Rule 2.00: Definition of Terms – Judgment FAQs

The ball is always immediately dead anytime the batter is hit by a pitch.  If the batter purposely moved to get hit, they would not be awarded 1^st base on the hit-by-pitch.  The pitch would be ruled a ball or strike depending on the location of the pitch when it struck the batter.  If the pitch is ball four, the batter would be awarded 1^st base.  If the pitch is strike three, the batter is out.

If a batter is replaced by a special pinch runner, that batter’s time at the plate does not count as an “At Bat” toward the player’s mandatory play requirement.  Each player is required to have one “At Bat” for purposes of mandatory play during the game to meet the offensive portion of their mandatory play requirement.  To achieve this, the batter must enter the batter’s box with no count and complete the at bat by being called out by an umpire or reaching base safely.  If the batter reaches base safely, they must run the bases until they are retired, score, or be left on base when the half-inning or game ends.

A batted ball is dead when it touches the umpire before touching any infielder (including the pitcher) and before passing any infielder (other than the pitcher).  The batter-runner is awarded 1^st base.  Other runners return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch unless they are forced to advance because of the award of 1^st base to the batter-runner.

The umpires are required, by rule, to inspect player’s equipment prior to the game.  However, because umpires cannot guarantee that all equipment has been presented for inspection, the ultimate responsibility for the players being properly and legally equipped lies with the team manager.

A batted ball striking a helmet in fair territory does not determine the fair/foul status of the ball.  It is still a live ball at that time.  When the batted ball settles in foul territory, it is foul.  A foul ball is always a dead ball.

No.  This should be treated as a swing and a miss and the ball remains live.  If the attempted bunt is ruled foul, the ball is dead.  In either situation, with 2 strikes the batter has struck out.

Up to the point that the bat is recognized as damaged, it is legal and all action involving the damaged bat is legal.  Bats that are damaged are unsafe and must be removed from play.

The plate umpire should note the violation and make no call or comment and take no action.  The defense is required to appeal that the runner missed home plate.  The same umpiring principle applies for a baserunner missing any base.

Any fielder may catch an in-flight batted ball in foul territory for an out.