Little League Umpire Test 3

21) The batter hits a hard ground ball to the shortstop. While waiting to field the ball, the runner on second is attempting to advance to third base. However, while running to third base the runner stows down and times it so that he/she is directly in front of the shortstop when the ball gets there, which causes the shortstop to miss the ball. The umpire calls “Time, the runner is out for interference”. (Rule 2.00 — Interference (a))

22) The batter hit a ball into deep center field. While the lead runner who was on first is rounding second base on the way to third base, the shortstop gets in the way and makes the lead runner change direction and go around. This change of direction gets the lead runner thrown out at third base.  The umpire rules that obstruction cannot be called because there was no contact between the two players. (Rule 2.00 — Obstruction)

23) The count on the batter is 2 balls and 2 strikes. The pitcher delivers ball 3 to the batter and the catcher throws the ball back to the pitcher. While the batter is adjusting his/her batting glove the pitcher toes the pitcher’s plate and fires strike 3. The manager of the offensive team argues that this is a quick return pitch and should not be allowed. (Rule 2.00 — Quick Return)

24) The batter gets set to hit the next pitch. But the batter sets up with both arms in the strike zone. The pitch is made and hits the batter’s arms.  The umpire awards the batter 1st base. (Rule 2.00 — A Strike (f))

25) The count on the batter is 3 balls and 2 strikes. The batter attempts to bunt the next pitch down the third base line, however, it goes foul. The batter steps back into the box and is ready for the next pitch. The umpire tells the batter that he/she is out for bunting foul on the third strike. (Rule 2.00 — A Strike (d))

26) The strike zone is that space over home plate, which is between the letters on the uniform and the top of the knees. (Rule 2.00 — Strike Zone)

27) A player in the starting line-up can be removed from the line-up anytime, even before the first pitch of the game. (Rule 3.03)

28) The starter plays innings one, two and three. In the fourth inning a substitute is brought in for that starter. In the top of the fifth inning the starter is brought back in to replace another starter.  The scorekeeper says this is legal and the umpire agrees. (Rule 3.03(2))

29) The starting lineups are exchanged and the visiting team has their ace listed as the starting pitcher. The visiting team scores 10 runs in their top half of the first inning. The visiting team manager now wants to save the ace pitcher for a game later in the week. The manager replaces the listed starting pitcher with someone else. This is allowed by rule because the pitcher did not warm up. (Rule 3.05(a))

30) The relief pitcher warms up and the game is resumed. The substitute pitcher throws the first two (2) pitches high over the catcher’s head. The manager does not like what is happening and wishes to bring in the second baseman to pitch. The umpire does not allow this change. (Rule 3.05(b))