catcher, umpire interferes with him, play suspended 53 not to interfere on squeeze play.. 54 may nof assist pitcher to give intentional base on balls 56 Colliding players, when umpire calls ■ time 50 Ground rules, should always be definite 50 umpire may make when captains fail to agree 51 returning to bases 57 Players, ordered from field refuse to depart 52 Players may revolve if he remains in game 55 ordered from- field play is auto- matically suspended 56 collide, important decision 57 may return to game if both cap- tains agree 57 Substitutes, failure to announce does not affect plays 49 Umpire, judges interference on missed third strike 31 duty in case of injury to player.. 49 rules on freak delivery without appeal 51 may not coach base-runners 51 in chief, when to ask field umpire for information 52 three different plays on which appeal must be made by players before ruling can be made 52 72 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY INDEX TO "KNOTTY PROBLEMS"— UMPIRING— Continued. 'KNOTTY PROBLEMS" Page Umpire, how to suspend play 53 how to handle play when runner is going from first to third 53 must reverse decision if wind blows ball foul 54 Page Umpire, ruling stands no matter what fielder tries for infield fly 54 cannot call time for collision be- fore completion of play 55 deciding on a tie game 57 asking scorer for count 57 SCORING. Base hit, not to be scored on force play Batsman, how to score out when he steps outside his box credit for sacrifice fly only when runner scores when catcher interferes, batter goes to first base Error, score one on palpable muff of foul fly • 59 score one if life of base-runner is prolonged 60 catcher receives one if he drops third strike 60 Error, never give one for trying. . . 60 first baseman receives one if he fails to touch first 61 one that was much in evidence. . 61 Home run, cannot be scored if pre- ceding runner is out 61 Strike-out, when pitcher receives credit 59 Stolen base, not to be credited if runner overslides 59 not to be credited if "present" to runner 61 Two plays, always a double play if in continuation 60 Ball, batted or thrown, different penalties 64 out of play and returned to field. 65 hits stand, latter not at regula- tion distance 65 batted with the glove 66 Basemen, may stand on their bases when runners are going around. Bat, no specific penalty for one that is plugged Batsman, must be discovered dur- ing game that he bats out of turn four balls is "term at bat" but not "time at bat" Catcher, when clothing, mask or protector assist in making play. Double-header, first game is regular game Foul fly, when not advisable to catch one 66 MISCELLANEOUS. Fifth inning. 63 63 63 64 64 65 when game is won... 64 when game is legal 67 Forfeit, when there are less than nine players for either team. ... 67 Players, those of team at bat should not touch the ball 63 may play more positions than one if always in game 64 benched cannot again enter game. 66 Passed ball, agreement when there is no backstop 66 Pitching distance, diagram in Spald- ing's Official Base Ball Guide.. 66 Run. how to be scored after two hands are out 67 Safe hit, when not to be credited to batter 67 Stolen bases, when not to be cred- ited 67 Wild pitch, advancing on overthrow ground rule 65 How to Umpire Under the best of circumstances the umpire's position is not an agreeable one. Instant decisions, which must be sus- tained unfaheringly and yet satisfy opposing elements, are required of the successful umpire. Besides knowing the rules and being familiar with their intent and purpose, every umpire should read the Spalding Athletic Library book on "How to Umpire," written by Billy Evans, the well known American League arbitrator (price 25 cents). In this volume many instructions are given for the proper method of conduct- ing a game, which, based on years of actual experience, cannot help but be useful to every umpire. Ask for Spalding's "How to Umpire." At all Spalding dealers or direct from the publishers, American Sports Pub- lishing Company, 45 Rose Street, New York. / There is no "knotty problem" when it comes to selecting base ball equipment. Spalding for Quality every time. "Just as good" is never just the same. A swift foul tip hurts just as much in the minors as it does in the big leagues — ^TT^L^ is the one position on the ball field that requires "big league" equipment all the time. The umpire cannot afford to risk the use of doubtful equipment. 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