ESBUA meeting 2/27/2023
Question 1
Start of the bottom of 7th inning 0 Out. 0-0 count to batter, B1.
At the conclusion of the top half of the 7th inning, the visiting team was leading the home team by a score of 14-11. The head coach of the away team approaches the plate umpire and informs PU of his intent to re-insert Baker as pitcher. Baker began the game as the starting pitcher, but was removed from the game in the 2nd inning because the visiting team had amassed a 12 run lead. Baker was listed on the lineup card at the start of the game as the player/designated hitter (P/DH). Baker had remained as DH for the entire game. The home team head coach argues that Baker cannot re-enter as pitcher.
What is your ruling regarding the re-entry of Baker as the pitcher?
What RULE from the rule book justifies your decision?
Question 2
R1, R2, & R3 2 Outs 0-0 count to new batter, B6.
B6, not in the original starting lineup but used as a pinch runner earlier in the game, enters the batter’s box and announces himself as a pinch hitter to the PU. The PU did not immediately recognize this player as an illegal substitute. The plate umpire calls play and pitcher, F1, throws a wild pitch allowing R3 to score and R1 & R2 move up one base. Before the next pitch, the defense discovers that B6 is an illegal substitute.
What is your ruling? Does R3’s run still count?
What RULE from the rule book justifies your decision?
Question 3
R2 1 Out 0-0 count to batter, B3.
B3 hits a single to right field. R2 misses third base and continues on to touch home plate. The defensive coach is granted time to have a conference with the pitcher. After the conclusion of the conference, the next batter steps into the batter’s box and with F1 and F2 in their proper respective positions, PU puts the ball back in play. While F1 is coming to a set, B3, who had acquired 1B attempts to steal 2B. F1 then legally steps off and throws to F6, who then tags out the runner who is trying to steal 2B. At this point, does the defense still have the opportunity to appeal R2’s missed touch at 3B?
Can the defense appeal R2 missing 3B?
What RULE from the rule book justifies your decision?
Question 4
R3 1 Out 0-0 count to batter, B2.
F1 has engaged the pitcher’s plate in the (now legal) hybrid stance. F1 has pitching hand at the side and the glove hand in front of his body. F1 looks into the catcher for a sign. F1 then brings his hand from his side into his glove and pauses. The offensive head coach argues that this is balk. He insists this is a balk because it is a start, and then a stop.
Is this a balk?
What RULE from the rule book justifies your decision?
Question 5
R3, only 1 Out 0-0 count to batter, B4.
F1, in the windup position, begins his delivery to the batter when R3 attempts to steal home. F2 leaves the catcher’s box and is standing on home plate while catching the legally pitched ball and tags R3 before he reaches home plate.
What is your ruling?
What RULE from the rule book justifies your decision?
