Software Vault: The Diamond Collection/The Diamond Collection (Software Vault)(Digital Impact).ISO/cdr14/bbrules.zip/BBRULES.TXT

Text File | 1995-02-06 | 241KB | 4,312 lines

                            1994 BASEBALL RULES

          DIVISIONS OF THE CODE

    1.00-Objectives of the Game, the Playing Field, Equipment.
    2.00-Definition of Terms.
    3.00-Game Preliminaries.
    4.00-Starting and Ending the Game.
    5.00-Putting the Ball in Play, Dead Ball and
         Live Ball (in Play).
    6.00-The Batter.
    7.00-The Runner.
    8.00-The Pitcher.
    9.00-The Umpire.
   10.00-The Offical Scorer


                    1.00-OBJECTIVES OF THE GAME.

1.01 Baseball is a game between two teams of nine players each,
under direction of a manager, played on an enclosed field in accordance
with these rules, under jurisdiction of one or more umpires.

1.02 The objective of each team is to win by scoring more runs than
the opponent.

1.03 The winner of the game shall be that team which shall have
scored, in accordance with these rules, the greater number of runs at
the conclusion of a regulation game.

1.04 THE PLAYING FIELD. The field shall be laid out according to
the instructions below, supplemented by Diagrams No. 1, No. 2 and
No. 3 on adjoining pages.

    The infield shall be a 90-foot square. The outfield shall be the area
between two foul lines formed by extending two sides of the square, as
in Diagram 1. The distance from home base to the nearest fence, stand
or other obstruction on fair territory shall be 250 feet or more. A distance
of 320 feet or more along the foul lines, and 400 feet or more to
center field is preferable. The infield shall be graded so that the base
lines and home plate are level. The pitcher's plate shall be 10 inches
above the level of home plate. The degree of slope from a point 6 inches
in front of the pitcher's plate to a point 6 feet toward home plate shall be
1 inch to 1 foot, and such degree of slope shall be uniform. The
infield and outfield, including the boundary lines, are fair territory
and all other area is foul territory.
     It is desirable that the line from home base through the pitcher's
plate to second base shall run East-Northeast.
    It is recommended that the distance from home base to the backstop,
 and from the base lines to the nearest fence, stand or other obstruction
on foul territory shall be 60 feet or more. See Diagram 1.
    When location of home base is determined, with a steel tape measure
 127 feet  3 3/8 inches in desired direction to establish second base.
From home base, measure 90 feet towards first base; from second
base measure 90 feet towards first base; the intersection of these lines
establishes first base. From home base, measure 90 feet towards third
base- from second base, measure 90 feet towards third base; the inter-
section of these lines establishes third base. The distance between first
base and third base is 127 feet, 3 3/8 inches. All measurements from
home base shall be taken from the point where the first and third base
lines intersect.
    The catcher's box, the batters' boxes, the coaches' boxes, the
three-foot first base lines and the next batter's boxes shall be laid out
as shown in Diagrams 1 and 2.
    The foul lines and all other playing lines indicated in the diagram
by solid black lines shall be marked with wet, unslaked lime, chalk or
other white material.
   The grass lines and dimensions shown on the diagrams are those
used in many fields, but they are not mandatory and each club shall
determine the size and shape of the grassed and bare areas of its playing
field.
       NOTE (a) Any Playing Field constructed by a professional
   club after June 1, 1958, shall provide a minimum distance of
   325 feet from home base to the nearest fence, stand or other
   obstruction on the right and left field foul lines, and a minimum
   distance of 400 feet to the center field fence.
       (b) No existing playing field shall be remodeled after June
   1, 1958, in such manner as to reduce the distance from home
   base to the foul poles and to the center field fence below the
   minimum specified in paragraph (a) above.

1.05 Home base shall be marked by a five-sided slab of whitened
rubber. It shall be a 17-inch square with two of the corners removed so
that one edge is 17 inches long, two adjacent sides are 8 1/2 inches and
the remaining two sides are 12 inches and set at an angle to make a
point, It shall be set in the ground with the point at the intersection of
the lines extending from home base to first base and to third base; with
the 17-inch edge facing the pitcher's plate, and the two 12-inch edge
coinciding with the first and third base lines. The top edges of home
base shall be beveled and the base shall be fixed in the ground level
with the ground surface. (See drawing D in Diagram 2.)

1.06 First, second and third bases shall be marked by white canvas
bags, securely attached to the ground as indicated in Diagram 2. The
first and third base bags shall be entirely within the infield. The second
base bag shall be centered on second base. The bags shall be 15 inches
square, not less than three nor more than five inches thick, and filled
with soft material.

1.07 The pitcher's plate shall be a rectangular slab of whitened rubber,
 24 inches by 6 inches. It shall be set in the ground as shown in
Diagrams 1 and 2, so that the distance between the pitcher's plate and
home base (the rear point of home plate) shall be 60 feet, 6 inches.

1.08 The home club shall furnish players' benches, one each for the
home and visiting teams. Such benches shall not be less than twenty
five feet from the base lines. They shall be roofed and shall be enclosed
at the back and ends.

1.09 The ball shall be a sphere formed by yarn wound around a small
core of cork, rubber or similar material, covered with two stripes of
white horsehide or cowhide, tightly stitched together. It shall weigh
not less than five nor more than 5 1/4 ounces avoirdupois and measure
not less than nine nor more than 9 1/4 inches in circumference.

1.10 (a) The bat shall be a smooth, round stick not more than 2 3/4
        inches in diameter at the thickest part and not more than 42
        inches in length. The bat shall be one piece of solid wood.

     NOTE: No laminated or experimental bats shall be used in
   a professional game (either championship season or exhibition
   games) until the manufacturer has secured approval from the
   Rules Committee of his design and methods of manufacture.

     (b) Cupped Bats. An indentation in the end of the bat up to one
         inch in depth is permitted and may be no wider than two
         inches and no less than one inch in diameter. The Indentation
         must be curved with no foreign substance added.
     (c) The bat handle, for not more than 18 inches from its end, may
         be covered or treated with any material or substance to improve
         the grip. Any such material or substance, which extends
         past the 18 inch limitation, shall cause the bat to be removed
         from the game.

      NOTE: If the umpire discovers that the bat does not conform
   to (c) above until a time during or after which the bat
   has been used in play, it shall not be grounds for declaring the
   batter out, or ejected from the game.

     (d) No colored bat may be used in a professional game unless
         approved by the Rules Committee.

1.11 (a) (1) All players on a team shall wear uniforms identical in
       color, trim and style, and all players uniforms shall include
       minimal six-inch numbers on their backs. (2) Any part of
       an undershirt exposed to view shall be of a uniform solid
       color for all players on a team. Any player other than the
       pitcher may have numbers, letters, insignia attached to the
       sleeve of the undershirt. (3) No player whose uniform does
       not conform to that of his teammates shall be permitted to
       participate in a game.

     (b) A league may provide that (1) each team shall wear a dis-
       tinctive uniform at all times, or (2) that each team shall
       have two sets of uniforms, white for home games and a dif-
       ferent color for road games.
     (c) (1) Sleeve lengths may vary for individual players, but the
        sleeves of each individual player shall be approximately the
        same length. (2) No player shall wear ragged, frayed or slit
        sleeves.
     (d) No player shall attach to his uniform tape or other material of
        a different color from his uniform.
     (e) No part of the uniform shall include a pattern that imitates or
        suggests the shape of a baseball.
     (f) Glass buttons and polished metal shall not be used on a uniform.
     (g) No player shall attach anything to the heel or toe of his shoe
        other than the ordinary shoe plate or toe plate. Shoes with
        pointed spikes similar to golf or track shoes shall not be worn.
     (h) No part of the uniform shall include patches or designs relating.
        to commercial advertisements.
     (i) A league may provide that the uniforms of its member teams
        include the names of its players on their backs. Any name
        other than the last name of the player must be approved by the
        League President. If adopted, all uniforms for a team must
        have the names of its players.

1.12 The catcher may wear a leather mitt not more than thirty-eight
inches in circumference, nor more than fifteen and one-half inches
from top to bottom. Such limits shall include all lacing and any leather
band or facing attached to the outer edge of the mitt. The space between
the thumb section and the finger section of the mitt shall not
exceed six inches at the top of the mitt and four inches at the base of
the thumb crotch. The web shall measure not more than seven inches
across the top or more than six inches from its top to the base of the
thumb crotch. The web may be either a lacing or lacing through leather
tunnels, or a center piece of leather which may be an extension of
the palm, connected to the mitt with lacing and constructed so that it
will not exceed any of the above mentioned measurements.

1.13 The first baseman may wear a leather glove or mitt not more
than twelve inches long from top to bottom and not more than eight
inches wide across the palm, measured from the bottom of the thumb
crotch to the outer edge of the mitt. The space between the thumb
section and the finger section of the mitt shall not exceed four inches at
the top of the mitt and three and one-half inches at the base of the
thumb crotch. The mitt shall be constructed so that this space is per-
manently fixed and cannot be enlarged, extended, widened, or deepened
by the use of any materials or process whatever. The web of the
mitt shall measure not more than five inches from its top to the base of
the thumb crotch. The web may be either a lacing, lacing through
leather tunnels, or a center piece of leather which may be an extension
of the palm connected to the mitt with lacing and constructed so that it
will not exceed the above mentioned measurements. The webbing
shall not be constructed of wound or wrapped lacing or deepened to
make a net type of trap. The glove may be of any weight.

1.14 Each fielder, other than the first baseman or catcher, may use or
wear a leather glove. The measurements covering size of glove shall
be made by measuring front side or ball receiving side of glove. The
tool or measuring tape shall be placed to contact the surface or feature
of item being measured and follow all contours in the process. The
glove shall not measure more than 12" from the tip of any one of the 4
fingers, through the ball pocket to the bottom edge or heel of glove.
The glove shall not measure more than 7 3/4" wide, measured from the
inside seam at base of first finger, along base of other fingers, to the
outside edge of little finger edge of glove. The space or area between
the thumb and first finger, called crotch, may be filled with leather
webbing or back stop. The webbing may be constructed of two plies of
standard leather to close the crotch area entirely, or it may be con-
structed of a series of tunnels made of leather, or a series of panels of
leather, or of lacing leather thongs. The webbing may not be con-
structed of wound or wrapped lacing to make a net type of trap. When
webbing is made to cover entire crotch area, the webbing can be con-
structed so as to be flexible. When constructed of a series of sections,
they must be joined together. These sections may not be so constructed
to allow depression to be developed by curvatures in the section sides.
The webbing shall be made to control the size of the crotch opening.
The crotch opening shall measure not more than 4 1/2" at the top, not
more than 5 3/4" deep, and shall be 3 1/2" wide at its bottom. The opening
of crotch shall not be more than 4 1/2" at any point below its top. The
webbing shall be secured at each side, and at top and bottom of crotch.
The attachment to be made with leather lacing, these connections to
be secured. If they stretch or become loose, they shall be adjusted to
their proper condition. The glove can be of any weight.

1.15 (a) The pitcher's glove shall be uniform in color, including all
         stitching, lacing and webbing. The pitcher's glove may not
         be white or gray.
     (b) No pitcher shall attach to his glove any foreign material of a
         color different from the glove.

1.16 A Professional League shall adopt the following rule pertaining
to the use of helmets:
    (a) All players shall use some type of protective helmet while at
        bat.
    (b) All players in National Association Leagues shall wear a double
        ear-flap helmet while at bat.
    (c) All players entering the Major Leagues commencing with the
        1983 championship season and every succeeding season there-
        after must wear a single ear-flap helmet (or at the player's
        option, a double ear-flap helmet), except those players who
        were in the Major League during the 1982 season, and who, as
        recorded in that season, objected to wearing a single ear-flap
        helmet.
    (d) All catchers shall wear a catcher's protective helmet, while
        fielding their position.
    (e) All bat/ball boys or girls shall wear a protective helmet while
       performing their duties.
   If the umpire observes any violation of these rules, he shall direct the
violation to be corrected. If the violation is not corrected within a
reasonable time, in the umpire's judgment, the umpire shall eject the offender
 from the game, and disciplinary action, as appropriate, will be recommended.

1.17 Playing equipment including but not limited to the bases, pitchers
plate, baseball, bats, uniforms, catchers's mitts, first baseman's
gloves, infielders and outfielders gloves and protective helmets, as detailed
in the provisions of this rule, shall not contain any undue commercialization
of the product. designations by the manufacturer on any such equipment must
be in good taste as to the size and content of the manufacturer's logo or the
brand name of the item. The provisions of this section 1.17 shall apply to
professional leagues only.
  NOTE: Manufacturers who plan innovative changes in baseball
equipment for professional baseball leagues should submit same to the
Official Playing Rules Committee prior to production.


                       2.00-DEFINITIONS OF TERMS.

      (All definitions in rule 2.00 are listed alphabetically.)

   ADJUDGED is a judgment decision by the umpire.

   An APPEAL is the act of a fielder in claiming violation of the
rules by the offensive team.

   A BALK is an illegal act by the pitcher with a runner or runners
on base, entitling all runners to advance one base.

   A BALL is a pitch which does not enter the strike zone in flight
and is not struck at by the batter.
   If the pitch touches the ground and bounces through the strike zone It is
   a "ball." If such a pitch touches the batter, he shall be awarded first
   base. If the batter swings at such a pitch after two strikes, the ball
   cannot be caught, for the purposes of Rule 6.05 (c) and 6.09 (b). If the
   batter hits such a pitch, the ensuing action shall be the same as if he
   hit the ball in flight.

   A BASE is one of four points which must be touched by a runner in
order to score a run; more usually applied to the canvas bags and the
rubber plate which mark the base points.

   A BASE COACH is a team member in uniform who is stationed in
the coach's box at first or third base to direct the batter and the runners.

   A BASE ON BALLS is an award of first base granted to a batter
who, during his time at bat, receives four pitches outside the strike
zone.

   A BATTER is an offensive player who takes his position in the
batter's box.

   BATTER-RUNNER is a term that identifies the offensive player
who has just finished his time at bat until he is put out or until the play
on which he became a runner ends.

   The BATTER'S BOX is the area within which the batter shall
stand during his time at bat.

   The BATTERY is the pitcher and catcher.

   BENCH OR DUGOUT is the seating facilities reserved for players,
substitutes and other team members in uniform when they are not actively
engaged on the playing field.

   A BUNT is a batted ball not swung at, but intentionally met with
the bat and tapped slowly within the infield.

   A CALLED GAME is one in which, for any reason, the umpire-in-chief
terminates play.

   A CATCH is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in his
hand or glove of a ball in flight and firmly holding it; providing he does
not use his cap, protector, pocket or any other part of his uniform in
getting possession. It is not a catch, however, if simultaneously or im-
mediately following his contact with the ball, he collides with a player,
or with a wall, or if he falls down, and as a result of such collision or
falling, drops the ball. It is not a catch if a fielder touches a fly ball
which then hits a member of the offensive team or an umpire and then
is caught by another defensive player. If the fielder has made the
catch and drops the ball while in the act of making a throw following
the catch, the ball shall be adjudged to have been caught. In establishing
the validity of the catch, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough
to prove that he has complete control of the ball and that his release of
the ball is voluntary and intentional.
    A catch is legal if the ball is finally held by any fielder, even though
juggled, or held by another fielder before it touches the ground. Runners may
leave their bases the instant the first fielder touches the ball. A fielder
may reach over a fence, railing, rope or other line of demarcation to make a
catch. He may jump on top of a railing, or canvas that may be in foul ground.
No interference should be allowed when a fielder reaches over a fence,
railing, rope or into a stand to catch a ball. He does so at his own risk.
    If a fielder, attempting a catch at the edge of the dugout, is "held up"
and kept from an apparent fall by a player or players of either team and the
catch is made, it shall be allowed.

   The CATCHER is the fielder who takes his position back of the
home base.

   The CATCHER'S BOX is that area within which the catcher shall
stand until the pitcher delivers the ball.

   THE CLUB is a person or group of persons responsible for assembling
the team personnel, providing the playing field and required facilities,
and representing the team in relations with the league.

   A COACH is a team member in uniform appointed by the manager to perform
   such duties as the manager may designate, such as but not limited to
   acting as base coach.

   A DEAD BALL is a ball out of play because of a legally created
temporary suspension of play.

   The DEFENSE (or DEFENSIVE) is the team, or any player of
the team, in the field.

   A DOUBLE-HEADER is two regularly scheduled or rescheduled
games, played in immediate succession.

   A DOUBLE PLAY is a play by the defense in which two offensive
players are put out as a result of continuous action, providing there is
no error between putouts.
    (a) A force double play is one in which both putouts are force
        plays.
    (b) A reverse force double play is one in which the first out is a
        force play and the second out is made on a runner for whom
        the force is removed by reason of the first out. Examples of
        reverse force plays: runner on first, one out; batter grounds to
        first baseman, who steps on first base (one out) and throws to
        second baseman or shortstop for the second out (a tag play).
        Another example: bases loaded, none out; batter grounds to
        third baseman, who steps on third base (one out), then throws
        to catcher for the second out (tag play).

   DUGOUT (See definition of BENCH)

   A FAIR BALL is a batted ball that settles on fair ground between
home and first base, or between home and third base, or that is on or
over fair territory when bounding to the outfield past first or third
base, or that touches first, second or third base, or that first falls on
fair territory on or beyond first base or third base, or that, while on or
over fair territory, touches the person of an umpire or player, or that,
while over fair territory, passes out of the playing field in flight.
          A fair fly shall be judged according to the relative position
      of the ball and the foul line, including the foul pole, and not as
      to whether the fielder is on fair or foul territory at the time he
      touches the ball.
   If a fly ball lands in the infield between home and first base, or home and
third base, and then bounces to foul territory without touching a player or
umpire and before passing first or third base, it is a foul ball; or if the
ball settles on foul territory or is touched by a player on foul territory, it
is a foul ball. If a fly ball lands on or beyond first or third base and then
bounces to foul territory, it is a fair hit.
    Clubs, increasingly, are erecting tall foul poles at the fence line with a
wire netting extending along the side of the pole on fair territory above the
fence to enable the umpires more accurately judge fair and foul balls.

    FAIR TERRITORY is that part of the playing field within, and
including the first base and third base lines, from home base to the
bottom of the playing field fence and perpendicularly upwards. All
foul lines are in fair territory.

   A FIELDER is any defensive player.

   FIELDER'S CHOICE is the act of a fielder who handles a fair
grounder and, instead of throwing to first base to put out the batterrunner,
throws to another base in an attempt to put out a preceding runner. The term
is also used by scorers  (a)  to account for the advance of the batter-runner
who takes one or more extra bases when the fielder who handles his safe hit
attempts to put out a preceding runner,  (b)  to account for the advance of a
runner (other than by stolen base or error) while a fielder is attempting to
put out another runner, and (c) to account for the advance of a runner made
solely because of the defensive team's indifference (undefended steal).

   A FLY BALL is a batted ball that goes high in the air in flight.

   A FORCE PLAY is a play in which a runner legally loses his right
to occupy a base by reason of the batter becoming a runner.

    Confusion regarding this play is removed by remembering that frequently
the "force" situation is removed during the play. Example: Man on
first, one out, ball hit sharply to first baseman who touches the bag and
batter-runner is out. The force is removed at that moment and runner advanc-
ing to second must be tagged. If there had been a runner on third or second,
and either of these runners scored before the tag-out at second, the run
counts. Had the first baseman thrown to second and the ball then had been
returned to first, the play at second was a force out, making two outs, and
the return throw to first ahead of the runner would have made three outs. In
that case, no run would score.
    Example: Not a force out. One out. Runner on first and third. Batter flies
out. Two out. Runner on third tags up and scores. Runner on first tries to
retouch before throw from fielder reaches first baseman, but does not get
back in time and is out. Three outs. If, in umpire's judgment, the runner from
third touched home before the ball was held at first base, the run counts.

   A FORFEITED GAME is a game declared ended by the umpire-
in-chief in favor of the offended team by the score of 9 to 0, for violation
of the rules.

   A FOUL BALL is a batted ball that settles on foul territory between home
and first base, or between home and third base, or that bounds past first or
third base on or over foul territory, or that first falls on foul territory
beyond first or third base, or that, while on or over foul territory, touches
the person of an umpire or player, or any object foreign to the natural
ground.
          A foul fly shall be judged according to the relative position
     of the ball and the foul line, including the foul pole, and not as
     to whether the fielder is on foul or fair territory at the time he
     touches the ball.
   A batted ball not touched by a fielder, which hits the pitcher's rubber and
rebounds into foul territory, between home and first, or between home and
third base is a foul ball.

   FOUL TERRITORY is that part of the playing field outside the
first and third base lines extended to the fence and perpendicularly
upwards.

   A FOUL TIP is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the
bat to the catcher's hands and is legally caught. It is not a foul tip
unless caught and any foul tip that is caught is a strike, and the ball is
in play. It is not a catch if it is a rebound, unless the ball has first
touched the catcher's glove or hand.

   A GROUND BALL is a batted ball that rolls or bounces close to
the ground.

   The HOME TEAM is the team on whose grounds the game is
played, or if the game is played on neutral grounds, the home team
shall be designated by mutual agreement.

   ILLEGAL (or ILLEGALLY) is contrary to these rules.
   An ILLEGAL PITCH is (1) a pitch delivered to the batter when
the pitcher does not have his pivot foot in contact with the pitcher's
plate; (2) a quick return pitch. An illegal pitch when runners are on
base is a balk.

   An INFIELDER is a fielder who occupies a position in the infield.

   An INFIELD FLY is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive nor
an attempted bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary
effort, when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied,
before two are out. The pitcher, catcher and any outfielder who stations
himself in the infield on the play shall be considered infielders for the
purpose of this rule.
  When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an infield Fly,
the umpire shall immediately declare "Infield Fly" for the benefit of
the runners. If the ball is near the baselines, the umpire shall declare
"Infield Fly, If Fair".

    The ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball
being caught, or retouch and advance after the ball is touched  the
same as on any fly ball. If the hit becomes a foul ball, it is treated the
same as any foul.
       If a declared Infield Fly is allowed to fall untouched to the
   ground, and bounces foul before passing first or third base it is
   a foul ball. If a declared Infield Fly falls untouched to the
   ground outside the baseline, and bounces fair before passing
   first or third base, it is an Infield Fly.
   On the infield fly rule the umpire is to rule whether the ball could ordi-
narily have been handled by an infielder-not by some arbitrary limitation
such as the grass, or the base lines. The umpire must rule also that a ball is
an infield fly, even if handled by an outfielder, if, in the umpire's judgment
, the ball could have been as easily handled by an infielder. The infield fly
is in no sense to be considered an appeal play. The umpire's judgment must
govern, and the decision should be made immediately.
   When an infield fly rule is called, runners may advance at their own risk.
If on an infield fly rule, the infielder intentionally drops a fair ball the
ball remains in play despite the provisions of Rule 6.05 (L). The infield fly
rule takes precedence.

   IN FLIGHT describes a batted, thrown, or pitched ball which has
not yet touched the ground or some object other than a fielder.

   IN JEOPARDY is a term indicating that the ball is in play and an
offensive player may be put out.

   An INNING is that portion of a game within which the teams
alternate on offense and defense and in which there are three putouts
for each team. Each team's time at bat is a half-inning.

  INTERFERENCE
     (a) Offensive interference is an act by the team at bat which in-
        terferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any
        fielder attempting to make a play. If the umpire declares the
        batter, batter-runner, or a runner out for interference, all
        other runners shall return to the last base that was, in the
        judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the
        interference, unless otherwise provided by these rules.

   In the event the batter-runner has not reached first base, all runners
shall return to the base last occupied at the time of the pitch.
     (b) Defensive interference is an act by a fielder which hinders or
         prevents a batter from hitting a pitch.
     (c) Umpire's interference occurs  (1)  When an umpire hinders,
         impedes or prevents a catcher's throw attempting to prevent
         a stolen base, or (2) When a fair ball touches an umpire on
         fair territory before passing a fielder.
     (d) Spectator interference occurs when a spectator reaches out of
         the stands, or goes on the playing field, and touches a live ball.
   * On any interference the ball is dead. *

   THE LEAGUE is a group of clubs whose teams play each other in
a pre-arranged schedule under these rules for the league championship.

   THE LEAGUE PRESIDENT shall enforce the official rules, resolve any
disputes involving the rules, and determine any protested games. The league
president may fine or suspend any player, coach, manager or umpire for
violation of these rules, at his discretion.

   LEGAL (or LEGALLY) is in accordance with these rules.

   A LIVE BALL is a ball which is in play.

   A LINE DRIVE is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from
the bat to a fielder without touching the ground.

   THE MANAGER is a person appointed by the club to be responsible for the
team's actions on the field, and to represent the team in communications with
the umpire and the opposing team. A player may be appointed manager.
    (a) The club shall designate the manager to the league president
        or the umpire-in-chief not less than thirty minutes before the
        scheduled starting time of the game.
    (b) The manager may advise the umpire that he has delegated
        specific duties prescribed by the rules to a player or coach,
        and any action of such designated representative shall be of-
        ficial. The manager shall always be responsible for his team's
        conduct, observance of the official rules, and deference to the
        umpires.
    (c) If a manager leaves the field, he shall designate a player or
        coach as his substitute, and such substitute manager shall
        have the duties, rights and responsibilities of the manager. If
        the manager fails or refuses to designate his substitute before
        leaving, the umpire-in-chief shall designate a team member
        as substitute manager.

    OBSTRUCTION is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession
of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress
of any runner.
    If a fielder is about to receive a thrown ball and if the ball is in
flight directly toward and near enough to the fielder so he must occupy his
position to receive the ball he may be considered "in the act of fielding a
ball. It is entirely  up to the judgment of the umpire as to whether a
fielder is in the act of fielding a ball. After a fielder has made an attempt
to field a ball and missed, he can no longer be in the "act of fielding" the
ball. For example: an infielder dives at a ground ball and the ball passes
him and he continues to lie on the  round and delays the progress of the
runner, he very likely has obstructed the runner.

   OFFENSE is the team, or any player of the team, at bat.

   An OUT is one of the three required retirements of an offensive
team during its time at bat.

   An OUTFIELDER is a fielder who occupies a position in the outfield, which
is the area of the playing field most distant from home base.

   OVERSLIDE (or OVERSLIDING) is the act of an offensive
player when his slide to a base, other than when advancing from home
to first base, is with such momentum that he loses contact with the
base.

    A PENALTY is the application of these rules following an illegal
act.

    The PERSON of a player or an umpire is any part of his body, his
clothing or his equipment.

    A PITCH is a ball delivered to the batter by the pitcher.
  All other deliveries of the ball by one player to another are thrown balls.

    A PITCHER is the fielder designated to deliver the pitch to the batter.

   The pitcher's PIVOT FOOT is that foot which is in contact with the
pitcher's plate as he delivers the pitch.

    "PLAY" is the umpire's order to start the game or to resume action
following any dead ball.

   A QUICK RETURN pitch is one made with obvious intent to catch a batter off
balance. It is an illegal pitch.

   REGULATION GAME. See Rules 4.10 and 4.11.

   A RETOUCH is the act of a runner in returning to a base as legally
required.

   A RUN (or SCORE) is the score made by an offensive player who
advances from batter to runner and touches first, second, third and
home bases in that order.

   A RUN-DOWN is the act of the defense in an attempt to put out a
runner between bases.

   A RUNNER is an offensive player who is advancing toward, or
touching, or returning to any base.

    "SAFE" is a declaration by the umpire that a runner is entitled to
the base for which he was trying.

   SET POSITION is one of the two legal pitching positions.

   SQUEEZE PLAY is a term to designate a play when a team, with
a runner on third base, attempts to score that runner by means of a
bunt.

   A STRIKE is a legal pitch when so called by the umpire, which-
    (a) Is struck at by the batter and is missed;
    (b) Is not struck at, if any part of the ball passes through any part
        of the strike zone;
    (c) Is fouled by the batter when he has less than two strikes;
    (d) Is bunted foul;
    (e) Touches the batter as he strikes at it;
    (f) Touches the batter in flight in the strike zone; or
    (g) Becomes a foul tip.

   The STRIKE ZONE is that area over home plate the upper limit
of which is a horizontal line at the midpoint between the top of the
shoulders and the top of the uniform pants, and the lower level is a line
at the top of the knees. The Strike Zone shall be determined from the
batter's stance as the batter is prepared to swing at a pitched ball.

         (For diagram of STRIKE ZONE see page 23.)

   A SUSPENDED GAME is a called game which is to be completed
at a later date.

   A TAG is the action of a fielder in touching a base with his body
while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or glove; or
touching a runner with the ball, or with his hand or glove holding the
ball, while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or glove.

    A THROW is the act of propelling the ball with the hand and arm
to a given objective and is to be distinguished, always, from the pitch.

   A TIE GAME is a regulation game which is called when each
team has the same number of runs.

    "TIME" is the announcement by an umpire of a legal interruption
of play, during which the ball is dead.

   TOUCH. To touch a player or umpire is to touch any part of his
body, his clothing or his equipment.

   A TRIPLE PLAY is a play by the defense in which three offensive
players are put out as a result of continuous action, providing there is
no error between putouts.

   A WILD PITCH is one so high, so low, or so wide of the plate that
it cannot be handled with ordinary effort by the catcher.

   WIND-UP POSITION is one of the two legal pitching positions.



                          3.00-GAME PRELIMINARIES.

3.01 Before the game begins the umpire shall-
    (a) Require strict observance of all rules governing implements
        of play and equipment of players;
    (b) Be sure that all playing lines (heavy lines on Diagrams No. I
        and No. 2) are marked with lime, chalk or other white material
        easily distinguishable from the ground or grass;
    (c) Receive from the home club a supply of regulation baseballs,
        the number and make to be certified to the home club by the
        league president. Each ball shall be enclosed in a sealed pack-
        age bearing the signature of the league president, and the seal
        shall not be broken until just prior to game time when the
        umpire shall open each package to inspect the ball and remove
        its gloss. The umpire shall be the sole judge of the fitness
        of the balls to be used in the game;
    (d) Be assured by the home club that at least one dozen regulation
        reserve balls are immediately available for use if required;
    (e) Have in his possession at least two alternate balls and shall
        require replenishment of such supply of alternate balls as
        needed throughout the game. Such alternate balls shall be put
        in play when-
          (1) A ball has been batted out of the playing field or into the
           spectator area;
          (2) A ball has become discolored or unfit for further use;
          (3) The pitcher requests such alternate ball.
   The umpire shall not give an alternate ball to the pitcher until play has
ended and the previously used ball is dead. After a thrown or batted ball goes
out of the playing field, play shall not be resumed with an alternate ball
until the runners have reached the bases to which they are entitled. After a
home run is hit out of the playing grounds, the umpire shall not deliver a
new ball to the pitcher or the catcher until the batter hitting the home run
has crossed the plate.

3.02 No player shall intentionally discolor or damage the ball by rubbing it
with soil, rosin, paraffin, licorice, sand-paper, emery-paper or other
foreign substance.
      PENALTY: The umpire shall demand the ball and remove the
   offender from the game. In case the umpire cannot locate
   the offender, and if the pitcher delivers such discolored
   or damaged ball to the batter, the pitcher shall be removed
   from the game at once and shall be suspended automatically
   for ten days.

3.03 A player, or players, may be substituted during a game at any
time the ball is dead. A substitute player shall bat in the replaced player's
position in the team's batting order. A player once removed from a
game shall not re-enter that game. If a substitute enters the game in
place of a player-manager, the manager may thereafter go to the
coaching lines at his discretion. When two or more substitute players
of the defensive team enter the game at the same time, the manager
shall, immediately before they take their positions as fielders, designate
to the umpire-in-chief such players positions in the team's batting order
and the umpire-in-chief shall so notify the official scorer If
this information is not immediately given to the umpire-in-chief he
shall have authority to designate the substitutes places in the batting
order.
   A pitcher may change to another position only once during the same
inning; e.g. the pitcher will not be allowed to resume a position other than a
pitcher more than once in the same inning.
   Any player other than a pitcher substituted for an injured player shall be
allowed five warm-up throws. (See Rule 8.03 for pitchers)

3.04 A player whose name is on his team's batting order may not
become a substitute runner for another member of his team.
  This rule is intended to eliminate the practice of using so-called
  courtesy runners.  No player in the game shall be permitted to act as a
courtesy runner for a teammate.  No player who has been in the game and has
been taken out for a substitute shall return as a courtesy runner. Any player
not in the lineup, if used as a runner, shall be considered as a substitute
player.

3.05 (a) The pitcher named in the batting order handed the umpire-
         in-chief, as provided in Rules 4.01 (a) and 4.01 (b), shall
         pitch to the first batter or any substitute batter until such
         batter is put out or reaches first base, unless the pitcher sus-
         tains injury or illness which, in the judgment of the umpire-
         in-chief, incapacitates him from pitching.
     (b) If the pitcher is replaced, the substitute pitcher shall pitch to
         the batter then at bat, or any substitute batter, until such batter
         is put out or reaches first base, or until the offensive team
         is put out, unless the substitute pitcher sustains injury or illness
         which, in the umpire-in-chief's judgment, incapacitates him for
         further play as a pitcher.
     (c) If an improper substitution is made for the pitcher, the umpire
         shall direct the proper pitcher to return to the give until the
         provisions of this rule are fulfilled. If the improper pitcher is
         permitted to pitch, any play that results is legal. The improper
         pitcher becomes the proper pitcher as soon as he makes his
         first pitch to the batter, or as soon as any runner is put out.
   If a manager attempts to remove a pitcher in violation of Rule 3.05 (c)
the umpire shall notify the manager of the offending club that it cannot be
done. If by chance, the umpire-in-chief has through oversight, announced
the incoming improper pitcher, he should still correct the situation before
the improper pitcher pitches. Once the improper pitcher delivers a pitch he
becomes the proper pitcher.

3.06 The manager shall immediately notify the umpire-in-chief of
any substitution and shall state to the umpire-in-chief the substitute's
place in his batting order.
   Players for whom substitutions have been made may remain with their
team on the bench or ma  "warm-up"  pitchers. If a manager substitutes
another player for himself, he ma  continue to direct his team from the
bench or the coach's box. Umpires should not permit players for whom sub-
stitutes have been made, and who are permitted to remain on the bench, to
address any remarks to any opposing prayer or manager, or to the umpires.

3.07 The umpire-in-chief, after having been notified, shall immediately
announce, or cause to be announced, each substitution.

3.08 (a) If no announcement of a substitution is made, the substitute
      shall be considered as having entered the game when-
          (1) If a pitcher, he takes his place on the pitcher's plate;
          (2) If a batter, he takes his place in the batter's box;
          (3) If a fielder, he reaches the position usually occupied by
              the fielder he has replaced, and play commences;
          (4) If a runner, he takes the place of the runner he has replaced.

    (b) Any play made by, or on, any of the above mentioned unannounced
        substitutes shall be legal.

3.09 Players in uniform shall not address or mingle with spectators,
nor sit in the stands before, during, or after a game. No manager,
coach or player shall address any spectator before or during a game.
players of opposing teams shall not fraternize at any time while in
uniform.

3.10 (a) The manager of the home team shall be the sole judge as to
         whether a game shall be started because of unsuitable
         weather conditions or the unfit condition of the playing field,
         except for the second game of a doubleheader. EXCEP-
         TION: Any league may permanently authorize its president
         to suspend the application of this rule as to that league during
         the closing weeks of its championship season in order to
         assure that the championship is decided each year on its
         merits. When the postponement of, and possible failure to
         play, a game in the final series of a championship season
         between any two teams might affect the final standing of
         any club in the league, the president, on appeal from any
         league club, may assume the authority granted the home
         team manager by this rule.
     (b) The umpire-in-chief of the first game shall be the sole judge as
         to whether the second game of a doubleheader shall not be
         started because of unsuitable weather conditions or the unfit
         condition of the playing field.
     (c) The umpire-in-chief shall be the sole judge as to whether and
         when play shall be suspended during a game because of unsuitable
         weather conditions or the unfit condition of the playing
         field; as to whether and when they play shall be resumed
         after such suspension; and as to whether and when a game
         shall be terminated after such suspension. He shall not call the
         game until at least thirty minutes after he has suspended
         play. He may continue the suspension as long as he believes
         there is any chance to resume play.
    The umpire-in-chief shall at all times try to complete a game. His au-
thority to resume  lay following one or more suspensions of as much as thirty
minutes each shall be absolute and he shall terminate a game only when
there appears to be no possibility of completing it.

3.11 Between games of a doubleheader, or whenever a game is suspended
because of the unfitness of the playing field, the umpire-in-chief shall have
control of ground-keepers and assistants for the purpose of making the
playing field fit for play.
       PENALTY: For violation, the umpire-in-chief may forfeit
                the game to the visiting team.

3.12 When the umpire suspends play he shall call "Time." At the umpire's call
of "Play," the suspension is lifted and play resumes. Between the call of
"Time" and the call of "Play" the ball is dead.

3.13 The manager of the home team shall present to the umpire-in-chief
and the opposing manager any ground rules he thinks necessary
covering the overflow of spectators upon the playing field, batted or
thrown balls into such overflow, or any other contingencies. If these
rules are acceptable to the opposing manager they shall be legal. If
these rules are unacceptable to the opposing manager, the umpire-in-chief
shall make and enforce any special ground rules he thinks are
made necessary by ground conditions, which shall not conflict with
the official playing rules.

3.14 Members of the offensive team shall carry all gloves and other
equipment off the field and to the dugout while their team is at bat. No
equipment shall be left lying on the field, either in fair or foul territory.

3.15 No person shall be allowed on the playing field during a game
except players and coaches in uniform, managers, news photographers
authorized by the home team, umpires, officers of the law in
uniform and watchmen or other employees of the home club. In case
of unintentional interference with play by any person herein authorized
to be on the playing field (except members of the offensive team
participating in the game, or a coach in the coach's box, or an umpire)
he ball is alive and in play. If the interference is intentional, the ball
shall be dead at the moment of the interference and the umpire shall
impose such penalties as in his opinion will nullify the act of interference.
   NOTE: See Rule 7.11 for individuals excepted above, also see Rule 7.08 (b).

    The question of intentional or unintentional interference shall be decided
on the basis of the person's action. For example: a bat boy, ball attendant,
 policeman, etc., who tries to avoid being touched by a thrown or batted ball
but still is touched by the ball would be involved an unintentional interfer-
ence. If, however, he kicks the ball or picks it up or pushes it, that is
considered intentional interference, regardless of what his thought may have
been.
    PLAY: Batter hits ball to shortstop, who fields ball but throws wild past
first baseman. The offensive coach at first base, to avoid being hit by the
ball,
falls to the ground and the first baseman on his way to retrieve the wild
thrown ball, runs into the coach; the batter-runner finally ends up on third
base. The question is asked whether the umpire should call interference on
the part of the coach. This would be up to the judgment of the umpire and if
the umpire felt that the coach did all he could to avoid interfering with the
play, no interference need be called. If it appeared to the umpire that the
coach was obviously just making it appear he was trying not to interfere, the
umpire should rule interference.

3.16 When there is spectator interference with any thrown or batted
ball, the ball shall be dead at the moment of interference and the umpire
shall impose such penalties as in his opinion will nullify the act of
interference.

      APPROVED RULING: If spectator interference clearly
prevents a fielder from catching a fly ball, the umpire shall
declare the batter out.

  There is a difference between a ball which has been thrown or batted into
the stands, touching a spectator thereby being out of play even though it
rebounds onto the field and a spectator going onto the field or reaching over,
under or through a barrier and touching a ball in play or touching or other-
wise interfering with a player. In the latter case it is clearly intentional
and shall be dealt with as intentional interference as in Rule 3.15. Batter
and runners shall be placed where in the umpire's judgment they would have
been had the interference not occurred.
   No interference shall be allowed when a fielder reaches over a fence,
railing, rope or into a stand to catch a ball. He does so at his own risk.
However, should a spectator reach out on the playing field side of such fence,
railing or rope, and plainly prevent the fielder from catching the ball, then
the batsman should be called out for the spectator's interference.
   Example: Runner on third base, one out and a batter hits a fly ball deep
to the outfield (fair or foul). Spectator clearly interferes with the
outfielder attempting to catch the fly ball. Umpires calls the batter out for
spectator interference. Ball is dead at the time of the call. Umpire decides
that because of the distance the ball was hit, the runner on third base would
have scored after the catch if the fielder had caught the ball which was
interfered with, therefore, the runner is permitted to score. This might not
be the case if such fly ball was interfered with a short distance from home
plate.

3.17 Players and substitutes of both teams shall confine themselves to
their team's benches unless actually participating in the play or pre-
paring to enter the game, or coaching at first or third base. No one
except players, substitutes, managers, coaches, trainers and bat boys
shall occupy a bench during a game.
     PENALTY: For violation the umpire may, after warning, remove the offender
              from the field.
    Players on the disabled list are permitted to participate in pre-game ac-
tivity and sit on the bench during a game but may not take part in any
activity during the game such as warming up a pitcher, bench-jockeying,
etc. Disabled players are not allowed to enter the playing surface at any time
 or for any purpose during the game.

3.18 The home team shall provide police protection sufficient to preserve
order. If a person, or persons, enter the playing field during a game and
interfere in any way with the play, the visiting team may refuse to play
until the field is cleared.
        PENALTY: If the field is not cleared in a reasonable
    length of time, which shall in no case be less than fifteen minutes
    after the visiting team's refusal to play, the umpire may forfeit
    the game to the visiting team.



                  4.00-STARTING AND ENDING A GAME.

4.01 Unless the home club shall have given previous notice that the
game has been postponed or will be delayed in starting, the umpire, or
umpires, shall enter the playing field five minutes before the hour set
for the game to begin and proceed directly to home base where they
shall be met by the managers of the opposing teams.
In sequence-
    (a) First, the home manager shall give his batting order to the
        umpire-in-chief, in duplicate.
    (b) Next, the visiting manager shall give his batting order to the
        umpire-in-chief, in duplicate.
    (c) The umpire-in-chief shall make certain that the original and
        copies of the respective batting orders are identical, and then
        tender a copy of each batting order to the opposing manager.
        The copy retained by the umpire shall be the official batting
        order. The tender of the batting order by the umpire shall es-
        tablish the batting orders. Thereafter, no substitutions shall be
        made by either manager, except as provided in these rules.
    (d) As soon as the home team's batting order is handed to the
        umpire-in-chief the umpires are in charge of the playing field
        and from that moment they shall have sole authority to de-
        termine when a game shall be called, suspended or resumed
        on account of weather or the condition of the playing field.
     Obvious errors in the batting order, which are noticed by the umpire-in-
chief before he calls "Play" for the start of the game, should be called to
the attention of the manager or captain of the team in error, so the
correction can be made before the game starts. For example, if a manager has
inadvertently listed only eight men in the batting order, or has listed two
players with the same last name but without an identifying initial and the
errors are noticed by the umpire before he calls "play" he shall cause such
error or errors to be corrected before he calls "play" to start the game.
Teams should not be "trapped" later by some mistake that obviously was
inadvertent and which can be corrected before the game starts.

4.02 The players of the home team shall take their defensive positions, the
first batter of the visiting team shall take his position in the batter's
box, the umpire shall call "Play" and the game shall start.

4.03 When the ball is put in play at the start of, or during a game, all
fielders other than the catcher shall be on fair territory.
     (a) The catcher shall station himself directly back of the plate. He
         may leave his position at any time to catch a pitch or make a
         play except that when the batter is being given an intentional
         base on balls, the catcher must stand with both feet within the
         lines of the catcher's box until the ball leaves the pitcher's
         hand.
     PENALTY: Balk.
     (b) The pitcher, while in the act of delivering the ball to the batter,
         shall take his legal position;
     (c) Except the pitcher and the catcher, any fielder may station
         himself anywhere in fair territory;
     (d) Except the batter, or a runner attempting to score, no offensive
         player shall cross the catcher's lines when the ball is in
         play.

4.04 The batting order shall be followed throughout the game unless a
player is substituted for another. In that case the substitute shall take
the place of the replaced player in the batting order.

4.05 (a) The offensive team shall station two base coaches on the field
         during its term at bat, one near first base and one near third
         base.
     (b) Base coaches shall be limited to two in number and shall (1)
         be in team uniform, and (2) remain within the coach's box at
         all times.
      PENALTY: The offending base coach shall be removed
from the game, and shall leave the playing field.
    It has been common practice for many years for some coaches to put one
foot outside the coach's box or stand astride or otherwise be slightly outside
the coaching box lines The coach shall not be considered out of the box unless
the opposing manager complains, and then, the umpire shall strictly enforce
the rule and require all coaches (on both teams) to remain in the coach's box
at all times
   It is also common practice for a coach who has a play at his base to leave
the coach's box to signal the player to slide, advance or return to a base.
This may be allowed if the coach does not interfere with the play in any
manner.

4.06  (a)  No manager, player, substitute, coach, trainer or batboy
           shall at any time, whether from the bench, the coach's box
           or on the playing field, or elsewhere-
          (1) Incite, or try to incite, by word or sign a demonstration
              by spectators;
          (2) Use language which will in any manner refer to or reflect
              upon opposing players, an umpire, or any spectator;
          (3) Call "Time," or employ any other word or phrase or
              commit any act while the ball is alive and in play for the
              obvious purpose of trying to make the pitcher commit a
              balk.
          (4) Make intentional contact with the umpire in any manner.
      (b)  No fielder shall take a position in the batter's line of vision,
           and with deliberate unsportsmanlike intent, act in a manner
           to distract the batter.
       PENALTY. The offender shall be removed from the game
   and shall leave the playing field, and, if a balk is made, it shall
   be nullified.

4.07 When a manager, player, coach or trainer is ejected from a
game, he shall leave the field immediately and take no further part in
that game. He shall remain in the club house or change to street
clothes and either leave the park or take a seat in the grandstand well
removed from the vicinity of his team's bench or bullpen.
   If a manager, coach or  layer is under suspension he may not be in the
dugout or press box during the course of a game.

4.08 When the occupants of a player's bench show violent disapproval
of an umpire's decision, the umpire shall first give warning that such
disapproval shall cease. If such action continues-
       PENALTY: The umpire shall order the offenders from the
    bench to the club house. If he is unable to detect the offender. or
    offenders, he may clear the bench of all substitute players. The
    manager of the offending team shall have the privilege of recalling
    to the playing field only those players needed to substitution in
    the game.

4.09 HOW A TEAM SCORES.
    (a) One run shall be scored each time a runner legally advances to
        and touches first, second, third and home base before three
        men are put out to end the inning. EXCEPTION: A run is not
        scored if the runner advances to home base during a play in
        which the third out is made (1) by the batter-runner before he
        touches first base; (2) by any runner being forced out; or (3)
        by a preceding runner who is declared out because he failed to
        touch one of the bases
    (b) When the winning run is scored in the last half-inning of a
        regulation game, or in the last half of an extra inning, as the
        result of a base on balls, hit batter or any other play with the
        bases full which forces the runner on third to advance, the
        umpire shall not declare the game ended until the runner
        forced to advance from third has touched home base and the
        batter-runner has touched first base.

    An exception will be if fans rush onto the field and physically prevent
the runner from touching home plate or the batter from touching first base.
In such cases, the umpires shall award the runner the base because of the
obstruction by the fans
      PENALTY: If the runner on third refuses to advance to
   and touch home base in a reasonable time, the umpire shall
   disallow the run, call out the offending player and order the
   game resumed. If, with two out, the batter-runner refuses to
   advance to and touch first base, the umpire shall disallow the
   run, call out the offending player, and order the game resumed.
   If, before two are out, the batter-runner refuses to advance to
   and touch first base, the run shall count, but the offending
   player shall be called out.
  Approved Ruling: No run shall score during a Play in which the third out
is made by the batter-runner before he touches first base. Example: One out,
Jones on second, Smith on first. The batter, Brown, hits safely. Jones scores.
Smith is out on the throw to plate. Two outs. But Brown missed first base.
The ball is thrown to first, an appeal is made, and Brown is out. Three outs.
Since Jones crossed the plate during a play in which the third out was made
by the batter-runner before he touched first base, Jones' run does not count.
    Approved Ruling: Following runners are not affected by an act of a pre-
ceding runner unless two are out.
   Example: One out, Jones on second, Smith on first, and batter, Brown,
hits home run inside the park. Jones fails to touch third on his way to the
plate Smith and Brown score. The defense holds the ball on third, appeals to
umpire, and Jones is out. Smith's and Brown's runs count.
   Approved Ruling: Two out, Jones on second, Smith on first and batter,
Brown, hits home run inside the park. All three runs cross the plate. But
Jones missed third base, and on appeal is declared out. Three outs. Smith's
and Brown's runs are voided. No score on the play.
    Approved Ruling: One out, Jones on third, Smith on second. Batter
Brown flies out to center. Two out. Jones scores after catch and Smith scores
on bad throw to plate. But Jones, on appeal, is adjudged to have left third
before the catch and is out. Three outs. No runs.
    Approved Ruling: Two out, bases full, batter hits home run over fence.
Batter, on appeal, is declared out for missing first base. Three outs. No run
counts.
    Here is a general statement that covers.
   When a runner misses a base and a fielder holds the ball on a missed base,
or on the base originally occupied by the runner if a fly ball is caught, and
appeals for the umpire's decision, the runner is out when the umpire sustains
the appeal, all runners may score if possible, except that with two out the
runner is out at the moment he misses the bag, if an appeal is sustained as
applied to the following runners.
    Approved Ruling: One out, Jones on third, Smith on first, and Brown flies
out to right field. Two outs. Jones tags up and scores after the catch. Smith
attempted to return to first but the right fielder's throw beat him to the
base. Three outs. But Jones scored before the throw to catch Smith reached
first base, hence Jones'run counts. It was not a force play.

4.10 (a) A regulation game consists of nine innings, unless extended
         because of a tie score, or shortened (1) because the home
         team needs none of its half of the ninth inning or only a fraction
         of it, or (2) because the umpire calls the game. EXCEPTION:
         National Association leagues may adopt a rule
         providing that one or both games of a doubleheader shall be
         seven innings In length. In such games, any of these rules
         applying to the ninth inning shall apply to the seventh inning.

     (b) If the score Is tied after nine completed innings play shall
         continue until (1) the visiting team has scored more total
         runs than the home team at the end of a completed inning, or
         (2) the home team scores the winning run in an uncompleted
         inning.
     (c) If a game is called, it is a regulation game;
            (1) If five innings have been completed.
            (2) If the home team has scored more runs in four or four
                and a fraction half-innings than the visiting team has
                scored in five completed half-innings;
            (3) If the home team scores one or more runs in its half of
                the fifth inning to tie the score.
     (d) If each team has the same number of runs when the game
         ends, the umpire shall declare it a "Tie Game."
     (e) If a game is called before it has become a regulation game,
         the umpire shall declare it "No Game."
     (f) Rain checks will not be honored for any regulation or suspended
         game which has progressed to or beyond a point of play
         described in 4.10 (c).

4.11 The score of a regulation game is the total number of runs scored
by each team at the moment the game ends.
    (a) The game ends when the visiting team completes its half of
        the ninth inning if the home team is ahead.
    (b) The game ends when the ninth inning is completed, if the visiting
        team is ahead.
    (c) If the home team scores the winning run in its half of the ninth
        inning (or its half of an extra inning after a tie), the game
        ends immediately when the winning run is scored. EXCEPTION:
        If the last batter in a game hits a home run out of the
        playing field, the batter-runner and all runners on base are
        permitted to score, in accordance with the base-running rules,
        and the game ends when the batter-runner touches home plate.
      APPROVED RULING: The batter hits a home run out of
    the playing field to win the game in the last half of the ninth or
    an extra inning, but is called out for passing a preceding runner.
    The game ends immediately when the winning run is scored.

    (d) A called game ends at the moment the umpire terminates
        play. EXCEPTION: If the game is called while an inning is in
        progress and before it is completed, the game becomes a SUSPENDED
        game in each of the following situations:
         (1) The visiting team has scored one or more runs to tie the
             score and the home team has not scored;
         (4) The visiting team has scored one or more runs to take the
             lead and the home team has not tied the score or retaken
             the lead.
   National Association Leagues may also adopt the following rules
for suspended games in addition to 4.11 (d)  (1)  &  (2) above.  (If
adopted by a National Association League, Rule 4.10 (c)  (d)  &  (e)
would not apply to their games.
         (3) The game has not become a regulation game (4 1/2 innings
             with the home team ahead, or 5 innings with the visiting
             club ahead or tied).
         (4) Any regulation game tied at the point play is stopped because
             of weather, curfew or other reason.
         (5) If a game is suspended before it becomes a regulation
             game, and is continued prior to another regularly scheduled
             game, the regularly scheduled game will be limited to seven
             innings.
         (6) If a game is suspended after it is a regulation game. and is
             continued prior to another regularly scheduled game, the
             regularly scheduled game will be a nine inning game.
    EXCEPTION: The above sections (3), (4), (5)  &  (6) will not
apply to the last scheduled game between the two teams during the
championship season, or League Playoffs.

Any suspended game not completed prior to the last scheduled game
between the two teams during the championship season, will become a
called game.

4.12 SUSPENDED GAMES.
    (a) A league shall adopt the following rules providing for completion
    at a future date of games terminated for any of the following reasons:
          (1) A curfew imposed by law;
          (4) A time limit permissible under league rules;
          (3) Light failure or malfunction of a mechanical field device
              under control of the home club. (Mechanical field
              device shall include automatic tarpaulin or water removal
              equipment).
          (4) Darkness, when a law prevents the lights from being
              turned on.
          (5) Weather, if the game is called while an inning is in
              progress and before it is completed, and one of the following
              situations prevails:
               (i) The visiting team has scored one or more runs
                   to tie the score, and the home team has not
                   scored.
              (ii) The visiting team has scored one or more runs to
                   take the lead, and the home team has not tied the
                   score or retaken the lead.
    (b) Such games shall be known as suspended games, No game
        called because of a curfew, weather, or a time limit shall be a
        suspended game unless it has progressed far enough to have
        been a regulation game under the provisions of Rule 4.10. A
        game called under the provisions of 4.12(a), (3) or (4) shall
        be a suspended game at any time after it starts.
    NOTE: Weather and similar conditions-4.12  (a) (1 through 5)-
shall take precedence in determining whether a called game shall be
a suspended game. A game can only be considered a suspended game
if stopped for any of the five (5) reasons specified in Section (a).
Any regulation game called due to weather with the score tied
(unless situation outlined in 4.12 (a) (5) (i) prevails) is a tie
game and must be replayed in its entirety.

    (c) A suspended game shall be resumed and completed as follows:
       (1) Immediately preceding the next scheduled single game
           between the two clubs on the same grounds; or
       (2) Immediately preceding the next scheduled doublehead-
           er between the two clubs on the same grounds, if no single
           game remains on the schedule; or
       (3) If suspended on the last scheduled date between the two
           clubs in that city, transferred and played on the grounds
           of the opposing club, if possible;
            (i) Immediately preceding the next scheduled single
           game, or
           (ii) Immediately preceding the next scheduled double-
                header, if no single game remains on the schedule.
       (4) If a suspended game has not been resumed and com-
           pleted on the last date scheduled for the two clubs, it
           shall be a called game.
    (d) A suspended game shall be resumed at the exact point of suspension
        of the original game. The completion of a suspended game is a
        continuation of the original game. The lineup and batting order of
        both teams shall be exactly the same as the lineup and batting order
        at the moment of suspension, subject to the rules governing
        substitution. Any player may be replaced by a player who had not been
        in the game prior to the suspension. No player removed before the
        suspension may be returned to the lineup.
        A player who was not with the club when the game was suspended may be
        used as a substitute, even if he has taken the place of a player no
        longer with the club who would not have been eligible because he had
        been removed from the lineup before the game was suspended.
    If immediately prior to the call of a suspended game, a substitute pitcher
has been announced but has not retired the side or pitched until the batter
becomes a baserunner, such pitcher, when the suspended game is later resumed
may, but is not required to start the resumed portion of the game. However,
if he does not start he will be considered as having been substituted for and
may not be used in that game.

    (e) Rain checks will not be honored for any regulation or suspended
        game which has progressed to or beyond a point of play
        described in 4.10 (c).

4.13 RULES GOVERNING DOUBLEHEADERS.
    (a)   (1) Only two championship games shall be played on one
              date. Completion of a suspended game shall not violate
              this rule.
          (2) If two games are scheduled to be played for one admission
              on one date, the first game shall be the regularly
              scheduled game for that date.
    (b) After the start of the first game of a doubleheader, that game
        shall be completed before the second game of the doubleheader
        shall begin.
    (c) The second game of a doubleheader shall start twenty minutes
        after the first game is completed, unless a longer interval (not
        to exceed thirty minutes) is declared by the umpire-in-chief
        and announced to the opposing managers at the end of the first
        game. EXCEPTION: If the league president has approved a
        request of the home club for a longer interval between games
        for some special event, the umpire-in-chief shall declare such
        longer interval and announced it to the opposing managers.
        The umpire-in-chief of the first game shall be the timekeeper
        controlling the interval between games.
    (d) The umpire shall start the second game of a doubleheader, if
        at all possible, and play shall continue as long as ground
        conditions, local time restrictions, or weather permit.
    (e) When a regularly scheduled doubleheader is delayed in starting
        for any cause, any game that is started is the first game of
        the doubleheader.
    (f) When a rescheduled game is part of a doubleheader the rescheduled
        game shall be the second game, and the first game shall be the
        regularly scheduled game for that date.

4.14 The umpire-in-chief shall order the playing field lights turned on
whenever in his opinion darkness makes further play in daylight hazardous.

4.15 A game may be forfeited to the opposing team when a team-
    (a) Fails to appear upon the field, or being upon the field, refuses
        to start play within five minutes after the umpire has called
        "Play" at the appointed hour for beginning the game, unless
        such delayed appearance is, in the umpire's judgment, unavoidable;
    (b) Employs tactics palpably designed to delay or shorten the
        game;
    (c) Refuses to continue play during a game unless the game has
        been suspended or terminated by the umpire;
    (d) Fails to resume play, after a suspension, within one minute
        after the umpire has called "Play;"
    (e) After warning by the umpire, willfully and persistently violates
        any rules of the game;
    (f) Fails to obey within a reasonable time the umpire's order for
        removal of a player from the game;
    (g) Fails to appear for the second game of a doubleheader within
        twenty minutes after the close of the first game unless the
        umpire-in-chief of the first game shall have extended the
        time of the intermission.

4.16 A game shall be forfeited to the visiting team if, after it has been
suspended, the order of the umpire to grounds keepers respecting preparation
of the field for resumption of play are not complied with.

4.17 A game shall be forfeited to the opposing team when a team is
unable or refuses to place nine players on the field.

4.18 If the umpire declares a game forfeited he shall transmit a written
report to the league president within twenty-four hours thereafter,
but failure of such transmittal shall not effect the forfeiture.

4.19 PROTESTING GAMES. Each league shall adopt rules governing procedure
for protesting a game, when a manager claims that an umpire's decision is
in violation of these rules. No protest shall ever be permitted on judgment
decisions by the umpire. In all protested games, the decision of the League
President shall be final.
    Even if it is held that the protested decision violated the rules, no
replay of the game will be ordered unless in the opinion of the League
President the violation adversely affected the protesting team's
chances of winning the game.
    Whenever a manager protests a game because of alleged misapplication
of the rules the protest will not be recognized unless the umpires are
notified at the time the play under protest occurs and before the next pitch
is made or a runner is retired. A protest arising on a game-ending play may
be filed until 12 noon the following day with the League Office.


                 5.00-PUTTING THE BALL IN PLAY. LIVE BALL

5.01 At the time set for beginning the game the umpire shall call
  "Play."

5.02 After the umpire calls "Play" the ball is alive and in play and
 remains alive and in play until for legal cause, or at the umpire's call
 of "Time" suspending play, the ball becomes dead. While the ball is
 dead no player may be put out, no bases may be run and no runs may
 be scored, except that runners may advance one or more bases as the
 result of acts which occurred while the ball was alive (such as, but not
 limited to a balk, an overthrow, interference, or a home run or other
 fair ball hit out of the playing field).
     Should a ball come partially apart in a game, it is in play until the
play is completed.

5.03 The pitcher shall deliver the pitch to the batter who may elect to
strike the ball, or who may not offer at it, as he chooses.

5.04 The offensive team's objective is to have its batter become a
runner, and its runners advance.

5.05 The defensive team's objective is to prevent offensive players
from becoming runners, and to prevent their advance around the
bases.

5.06 When a batter becomes a runner and touches all bases legally he
shall score one run for his team.
    A run legally scored cannot be nullified by subsequent action of the run-
ner, such as but not limited to an effort to return to third base in the
belief that he had left the base before a caught fly ball.

5.07 When three offensive players are legally put out, that team takes
the field and the opposing team becomes the offensive team.

5.08 If a thrown ball accidently touches a base coach, or a pitched or
thrown ball touches an umpire, the ball is alive and in play. However.
if the coach interferes with a thrown ball, the runner is out.

5.09 The ball becomes dead and runners advance one base, or return
to their bases, without liability to be put out, when-
    (a)  A pitched ball touches a batter, or his clothing, while in his
        legal batting position; runners, if forced, advance;
    (b) The plate umpire interferes with the catcher's throw; runners
        may not advance.
          NOTE: The interference shall be disregarded if the catcher's
          throw retires the runner.
    (c) A balk is committed; runners advance; (See Penalty 8.05)
    (d) A ball is illegally batted; runners return;
    (e) A foul ball is not caught; runners return. The umpire shall not
        put the ball in play until all runners have retouched their
        bases;
    (f) A fair ball touches a runner or an umpire on fair territory
        before it touches an infielder including the pitcher, or
        touches an umpire before it has passed an infielder other than
        the pitcher;
     If a fair ball touches an umpire working in the infield after it has
bounded past, or over, the pitcher, it is a dead ball If a batted ball is
deflected by a fielder in fair territory and hits a runner or an umpire while
still in flight and then caught by an infielder it shall not be a catch, but
the ball shall remain in play.

       If a fair ball goes through, or by, an infielder, and touches a
       runner immediately back of him, or touches a runner after
       being deflected by an infielder, the ball is in play and the umpire
       shall not declare the runner out. In making such decision the
       umpire must be convinced that the ball passed through, or by,
       the infielder and that no other infielder had the chance to make
       a play on the ball; runners advance, if forced;

    (g) A pitched ball lodges in the umpire's or catcher's mask or
        paraphernalia, and remains out of play, runners advance one base;

    If a foul tip hits the umpire and is caught by a fielder on the rebound,
the ball is "dead" and the batsman cannot be called out. The same shall apply
where such foul tip lodges in the umpire's mask or other paraphernalia.
    If a third strike (not a foul tip) passes the catcher and hits an umpire,
the ball is in play. If such ball rebounds and is caught by a fielder before
it touches the ground, the batsman is not out on such a catch, but the ball
remains in play and the batsman may be retired at first base, or touched with
the ball for the out.
    If a pitched ball lodges in the umpire's or catcher's mask or
paraphernalia and remains out of play , on the third strike or fourth ball,
then the batter is entitled to first base and all runners advance one base.
If the count on the batter is less than three balls, runners advance one base.

    (h) Any legal pitch touches a runner trying to score; runners advance.

5.10 The ball becomes dead when an umpire calls "Time." The umpire-in-chief
shall call "Time"-
    (a) When in his judgment weather, darkness or similar conditions
        make immediate further play impossible;
    (b) When light failure makes it difficult or impossible for the umpires
        to follow the play;
     NOTE: A league may adopt its own regulations governing games
interrupted by light failure.
    (c) When an accident incapacitates a player or an umpire;
          (1) If an accident to a runner is such as to prevent him
            from proceeding to a base to which he is entitled, as
            on a home run hit out of the playing field, or an award
            of one or more bases, a substitute runner shall be permitted
            to complete the play.
    (d) When a manager requests "Time" for a substitution, or for a
        conference with one of his players.
    (e) When the umpire wishes to examine the ball, to consult with
        either manager, or for any similar cause.
    (f) When a fielder, after catching a fly ball, falls into a bench or
        stand, or falls across ropes into a crowd when spectators are on
        the field. As pertains to runners, the provisions of 7.04 (c) shall
        prevail.
     If a fielder after making a catch steps into a bench, but does
     not fall, the ball is in play and runners may advance at their
     own peril.
    (g) When an umpire orders a player or any other person removed
        from the playing field.
    (h) Except in the cases stated in paragraphs (b) and (c)  (1) of
        this rule, no umpire shall call "Time" while a play is in
        progress.

5.11 After the ball is dead, play shall be resumed when the pitcher
takes his place on the pitcher's plate with a new ball or the same ball in
his possession and the plate umpire calls "Play." The plate umpire
shall call "Play" as soon as the pitcher takes his place on his plate with
the ball in his possession.



                           6.00-THE BATTER

6.01 (a) Each player of the offensive team shall bat in the order that
         his name appears in his team's batting order.
     (b) The first batter in each inning after the first inning shall be
         the player whose name follows that of the last player who
         legally completed his time at bat in the preceding inning.

6.02 (a) The batter shall take his position in the batter's box promptly
         when it is his time at bat.
     (b) The batter shall not leave his position in the batter's box
         after the pitcher comes to Set Position, or starts his windup
         PENALTY: If the pitcher pitches, the umpire shall call
         "Ball" or "Strike," as the case may be.

    The batter leaves the batter's box at the risk of having a strike
delivered and called, unless he requests the umpire to call "Time." The
batter is not at liberty to step in and out of the batter's box at will.
    Once a batter has taken his position in the batter's box, he shall not be
permitted to step out of the batter's box in order to use the resin or the
pine tar rag, unless there is a delay in the game action or, in the judgment
of the umpires, weather conditions warrant an exception.
    Umpires will not call "Time" at the request of the batter or any member
of his team once the pitcher has started his windup or has come to a set
position even though the batter claims "dust in his eyes," "steamed glasses,"
'didn't get the sign" or for any other cause.
    Umpires may grant a hitter's request for "Time" once he is in the bat-
ter's box, but the umpire should eliminate hitters walking out of the batter's
box without reason. If umpires are not lenient, batters will understand that
they are in the batter's box and they must remain there until the ball is
pitched.
    If pitcher delays once the batter is in his box and the umpire feels that
the delay is not justified he may allow the batter to step out of the box
momentarily.
    If after the pitcher starts his wind-up or comes to a "set position" with
a runner on, he does not go through with his pitch because the batter has
stepped out of the box, it shall not be called a balk. Both the pitcher and
batter have violated a rule and the umpire shall call time and both the batter
and pitcher start over from "scratch."

      (c) If the batter refuses to take his position in the batter's box
          during his time at bat, the umpire shall order the pitcher to
          pitch, and shall call "Strike" on each such pitch. The batter
          may take his proper position after any such pitch, and the
          regular ball and strike count shall continue, but if he does not
          take his proper position before three strikes are called, he
          shall be declared out.

6.03 The batter's legal position shall be with both feet within the batter's
box.

      APPROVED RULING: The lines defining the box are within the
                       batter's box.

6.04 A batter has legally completed his time at bat when he is put out
or becomes a runner.

6.05 A batter is out when-

     (a) His fair or foul fly ball (other than a foul tip) is legally caught
         by a fielder,
     (b) A third strike is legally caught by the catcher,
    "Legally caught" means in the catcher's glove before the ball touches the
ground. It is not legal if the ball lodges in his clothing or paraphernalia;
or touches the umpire and is caught by the catcher on the rebound.
    If a foul-tip first strikes the catcher's glove and then goes on through
and is caught by both hands against his body or protector, before the ball
touches the ground, it is a strike, and if third strike, batter is out. If
smothered against his body or protector, it is a catch provided the ball
struck the catcher's glove or hand first.

     (c) A third strike is not caught by the catcher when first base is
         occupied before two are out;
     (d) He bunts foul on third strike;
     (e) An Infield Fly is declared;
     (f) He attempts to hit a third strike and the ball touches him;
     (g) His fair ball touches him before touching a fielder,
     (h) After hitting or bunting a fair ball, his bat hits the ball a second
         time in fair territory. The ball is dead and no runners may
         advance. If the batter-runner drops his bat and the ball rolls
         against the bat in fair territory and, in the umpire's judgment,
         there was no intention to interfere with the course of the ball,
         the ball is alive and in play;
    If a bat breaks and part of it is in fair territory and is hit by a batted
ball or part of it hits a runner or fielder, play shall continue and no
interference called, If batted ball hits part of broken bat in foul territory,
it is a foul ball,
    If a whole bat is thrown into fair territory and interferes with a
defensive player attempting to make a play, interference shall be called,
whether intentional or not.
    In cases where the batting helmet is accidentally hit with a batted or
thrown ball, the ball remains in play the same as if it has not hit the
helmet.
    If a batted ball strikes a batting helmet or any other object foreign to
the natural ground while on foul territory, it is a foul ball and the ball is
dead.
    If, In the umpires judgment, there is intent on the part of a baserunner
to interfere with a batted or thrown ball by dropping the helmet or throwing
it at the ball, then the runner would be out, the ball dead and runners would
return to last base legally touched.

     (i) After hitting or bunting a foul ball, he intentionally deflects
         the course of the ball in any manner while running to first
         base. The ball is dead and no runners may advance;
     (j) After a third strike or after he hits a fair ball, he or first base
         is tagged before he touches first base;
     (k) In running the last half of the distance from home base to first
         base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, he runs outside
         (to the right of) the three-foot line, or inside (to the left
         of) the foul line, and in the umpire's judgment in so doing
         interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base; except
         that he may run outside (to the right of) the three-foot line or
         inside  (to the left of)  the foul line to avoid a fielder
         attempting to field a batted ball;
     (l) An infielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball or line drive,
         with first, first and second, first and third, or first, second and
         third base occupied before two are out. The ball is dead and
         runner or runners shall return to their original base or bases;
           APPROVED RULING: In this situation, the batter is not
         out if the infielder permits the ball to drop untouched to the
         ground, except when the Infield Fly rule applies.
     (m) A preceding runner shall, in the umpire's judgment, intentionally
         interfere with a fielder who is attempting to catch a
         thrown ball or to throw a ball in an attempt to complete any
         play;
  The objective of this rule is to penalize the offensive team for deliberate,
 unwarranted, unsportsmanlike action by the runner in leaving the baseline
or the obvious purpose of crashing the pivot man on a double play, rather
than trying to reach the base. Obviously this is an umpire's judgment play.

    (n) With two out, a runner on third base, and two strikes on the
        batter, the runner attempts to steal home base on a legal pitch
        and the ball touches the runner in the batter's strike zone. The
        umpire shall call "Strike Three," the batter is out and the run
        shall not count; before two are out, the umpire shall call
        "Strike Three," the ball is dead, and the run counts.

6.06 A batter is out for illegal action when-
    (a)  He hits a ball with one or both feet on the ground entirely
         outside the batter's box,
    If a batter hits a ball fair or foul while out of the batter's box, he
shall be called out, Umpires should pay particular attention to the position
of the batter's feet if he attempts to hit the ball while he is being
intentionally passed. A batter cannot jump or step out of the batter's box and
hit the ball.

    (b) He steps from one batter's box to the other while the pitcher is
        in position ready to pitch;
    (c) He interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing by stepping
        out of the batter's box or making any other movement that hinders
        the catcher's play at home base. EXCEPTION: Batter is not out if
        any runner attempting to advance is put out, or if runner trying
        to score is called out for batter's interference.
    If the batter interferes with the catcher, the plate umpire shall call
"interference." The batter is out and the ball dead. No player may advance on
such interference (offensive interference) and all runners must return to the
last base that was, in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time
of the interference.
   If, however, the catcher makes a play and a runner attempting to advance
is put out, it is to be assumed there was no actual interference and that
runner is out-not the batter. Any other runners on the base at the time may
advance as the ruling is that there is no actual interference if a runner is
retired. In that case play proceeds just as if no violation had been called.
    If a batter strikes at a ball and misses and swings so hard he carries the
bat all the way around and, in the umpire's judgment, unintentionally hits
the catcher or the ball in back of him on the back-swing before the catcher
has securely held the ball, it shall be called a strike only (not
interference). The ball will be dead, however, and no runner shall advance on
the play.

    (d) He uses or attempts to use a bat that, in the umpire's judgment,
        has been altered or tampered with in such a way to improve the
        distance factor or cause an unusual reaction on the baseball.
        This includes, bats that are filled, flat-surfaced, nailed, hollowed,
        grooved or covered with a substance such as paraffin, wax, etc.
        No advancement on the bases will be allowed and any out or outs made
        during a play shall stand.
        In addition to being called out, the player shall be ejected
        from the game and may be subject to additional penalties as
        determined by his League President.

6.07 BATTING OUT OF TURN.
    (a) A batter shall be called out, on appeal, when he fails to bat in
        his proper turn, and another batter completes a time at bat in
        his place.
        (1) The proper batter may take his place in the batter's box at
            any time before the improper batter becomes a runner or
            is put out, and any balls and strikes shall be counted in the
            proper batter's time at bat.
    (b) When an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out, and
        the defensive team appeals to the umpire before the first pitch
        to the next batter of either team, or before any play or attempted
        play, the umpire shall (1) declare the proper batter out;
        and (2) nullify any advance or score made because of a
        ball batted by the improper batter or because of the improper
        batter's advance to first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls,
        a hit batter or otherwise.
           NOTE: If a runner advances, while the improper batter is
       at bat, on a stolen base, balk, wild pitch or passed ball, such
       advance is legal.

    (c) When an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out, and
        a pitch is made to the next batter of either team before an
        appeal is made, the improper batter thereby becomes the
        proper batter, and the results of his time at bat become legal.

    (d) (1) When the proper batter is called out because he has failed
        to bat in turn, the next batter shall be the batter whose name
        follows that of the proper batter thus called out; (2) When an
        improper batter becomes a proper batter because no appeal is
        made before the next pitch, the next batter shall be the batter
        whose name follows that of such legalized improper batter.
        The instant an improper batter's actions are legalized, the
        batting order picks up with the name following that of the
        legalized improper batter.

    The umpire shall not direct the attention of any person to the presence in
the batter's box of an improper batter. This rule is designed to require con-
stant vigilance by the players and managers of both teams.
   There are two fundamentals to keep in mind: When a player bats out of
turn, the proper batter is the player called out. If an improper batter bats
and reaches base or is out and no appeal is made before a pitch to the next
batter, or before any play or attempted play , that improper batter is
considered to have batted in proper turn and establishes the order that is to
follow.

      APPROVED RULING
    To illustrate various situations arising from batting out of turn, assume
a first-inning batting order as follows:
    Abel - Baker - Charles - Daniel - Edward - Frank - George - Hooker -
Irwin.
    PLAY (1). Baker bats. With the count 2 balls and 1 strike, (a) the offen-
sive team discovers the error or (b) the defensive team appeals. RULING: In
either case, Abel replaces Baker, with the count on him 2 balls and 1 strike.
    PLAY (2). Baker bats and doubles. The defensive team appeals (a) im-
mediately or (b) after a pitch to Charles. RULING: (a) Abel is called out and
Baker is the proper batter,  (b) Baker stays on second and Charles is the
proper batter.
    PLAY (3). Abel walks. Baker walks. Charles forces Baker. Edward bats
in Daniel's turn. While Edward is at bat, Abel scores and Charles goes to
second on a wild pitch. Edward grounds out, sending Charles to third. The
 defensive team appeals (a) immediately or (b) after a pitch to Daniel. RUL-
ING: (a) Abel's run counts and Charles is entitled to second base since these
 advances were not made because of the improper batter batting a ball or
advancing to first base. Charles must return to second base because his ad-
 vance to third resulted from the improper batter batting a ball. Daniel is
 called out, and Edward is the proper batter;  (b) Abel's run counts and
Charles stays on third. The proper batter is Frank.
   PLAY (4). With the bases full and two out. Hooker bats in Frank's turn,
and triples, scoring three runs. The defensive team appeals (a) immediately,
or (b) after a pitch to George. RULING: (a) Frank is called out and no runs
score. George is the proper batter to lead off the second inning; (b) Hooker
stays on third and three runs score. Irwin is the proper batter.
   PLAY  (5). After Play (4)  (b) above, George continues at bat. (a)
Hooker is picked off third base for the third out, or (b) George flies out,
and no appeal  is made. Who is the proper leadoff batter in the second inning?
RULING: (a) Irwin. He became the proper batter as soon as the first pitch to
George legalized Hooker's triple; (b) Hooker. When no appeal was made, the
first pitch to the leadoff batter of the opposing team legalized George's time
at bat.
   PLAY (6). Daniel walks and Abel comes to bat. Daniel was an improper
batter, and if an appeal is made before the first pitch to Abel, Abel is out,
Daniel is removed from base, and Baker is the proper batter. There is no
appeal, and a pitch is made to Abel. Daniel's walk is now legalized, and Ed-
ward there by becomes the proper batter. Edward - replace Abel at any
time before Abel is put out or becomes a runner. He does not do so. Abel flies
out, and Baker comes to bat. Abel was an improper batter, and if an appeal is
made before the first pitch to Baker, Edward is out, and the  proper batter is
Frank. There is no appeal, and a pitch is made to Batter. Abel's out is now
legalized, and the proper batter is Baker. Baker walks. Charles is the proper
batter. Charles flies out. Now Daniel is the proper batter, but he is on
second base. Who is the proper batter? RULING The proper batter is Edward.
When the proper batter is on base, he is passed over, and the following batter
becomes the proper batter.

6.08 The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without
liability to be put out (provided he advances to and touches first base)
when-

     (a) Four "balls" have been called by the umpire;

    A batter who is entitled to first base because of a base on balls must go
to first base and touch the base before other base runners are forced to
advance. This applies when bases are full and applies when a substitute runner
is put into the game.
    If, in advancing, the base runner thinks there is a play and he slides
past the base before or after touching it he may be put out by the fielder
tagging him. If he fails to touch the base to which he is entitled and
attempts to advance beyond that base he may be put out by tagging him or the
base he missed.

     (b) He is touched by a pitched ball which he is not attempting to
         hit unless (1) The ball is in the strike zone when it touches the
         batter, or  (2)  The batter makes no attempt to avoid being
         touched by the ball;

        If the ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, it
        shall be called a strike, whether or not the batter tries to avoid
        the ball. If the ball is outside the strike zone when it touches
        the batter, it shall be called a ball if he makes no attempt to
        avoid being touched.
         APPROVED RULING: When the batter is touched by a
        pitched ball which does not entitle him to first base, the ball is
        dead and no runner may advance.

     (c) The catcher or any fielder interferes with him. If a play follows
         the interference, the manager of the offense may advise
         the plate umpire that he elects to decline the interference penalty
         and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the
         end of the play. However, if the batter reaches first base on a hit,
         an error, a base on balls, a hit batsman, or otherwise, and all
         other runners advance at least one base, the play proceeds without
         reference to the interference.

   If catcher's interference is called with a play in progress the umpire will
allow the play to continue because the manager may elect to take the play. If
the batter-runner missed first base, or a runner misses his next base, he
shall be considered as having reached the base, as stated in Note of
Rule 7.04 (d).
   Examples of plays the manager might elect to take:
    1. Runner on third, one out, batter hits fly ball to the outfield on which
the runner scores but catcher's interference was called. The offensive man-
ager may elect to take the run and have batter called out or have runner
remain at third and batter awarded first base.
    2. Runner on second base. Catcher interferes with batter as he bunts ball
fairly sending runner to third base. The manager may rather have runner on
third base with an out on the play than have runners on second and first.
    In situations where the manager wants the "interference" penalty to
apply, the following interpretation shall be made of 6.08 (c):
    If the catcher (or any fielder) interferes with the batter, the batter is
awarded first base. If, on such interference a runner is trying to score by a
steal or squeeze from third base, the ball is dead and the runner on third
scores and batter is awarded first base. If the catcher interferes with the
batter with no runners trying to score from third on a squeeze or steal, then
the ball is dead, batter is awarded first base and runners who are forced to
advance, do advance. Runners not attempting to steal or not forced to advance
remain on the base they occupied at the time of the interference.
    If the catcher interferes with the batter before the pitcher delivers the
ball, it shall not be considered interference on the batter under Rule 6.08
(c).
In such cases, the umpire shall call "Time" and the pitcher and batter start
over from "scratch."

    (d) A fair ball touches an umpire or a runner on fair territory
        before touching a fielder.

       If a fair ball touches an umpire after having passed a fielder
       other than the pitcher, or having touched a fielder, including
       the pitcher, the ball is in play.

6.09 The batter becomes a runner when-

    (a) He hits a fair ball;
    (b) The third strike called by the umpire is not caught, providing
        (1) first base is unoccupied, or (2) first base is occupied with
        two out;
   When a batter becomes a base runner on a third strike not caught by the
catcher and starts for the dugout, or his position, and then realizes his
situation and attempts then to reach first base, he is not out unless he or
first base is tagged before he reaches first base. If, however, he actually
reaches the dugout or dugout steps, he may not then attempt to go to first
base and shall be out.

    (c) A fair ball, after having passed a fielder other than the pitcher,
        or after having been touched by a fielder, including the
        pitcher, shall touch an umpire or runner on fair territory;
    (d) A fair ball passes over a fence or into the stands at a distance
        from home base of 250 feet or more. Such hit entitles the batter
        to a home run when he shall have touched all bases legally.
        A fair fly ball that passes out of the playing field at a point less
        than 250 feet from home base shall entitle the batter to advance
        to second base only;
    (e) A fair ball, after touching the ground, bounds into the stands,
        or passes through, over or under a fence, or through or under a
        scoreboard, or through or under shrubbery, or vines on the
        fence, in which case the batter and the runners shall be entitled
        to advance two bases;
    (f) Any fair ball which, either before or after touching the
        ground, passes through or under a fence, or through or under
        a scoreboard, or through any opening in the fence or score-
        board, or through or under shrubbery, or vines on the fence,
        or which sticks in a fence or scoreboard, in which case the
        batter and the runners shall be entitled to two bases;
    (g) Any bounding fair ball is deflected by the fielder into the
        stands, or over or under a fence on fair or foul territory, in
        which case the batter and all runners shall be entitled to advance
        two bases;
    (h) Any fair fly ball is deflected by the fielder into the stands, or
        over the fence into foul territory, in which case the batter
        shall be entitled to advance to second base; but if deflected
        into the stands or over the fence in fair territory, the batter
        shall be entitled to a home run. However, should such a fair
        fly be deflected at a point less than 250 feet from home plate.
        the batter shall be entitled to two bases only.

6.10 Any League may elect to use the Designated Hitter Rule.
    (a) In the event of inter-league competition between clubs of
        Leagues using the Designated Hitter Rule and clubs of
        Leagues not using the Designated Hitter Rule, the rule will be
        used as follows:
       1. In World Series or exhibition games, the rule will be used or
          not used as is the practice of the home team.
       2. In All-Star games, the rule will only be used if both teams
          and both Leagues so agree.
    (b) The Rule provides as follows:
    A hitter may be designated to bat for the starting pitcher and all
subsequent pitchers in any game without otherwise affecting the status
of the pitcher (s) in the game. A Designated Hitter for the pitcher
must be selected prior to the game and must be included in the lineup
cards presented to the Umpire in Chief.
   The designated hitter named in the starting lineup must come to
bat at least one time, unless the opposing club changes pitchers.
   It is not mandatory that a club designate a hitter for the pitcher,
but failure to do so prior to the game precludes the use of a Designated
Hitter for that game.
   Pinch hitters for a Designated Hitter may be used. Any substitute
hitter for a Designated Hitter becomes the Designated Hitter. A replaced
Designated Hitter shall not re-enter the game in any capacity.
   The Designated Hitter may be used defensively, continuing to bat
in the same position in the batting order, but the pitcher must then bat
in the place of the substituted defensive player, unless more than one
substitution is made, and the manager then must designate their spots
in the batting order.
   A runner may be substituted for the Designated Hitter and the
runner assumes the role of Designated Hitter. A Designated Hitter
may not pinch run.
   A Designated Hitter is "locked" into the batting order. No multiple
substitutions may be made that will alter the batting rotation of the
Designated Hitter.
   Once the game pitcher is switched from the mound to a defensive
position this move shall terminate the Designated Hitter role for the
remainder of the game.
   Once a pinch hitter bats for any player in the batting order and
then enters the game to pitch, this move shall terminate the Designated
Hitter role for the remainder of the game.
   Once the game pitcher bats for the Designated Hitter this move
shall terminate the Designated Hitter role for the remainder of the
game. (The game pitcher may only pinch-hit for the Designated Hitter).
   Once a Designated Hitter assumes a defensive position this move
shall terminate the Designated Hitter role for the remainder of the
game. A substitute for the Designated Hitter need not be announced
until it is the Designated Hitter's turn to bat.


                          7.00-THE RUNNER.

7.01 A runner acquires the right to an unoccupied base when he
touches it before he is out. He is then entitled to it until he is put out, or
forced to vacate it for another runner legally entitled to that base.
   If a runner legally acquires title to a base, and the pitcher assumes his
pitching position, the runner may not return to a previously occupied base.

7.02 In advancing, a runner shall touch first, second, third and home
base in order. If forced to return, he shall retouch all bases in reverse
order, unless the ball is dead under any provision of Rule 5.09. In such
cases, the runner may go directly to his original base.

7.03 Two runners may not occupy a base, but if, while the ball is
alive, two runners are touching a base, the following runner shall be
out when tagged. The preceding runner is entitled to the base.

7.04 Each runner, other than the batter, may without liability to be
put out, advance one base when-
    (a) There is a balk;
    (b) The batter's advance without liability to be put out forces the
        runner to vacate his base, or when the batter hits a fair ball
        that touches another runner or the umpire before such ball
        has been touched by, or has passed a fielder, if the runner is
        forced to advance;
    A runner forced to advance without liability to be put out may advance
past the base to which he is entitled only at his peril, If such a runner,
forced to advance, is put out for the third out before a preceding runner,
also forced to advance, touches home plate, the run shall score.
    Play. Two out, bases full, batter walks but runner from second is over-
zealous and runs past third base toward home and is tagged out on a throw by
the catcher. Even though two are out, the run would score on the theory that
the run was forced home by the base on balls and that all the runners needed
to do was proceed and touch the next base.

    (c) A fielder, after catching a fly ball, falls into a bench or stand,
        or falls across ropes into a crowd when spectators are on the
        field;
    A fielder or catcher may reach or step into, or go into the dugout with
one or both feet to make a catch, and if he holds the ball, the catch shall
be allowed. Ball is in play.
    If the fielder or catcher, after having made a legal catch, should fall
into a stand or among spectators or into the dugout after making a legal
catch, or falls while in the dugout after making a legal catch, the ball is
dead and runners advance one base without liability to be put out.

    (d) While he is attempting to steal a base, the batter is interfered
        with by the catcher or any other fielder.
           NOTE: When a runner is entitled to a base without liability
       to be put out, while the ball is in play, or under any rule in
       which the ball is in play after the runner reaches the base to
       which he is entitled, and the runner fails to touch the base to
       which he is entitled before attempting to advance to the next
       base, the runner shall forfeit his exemption from liability to be
       put out, and he may be put out by tagging the base or by
       tagging the runner before he returns to the missed base.

7.05 Each runner including the batter-runner may, without liability
to be put out, advance-
    (a) To home base, scoring a run, if a fair ball goes out of the playing
        field in flight and he touches all bases legally; or if a fair
        ball which, in the umpire's judgment, would have gone out of
        the playing field in flight, is deflected by the act of a fielder in
        throwing his glove, cap, or any article of his apparel;
    (b) Three bases, if a fielder deliberately touches a fair ball with
        his cap, mask or any part of his uniform detached from its
        proper place on his person. The ball is in play and the batter
        may advance to home base at his peril;
    (c) Three bases, if a fielder deliberately throws his glove at and
        touches a fair ball. The ball is in play and the batter may
        advance to home base at his peril.
    (d) Two bases, if a fielder deliberately touches a thrown ball with
        his cap, mask or any part of his uniform detached from its
        proper place on his person. The ball is in play;
    (e) Two bases, if a fielder deliberately throws his glove at and
        touches a thrown ball. The ball is in play;
    In a plying (b-c-d-e) the umpire must rule that the thrown glove or
detached cap or mask has touched the ball. There is no penalty if the ball is
not touched.
   Under (c-e) this penalty shall not be invoked against a fielder whose
glove is carried off his hand by the force of a batted or thrown ball, or
when his glove flies off his hand as he makes an obvious effort to make a
legitimate catch.

    (f) Two bases, if a fair ball bounces or is deflected into the stands
        outside the first or third base foul lines; or if it goes through or
        under a field fence, or through or under a scoreboard, or
        through or under shrubbery or vines on the fence; or if it sticks
        in such fence, scoreboard, shrubbery or vines;
    (g) Two bases when, with no spectators on the playing field, a
        thrown ball goes into the stands, or into a bench whether or
        not the ball rebounds into the field), or over or under or
        through a field fence, or on a slanting part of the screen above
        the backstop, or remains in the meshes of a wire screen protecting
        spectators. The ball is dead. When such wild throw is the first
        play by an infielder, the umpire, in awarding such bases, shall be
        governed by the position of the runners at the time the ball was
        pitched; in all other cases the umpire shall be governed by the
        position of the runners at the time the wild throw was made;
         APPROVED RULING: If all runners, including the batter-runner,
        have advanced at least one base when an infielder
        makes a wild throw on the first play after the pitch, the
        award shall be governed by the position of the runners when
        the wild throw was made.

   In certain circumstances it is possible to award a runner two bases.
Example: Runner on first. Batter hits fly to short right. Runner holds up
between first and second and batter comes around first and pulls up behind
him. Ball falls safely. Outfielder, in throwing to first, throws ball into
stand.
     APPROVED RULING: Since no runner, when the ball is dead, may advance
beyond the base to which he is entitled, the runner originally on first
base goes to third base and the batter is held at second base.
   The term "when the wild throw was made" means when the throw actually left
the player's hand and not when the thrown ball hit the ground, passes a
receiving fielder or goes out of play into the stands.
    The position of the batter-runner at the time the wild throw left the
thrower's hand is the key in deciding the award of base. If the batter-runner
has not reached first base, the award is two bases at the time the pitch was
made for all runners. The decision as to whether the batter-runner has
reached first base before the throw is a judgment call.
    If an unusual play arises where a first throw by an infielder goes into
stands or dugout  out but the batter did not become a runner (such as catcher
throwing ball into stands in attempt  t to get runner from third trying to
score on passed ball or wild pitch) award of two bases shall be from the
position of the runners at the time of the throw.  (For the purpose of Rule
7.05  (g) a catcher is considered an infielder.)
   PLAY. Runner on first base, batter hits a ball to the shortstop, who
throws to second base too late to get runner at second, and second baseman
throws toward first base after batter has crossed first base. Ruling- Runner
at second scores. (On this play, only if batter-runner is past first base
when throw is made is he awarded third base.)

    (h) One base, if a ball, pitched to the batter, or thrown by the
        pitcher from his position on the pitcher's plate to a base to
        catch a runner, goes into a stand or a bench, or over or
        through a field fence or backstop. The ball is dead;
        APPROVED RULING: When a wild pitch or passed ball
        goes through or by the catcher, or deflects off the catcher, and
        goes directly into the dugout, stands, above the break, or any
        area where the ball is dead, the awarding of bases shall be one
        base. One base shall also be awarded if the pitcher while in
        contact with the rubber, throws to a base, and the throw goes
        directly into the stands or into any area where the ball is
        dead.
        If, however, the pitched or thrown ball goes through or by the
        catcher or through the fielder, and remains on the playing
        field, and is subsequently kicked or deflected into the dugout
        stands or other area where the ball is dead, the awarding of
        bases shall be two bases from position of runners at the time
        of the pitch or throw.
    (i) One base, if the batter becomes a runner on Ball Four or Strike
        Three, when the pitch passes the catcher and lodges in the umpire's
        mask or paraphernalia.
        If the batter becomes a runner on a wild pitch which entitles
        the runners to advance one base, the batter-runner shall be
        entitled to first base only.
   The fact a runner is awarded a base or bases without liability to be out
does not relieve him of the responsibility to touch the base he is awarded
and all intervening bases. For example: batter hit a ground ball which an
infielder throws into the stands but the batter-runner missed first base. He
may be called out on appeal for missing first base after the ball is put in
play even though he was "awarded" second base.
   If a runner is forced to return to a base after a catch, he must retouch
his original base even though, because of some ground rule or other rule, he
is awarded additional bases. He may retouch while the ball is dead and the
award is then made from his original base.

7.06 When obstruction occurs, the umpire shall call or signal "Obstruction".

    (a) If a play is being made on the obstructed runner, or if the
        batter-runner is obstructed before he touches first base, the
        ball is dead and all runners shall advance, without liability to
        be put out, to the bases they would have reached, in the umpire's
        judgment, if there had been no obstruction. The obstructed runner
        shall be awarded at least one base beyond the base he had last
        legally touched before the obstruction. Any preceding runners,
        forced to advance by the award of bases as the penalty for
        obstruction, shall advance without liability to be put out.
   When a play is being made on an obstructed runner, the umpire shall
signal obstruction in the same manner that he calls "Time," with both hands
overhead. The ball is immediately dead when this signal is given; however,
should a thrown ball be in flight before the obstruction is called by the um-
pire, the runners are to be awarded such bases on wild throws as they would
have been awarded had no obstruction occurred. On a play where a runner
was trapped between second and third and obstructed by the third baseman
going into third base while the throw is in flight from the shortstop, if such
throw goes into the dugout the obstructed runner is to be awarded home base.
Any other runners on base in this situation would also be awarded two bases
from the base they last legally touched before obstruction was called.

    (b)  If no play is being made on the obstructed runner, the play
         shall proceed until no further action is possible. The umpire
         shall then call "Time" and impose such penalties, if any, as in
         his judgment will nullify the act of obstruction.
    Under 7.06 (b) when the ball is not dead on obstruction and an obstructed
runner advances beyond the base which, in the umpire's judgment, he would
have been awarded because of being obstructed, he does so at his own peril
and may be tagged out. This is a judgment call.
    NOTE: The catcher, without the ball in his possession, has no right to
block the pathway of the runner attempting to score. The base line belongs to
the runner and the catcher should be there only when he is fielding a ball or
when he already has the ball in his hand.

7.07 If, with a runner on third base and trying to score by means of a
squeeze play or a steal, the catcher or any other fielder steps on, or in
front of home base without possession of the ball, or touches the batter
or his bat, the pitcher shall be charged with a balk, the batter shall be
awarded first base on the interference and the ball is dead.

7.08 Any runner is out when-
    (a) (1) He runs more than three feet away from a direct line
        between bases to avoid being tagged, unless his action is to
        avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball; or (2)
        after touching first base, he leaves the baseline, obviously
        abandoning his effort to touch the next base;

    Any runner after reaching first base who leaves the baseline heading for
his dugout or his position believing that there is no further play, may be
declared out if the umpire judges the act of the runner to be considered aban-
doning his efforts to run the bases. Even though an out is called, the ball
remains in play in regard to any other runner.
    This rule also covers the following and similar plays: Less than two out,
score tied last of ninth inning, runner on first, batter hits a ball out of
park for winning run, the runner on first passes second and thinking the home
run automatically wins the game, cuts across diamond toward his bench as bat-
ter-runner circles bases. In this case, the base runner would be called out
"for abandoning his effort to touch the next base" and batter-runner permitted
to continue around bases to make his home run valid. If there are two out,
home run would not count (see Rule 7.12). This is not an appeal play.
    PLAY. Runner believing he is called out on a tag at first or third base
starts for the dugout and progresses a reasonable distance still indicating by
his actions that he is out, shall be declared out for abandoning the bases.
    In the above two plays the runners are considered actually abandoning
their base paths and are treated differently than the batter who struck out as
described. APPROVED RULING OF 7.08 (a).

         APPROVED RULING: When a batter becomes a runner
        on third strike not caught, and starts for his bench or position,
        he may advance to first base at any time before he enters the
        bench. To put him out, the defense must tag him or first base
        before he touches first base.

    (b) He intentionally interferes with a thrown ball; or hinders a
        fielder attempting to make a play on a batted ball;
   A runner who is adjudged to have hindered a fielder who is attempting to
make a play on a batted ball is out whether it was intentional or not.
    If, however, the runner has contact with a legally occupied base when he
hinders the fielder, he shall not be called out unless, in the umpire's
judgment, such hindrance, whether it occurs on fair or foul territory, is
intentional. If the umpire declares the hindrance intentional, the following
penalty shall apply with less than two out, the umpire shall declare both the
runner and batter out. With two out, the umpire shall declare the batter out.
   If, in a run-down between third base and home plate, the succeeding
runner has advanced and is standing on third base when the runner in a
run-down is called out for offensive interference, the umpire shall send the
runner standing on third base back to second base. This same principle ap-
plies if there is a run-down between second and third base and succeeding
runner has reached second (the reasoning is that no runner shall advance on
an interference play and a runner is considered to occupy a base until he
legally has reached the next succeeding base).

    (c) He is tagged, when the ball is alive, while off his base. EXCEPTION:
        A batter-runner cannot be tagged out after overrunning or oversliding
        first base if he returns immediately to the base;
          APPROVED RULING: (1) If the impact of a runner
        breaks a base loose from its position, no play can be made on
        that runner at that base if he had reached the base safely.
          APPROVED RULING: (2) If a base is dislodged from its
        position during a play, any following runner on the same play
        shall be considered as touching or occupying the base if, in the
        umpire's judgment, he touches or occupies the point marked
        by the dislodged bag.
    (d) He fails to retouch his base after a fair or foul ball is legally
        caught before he, or his base, is tagged by a fielder. He shall
        not be called out for failure to retouch his base after the first
        following pitch, or any play or attempted play. This is an appeal
        play;
   Runners need not "tag up" on a foul tip. They may steal on a foul tip. If a
so-called tip is not caught, it becomes an ordinary foul, Runners then return
to their bases.

    (e) He fails to reach the next base before a fielder tags him or the
        base, after he has been forced to advance by reason of the batter
        becoming a runner. However, if a following runner is put out on a
        force play, the force is removed and the runner must be tagged to
        be put out. The force is removed as soon as the runner touches the
        base to which he is forced to advance, and if he overslides or
        overruns the base, the runner must be tagged to be put out. However,
        if the forced runner, after touching the next base, retreats for
        any reason towards the base he had last occupied, the force play is
        reinstated, and he can again be put out if the defense tags the base
        to which he is forced;
    PLAY. Runner on first and three balls on batter: Runner steals on the
next pitch, which is fourth ball, but after having touched second he
overslides or overruns that base. Catcher's throw catches him before he can
return. Ruling is that runner is out. (Force out is removed.)
   Oversliding and overrunning situations arise at bases other than first
base. For instance, before two are out, and runners on first and second, or
first, second and third, the ball is hit to an infielder who tries for the
double play. The runner on first beats the throw to second base but
overslides the base. The relay is made to first base and the batter-runner is
out. The first baseman, seeing the runner at second base off the bag, makes
the return throw to second and the runner is tagged off the base. Meanwhile
runners have crossed the plate. The question is: Is this a force play? Was
the force removed when the batter-runner was out at first base? Do the runs
that crossed the plate during this play and before the third out was made
when the runner Was tagged at second count? Answer. The runs score. It is not
a force play. It is a tag play.

    (f) He is touched by a fair ball in fair territory before the ball has
        touched or passed an infielder. The ball is dead and no runner
        may score, nor runners advance, except runners forced to advance.
        EXCEPTION: If a runner is touching his base when touched by an
        Infield Fly, he is not out, although the batter is out;

    If two runners are touched by the same fair ball, only the first one is
    out because the ball is instantly dead.

        If runner is touched by an Infield Fly when he is not touching
        his base, both runner and batter are out.

    (g) He attempts to score on a play in which the batter interferes
        with the play at home base before two are out. With two out,
        the interference puts the batter out and no score counts;
    (h) He passes a preceding runner before such runner is out;
    (i) After he has acquired legal possession of a base, he runs the
        bases in reverse order for the purpose of confusing the defense
        or making a travesty of the game. The umpire shall immediately
        call "Time" and declare the runner out;
   If a runner touches an unoccupied base and then thinks the ball was
caught or is decoyed into returning to the base he last touched, he may be put
out running back to that base, but if he reaches the previously occupied
base safely he cannot be put out while in contact with that base.

    (j) He fails to return at once to first base after overrunning or
        oversliding that base. If he attempts to run to second he is out
        when tagged. If, after overrunning or oversliding first base he
        starts toward the dugout, or toward his position, and fails to
        return to first base at once, he is out, on appeal, when he or the
        base is tagged;
   Runner who touches first base in overrunning and is declared safe by the
umpire has, within the intent of Rule 4.09 (a) "reached first base" and any
run which scores on such a play counts, even though the runner subsequently
becomes the third out for failure to return "at once," as covered in
Rule 7.08 (i) -
    (k) In running or sliding for home base, he fails to touch home
        base and makes no attempt to return to the base, when a
        fielder holds the ball in his hand, while touching home base,
        and appeals to the umpire for the decision.
    This rule applies only where runner is on his way to the bench and the
catcher would be required to chase him. It does not apply to the ordinary play
where the runner misses the plate and then immediately makes an effort to
touch the plate before being tagged. In that case, runner must be tagged.

7.09 It is interference by a batter or a runner when-
    (a) After a third strike he hinders the catcher in his attempt to
        field the ball;
    (b) After hitting or bunting a fair ball, his bat hits the ball a second
        time in fair territory. The ball is dead and no runners may
        advance. If the batter-runner drops his bat and the ball rolls
        against the bat in fair territory and, in the umpire's judgment
        there was no intention to interfere with the course of the ball
        the ball is alive and in play;
    (c) He intentionally deflects the course of a foul ball in any manner;
    (d) Before two are out and a runner on third base, the batter hinders
        a fielder in making a play at home base; the runner is out
    (e) Any member or members of the offensive team stand or gatherer
        around any base to which a runner is advancing, to confuse
        hinder or add to the difficulty of the fielders. Such runner shall
        be declared out for the interference of his teammate or team
        mates;
    (f) Any batter or runner who has just been put out hinders or
        impedes any following play being made on a runner. Such
        runner shall be declared out for the interference of his team
        mate;

    If the batter or a runner continues to advance after he has been put out
he shall not by that act alone be considered as confusing, hindering or
impeding the fielders.

    (g) If, in the judgment of the umpire, a base runner willfully and
        deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a fielder in the act
        of fielding a batted ball with the obvious intent to break up a
        double play, the ball is dead. The umpire shall call the runner
        out for interference and also call out the batter-runner because
        of the action of his teammate. In no event may bases be run or
        runs scored because of such action by a runner.
    (h) If, in the judgment of the umpire, a batter-runner willfully
        and deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a fielder in
        the act of fielding a batted ball, with the obvious intent to
        break up a double play, the ball is dead; the umpire shall call
        the batter-runner out for interference and shall also call out
        the runner who had advanced closest to the home plate regardless
        where the double play might have been possible. In no event shall
        bases be run because of such interference.
    (i) In the judgment of the umpire, the base coach at third base, or
        first base, by touching or holding the runner, physically assists
        him in returning to or leaving third base or first base.
    (j) With a runner on third base, the base coach leaves his box and
        acts in any manner to draw a throw by a fielder,
    (k) In running the last half of the distance from home base to first
        base while the ball is being fielded to first base, he runs outside
        (to the right of) the three-foot line, or inside (to the left of) the
        foul line and, in the umpire's judgment, interferes with the
        fielder taking the throw at first base, or attempting to field a
        batted ball;

   The lines marking the three foot lane are a part of that "lane" but the
inter relation to be made is that a runner is required to have both feet
within the three foot "lane" or on the lines marking the "lane."

    (l) He fails to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field a batted
        ball, or intentionally interferes with a thrown ball, provided
        that if two or more fielders attempt to field a batted ball, and
        the runner comes in contact with one or more of them, the
        umpire shall determine which fielder is entitled to the benefit
        of this rule, and shall not declare the runner out for coming in
        contact with a fielder other than the one the umpire determines to
        be entitled to field such a ball;
    When a catcher and batter-runner going to first base have contact when
the catcher is fielding the ball, there is generally no violation and
nothing should be called. "Obstruction" by a fielder attempting to field a
ball should be called only in very flagrant and violent cases because the
rules give him the right of way, but of course such "right of way" is not a
license to, for example, intentionally trip a runner even though fielding the
ball.  If the catcher is fielding the ball and the first baseman or pitcher
obstructs a runner going to first base "obstruction" shall be called and the
base runner awarded first base.

    (m) A fair ball touches him on fair territory before touching a
        fielder. If a fair ball goes through, or by, an infielder, and
        touches a runner immediately back of him, or touches the
        runner after having been deflected by a fielder, the umpire
        shall not declare the runner out for being touched by a batted
        ball. In making such decision the umpire must be convinced
        that the ball passed through, or by, the fielder, and that no
        other infielder had the chance to make a play on the ball. If,
        in the judgment of the umpire, the runner deliberately and
        intentionally kicks such a batted ball on which the infielder
        has missed a play, then the runner shall be called out for
        interference.

     PENALTY FOR INTERFERENCE: The runner is out and the ball is dead.

7.10 Any runner shall be called out, on appeal, when-
    (a) After a fly ball is caught, he fails to retouch his original base
        before he or his original base is tagged;

    "Retouch," in this rule, means to tag up and start from a contact with
     the base alter the ball is caught. A runner is not permitted to take
     a flying start from a position in back of his base.

    (b) With the ball in play, while advancing or returning to a base.
        he fails to touch each base in order before he, or a missed base,
        is tagged.
      APPROVED RULING: (1) No runner may return to touch a
        missed base after a following runner has scored. (2) When the
        ball is dead, no runner may return to touch a missed base or
        one he has left after he has advanced to and touched a base
        beyond the missed base.

    PLAY. (a) Batter hits ball out of park or ground rule double and misses
first base (ball is dead) -he may return to first base to correct his mistake
before he touches second but if he touches second he may not return to first
and if defensive team appeals he is declared out at first.
    PLAY. (b) Batter hits ball to shortstop who throws wild into stand (ball
is dead) -batter-runner misses first base but is awarded second base on the
overthrow. Even though the umpire has awarded the runner second base on
the overthrow, the runner must touch first base before he proceeds to second
base.
These are appeal plays.

    (c) He overruns or overslides first base and fails to return to the
        base immediately, and he or the base is tagged;
    (d) He fails to touch home base and makes no attempt to return to
        that base, and home base is tagged.

   Any appeal under this rule must be made before the next pitch, or
any play or attempted play. If the violation occurs during a play
which ends a half-inning, the appeal must be made before the defensive team
leaves the field.
   An appeal is not to be interpreted as a play or an attempted play.
   Successive appeals may not be made on a runner at the same
base.  If the defensive team on its first appeal errs, a request for a
second appeal on the same runner at the same base shall not be allowed by
the umpire. (Intended meaning of the word "err" is that the defensive team
in making an appeal threw the ball out of play. For example, if the pitcher
threw to first base to appeal and threw the ball into the stands, no second
appeal would be allowed.)
    Appeal plays may require an umpire to recognize an apparent
"fourth out. " If the third out is made during a play in which an appeal
play is sustained on another runner, the appeal play decision takes
precedence in determining the out. If there is more than one appeal
during a play that ends a half-inning, the defense may elect to take the
out that gives it the advantage. For the purpose of this rule, the defensive
team has "left the field" when the pitcher and all infielders have left fair
territory on their way to the bench or clubhouse.

    If two runners arrive at home base about the same time and the first
runner misses home plate but a second runner legally touches the plate, the
first runner will be called out on appeal, if there are two out, and the first
runner is tagged out on his attempt to come back and touch the base or is
called out, on appeal, then he shall be considered as having been put out be-
fore the second runner scored and being the third out. Second runner's run
shall not count, as provided in Rule 7.12.
    If a pitcher balks when making an appeal, such act shall be a play. An
appeal should be clearly intended as an appeal, either by a verbal request by
the player or an act that unmistakably indicates an appeal to the umpire. A
player, inadvertently stepping on the base with a ball in his hand, would not
constitute an appeal. Time is not out when an appeal is being made.

7.11 The players, coaches or any member of an offensive team shall
vacate any space (including both dugouts) needed by a fielder who is
attempting to field a batted or thrown ball.

    PENALTY: Interference shall be called and the batter or runner
on whom the play is being made shall be declared out.

7.12 Unless two are out, the status of a following runner is not affected
by a preceding runner's failure to touch or retouch a base. If, upon
appeal, the preceding runner is the third out, no runners following him
shall score. If such third out is the result of a force play, neither pre-
ceding nor following runners shall score.


                            8.00-THE PITCHER.

8.01 Legal pitching delivery. There are two legal pitching positions,
the Windup Position and the Set Position, and either position may be
used at any time.
   Pitchers shall take signs from the catcher while standing on the
rubber.
   Pitchers may disengage the rubber after taking their signs but may not
step quickly onto the rubber and pitch. This may be judged a quick pitch by
the umpire. When the pitcher disengages the rubber, he must drop his hands
to his sides.
   Pitchers will not be allowed to disengage the rubber after taking each
sign.

    (a) The Windup Position, The pitcher shall stand facing the batter,
        his entire pivot foot on, or in front of and touching and not
        off the end of the pitcher's plate, and the other foot free. From
        this position any natural movement associated with his delivery
        of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without
        interruption or alteration. He shall not raise either foot from
        the ground, except that in his actual delivery of the ball to the
        batter, he may take one step backward, and one step forward
        with his free foot.
        When a pitcher holds the ball with both hands in front of his
        body, with his entire pivot foot on, or in front of and touching
        but not off the end of the pitcher's plate, and his other foot
        free, he will be considered in the Windup Position.

   The pitcher may have one foot, not the pivot foot, off the rubber and any
distance he may desire back of a line which is an extension to the back edge
of the pitcher's plate, but not at either side of the pitcher's plate.
    With his "free" foot the pitcher may take one step backward and one step
forward, but under no circumstances, to either side, that is to either the
first base or third base side of the pitcher's rubber.
    If a pitcher holds the ball with both hands in front of his body, with his
entire pivot foot on or in front of and touching but not off the end of the
pitcher's plate, and his other foot free, he will be considered in a windup
position.
   From this position he may:
     (1) deliver the ball to the batter, or
     (2) step and throw to a base in an attempt to pick-off a runner, or
     (3) disengage the rubber (if he does he must drop his hands to his
         sides).
    In disengaging the rubber the pitcher must step off with his pivot foot
and not his free foot first.
    He may not go into a set or stretch position-if he does it is a balk.

    (b) The Set Position. Set Position shall be indicated by the pitcher
        when he stands facing the batter with his entire pivot foot on,
        or in front of, and in contact with, and not off the end of the
        pitcher's plate, and his other foot in front of the pitcher's plate,
        holding the ball in both hands in front of his body and coming
        to a complete stop. From such Set Position he may deliver the
        ball to the batter, throw to a base or step backward off the
        pitcher's plate with his pivot foot. Before assuming Set Position,
        the pitcher may elect to make any natural preliminary
        motion such as that known as "the stretch." But if he so elects,
        he shall come to Set Position before delivering the ball to the
        batter. After assuming Set Position, any natural motion associated
        with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to the
        pitch without alteration or interruption.

    Preparatory to coming to a set position, the pitcher shall have one
hand on his side; from this position he shall go to his set position as
defined in Rule 8.01  (b) without interruption and in one continuous
motion.
    The whole width of the foot in contact with the rubber must be on
the rubber. A pitcher cannot pitch from off the end of the rubber with
just the side of his foot touching the rubber.
    The pitcher, following his stretch, must (a) hold the ball in both
hands in front of his body and (b) come to a complete stop. This must
be enforced. Umpires should watch this closely. Pitchers are constantly
attempting to "beat the rule" in their efforts to hold runners on
bases and in cases where the pitcher fails to make a complete "stop"
called for in the rules, the umpire should immediately call a "Balk. "

    (c) At any time during the pitcher's preliminary movements and
        until his natural pitching motion commits him to the pitch, he
        may throw to any base provided he steps directly toward such
        base before making the throw.

    The pitcher shall step "ahead of the throw." A snap throw followed by the
step directly toward the base is a balk.

    (d) If the pitcher makes an illegal pitch with the bases unoccupied,
        it shall be called a ball unless the batter reaches first
        base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter or otherwise.
    A ball which slips out of a pitcher's hand and crosses the foul line shall
    be called a ball; otherwise it will be called no pitch. This would be a
    balk with men on base.

    (e) If the pitcher removes his pivot foot from contact with the
        pitcher's plate by stepping backward with that foot, he thereby
        becomes an infielder and if he makes a wild throw from
        that position, it shall be considered the same as a wild throw
        by any other infielder.

    The pitcher, while off the rubber, may throw to any base. If he makes a
wild throw  such throw is the throw of an infielder and what follows is go-
verned by the rules covering a ball thrown by a fielder.

8.02 The pitcher shall not-
    (a) (1) Bring his pitching hand in contact with his mouth or lips
            while in the 18 foot circle surrounding the pitching rubber,
            EXCEPTION: Provided it is agreed to by both managers,
            the umpire prior to the start of a game played in
            cold weather, may permit the pitcher to blow on his hand.
           PENALTY: For violation of this part of this rule the umpires
            shall immediately call a ball. However, if the pitch is
            made and a batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a
            hit batsman or otherwise, and no other runner is put out
            before advancing at least one base, the play shall proceed
            without reference to the violation. Repeated offenders
            shall be subject to a fine by the league president.
        (2) Apply a foreign substance of any kind to the ball;
        (3) expectorate on the ball, either hand or his glove;
        (4) rub the ball on his glove, person or clothing;
        (5) deface the ball in any manner,
        (6) deliver what is called the "shine" ball, "spit" ball, "mud"
            ball or "emery" ball. The pitcher, of course, is allowed to
            rub the ball between his bare hands.
           PENALTY: For violation of any part of this rule 8.02 (a) (2
            to 6) the umpire shall:
            (a) Call the pitch a ball, warn the pitcher and have announced
                on the public address system the reason for the action.
            (b) In the case of a second offense by the same pitcher in
                the same game, the pitcher shall be disqualified from
                the game.
            (c) If a play follows the violation called by the umpire,
                the manager of the offense may advise the plate
                umpire that he elects to accept the play. Such election
                shall be made immediately at the end of the play.
                However, if the batter reaches first base on a hit, an
                error, a base on balls, a hit batsman, or otherwise,
                and no other runner is put out before advancing at
                least one base, the play shall proceed without reference
                to the violation.
            (d) Even though the offense elects to take the play, the
                violation shall be recognized and the penalties in (a)
                and (b) will still be in effect.
            (e) The umpire shall be sole judge on whether any portion
                of this rule has been violated.

    All umpires shall carry with them one official rosin bag. The umpire-in-
chief is responsible for placing the rosin bag on the ground back of the
pitcher's plate. If at any time the ball hits the rosin bag it is in play.
In the case of rain or wet field, the umpire may instruct the pitcher to
carry the rosin bag in his hip pocket. A pitcher may use the rosin bag for
the purpose of applying rosin to his bare hand or hands.  Neither the pitcher
nor any other player shall dust the ball with the rosin bags neither shall
the pitcher nor any other player be permitted to apply rosin from the bag to
his glove or dust any part of his uniform with the rosin bag.


    (b) Have on his person, or in his possession, any foreign substance.
        For such infraction of this section (b) the penalty shall be im-
        mediate ejection from the game.
    (c) Intentionally delay the game by throwing the ball to players
        other than the catcher, when the batter is in position, except in
        an attempt to retire a runner.
       PENALTY: If, after warning by the umpire, such delaying
        action is repeated, the pitcher shall be removed from the game.
    (d) Intentionally Pitch at the Batter.
        If, in the umpire's judgment, such a violation occurs, the
        umpire may elect either to:
          1. Expel the pitcher, or the manager and the pitcher, from
             the game, or
          2. may warn the pitcher and the manager of both teams
             that another such pitch will result in the immediate expul-
             sion of that pitcher (or a replacement) and the manager.
             If, in the umpire's judgment, circumstances warrant, both
             teams may be officially "warned" prior to the game or at
             any time during the game.
             (League Presidents may take additional action under authority
             provided in Rule 9.05)
        To pitch at a batter's head is unsportsmanlike and highly dangerous.
        It should be-and is-condemned by everybody. Umpires should act
        without hesitation in enforcement of this rule.

8.03 When a pitcher takes his position at the beginning of each inning,
or When he relieves another pitcher, he shall be permitted to pitch not
to exceed eight preparatory pitches to his catcher during which play
shall be suspended. A league by its own action may limit the number
of preparatory pitches to less than eight preparatory pitches. Such
preparatory pitches shall not consume more than one minute of time.
If a sudden emergency causes a pitcher to be summoned into the game
without any opportunity to warm up, the umpire-in-chief shall allow
him as many pitches as the umpire deems necessary.

8.04 When the bases are unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball
to the batter within 20 seconds after he receives the ball. Each time the
pitcher delays the game by violating this rule, the umpire shall call
"Ball."

    The intent of this rule is to avoid unnecessary delays. The umpire
shall insist that the catcher return the ball promptly to the pitcher,
and that the pitcher take his position on the rubber promptly. Obvious
delay by the pitcher should instantly be penalized by the umpire.

8.05 If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when-
    (a) The pitcher, while touching his plate, makes any motion naturally
        associated with his pitch and fails to make such delivery;
   If a lefthanded or righthanded pitcher swings his free foot past the back
edge of the pitcher's rubber, he is required to pitch to the batter except to
throw to second base on a pick-off play.

    (b) The pitcher, while touching his plate, feints a throw to first
        base and fails to complete the throw;

    (c) The pitcher, while touching his plate, fails to step directly toward
        a base before throwing to that base;

   Requires the pitcher, while touching his plate, to step directly toward a
base before throwing to that base. If a pitcher turns or spins off of his free
foot without actually stepping or if he turns his body and throws before
stepping, it is a balk.
   A pitcher is to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base
but does not require him to throw (except to first base only) because he
steps. It is possible, with runners on first and third, for the pitcher to
step  toward third and not throw, merely to bluff the runner back to third;
then seeing the runner on first start for second, turn and step toward and
throw to first base. This is legal. However, if, with runners on first and
third, the pitcher, while in contact with the rubber, steps toward third and
then immediately and in practically the same motion "wheels" and throws to
first base, it is obviously an attempt to deceive the runner at first base,
and in such a move it is practically impossible to step directly toward first
base before the throw to first base, and such a move shall be called a balk.
Of course, if the pitcher steps off the rubber and then makes such a move, it
is not a balk.

    (d) The pitcher, while touching his plate, throws, or feints a throw
        to an unoccupied base, except for the purpose of making a play;

    (e) The pitcher makes an illegal pitch;

    A quick pitch is an illegal pitch. Umpires will judge a quick pitch as one
delivered before the batter is reasonably set in the batter's box. With
runners on base the penalty is a balk; with no runners on base, it is a ball.
The quick pitch is dangerous and should not be permitted.

    (f) The pitcher delivers the ball to the batter while he is not facing
        the batter,

    (g) The pitcher makes any motion naturally associated with his
        pitch while he is not touching the pitcher's plate;

    (h) The pitcher unnecessarily delays the game;

    (i) The pitcher, without having the ball, stands on or astride the
        pitcher's plate or while off the plate, he feints a pitch;

    (j) The pitcher, after coming to a legal pitching position, removes
        one hand from the ball other than in an actual pitch, or in
        throwing to a base;

    (k) The pitcher, while touching his plate, accidentally or inten-
        tionally drops the ball;

    (1) The pitcher, while giving an intentional base on balls, pitches
        when the catcher is not in the catcher's box;
    (m) The pitcher delivers the pitch from Set Position without
        coming to a stop.

       PENALTY: The ball is dead, and each runner shall advance
   one base without liability to be put out, unless the batter
   reaches first on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter, or
   otherwise, and all other runners advance at least one base, in
   which case the play proceeds without reference to the balk.

      APPROVED RULING: In cases where a pitcher balks and
   throws wild, either to a base or to home plate, a runner or runners
   may advance beyond the base to which he is entitled at his own risk.
      APPROVED RULING: A runner who misses the first base
   to which he is advancing and who is called out on appeal shall
   be considered as having advanced one base for the purpose of
   this rule.

    Umpires should bear in mind that the purpose of the balk rule is to pre-
vent the pitcher from deliberately deceiving the base runner. If there is
doubt in the umpire's mind, the "intent" of the pitcher should govern.
However, certain specifics should be borne in mind:
    (a) Straddling the pitcher's rubber without the ball is to be interpreted
        as intent to deceive and ruled a balk.
    (b) With a runner on first base the pitcher may make a complete turn,
        without hesitating toward first, and throw to second. This is not to
        be interpreted as throwing to an unoccupied base.

8.06 A professional league shall adopt the following rule pertaining to
the visit of the manager or coach to the pitcher.
    (a) This rule limits the number of trips a manager or coach may
        make to any one pitcher in any one inning; (b) A second trip
        to the same pitcher in the same inning will cause this pitcher's
        automatic removal; (c) The manager or coach is prohibited
        from making a second visit to the mound while the same batter
        is at bat, but  (d)  if a pinch-hitter is substituted for this
        batter, the manager or coach may make a second visit to the
        mound, but must remove the pitcher.

        A manager or coach is considered to have concluded his visit
        to the mound when he leaves the 18-foot circle surrounding
        the pitcher's rubber.

   If the manager or coach goes to the catcher or infielder and that player
then goes to the mound or the pitcher comes to him at his position before
there is an intervening play (a pitch or other play) that will be the same as
the manager or coach going to the mound.
   Any attempt to evade or circumvent this rule by the manager or coach
going to the catcher or an infielder and then that player going to the mound
to confer with the pitcher shall constitute a trip to the mound.
   If the coach goes to the mound and removes a pitcher and then the manager
   goes to the mound to talk with the new pitcher, that will constitute one
trip to that new pitcher that inning.
   In a case where a manager has made his first trip to the mound and then
returns the second time to the mound in the same inning with the same pitcher
in the game and the same batter at bat, after being warned by the umpire
that he cannot return to the mound, the manager shall be removed from the
game and the pitcher required to pitch to the batter until he is retired or
gets on base. After the batter is retired, or becomes a base runner, then this
pitcher must be removed from the game. The manager should be notified that his
pitcher will be removed from the game after he pitches to one hitter, so he
can have a substitute pitcher warmed up.
   The substitute pitcher will be allowed eight preparatory pitches or more
if in the umpire's judgment circumstances justify.


                            9.00-THE UMPIRE

9.01 (a) The league president shall appoint one or more umpires to
         officiate at each league championship game. The umpires
         shall be responsible for the conduct of the game in accordance
         with these official rules and for maintaining discipline
         and order on the playing field during the game.
     (b) Each umpire is the representative of the league and of profes-
         sional baseball, and is authorized and required to enforce all of
         these rules. Each umpire has authority to order a player,
         coach, manager or club officer or employee to do or refrain
         from doing anything which affects the administering of these
         rules, and to enforce the prescribed penalties.
     (c) Each umpire has authority to rule on any point not specifically
         covered in these rules.
     (d) Each umpire has authority to disqualify any player, coach,
         manager or substitute for objecting to decisions or for un-
         sportsmanlike conduct or language, and to eject such disqua-
         lified person from the playing field. If an umpire disqualifies
         a player while a play is in progress, the disqualification shall
         not take effect until no further action is possible in that play.
     (e) Each umpire has authority at his discretion to eject from the
         playing field (1) any person whose duties permit his presence
         on the field, such as ground crew members, ushers, photogra-
         phers, newsmen, broadcasting crew members, etc., and (2)
         any spectator or other person not authorized to be on the playing
         field.

9.02 (a) Any umpire's decision which involves judgment, such as, but
         not limited to, whether a batted ball is fair or foul, whether a
         pitch is a strike or a ball, or whether a runner is safe or out, is
         final. No player, manager, coach or substitute shall object to
         any such judgment decisions.

  (a) Players leaving their position in the field or on base, or managers or
coaches leaving the bench or coaches box, to argue on BALLS AND
STRIKES will not be permitted. They should be warned if they start for the
plate to protest the call. If they continue, they will be ejected from the
game.

     (b) If there is reasonable doubt that any umpire's decision may be
         in conflict with the rules, the manager may appeal the decision
         and ask that a correct ruling be made. Such appeal shall
         be made only to the umpire who made the protested decision.

     (c) If a decision is appealed, the umpire making the decision may
         ask another umpire for information before making a final decision.
         No umpire shall criticize, seek to reverse or interfere
         with another umpire's decision unless asked to do so by the
         umpire making it.


  (c) The manager or the catcher may request the plate umpire to ask his
partner for help on a half swing when the plate umpire calls the pitch a ball,
but not when the pitch is called a strike. The manager may not complain that
the umpire made an improper call, but only that he did not ask his partner
for help. Field umpires must be alerted to the request from the plate umpire
and quickly respond. Managers may not protest the call of a ball or strike on
the pretense they are asking for information about a half swing.
   Appeals on a half swing may be made only on the call of ball and when
asked to appeal, the home plate umpire must refer to a base umpire for his
judgment on the half swing. Should the base umpire call the pitch a strike,
the strike call shall prevail.
    Baserunners must be alert to the possibility that the base umpire on
appeal from the plate umpire may reverse the call of a ball to the call of a
strike, in which event the runner is in jeopardy of being put out by the
catcher's throw. Also, a catcher must be alert in a base stealing situation
if a ball call is reversed to a strike by the base umpire upon appeal from
the plate umpire.
   The ball is in play on appeal on a half swing.
   On a half swing, if the manager comes out to argue with first or third
base umpire and if after being warned he persists in arguing, he can be
ejected as he is now arguing over a called ball or strike.

     (d) No umpire may be replaced during a game unless he is injured
         or becomes ill.

9.03 (a) If there is only one umpire, he shall have complete jurisdic-
         tion in administering the rules. He may take any position on
         the playing field which will enable him to discharge his
         duties (usually behind the catcher, but sometimes behind
         the pitcher if there are runners).
     (b) If there are two or more umpires, one shall be designated um-
         pire-in-chief and the others field umpires.

9.04 (a) The umpire-in-chief shall stand behind the catcher.  (He
         usually is called the plate umpire.) His duties shall be to:
        (1) Take full charge of, and be responsible for, the proper
            conduct of the game;
        (2) Call and count balls and strikes;
        (3) Call and declare fair balls and fouls except those commonly
            called by field umpires;
        (4) Make all decisions on the batter;
        (5) Make all decisions except those commonly reserved for
            the field umpires;
        (6) Decide when a game shall be forfeited;
        (7) If a time limit has been set, announce the fact and the
            time set before the game starts;
        (8) Inform the official scorer of the official batting order, and
            any changes in the lineups and batting order, on request;
        (9) Announce any special ground rules, at his discretion.

    (b) A field umpire may take any position on the playing field he
        thinks best suited to make impending decisions on the bases.
        His duties shall be to:
        (1) Make all decisions on the bases except those specifically
            reserved to the umpire-in-chief;
        (2) Take concurrent jurisdiction with the umpire-in-chief in
            calling "Time," balks, illegal pitches, or defacement or
            discoloration of the ball by any player;
        (3) Aid the umpire-in-chief in every manner in enforcing the
            rules, and excepting the power to forfeit the game, shall
            have equal authority with the umpire-in-chief in admin-
            istering and enforcing the rules and maintaining discipline.

    (c) If different decisions should be made on one play by different
        umpires, the umpire-in-chief shall call all the umpires into
        consultation, with no manager or player present. After con-
        sultation, the umpire-in-chief (unless another umpire may
        have been designated by the league president) shall determine
        which decision shall prevail, based on which umpire was in
        best position and which decision was most likely correct. Play
        shall proceed as if only the final decision had been made.

9.05 (a) The umpire shall report to the league president within
         twelve hours after the end of a game all violations of rules
         and other incidents worthy of comment, including the dis-
         qualification of any trainer, manager, coach or player, and
         the reasons therefor.
     (b) When any trainer, manager, coach or player is disqualified
         for a flagrant offense such as the use of obscene or indecent
         language, or an assault upon an umpire, trainer, manager,
         coach or player, the umpire shall forward full particulars to
         the league president within four hours after the end of the
         game.
     (c) After receiving the umpire's report that a trainer, manager,
         coach or player has been disqualified, the league president
         shall impose such penalty as he deems justified, and shall notify
         the person penalized and the manager of the club of which
         the penalized person is a member. If the penalty includes a
         fine, the penalized person shall pay the amount of the fine to
         the league within five days after receiving notice of the fine.
         Failure to pay such fine within five days shall result in the
         offender being debarred from participation in any game and
         from sitting on the players' bench during any game, until the
         fine is paid.


                      GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO UMPIRES

    Umpires, on the field, should not indulge in conversation with players.
Keep out of the coaching box and do not talk to the coach on duty.
   Keep your uniform in good condition. Be active and alert on the field.
   Be courteous always, to club officials; avoid visiting in club offices and
thoughtless familiarity with officers or employes of contesting clubs. When
you enter a ball park your sole duty is to umpire a ball game as the represen-
tative of baseball.

     Do not allow criticism to keep you from studying out bad situations that
may lead to protested games. Carry your rule book. It is better to consult the
rules and hold up the game ten minutes to decide a knotty problem than to
have a game thrown out on protest and replayed.
    Keep the game moving. A ball game is often helped by energetic and
 earnest work of the umpires.
     You are the only official representative of baseball on the ball field.
It is often a trying position which requires the exercise of much patience
and good judgment, but do not forget that the first essential in working out
of a bad situation is to keep your own temper and self-control.
    You no doubt are going to make mistakes, but never attempt to "even
up" after having made one. Make all decisions as you see them and forget
which is the home or visiting club.
    Keep your eye everlastingly on the ball while it is in play. It is more
vital to know just where a fly ball fell, or a thrown ball finished up, than
whether or not a runner missed a base. Do not call the plays too quickly, or
turn away too fast when a fielder is throwing to complete a double play, Watch
out for dropped balls after you have called a man out.
    Do not come running with your arm up or down, denoting "out" or
"safe." Wait until the play is completed before making any arm motion.
    Each umpire team should work out a simple set of signals, so the proper
umpire can always right a manifestly wrong decision when convinced he has
made an error. If sure you got the play correctly, do not be stampeded by
players appeals to "ask the other man." If not sure, ask one of your associ-
ates. Do not carry this to extremes, be alert and get your own plays. But
remember! The first requisite is to get decisions correctly. If in doubt don't
hesitate to consult your associate. Umpire dignity is important but never as
important as "being right."
   A most important rule for umpires is always "BE IN POSITION TO
SEE EVERY PLAY." Even though your decision may be l00% right, players
still question it if they feel you were not in a spot to see the play clearly
and definitely.
   Finally, be courteous, impartial and firm, and so compel respect from
all.




                            THE RULES OF SCORING

                                   Index

Assists, 10.11                       Passed balls, 10.15
Base hits, 10.05-10.06-10.07         Percentages, how determined, 10.22
Bases on balls, 10.16                Putouts, 10.10
Box Scores, 10.02-10.03              Runs batted in, 10.04
Caught Stealing, 10.08               Sacrifices, 10.09
Championships, how determined,
10.23                                Saves for relief pitchers, 10.20
Determining value of hits. 10.07     Stolen bases, 10.08
Earned runs, 10.18                   Strikeouts, 10.17
Errors, 10.13-10.14                  Wild pitches, 10.15
Official Scorer, 10.01               Winning-losing pitcher, 10.19


                       10.00 -- The Official Scorer.

10.01 (a) The league president shall appoint an official scorer for
     each league championship game. The official scorer shall
     observe the game from a position in the press box. The
     scorer shall have sole authority to make all decisions
     involving judgment, such as whether a batter's advance to
     first base is the result of a hit or an error. He shall com-
     municate such decisions to the press box and broadcasting
     booths by hand signals or over the press box loud-speaker
     system, and shall advise the public address announcer of
     such decisions if requested.

     The Official Scorer must make all decisions concerning
     judgment calls within twenty-four (24) hours after a
     game has been officially concluded. No judgment decision
     shall be changed thereafter except, upon immediate appli-
     cation to the League president, the scorer may request a
     change, citing the reasons for such. In all cases, the official
     scorer is not permitted to make a scoring decision which is
     in conflict with the scoring rules.

     After each game, including forfeited and called games, the
     scorer shall prepare a report, on a form prescribed by the
     league president, listing the date of the game, where it was
     played, the names of the competing clubs and the umpires,
     the full score of the game, and all records d individual
     players compiled according to the system specified in these
     Official Scoring Rules He shall forward this report to the
     league office within thirty-six hours after the game ends.
     He shall forward the report of any suspended game within
     thirty-six hours after the game has been completed, or
     after it becomes an official game because it cannot be
     completed, as provided by the Official Playing Rules.

  (b) (1) To achieve uniformity in keeping the records of cham-
          pionship games, the scorer shall conform strictly to the
          Official Scoring Rules. The scorer shall have authority to
          rule on any point not specifically covered in these rules.
      (2) If the teams change sides before three men are put out, the
          scorer shall immediately inform the umpire of the mistake.
      (3) If the game is protested or suspended, the scorer shall
          make a note of the exact situation at the time of the protest
          or suspension, including the score, the number of outs, the
          position of any runners, and the ball and strike count on
          the batter.
  NOTE: It is important that a suspended game resume at exactly the
same situation as existed at the time of suspension. If a protested game is
ordered replayed from the point of protest, It must be resumed with exactly
the situation that existed just before the protested play.

      (4) The scorer shall not make any decision conflicting with the
          Official Playing Rules, or with an umpire's decision.
      (5) The scorer shall not call the attention of the umpire or of
          any member of either team to the fact that a player is bat-
          ting out of turn.

  (c) The scorer is an official representative of the league, and is
      entitled to the respect and dignity of his office, and shall be
      accorded full protection by the league president. The scorer
      shall report to the president any indignity expressed by any
      manager, player, club employee or club officer in the course
      of, or as the result of, the discharge of his duties.

10.02 The official score report prescribed by the league president
shall make provisions for entering the information listed below, in a
form convenient for the compilation of permanent statistical records:

 (a) The following records for each batter and runner:
     (1) Number of times he batted, except that no time at bat
       shall be charged against a player when
        (i) He hits a sacrifice bunt or sacrifice fly
       (ii) He is awarded first base on four called balls
      (iii) He is hit by a pitched ball
       (iv) He is awarded first base because of interference or obstruction.
     (2) Number of runs scored
     (3) Number of safe hits
     (4) Number of runs batted in
     (5) Two-base hits
     (6) Three-base hits
     (7) Home runs
     (8) Total bases on safe hits
     (9) Stolen bases
    (10) Sacrifice bunts
    (11) Sacrifice flies
    (12) Total number of bases on balls
    (13) Separate listing of any intentional bases on balls
    (14) Number of times hit by a pitched ball
    (15) Number of times awarded first base for interference or obstruction.
    (16) Strikeouts

 (b) The following records for each fielder:
        (1) Number of putouts
        (2) Number of assists
        (3) Number of errors
        (4) Number of double plays participated in
        (5) Number of triple plays participated in

 (c) The following records for each pitcher:

        (1) Number of innings pitched.

   NOTE: In computing innings pitched, count each putout as one third
of an inning. If a starting pitcher is replaced with one out in the
sixth inning, credit that pitcher with 5 1/3 innings. If a starting pitcher
is replaced with none out in the sixth inning, credit that pitcher with
5 innings, and make the notation that he faced --- batters in the sixth.
If a relief pitcher retires two batters and is replaced, credit that
pitcher with 2/3 inning pitched.

        (2) Total number of batters faced
        (3) Number of batters officially at bat against pitcher computed
            according to 10.02 (a) (1).
        (4) Number of hits allowed
        (5) Number of runs allowed
        (6) Number of earned runs allowed
        (7) Number of home runs allowed
        (8) Number of sacrifice hits allowed
        (9) Number of sacrifice flies allowed
       (10) Total number of bases on balls allowed
       (11) Separate listing of any intentional bases on balls allowed
       (12) Number of batters hit by pitched balls
       (13) Number of strikeouts
       (14) Number of wild pitches
       (15) Number of balks

  (d) The following additional data:
     (1) Name of the winning pitcher
     (2) Name of the losing pitcher
     (3) Names of the starting pitcher and the finishing pitcher
         for each team.
     (4) Name of pitcher credited with save.

  (e) Number of passed balls allowed by each catcher.
  (f) Name of players participating in double plays and triple plays.
  EXAMPLE: Double Plays-Jones, Roberts and Smith (2) . Triple Play-
           Jones and Smith.

  (g) Number of runners left on base by each team. This total shall
      include all runners who get on base by any means and who da
      not score and are not put out. Include in this total a batter-
      runner whose batted ball results in another runner being retired
      for the third out.
  (h) Names of batters who hit home runs with bases full.
  (i) Names of batters who ground into force double plays and reverse
      force double plays.
  (j) Names of runners caught stealing.
  (k) Number of outs when winning run scored, if game is won in
      last half-inning.
  (1) The score by innings for each team.
  (m) Names of umpires, listed in this order (1) plate umpire, (2)
      first base umpire, (3) second base umpire, (4) third base umpire.
  (n) Time required to play the game, with delays for weather or
      light failure deducted.

10.03 (a) In compiling the official score report, the official scorer
           shall list each player's name and his fielding position or
           positions in the order in which the player batted, or would
           have batted if the game ends before he gets to bat.

   NOTE: When a player does not exchange positions with another fielder but is
 merely placed in a different spot for a particular batter, do not list this
 as a new position.

  EXAMPLES: (1) Second baseman goes to the outfield to form a four-man
outfield. (2) Third baseman moves to a position between shortstop and second
baseman.

  (b) Any player who enters the game as a substitute batter or sub-
      stitute runner, whether or not he continues in the game there-
      after, shall be identified in the batting order by a special symbol
      which shall refer to a separate record of substitute batters
      and runners. Lower case letters are recommended as symbols
      for substitute batters, and numerals as symbols for substitute
      runners. The record of substitute batters shall describe what
      the substitute batter did.

  EXAMPLES: "a-Singled for --- in third inning; b-Flied out for --- in
sixth inning; c-Forced --- for --- in seventh inning; d-Grounded out for ---
in ninth inning; 1-Ran for --- in ninth inning.

    The record of substitute batters and runners shall include the
    name of any such substitute whose name is announced, but
    who is removed for a second substitute before he actually gets
    into the game. Such substitution shall be recorded as "e-An-
    nounced as substitute for --- in seventh inning." Any such
    second substitute shall be recorded as batting or running for
    the first announced substitute.


                          HOW TO PROVE A BOX SCORE

  (c) A box score is in balance (or proved) when the total of the
      team's times at bat, bases on balls received, hit batters, sacri-
      fice bunts, sacrifice flies and batters awarded first base be-
      cause of interference or obstruction equals the total of that
      team's runs, players left on base and the opposing team's putouts.


                      WHEN PLAYER BATS OUT OF TURN

  (d) When a player bats out of turn, and is put out, and the proper
      batter is called out before the ball is pitched to the next batter,
      charge the proper batter with a time at bat and score the put-
      out and any assists the same as if the correct batting order
      had been followed. If an improper batter becomes a runner
      and the proper batter is called out for having missed his turn
      at bat, charge the proper batter with a time at bat, credit the
      putout to the catcher, and ignore everything entering into the
      improper batter's safe arrival on base. If more than one batter
      bats out of turn in succession score all plays just as they occur,
      skipping the turn at bat of the player or players who first
      missed batting in the proper order.


                          CALLED AND FORFEITED GAMES

  (e) (1) If a regulation game is called, include the record of all
          individual and team actions up to the moment the game
          ends, as defined in Rules 4.10 and 4.11. If it is a tie game.
          do not enter a winning or losing pitcher.

      (2) If a regulation game is forfeited, include the record of all
          individual and team actions up to the time of forfeit. If the
          winning team by forfeit is ahead at the time of forfeit, enter
          as winning and losing pitchers the players who would have
          qualified if the game had been called at the time of forfeit.
          If the winning team by forfeit is behind or if the score is tied
          at the time of forfeit, do not enter a winning or losing pitcher.
          If a game is forfeited before it becomes a regulation
          game, include no records. Report only the fact of the forfeit.


                               RUNS BATTED IN

10.04 (a) Credit the batter with a run batted in for every run which
          reaches home base because of the batter's safe hit, sacrifice
          bunt, sacrifice fly, infield out or fielder's choice; or which is
          forced over the plate by reason of the batter becoming a
          runner with the bases full (on a base on balls, or an award
          of first base for being touched by a pitched ball, or for
          interference or obstruction).
        (1) Credit a run batted in for the run scored by the batter
            who hits a home run. Credit a run batted in for each
            runner who is on base when the home run is hit and who
            scores ahead of the batter who hits the home run.
        (2) Credit a run batted in for the run scored when, before
            two are out, an error is made on a play on which a runner
            from third base ordinarily would score.

  (b) Do not credit a run batted in when the batter grounds into a
      force double play or a reverse force double play.

  (c) Do not credit a run batted in when a fielder is charged with an
      error because he muffs a throw at first base which would have
      completed a force double play.

  (d) Scorer's judgment must determine whether a run batted in
      shall be credited for a run which scores when a fielder holds
      the ball, or throws to a wrong base. Ordinarily, if the runner
      keeps going, credit a run batted in; if the runner stops and
      takes off again when he notices the misplay, credit the run as
      scored on a fielder's choice.


                             BASE HITS

10.05 A base hit shall be scored in the following cases:
  (a) When a batter reaches first base (or any succeeding base)
      safely on a fair ball which settles on the ground or touches a
      fence before being touched by a fielder, or which clears a
      fence;
  (b) When a batter reaches first base safely on a fair ball hit with
      such force, or so slowly, that any fielder attempting to make a
      play with it has no opportunity to do so;
  NOTE: A hit shall be scored if the fielder attempting to handle the ball
cannot make a play, even if such fielder deflects the ball from or cuts off
another fielder who could have put out a runner.

  (c) When a batter reaches first base safely on a fair ball which
      takes an unnatural bounce so that a fielder cannot handle it
      with ordinary effort, or which touches the pitcher's plate or
      any base, (including home plate), before being touched by a
      fielder and bounces so that a fielder cannot handle it with
      ordinary effort;
  (d) When a batter reaches first base safely on a fair ball which
      has not been touched by a fielder and which is in fair territory
      when it reaches the outfield unless in the scorer's judgment it
      could have been handled with ordinary effort;
  (e) When a fair ball which has not been touched by a fielder
      touches a runner or an umpire. EXCEPTION: Do not score a
      hit when a runner is called out for having been touched by an
      Infield Fly;
  (f) When a fielder unsuccessfully attempts to put out a preceding
      runner, and in the scorer's judgment the batter-runner would
      not have been put out at first base by ordinary effort.
  NOTE: In applying the above rules, always give the batter the benefit of
the doubt. A safe course to follow Is to score a hit when exceptionally good
fielding of a ball fails to result in a putout.

10.06 A base hit shall not be scored in the following cases:
  (a) When a runner is forced out by a batted ball, or would have
      been forced out except for a fielding error;
  (b) When the batter apparently hits safely and a runner who is
      forced to advance by reason of the batter becoming a runner
      fails to touch the first base to which he is advancing and is
      called out on appeal. Charge the batter with a time at bat but
      no hit;
  (c) When the pitcher. the catcher or any infielder handles a batted
      ball and puts out a preceding runner who is attempting to ad-
      vance one base or to return to his original base, or would have
      put out such runner with ordinary effort except for a fielding
      error. Charge the batter with a time at bat but no hit;
  (d) When a fielder fails in an attempt to put out a preceding run-
      ner, and in the scorer's judgment the batter-runner could
      have been put out at first base.
  NOTE: This shall not apply if the fielder merely looks toward or feints
toward another base before attempts to make the putout at first base;

  (e) When a runner is called out for interference with a fielder
      attempting to field a batted ball, unless in the scorer's judg-
      ment the batter-runner would have been safe had the inter-
      ference not occurred.


                       DETERMINING VALUE OF BASE HITS

10.07 Whether a safe hit shall be scored as a one-base hit, two-base
       hit, three-base hit or home run when no error or putout results shall
       be determined as follows:
  (a) Subject to the provisions of 10.07 (b) and (c), it is a one-bas(
      hit if the batter stops at first base: it is a two-base hit if the(
      batter stops at second base; it is a three-base hit if the batter
      stops at third base; it is a home run if the batter touches al:
      bases and scores.
  (b) When, with one or more runners on base, the batter advances
      more than one base on a safe hit and the defensive team
      makes an attempt to put out a preceding runner, the scorer
      shall determine whether the batter made a legitimate two-
      base hit or three-base hit, or whether he advanced beyond
      first base on the fielder's choice.
  NOTE: Do not credit the batter with a three-base hit when a preceding
runner is put out at the plate, or would have been out but for an error. Do not
credit the batter with a two-base hit when a preceding runner trying to ad-
vance from first base is put out at third base, or would have been out but for
an error. However, with the exception of the above, do not determine the
value of base-hits by the number of bases advanced by a preceding runner. A
batter may deserve a two-base hit even though a preceding runner advances
one or no bases; he may deserve only a one-base hit even though he reaches
second base and a preceding runner advances two bases.

  EXAMPLES: (1) Runner on first, batter hits to right fielder, who throws
to third base in unsuccessful attempt to put out runner. Batter takes second
base. Credit batter with one-base hit. (2) Runner on second. Batter hits fair
fly ball. Runner holds up to determine if ball is caught, and advances only to
third base, while batter takes second. Credit batter with two-base hit. (3)
Runner on third. Batter hits high fair fly. Runner takes lead, then runs back
to tag up, thinking ball will be caught. Ball falls safe, but runner cannot
score, although batter has reached second. Credit batter with two-base hit.

  (c) When the batter attempts to make a two-base hit or a three-
      base hit by sliding, he must hold the last base to which he ad-
      vances. If he overslides and is tagged out before getting back
      to the base safely, he shall be credited with only as many bases
      as he attained safely. If he overslides second base and is
      tagged out, he shall be credited with a one-base hit; if he
      overslides third base and is tagged out, he shall be credited
      with a two-base hit.

  NOTE: If the batter overruns second or third base and is tagged out try-
ing to return, he shall be credited with the last base he touched. If he runs past
second base after reaching that base on his feet attempts to return and is
tagged out, he shall be credited with a two-base hit. If he runs past third base
after reaching that base on his feet, attempts to return and is tagged out, he
shall be credited with a three-base hit.

  (d) When the batter, after making a safe hit, is called out for
      having failed to touch a base, the last base he reached solely
      shall determine if he shall be credited with a one-base hit, a
      two-base hit or a three-base hit. If he is called out after miss-
      ing home base, he shall be credited with a three-base hit. If he
      is called out for missing third base, he shall be credited with a
      two-base hit. If he is called out for missing second base, he
      shall be credited with a one-base hit. If he is called out for
      missing first base, he shall be charged with a time at bat, but
      no hit.
  (e) When the batter-runner is awarded two bases, three bases or a
      home run under the provisions of Playing Rules 7.05 or 7.06
      (a) , he shall be credited with a two-base hit, a three-base hit
      or a home run, as the case may be.


                            GAME-ENDING HITS

  (f) Subject to the provisions of 10.07 (g), when the batter ends a
      game with a safe hit which drives in as many runs as are
      necessary to put his team in the lead, he shall be credited with
      only as many bases on his hit as are advanced by the runner
      who scores the winning run, and then only if the batter runs
      out his hit for as many bases as are advanced by the runner
      who scores the winning run.
  NOTE: Apply this rule even when the batter is theoretically entitled to
more bases because of being awarded an "automatic" extra-base hit under
various provisions of Playing Rules 6.09 and 7.05.

  (g) When the batter ends a game with a home run hit out of the
      playing field, he and any runners on base are entitled to score.


                              STOLEN BASES

10.08 A stolen base shall be credited to a runner whenever he ad-
  vances one base unaided by a hit, a putout, an error, a force-out, a
  fielder's choice, a passed ball, a wild pitch or a balk, subject to the
  following:
  (a) When a runner starts for the next base before the pitcher
      delivers the ball and the pitch results in what ordinarily is
      scored a wild pitch or passed ball, credit the runner with a
      stolen base and do not charge the misplay. EXCEPTION: It,
      as a result of the misplay, the stealing runner advances an
      extra base, or another runner also advances, score the wild
      pitch or passed ball as well as the stolen base.

  (b) When a runner is attempting to steal, and the catcher, after
      receiving the pitch, makes a wild throw trying to prevent the
      stolen base, credit a stolen base. Do not charge an error unless
      the wild throw permits the stealing runner to advance one or
      more extra bases, or permits another runner to advance, in
      which case credit the stolen base and charge one error to the
      catcher.

  (c) When a runner, attempting to steal, or after being picked off
      base, evades being put out in a run-down play and advances
      to the next base without the aid of an error, credit the runner
      with a stolen base. If another runner also advances on the
      play, credit both runners with stolen bases. If a runner ad-
      vances while another runner, attempting to steal, evades
      being put out in a run-down play and returns safely, without
      the aid of an error, to the base he originally occupied, credit a
      stolen base to the runner who advances.

  (d) When a double or triple steal is attempted and one runner is
      thrown out before reaching and holding the base he is at-
      tempting to steal, no other runner shall be credited with a
      stolen base.

  (e) When a runner is tagged out after oversliding a base, while
      attempting either to return to that base or to advance to the
      next base, he shall not be credited with a stolen base.

  (f) When in the scorer's judgment a runner attempting to steal is
      safe because of a muffed throw, do not credit a stolen base.
      Credit an assist to the fielder who made the throw; charge an
      error to the fielder who muffed the throw, and charge the run-
      ner with "caught stealing."

  (g) No stolen base shall be scored when a runner advances solely
      because of the defensive team's indifference to his advance.
      Score as a fielder's choice.


                             CAUGHT STEALING

  (h) A runner shall be charged as "Caught Stealing" if he is put
      out, or would have been put out by errorless play when he
    (1) Tries to steal.
    (2) Is picked off a base and tries to advance (any move toward
        the next base shall be considered an attempt to advance) .
    (3) Overslides while stealing.
 NOTE: In those instances where a pitched ball eludes the catcher and the
runner is put out trying to advance, no caught stealing shall be charged. No
caught stealing should be charged when a runner is awarded a base due to
obstruction.


                                SACRIFICES

10.09 (a) Score a sacrifice bunt when, before two are out, the batter
       advances one or more runners with a bunt and is put out a
       first base, or would have been put out except for a fielding
       error.

   (b) Score a sacrifice bunt when, before two are out, the fielder
       handle a bunted ball without error in an unsuccessful attempt
       to put out a preceding runner advancing one base. EXCEP
       TION: When an attempt to turn a bunt into a putout of a
       preceding runner iails, and in the scorer's judgment perfec
       play would not have put out the batter at first base, the batter
       shall be credited with a one-base hit and not a sacrifice.

   (c) Do not score a sacrifice bunt when any runner is put out
       attempting to advance one base on a bunt. Charge the batter
       with a time at bat.

   (d) Do not score a sacrifice bunt when, in the judgment of the
       scorer, the batter is bunting primarily for a base hit and not
       for the purpose of advancing a runner or runners. Charge the
       batter with a time a bat.
   NOTE: In applying the above rule, always give the batter the benefit of
 the doubt.

   (e) Score a sacrifice fly when, before two are out, the batter hits
       fly ball or a line drive handled by an outfielder or an infielder
       running in the outfield which
         (1) is caught, and a runner scores after the catch, or
         (2) is dropped, and a runner scores, if in the scorer's judg-
             ment the runner could have scored after the catch had
             the fly been caught.
   NOTE: Score a sacrifice fly in accordance with 10.09 (e) (2) even though
another runner is forced out by reason of the batter becoming a runner.


                                    PUTOUTS

10.10 A putout shall be credited to each fielder who (1) catches a fly
 ball or a line drive, whether fair or foul; (2) catches a thrown ball
 which puts out a batter or runner, or (3) tags a runner when the run-
 ner is off the base to which he legally is entitled.
  (a) Automatic putouts shall be credited to the catcher as follows:
      (1) When the batter is called out for an illegally batted ball
      (2) When the batter is called out for bunting foul for his
          third strike; (Note exception in 10.17 (a) (4).
      (3) When the batter is called out for being touched by his
          own batted ball;
      (4) When the batter is called out for interfering with the
          catcher;
      (5) When the batter is called out for failing to bat in his
          proper turn: (See 10.03 (d).
      (6) When the batter is called out for refusing to touch first
          base after receiving a base on balls;
      (7) When a runner is called out for refusing to advance
          from third base to home with the winning run.

  (b) Other automatic putouts shall be credited as follows (Credit
      no assists on these plays except as specified) :
      (1) When the batter is called out on an Infield Fly which is
          not caught, credit the putout to the fielder who the scor-
          er believes could have made the catch:
      (2) When a runner is called out for being touched by a fair
          ball (including an Infield Fly) , credit the putout to the
          fielder nearest the ball;
      (3) When a runner is called out for running out of line to
          avoid being tagged, credit the putout to the fielder
          whom the runner avoided;
      (4) When a runner is called out for passing another runner,
          credit the putout to the fielder nearest the point of pass-
          ing;
      (5) When a runner is called out for running the bases in
          reverse order, credit the putout to the fielder covering
          the base he left in starting his reverse run;
      (6) When a runner is called out for having interfered with a
          fielder, credit the putout to the fielder with whom the
          runner interfered, unless the fielder was in the act of
          throwing the ball when the interference occurred, in
          which case credit the putout to the fielder for whom the
          throw was intended, and credit an assist to the fielder
          whose throw was interfered with;
      (7) When the batter-runner is called out because or inter-
         ference by a preceding runner, as provided in Playing
         Rule 6.05 (m) , credit the putout to the first baseman. If
         the fielder interfered with was in the act of throwing
         the ball, credit him with an assist, but credit only one
         assist on any one play under the provisions of 10.10 (b)
         (6) and (7).


                                  ASSISTS
10.11 An assist shall be credited to each fielder who throws or deflects
  a batted or thrown ball in such a way that a putout results, or would
  have resulted except for a subsequent error by any fielder. Only one
  assist and no more shall be credited to each fielder who throws or
  deflects the ball in a run-down play which results in a putout, or would
  have resulted in a putout, except for a subsequent error.

  NOTE: Mere ineffective contact with the ball shall not be considered an
assist. "Deflect" shall mean to slow down or change the direction of the ball
and thereby effectively assist in putting out a batter or runner.

   (a) Credit an assist to each fielder who throws or deflects the ball
       during a play which results in a runner being called out for
       interference, or for running out of line.

   (b) Do not credit an assist to the pitcher on a strikeout. EXCEP-
       TION: Credit an assist if the pitcher fields an uncaught third
       strike and makes a throw which results in a putout.

   (c) Do not credit an assist to the pitcher when, as the result of a
       legal pitch received by the catcher, a runner is put out, as
       when the catcher picks a runner off base, throws out a runner
       trying to steal, or tags a runner trying to score.

   (d) Do not credit an assist to a fielder whose wild throw permits a
       runner to advance, even though the runner subsequently is
       put out as a result of continuous play. A play which follows a
       misplay (whether or not it is an error) is a new play, and the
       fielder making any misplay shall not be credited with an as-
       sist unless he takes part in the new play.


                        DOUBLE PLAYS-TRIPLE PLAYS

10.12 Credit participation in the double play or triple play to each
  fielder who earns a putout or an assist when two or three players are
  put out between the time a pitch is delivered and the time the ball next
  becomes dead or is next in possession of the pitcher in pitching position,
  unless an error or misplay intervenes between putouts.

 NOTE: Credit the double play or triple play also if an appeal play after
the ball is in possession of the pitcher results in an additional putout.


                                ERRORS

10.13 An error shall be charged for each misplay (fumble, muff or
  wild throw) which prolongs the time at bat of a batter or which pro-
  longs the life of a runner, or which permits a runner to advance one or
  more bases.

  NOTE (1) Slow handling of the ball which does not involve mechanical
misplay shall not be construed as an error.
  NOTE (2) It is not necessary that the fielder touch the ball to be charged
with an error. If a ground ball goes through a fielder's legs or a pop fly falls
untouched and in the scorer's Judgment the fielder could have handled the
ball with ordinary effort, an error shall be charged.
  NOTE (3) Mental mistakes or misjudgments are not to be scored as
errors unless specifically covered in the rules.

  (a) An error shall be charged against any fielder when he muffs a
      foul fly, to prolong the time at bat of a batter whether the
      batter subsequently reaches first base or is put out.

  (b) An error shall be charged against any fielder when he catches
      a thrown ball or a ground ball in time to put out the batter-
      runner and fails to tag first base or the batter-runner.

  (c) An error shall be charged against any fielder when he catches
      a thrown ball or a ground ball in time to put out any runner on
      a force play and fails to tag the base or the runner.

  (d)  (1) An error shall be charged against any fielder whose wild
           throw permits a runner to reach a base safely, when in
           the scorer's judgment a good throw would have put out
           the runner. EXCEPTION: No error shall be charged
           under this section if the wild throw is made attempting
           to prevent a stolen base.
       (2) An error shall be charged against any fielder whose wild
           throw in attempting to prevent a runner's advance per-
           mits that runner or any other runner to advance one or
           more bases beyond the base he would have reached had
           the throw not been wild.
       (3) An error shall be charged against any fielder whose
           throw takes an unnatural bounce, or touches a base or
           the pitcher's plate, or touches a runner, a fielder or an
           umpire, thereby permitting any runner to advance.
  NOTE: Apply this rule even when it appears to be an injustice to a fielder
whose throw was accurate. Every base advanced by a runner must be ac-
counted for.

       (4) Charge only one error on any wild throw, regardless of
           the number of bases advanced by one or more runners.

  (e) An error shall be charged against any fielder whose failure to
      stop, or try to stop, an accurately thrown ball permits a run,
      ner to advance, providing there was occasion for the throw. If
      such throw be made to second base, the scorer shall determine
      whether it was the duty of the second baseman or the short-
      stop to stop the ball, and an error shall be charged to the negli-
      gent player.
  NOTE: If in the scorer's judgment there was no occasion for the throw,
an error shall be charged to the fielder who threw the ball.

  (f) When an umpire awards the batter or any runner or runner
      one or more bases because of interference or obstruction
      charge the fielder who committed the interference or obstruc-
      tion with one error, no matter how many bases the batter, or
      runner or runners, may be advanced.
  NOTE: Do not charge an error if obstruction does not change the play in
the opinion of the scorer.

10.14 No error shall be charged in the following cases:
  (a) No error shall be charged against the catcher when after re-
      ceiving the pitch, he makes a wild throw attempting to pre-
      vent a stolen base, unless the wild throw permits the stealing
      runner to advance one or more extra bases, or permits any
      other runner to advance one or more bases.

  (b) No error shall be charged against any fielder who makes a
      wild throw if in the scorer's judgment the runner would not
      have been put out with ordinary effort by a good throw, un-
      less such wild throw permits any runner to advance beyond
      the base he would have reached had the throw not been wild.

  (c) No error shall be charged against any fielder when he makes a
      wild throw in attempting to complete a double play or triple
      play, unless such wild throw enables any runner to advance
      beyond the base he would have reached had the throw not
      been wild.
  NOTE: When a fielder muffs a thrown ball which, if held, would have
completed a double play or triple play, charge an error to the fielder who
drops the ball and credit an assist to the fielder who made the throw.

  (d) No error shall be charged against any fielder when, after
      fumbling a ground ball or dropping a fly ball, a line drive or a
      thrown ball, he recovers the ball in time to force out a runner
      at any base.

  (e) No error shall be charged against any fielder who permits a
      foul fly to fall safe with a runner on third base before two are
      out, if in the scorer's judgment the fielder deliberately refuses
      the catch in order that the runner on third shall not score after
      the catch.

  (f) Because the pitcher and catcher handle the ball much more
      than other fielders, certain misplays on pitched balls are de-
      fined in Rule 10.15 as wild pitches and passed balls. No error
      shall be charged when a wild pitch or passed ball is scored.

      (1) No error shall be charged when the batter is awarded
          first base on four called balls or because he was touched
          by a pitched ball, or when he reaches first base as the
          result of a wild pitch or passed ball.
        (i) When the third strike is a wild pitch, permitting the
            batter to reach first base, score a strikeout and a
            wild pitch.
       (ii) When the third strike is a passed ball, permitting the
            batter to reach first base, score a strikeout and a
            passed ball.

      (2) No error shall be charged when a runner or runners
          advance as the result of a passed ball, a wild pitch or a
          balk.
        (i) When the fourth called ball is a wild pitch or a passed
            ball, and as a result (a) the batter-runner advances
            to a base beyond first base; (b) any runner forced to
            advance by the base on balls advances more than one
            base, or (c) any runner, not forced to advance, ad-
            vances one or more bases, score the base on balls, and
            also the wild pitch or passed ball, as the case may be;
       (ii) When the catcher recovers the ball after a wild pitch
            or passed ball on the third strike, and throws out the
            batter-runner at first base, or tags out the batter-
            runner, but another runner or runners advance,
            score the strikeout, the putout and assists, if any, and
            credit the advance of the other runner or runners as
            having been made on the play.


                      WILD PITCHES-PASSED BALLS

10.15 (a) A wild pitch shall be charged when a legally delivered ball
          is so high, or so wide, or so low that the catcher does not stop
          and control the ball by ordinary effort, thereby permitting
          a runner or runners to advance.

        (1) A wild pitch shall be charged when a legally delivered
            ball touches the ground before reaching home plate and
            is not handled by the catcher, permitting a runner or
            runners to advance.

  (b) A catcher shall be charged with a passed ball when he fails to
      hold or to control a legally pitched ball which should have
      been held or controlled with ordinary effort, thereby permitting
      a runner or runners to advance.


                               BASES ON BALLS

10.16 (a) a base on balls shall be scored whenever a batter is award-
      ed first base because of four balls having been pitched out-
      side the strike zone, but when the fourth such ball touches
      the batter it shall be scored as a "hit batter." (See 10.18 (h)
      for procedure when more than one pitcher is involved in
      giving a base on balls: Also see 10.17 (b) relative to substi-
      tute batter who receives base on balls.)

  (b) Intentional base on balls shall be scored when the pitcher
      makes no attempt to throw the last pitch to the batter into the
      strike zone but purposely throws the ball wide to the catcher
      outside the catcher's box.

       (1) If a batter awarded a base on balls is called out for
           refusing to advance to first base, do not credit the base on
           balls. Charge a time at bat.


                                  STRIKEOUTS

10.11 (a) A strikeout shall be scored whenever:
         (1) A batter is put out by a third strike caught by the catcher;

         (2) A batter is put out by a third strike not caught when
             there is a runner on first before two are out;

         (3) A batter becomes a runner because a third strike is not
             caught;

         (4) A batter bunts foul on third strike. EXCEPTION: If
             such bunt on third strike results in a foul fly caught by
             any fielder, do not score a strikeout. Credit the fielder
             who catches such foul fly with a putout.

  (b) When the batter leaves the game with two strikes against
      him, and the substitute batter completes a strikeout, charge
      the strikeout and the time at bat to the first batter. If the
      substitute batter completes the turn at bat in any other man-
      ner, including a base on balls, score the action as having been
      that of the substitute batter.


                                EARNED RUNS

10.18 An earned run is a run for which the pitcher is held account-
      able. In determining earned runs, the inning should be reconstructed
      without the errors (which include catcher's interference) and passed
      balls, and the benefit of the doubt should always be given to the pitch-
      er in determining which bases would have been reached by errorless
      play. For the purpose of determining earned runs, an intentional base
      on bans, regardless of the circumstances, shall be construed in exactly
      the same manner as any other base on balls.

  (a) An earned run shall be charged every time a runner reaches
      home base by the aid of safe hits, sacrifice bunts, a sacrifice
      fly, stolen bases, putouts, fielder's choices, bases on balls, hit
      batters, balks or wild pitches (including a wild pitch on third
      strike which permits a batter to reach first base) before field-
      ing chances have been offered to put out the defensive team.
      For the purpose of this rule, a defensive interference penalty
      shall be construed as a fielding chance.

     (1) A wild pitch is solely the pitcher's fault, and contributes to
         an earned run just as a base on balls or a balk.

  (b) No run shall be earned when scored by a runner who reaches
      first base (1) on a hit or otherwise after his time at bat is
      prolonged by a muffed foul fly; (2) because of interference or
      obstruction or (3) because d any fielding error.

  (c) No run shall be earned when scored by a runner whose life is
      prolonged by an error, it such runner would have been put out
      by errorless play.

  (d) No run shall be earned when the runner's advance is aided by
      an error, a passed hall, or defensive interference or obstruc-
      tion, if the scorer judges that the run would not have scored
      without the aid of such misplay.

  (e) An error by a pitcher is treated exactly the same as an error
      by any other fielder in computing earned runs.

  (f) Whenever a fielding error occurs, the pitcher shall be given the
      benefit of the doubt in determining to which bases any runners
      would have advanced had the fielding of the defensive team

  (g) When pitchers are changed during an inning, the relief pitcher
      shall not be charged with any run (earned or unearned)
      scored by a runner who was on base at the time he entered the
      game, nor for runs scored by any runner who reaches base on
      a fielder's choice which puts out a runner left on base by the
      preceding pitcher.

  NOTE: It is the intent of this rule to charge each pitcher with the number
of runners he put on base, rather than with the individual runners. When a
pitcher puts runners on base, and is relieved, shall be charged with all runs
subsequently scored up to and including the number of runners he left on
base when he left the game, unless such runners are put out without action by
the batter, i.e., caught stealing, picked off base, or called out for interference
when a batter-runner does not reach first base on the play. EXCEPTION:
see example 7.

 EXAMPLES:
      (1) P1 walks A and is relieved by P2. B grounds out. sending
A to second. C flies out. D singles, scoring A. Charge run to P1.

      (2) P1 walks A and is relieved by P2. B forces A at second. C grounds out,
sending B to second. D singles, scoring B. Charge run to P1.

      (3) P1 walks A and is relieved by P2. B singles, sending A to third. C
grounds to short, and A is out at home, B going to second. D flies out.
E singles, scoring B. Charge run to P1.

      (4) P1 walks A and is relieved by P2. B walks. C flies out. A is picked off
second. D doubles, scoring B from first. Charge run to P2.

      (5) P1 walks A and is relieved by P2. P2 walks B and is relieved by P3. C
forces A at third. D forces B at third. E hits home run, scoring three runs.
Charge one run to P1; one run to P2, one run to P3.

      (6) P1 walks A, and is relieved by P2. P2 walks B. C singles, filling the
bases. D forces A at home. E singles, scoring B and C. Charge one run to P1
and one run to P2.

      (7) P1 walks A, and is relieved by P2. P2 allows B to single, but A is out
trying for third. B takes second on the throw. C singles, scoring B. Charge run
to P2.


  (h) A relief pitcher shall not be held accountable when the first
     batter to whom he pitches reaches first base on four called
     balls if such batter has a decided advantage in the ball and
     strike count when pitchers are changed.

    (1) If, when pitchers are changed, the count is
          2 balls, no strike,
          2 balls, 1 strike,
          3 balls, no strike,
          3 balls, 1 strike,
          3 balls, 2 strikes,
        and the batter gets a base on balls, charge that batter and
        the base on balls to the preceding pitcher, not to the relief
        pitcher.

    (2) Any other action by such batter, such as reaching base on
        a hit, an error, a fielder's choice, a force-out, or being
        touched by a pitched ball, shall cause such a batter to be
        charged to the relief pitcher.

  NOTE: The provisions of 10.18 (h) (2) shall not be construed as affecting
or conflicting with the provisions of 10.18 (g).

    (3) If, when pitchers are changed, the count is
         2 balls, 2 strikes,
         1 ball, 2 strikes,
         1 ball, 1 strike,
         1 ball, no strike,
         no ball, 2 strikes,
         no ball, 1 strike,
      charge that batter and his actions to the relief pitcher.

   (i) When pitchers are changed during an inning, the relief pitcher
       shall not have the benefit of previous chances for outs not ac-
       cepted in determining earned runs.

  NOTE: It is the intent of this rule to charge relief pitchers with earned
runs for which they are solely responsible. In some instances, runs charged as
earned against the relief pitcher can be charged as unearned against the
team.
  EXAMPLES:
  (1) With two out, P1 walks A. B reaches base on an error.
P2 relieves P1. C hits home run, scoring three runs. Charge two unearned
runs to P1, one earned run to P2.

  (2) With two out P1 walks A and B and is relieved by P2. C reaches base
on an error. D hits home run, scoring four runs. Charge two unearned runs to
P1, two unearned runs to P2.

  (3) With none out, P1 walks A. B reaches base on an error. P2 relieves
P1. C hits home run, scoring three runs. D and E strike out. F reaches base on
an error. G hits home run, scoring two runs. Charge two runs, one earned, to
P1. Charge three runs, one earned, to P2.


                         WINNING AND LOSING PITCHER

10.19 (a) Credit the starting pitcher with a game won only if he has
      pitched at least five complete innings and his team not only
      is in the lead when he is replaced but remains in the lead
      the remainder of the game.

  (b) The "must pitch five complete innings" rule in respect to the
      starting pitcher shall be in effect for all games of six or more
      innings. In a five-inning game, credit the starting pitcher
      with a game won only if he has pitched at least four complete
      innings and his team not only is in the lead when he is replaced
      but remains in the lead the remainder of the game.

  (c) When the starting pitcher cannot be credited with the victory
      because of the provisions of 10.19 (a) or (b) and more than
      one relief pitcher is used, the victory shall be awarded on the
      following basis:
       (1) When, during the tenure of the starting pitcher, the
           winning team assumes the lead and maintains it to the
           finish of the game, credit the victory to the relief pitch-
           er judged by the scorer to have been the most effective;
       (2) Whenever the score is tied the game becomes a new
           contest insofar as the winning and losing pitcher is con-
           cerned;
       (3) Once the opposing team assumes the lead all pitchers
           who have pitched up to that point are excluded from
           being credited with the victory except that if the pitch-
           er against whose pitching the opposing team gained the
           lead continues to pitch until his team regains the lead,
           which it holds to the finish of the game, that pitcher
           shall be the winning pitcher;
       (4) The winning relief pitcher shall be the one who is the
           pitcher of record when his team assumes the lead and
           maintains it to the finish of the game. EXCEPTION:
           Do not credit a victory to a relief pitcher who is ineffec-
           tive in a brief appearance, when a succeeding relief
           pitcher pitches effectively in helping his team maintain
           the lead. In such cases, credit the succeeding relief
           pitcher with the victory.

  (d) When a pitcher is removed for a substitute batter or substitute
      runner, all runs scored by his team during the inning in which
      he is removed shall be credited to his benefit in determining
      the pitcher of record when his team assumes the lead.

  (e) Regardless of how many innings the first pitcher has pitched.
      he shall be charged with the loss of the game if he is replaced
      when his team is behind in the score, or falls behind because of
      runs charged to him after he is replaced, and his team thereaf-
      ter fails either to tie the score or gain the lead.

  (f) No pitcher shall be credited with pitching a shutout unless he
      pitches the complete game, or unless he enters the game with
      none out before the opposing team has scored in the first in-
      ning, puts out the side without a run scoring and pitches all
      the rest of the game. When two or more pitchers combine to
      pitch a shutout a notation to that effect should be included in
      the league's official pitching records.

  (g) In some non-championship games (such as the Major League
      All-Star Game) it is provided in advance that each pitcher
      shall work a stated number of innings, usually two or three. In
      such games, it is customary to credit the victory to the pitcher
      of record, whether starter or reliever, when the winning team
      takes a lead which it maintains to the end of the game, unless
      such pitcher is knocked out after the winning team has a
      commanding lead, and the scorer believes a subsequent pitch-
      er is entitled to credit for the victory.


                             SAVES FOR BELIEF PITCHERS

10.20 Credit a pitcher with a save when he meets all three of the
following conditions:
          (1) He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his club;
              and
          (2) He is not the winning pitcher; and
          (3) He qualifies under one of the following conditions:
              (a) He enters the game with a lead of no more than three
                  runs and pitches for at least one inning; or
              (b) He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the
                  potential tying run either on base, or at bat, or on
                  deck (that is, the potential tying run is either al-
                  ready on base or is one of the first two batsmen he
                  faces); or
              (c) He pitches effectively for at least three innings.
                  No more than one save may be credited in each game.



                                STATISTICS
10.21 The league president shall appoint an official statistician. The
statistician shall maintain an accumulative record of all the batting.
fielding, running and pitching records specified in 10.02 for every
player who appears in a league championship game.

  The statistician shall prepare a tabulated report at the end of the
season, including all individual and team records for every champion-
ship game, and shall submit this report to the league president. This
report shall identify each player by his first name and surname, and
shall indicate as to each batter whether he bats right handed, lefthand-
ed or both ways; as to each fielder and pitcher, whether he throws
righthanded or lefthanded.

  When a player listed in the starting lineup for the visiting club is
substituted for before he plays defensively, he shall not receive credit
in the defensive statistics (fielding), unless he actually plays that po-
sition during a game. All such players, however, shall be credited with
one game played (in "batting statistics") as long as they are an-
nounced into the game or listed on the official lineup card.

  Any games played to break a divisional tie shall be included in the
statistics for that championship season.

                      DETERMINING PERCENTAGE RECORDS
10.22 To compute
    (a) Percentage of games won and lost, divide the number of
        games won by the total games won and lost;
    (b) Batting average, divide the total number of safe hits (not the
        total bases on hits) by the total times at bat, as defined in 10.02
        (a);
    (c) Slugging percentage, divide the total bases of all safe hits by
        the total times at bat, as defined in 10.02 (a);
    (d) Fielding average, divide the total putouts and assists by the
        total of putouts, assists and errors;
    (e) Pitcher's earned-run average, multiply the total earned runs
        charged against his pitching by 9, and divide the result by the
        total number of innings he pitched.

NOTE: Earned-run averages shall be calculated on the basis of total in-
      nings pitched including fractional innings. EXAMPLE: 9 1/3 innings
      pitched and 3 earned runs is an earned-run average of 2.89 (3 ER times
      9 divided by 9 1/3 equals 2.89).

    (f) On-base percentage, divide the total of hits, all bases on balls,
        and hit by pitch by the total of at bats, all bases on balls, hit by
        pitch and sacrifice flies.
     NOTE: For the purpose of computing on-base percentage, ignore being
awarded first base on interference or obstruction.


               MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

10.23 To assure uniformity in establishing the batting, pitching and
      fielding championships of professional leagues, such champions shall
      meet the following minimum performance standards:

  (a) The individual batting champion or slugging champion shall
      be the player with the highest batting average or slugging
      percentage, provided he is credited with as many or more
      total appearances at the plate in League Championship
      games as the number of games scheduled for each club in his
      league that season, multiplied by 3.1 in the case of a major
      league player. EXCEPTION: However, if there is any player
      with fewer than the required number of plate appearances
      whose average would be the highest, if he were charged with
      the required number of plate appearances or official at bats,
      then that player shall be awarded the batting championship
      or slugging championship.

 EXAMPLE:
  If a major league schedules 162 games for each club, 502
  plate appearances qualify (162 times 3.1 equals 502). If a
  National Association league schedules 140 games for each
  club, 378 plate appearances qualify (140 times 2.7 equals 378)

       Total appearances at the plate shall include official times at
       bat, plus bases on balls, times hit by pitcher, sacrifice hits, sa-
       crifice flies and times awarded first base because of interference
       or obstruction.

   (b) The individual pitching champion shall be the pitcher with the
       lowest earned-run average, provided that he has pitched at
       least as many innings as the number of games scheduled for
       each club in his league that season. EXCEPTION: However,
       pitchers in National Association leagues shall qualify for the
       pitching championship by having the lowest earned-run aver-
       age and having pitched at least as many innings as 80% or the
       number of games scheduled for each club in his league that
       season.

   (c) The individual fielding champions shall be the fielders with
       the highest fielding average at each position, provided:
     (1) A catcher must have participated as a catcher in at least
         one-half the number of games scheduled for each club in
         his league that season;
     (2) An infielder or outfielder must have participated at his
         position in at least two-thirds of the number of games
         scheduled for each club in his league that season;
     (3) A pitcher must have pitched at least as many innings as
         the number of games scheduled for each club in his
         league that season. EXCEPTION: If another pitcher has
         a fielding average as high or higher, and has handled
         more total chances in a lesser number of innings, he shall
         be the fielding champion.


                GUIDELINES FOR CUMULATIVE PERFORMANCE RECORDS

10.24 CONSECUTIVE HITTING STREAKS.
  (a) A consecutive hitting streak shall not be terminated if the
      plate appearance results in a base on balls, hit batsman, de-
      fensive interference or a sacrifice bunt. A sacrifice fly shall
      terminate the streak.

  (b) CONSECUTIVE-GAME HITTING STREAKS.
      A consecutive-game hitting streak shall not be terminated if
      all the player's plate appearances (one or more) result in a
      base on balls, hit batsman, defensive interference or a sacri-
      fice bunt. The streak shall terminate if the player has a sacri-
      fice fly and no hit.
      The player's individual consecutive-game hitting streak shall
      be determined by the consecutive games in which the player
      appears and is not determined by his club's games.

  (c) CONSECUTIVE PLAYING STREAK.
      A consecutive-game playing streak shall be extended if the
      player plays one half-inning on defense, or if he completes a
      time at bat by reaching base or being put out. A pinch-run-
      ning appearance only shall not extend the streak. If a player is
      ejected from a game by an umpire before he can comply with
      the requirements of this rule, his streak shall continue.

  (d) SUSPENDED GAMES.
      For the purpose of this rule, all performances in the comple-
      tion of a suspended game shall be considered as occurring on
      the original date of the game.




                                   INDEX

    (Note. Where Rule 2.00 is indexed, the definition of the indexed item
includes important explanatory matter.)

Accident to Player or Umpire-5.10 (c) and (h).
Appeals-6.07 (b), 7.10.
Balk-Ball Dead 5.09 (c), 8:05; Penalty 7.04 (a), 7.07, 8.05; Penalty waived
8.05.
Ball-Called BalI 2.00; Dead Ball 3.12, 5.02, 5.09, 5.10; Live Ball 5.02,
     5.11; Official/ Game Balls 3.01 (c).
Base Coaches-Number 4.05; Restrictions 3.17, 4.05 (b).
                          Interference 5.09 (g), 7.09 (i-j).
                          Accidental Interference 5.08.
Batter-Batter Becomes Runner 6.08, 6.09; Batter Interference 6.05 (h), 6.06
       (c),7.08 (g), 7.09; Batter Out 6.02 (c), 6.05, 6.06, 6.07, 7.09, 7.11
       Penalty; Inter-ference with Batter 6.08 (c), 7.04 (d).
Batter's Box-2.00, 6.03, 6.06 (b).
Batting Order-4.01, 4.04, 6.01, 6.04.
Batting Out of Order-6.07.
Catcher-Interference by 6.08 (c), 7.04 (d), 7.07.
          Interference with 6.06 (c).
Catcher's Position-4.03 (a).
Defacing, Discoloring Ball-3.02, 8.02 (a).
Definitions- (alphabetically) Rule 2.00.
Deflected Batted Ball-6.09 (g-h), 7.05 (a) and (f).
Delay of Game-By Batter 6.02 (c); by Pitcher 8.02 (c); 8.04; Forfeit for
    Delays 4.15.
Designated Hitter-6.10.
Discipline of Team Personnel-3.14, 4.06, 4.07, 4.08, 4.15, 9.01 (b) and (d),
    9.05.
Doubleheaders-4.13.
Equipment-Ball 1.09; Bases 1.06; Bats 1.10; Benches 1.08; Commercialization
    1.17; Gloves 1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15; Helmets 1.16; Home Base 1.05;
    Pitcher's Plate 1.07; Toe Plate 1.11 (g); Uniforms 1.11.
Equipment Thrown at Ball-7.05 (a-e).
Fair Ball Bounces Out of Play-6.09 (e-f-g), 7-05 (f).
Fielder Falls Into Dugout-5.10 (f), 7.04 (c).
Fielder's Choice-2.00, 10.14 (f)  (2)  (ii).
Forfeits-4.15, 4.16, 4.17, 4.18.
Ground Rules-3.13, 9.04 (a) (9).
Illegally Pitch-2.00, 8.01 (d), 8.02 (a) (6) 8.05 (e).
Illegally Batted Ba11-6.06 (a).
Infield Fly-2.00, 6.05 (e) and (l) Note. 7.08 (f).
Intentionally Dropped Ball-6.05 (l).
Interference-Defensive 2.00, 6.08 (c), 7.04 (d), 7.07; Offensive 2.00, 5.09
        (f), (g),  6.05 (h) (i) (m) and (n), 6.06 (c), 6.08 (d), 7.08 (b) (f)
        and (g), 7.09, 7.11; Spectator 2.00, 3.16; Umpires 2.00, 5.09 (b),
        (f); 6.08 (d).
Light Failure-4.12 (a-b), 5.10 (b).
Missed Base-7.02, 7.04-Note, 7.08 (k), 7.10 (b), 7.12, 8.05 Penalty-Approved
        Ruling.
Obstruction-7.06.
Overrunning First Base-7.08 (c) and (j), 7.10 (c).
Penalties-2.00 (See LEAGUE PRESIDENT.)
Pitcher-Legal Position 8.01  (a-b); Becomes Infielder 8.01  (e); Preparatory
       pitches 8.03; Take Signs While on Rubber 8.01; Throwing at Batter
       8.02 (d);
       Throwing to a Base 7.05 (h), 8.01 (c); Visits by Manager or Coach 8.06.
Players'Positions-4.03.
Playing Field-1.04.
    (Includes Diagrams of Mound and Diamond Layout and Playing Lines.)
Police Protection-3.18.
Postponement Responsibility-3.10.
Protested Games-4.19.
Regulation Game-4.10, 4.11.
    (7-inning Games 4.10 (a) -Note).
Resuming Play After Dead Ball-5.11.
Restrictions on Players-
    No Fraternizing 3.09; Barred From Stands 3.09; Confined to Bench 3.17.
Runner-Entitled to Base 7.01, 7.03; Touch Requirements 7.01, 7.08 (d), 7.10,
   Runners Advance 7.04, 7.05, 7.06; Reverse Run Prohibited 7.08 (i); Runner
   Out 7.08, 7.09 (e-m), 7.10, 7.11; Running Out of Line 6.05 (k), 7.08 (a).
Score of Game-4.11.
Scoring Runs-4.09, 6.05 (n), 7.07, 7.11.
Spectators-Barred From Field 3:15; Touching Batted or Thrown Ball 3.16.
Strike-2.00 (See STRIKE AND STRIKE ZONE), 6.08 (b).
Substitutions-3.03, 3.04, 3.05, 3.06, 3.07, 3.08, 4.04.
Suspended Games-4.12.
Time Limit-9.04 (a) (7).
Umpire-Rule 9.00.
    Inspects Equipment and Playing Lines 3.01; Judge of Playing Conditions
       3.1(c-d), 5.10 (a); Controls Ground Crew 3.11; Controls Lights 4.14;
       Call: "Time" 5.10; Controls Newsmen and Photographers 9.01 (e); Time
       Limit: 9.04 (a)  (7); Umpire's Interference 5.09 (b) and (f), 6.08
       (d); Touched ball Pitch Or Thrown Ball 5.08, 5.09 (h), 7.05 (i).
Unsportsmanlike Conduct- 4.06 (b).
Wild Throws-5.08, 7.05 (g-h-i).