Stump The Ump Quiz 2

1. With bases loaded and 1 out, B5 has a 3 ball 2 strike count. On the next pitch, a 3rd strike is called and the ball gets by F2.

The batter takes off for 1st base. All runners are attempting to advance. F2 retrieves the ball throwing the ball to F1 who steps on home before R1 arrives. F1 then throws the ball to F5 who steps on 3rd before before R2 arrives. F5 rolls the ball to the pitchers circle and the defense leaves the field.

Thinking there are not 3 outs, the 3rd base coach has all his runners including the batter touch all bases including home.

There is 1 out with 4 runs scoring.

There are 2 outs with 3 runs scoring.

There are 3 outs with no runs scoring because of the force at home and 3rd.

Rule 7.4.7 With less than 2 outs, the batter-runner is out on a dropped 3rd strike.
So, with 1 out and 1st base being occupied at the time of the pitch, the batter is automatically out which recorded the second out. Runners may advance at their own risk. This being the case, no runners are forced. Both plays at home and 3rd needed to be tag plays. Since all 3 base runners touched home, score 3 runs and there are still only 2 outs. Bring the defense back on the field and continue the inning.

Explanation

Rule 7.4.7 With less than 2 outs, the batter-runner is out on a dropped 3rd strike.
So, with 1 out and 1st base being occupied at the time of the pitch, the batter is automatically out which recorded the second out. Runners may advance at their own risk. This being the case, no runners are forced. Both plays at home and 3rd needed to be tag plays. Since all 3 base runners touched home, score 3 runs and there are still only 2 outs. Bring the defense back on the field and continue the inning.

2. With no outs, R1 is on 3rd, R2 on 1st and a 1-1 count on B3:
F1 is in the circle behind the pitcher's rubber when she takes a signal from F2.
F1 then steps on the pitcher's plate immediatley bringing her hands together.
F1 pauses to simulate taking a signal from F2.
Then F1 delivers the pitch. B3 swings and misses.

Illegal pitch. Ball on B3. R2 is awarded 2nd. R1 is awarded home.

Illegal pitch. Count remains 1-1 on B3. R2 is awarded 2nd. R1 is awarded home.

Nothing was wrong with the pitch.. Count on B3 is 1 ball 2 strikes.

Casebook Page 40
*6.1.1 SITUATION E (part a): F1 is behind the pitcher’s plate, takes a signal from F2 and then steps on the pitcher’s plate immediately bringing the hands together.
RULING: Illegal pitch (caused by her bringing her hands together before simulating taking her signal.)

Also Rulebook Page 46
Rule 6.1.1 a&b:
a. Prior to pitching, the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand, and with the hands separated.
b. While in this position, the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the catcher.

PENALTY: (Art. 1) Any infraction is an illegal pitch. The ball is dead at the end of playing action. The batter is awarded a ball and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out.

Explanation

Casebook Page 40
*6.1.1 SITUATION E (part a): F1 is behind the pitcher’s plate, takes a signal from F2 and then steps on the pitcher’s plate immediately bringing the hands together.
RULING: Illegal pitch (caused by her bringing her hands together before simulating taking her signal.)

Also Rulebook Page 46
Rule 6.1.1 a&b:
a. Prior to pitching, the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand, and with the hands separated.
b. While in this position, the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the catcher.

PENALTY: (Art. 1) Any infraction is an illegal pitch. The ball is dead at the end of playing action. The batter is awarded a ball and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out.

3. R1 attempts to steal second. F2, upon receiving the pitch, throws a pop-up to F6. F5 yells, "Get Back, Get Back!" R1 thinks B2 has hit a pop-up and starts back to first where she is tagged out.

Since R1 did not continue to 2nd base, she should be awarded 1st base.

R1 is out.

This is an immediate dead ball and R1 should be awarded 2nd. The defense should receive a team warning.

Casebook P.58
VERBAL OBSTRUCTION 8.4.3 SITUATION J
This is verbal obstruction and the umpire should call "obstruction" and signal a delayed dead ball. The umpire will call time when R1 is tagged out and award her the base(s) she would have reached in the umpire's judgment had there been no obstruction.

Explanation

Casebook P.58
VERBAL OBSTRUCTION 8.4.3 SITUATION J
This is verbal obstruction and the umpire should call "obstruction" and signal a delayed dead ball. The umpire will call time when R1 is tagged out and award her the base(s) she would have reached in the umpire's judgment had there been no obstruction.

4. In the bottom of the first inning, Smith is the pitcher and Jones is the catcher. Jones gets a base hit and the coach enters White (#5) as the courtesy runner. In the top of the 4th inning, the coach moves Smith to catcher and Jones to pitcher. In the bottom of the inning, Jones gets another base hit. And once again, the coach uses White (#5) as the courtesy runner for Jones.

Illegal. Since Jones is now the pitcher, White (#5) cannot courtesy run for her

Illegal. White (#5) can only be used once as a courtesy runner.

Illegal. A courtesy runner can only be used for the catcher.

Legal. Continue play

Case Book Page 65
COURTESY RUNNERS
8.9.1 SITUATION A: Team A's courtesy runner runs for the pitcher and later in that same half-inning runs for the catcher. RULING: The courtesy runner can run for one or the other, but not both. This is an illegal substitution and shall result in the courtesy runner being declared out and restricted to the bench/dugout for the duration of the game.
Since Florida does not allow restrictions to the bench, the player would be ejected.

Explanation

Case Book Page 65
COURTESY RUNNERS
8.9.1 SITUATION A: Team A's courtesy runner runs for the pitcher and later in that same half-inning runs for the catcher. RULING: The courtesy runner can run for one or the other, but not both. This is an illegal substitution and shall result in the courtesy runner being declared out and restricted to the bench/dugout for the duration of the game.
Since Florida does not allow restrictions to the bench, the player would be ejected.

5. With R1 on 3rd and R2 on 2nd base, F2 attempts a pickoff of R1 with a quick throw behind B3 who is legally occupying the right handed batter's box and and in the umpire's judgement, did nothing intentional to prevent the throw. The thrown ball from F2 glances off B3's helmet and flies up over the dugout into dead ball territory.

Neither baserunner is awarded bases because B3 caused the ball to go into dead ball territory.

R1 and R2 are both awarded home.

R1 is awarded home and R2 is awarded 3rd.

Rule Book 8.4.3f Penalty
8.4.3f. the ball is in play and is overthrown (beyond the boundary lines) or is blocked by the defense.
PENALTY: (Art. 3f) All runners will be awarded two bases, and the award will be governed by the positions of the runners when the ball left the fielder's hand. Runners may return to touch a missed base or base left too soon. If two runners are between the same bases, the award is based on the position of the lead runner.

Explanation

Rule Book 8.4.3f Penalty
8.4.3f. the ball is in play and is overthrown (beyond the boundary lines) or is blocked by the defense.
PENALTY: (Art. 3f) All runners will be awarded two bases, and the award will be governed by the positions of the runners when the ball left the fielder's hand. Runners may return to touch a missed base or base left too soon. If two runners are between the same bases, the award is based on the position of the lead runner.