ESBUA meeting 2/28/2022
Question 1
R1 and R3. 1 Out. 0-0 count to new batter, B3.
On the first pitch to B3, R1 is attempting to steal. B3 swings and misses at the pitch and comes out of the batter’s box in front of home plate as F2 throws down to 2nd base. The Plate Umpire points and says, “That’s interference”. F4 cuts off the throw between the pitcher’s mound and 2nd base who then, throws home to F2. R3, who took off for home in an attempt to score after F2’s initial throw, is subsequently tagged out by F2 before touching home plate.
As the Plate Umpire, what is your ruling after the end of this play? How many outs are there now? Where are runners placed, if play doesn’t stand as is?
What RULE from the rule book justifies your decision?
Question 2
R1, R2, and R3. 0 Outs. 0-0 count to new batter, B4.
B4 hits a ground ball to F4. As F4 is fielding the ball, R1 unintentionally makes contact with F4. F4 flips the ball to F6 at 2nd base before R1 arrives. R3 crosses home plate, R2 advances to 3B and BR reaches 1B.
As the base umpire, since contact was deemed unintentional, what is your ruling or do you say “that’s nothing”? How many outs are there now at the conclusion of play? Where are runners placed, if play doesn’t stand as is?
What RULE from the rule book justifies your decision?
Question 3
R2 1 Out 2-2 count to batter, B3.
R2 is attempting to steal 3B on the pitch. B3 swings and misses, but the bat makes contact with F2’s glove. Plate umpire points and says, “That’s interference (even though it is catcher obstruction)”. The throw from F2 to F5 is in time to retire R2.
As Plate Umpire what is your ruling? How many outs are there now at the conclusion of play? Where should runners placed?
What RULE from the rule book justifies your decision?
Question 4
R3 1 Out 0-0 count to batter, B3.
B3 hits a deep fly ball down the Left Field line. R3, thinking that there are 2 outs, is slowly jogging towards home plate, when 3rd base coach makes a swiping motion for R3 to get back to the 3B bag for a possible tag up situation. In making the swiping motion, the 3rd base coach inadvertently touches R3’s jersey sleeve. The Plate Umpire, while he is following the batted ball, sees the contact between the 3rd base coach and R3. Just moments later, the ball clears the fence for a Home Run.
As Plate Umpire what is your ruling? How many outs are there now at the conclusion of play? How many runs, if any, are allowed to score?
What RULE from the rule book justifies your decision?
Question 5
R1 1 Out 0-0 count to batter, B2 is due up at bat.
B3 is erroneously batting in B2’s spot in the batting order. R1 successfully steals 2B on the first pitch of the at bat. On the second pitch of the at bat, B3 hits a double and R1 scores. After the play has ended and before the pitch to the next batter, the defensive head coach requests time and correctly claims that the offense has batted out of order.
As Plate Umpire what is your ruling? How many outs are there now? Who should now come to bat as the proper batter? Where should runner(s), if any, be placed?
What RULE from the rule book justifies your decision?
