Let's Balk About It
Balk or No Balk: Out of the stretch and in the set position, the pitcher checks the runner on 1B by trunk twisting towards the bag, to take a peek.
Balk. The umpire calls his movement a balk and the runner gets a free 90 feet to 2B. Once the pitcher comes set he can only move his head to check the runners.
Ball hit down the 1B line that caroms off the bag and into foul territory.
Fair. All the bases are in fair territory.
Leadoff batter to start the game.
Must take a pitch until he sees a strike. See as many pitches as possible and get on base.
A ground ball hit to the first basemen, you're the pitcher.
Work up the line to cover 1B.
When hitting, does the umpire have to grant you time?
No, he doesn't have to grant you time. Never assume you'll get it.
Balk or No Balk: Out of the stretch and looking at the catcher's sign, the pitcher trunk twists to take a peek at the runner on 1B.
No Balk. The umpire ignores his movement and says nothing. Before coming to the set position, the pitcher can move his shoulders to check the runner on 1B.
The batter hits the ball off the front of the plate, which trickles towards the pitcher for an easy out.
Fair ball. The foul lines meet at the back point of the plate.
What is a hitter's count? What pitch am I looking for?
2-0 and 3-1. Looking for a fastball that we can put a good swing on.
You're playing second base with a ball hit to your first baseman.
Back up the first baseman for deflection or missed ground ball.
What happens if the umpire hears you drop the F-bomb in frustration.
Very good chance you will be ejected and miss the following game as well. This includes during post-game hand shakes, too
Balk or No Balk: RHP spins to pick off his runner on 1B but decides not to throw because the first baseman wasn't holding on the runner.
Balk. With the spin-move pick-off attempt, the pitcher must throw the baseball. The base runner gets a free 90 feet.
Line drive back at the pitcher that blasts off his head and sends the ball over the 1B line, prior to the bag.
Fair. Because the ball was hit on a line and touched a player in fair territory, the ball crossing the line prior to the bag is negated.
The opposing pitcher just walked the teammate before me on 4 straight pitches. Now I'm up with a runner on first.
Take a pitch until the pitcher throws a strike.
With nobody on base, you're the catcher. Ground ball hit to the SS for a routine 6-3 put out.
Hustle to back up the first baseman in case of an overthrow.
The base runner coming home lowers his shoulder to run over the catcher. The catcher drops the ball on contact.
Running over the catcher is outlawed in HS and College baseball.
Balk or No Balk: Out of the stretch and set position, a LHP picks up his front leg to deliver his pitch. But drops his leg inside the 45-degree zone and successfully picks off the unexpecting base runner.
No Balk. As long as his front leg lands inside the 45-degree zone, he can throw over to 1B.
*Judgment call from the umpire.
Ball hit down the 3B line and lands halfway to the bag. The ball crosses the line just before the bag.
Foul. Even though the ball landed in fair territory, it crossed into foul territory prior to bag.
After a horrible and long defensive inning where they gave their opponent 5 outs by committing 2 errors, I'm the leadoff batter for our half of the inning.
See as many pitches as possible/take your time with the at-bat. Let your pitcher get some water and rest before he has to throw again.
With a runner on 1B, you're playing LF. Your pitcher gets the runner in a run down between 1B and 2B.
Get in line behind the 2B bag and back up the infielders during the rundown. Get involved with the run-down, if necessary.
The starting SS was pulled from the game for a faster runner to score the tying run. Can he re-enter on defense?
Yes. Starters can re-enter the game once. However, the pinch-runner would be subbed out and be done for the game.
Balk or No Balk: From the stretch and set position, a LHP's back knee flinches slightly as he decides when to start his motion.
Balk. RHP or LHP, once you come set, you cannot start then stop your motion.
A ball hit in foul territory and off the end of the bat (cue shot) has tremendous spin. As the ball continues to spin, it makes its way back into fair territory. The batter notices and hustles to 1B with a single.
Fair. Even though the ball started foul and as long as it's not touched by a defender, it can become a fair ball prior to the bag.
Hit and Run
Swing at everything, but if we make contact, the ball must be hit on the ground.
With a runner on 2B and 2 outs, you're playing CF. Base hit into the right-center gap, but not to the wall.
Throw the ball cut off at 2B. Give up the run in exchange for keeping the hitter out of scoring position.
Can a pitcher lick his finger and go directly to the ball?
No. If the pitcher licks his fingers to get some grip, he must wipe before touching the ball.