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In Play or out of play?

LionPopLionPop100+ posts
This may be a stupid question, I thought I knew the answer but some buddies got me thinking I could be wrong.

If a batter hits a ball straight down off the plate and it bounces straight up, does the catcher have to be in the field of play for it to be a fair ball or can he catch it behind the plate and throw him out? (I know the plate is fair territory)
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piaa_umppiaa_ump5,000+ posts
Just like dash and dawg state.....just remember it is where the Ball is when touched....not where it ends up....touched foul...stays foul.......touched in fair...stays fair....

Lion pop, there really arent too many dumb questions when discussing baseball rules....they are poorly written and often contradictory as stated....

so ask away......
Last edited by piaa_ump
jjkjjk500+ posts
You umpires; this in my experiences, is one of the hairiest calls going.

I've had a few of em and it can be a challenge getting that perfect shape. My recollection's; getting 1B LE ext and getting as close to the plate as I could, almost trying to look straight down on the catch for the 3B line judgement.
LionPopLionPop100+ posts
OK, then I have another....

It has always been my understanding that if the first or third baseman holds a runner with one foot in foul territory a balk can be called. (In other words you can not start play with anyone other than the catcher in foul territory)

At a game the other night a first baseman consistently had his left foot clearly in foul territory when the pitcher went to the plate. (Why the coach has not put him in better position I don't know) Anyway, I was told by someone that his entire body had to be in foul territory for this to be called. (I believe he is wrong but again I will let you guys set me straight)
D dash_riprock1,000+ posts
FED rules only require one foot to be touching fair ground at the time of the pitch (not when the pitcher engages the rubber). I don't know any umpires that look for this. If a coach ever complained, I'd just tell the offending fielder to get one foot fair. There's no way I'd balk it (actually, it would be an illegal pitch), unless the fielder refused to comply.
piaa_umppiaa_ump5,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by LionPop:
OK, then I have another....

It has always been my understanding that if the first or third baseman holds a runner with one foot in foul territory a balk can be called. (In other words you can not start play with anyone other than the catcher in foul territory)

At a game the other night a first baseman consistently had his left foot clearly in foul territory when the pitcher went to the plate. (Why the coach has not put him in better position I don't know) Anyway, I was told by someone that his entire body had to be in foul territory for this to be called. (I believe he is wrong but again I will let you guys set me straight)


Your friend was correct...In NFHS and NCAA rules a player is considered to be in fair ground if he has one foot in fair territory...

NFHS 1-1-4
NCAA 5-4c
Last edited by piaa_ump
piaa_umppiaa_ump5,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by dash_riprock:
FED rules only require one foot to be touching fair ground at the time of the pitch (not when the pitcher engages the rubber). I don't know any umpires that look for this. If a coach ever complained, I'd just tell the offending fielder to get one foot fair. There's no way I'd balk it (actually, it would be an illegal pitch), unless the fielder refused to comply.


Again agreeing with dash 100%..........most all of us do not go looking for this.....especially since almost all of HS baseball is done by 2 man crews....with a runners on base and umpires in position B or C...there is no real effective way to confirm this.....One foot is plenty.....
LionPopLionPop100+ posts
yes, I didn't mean to imply this was a problem or anything like that.

It was called on a third baseman during a tournament my son was playing. The call was against the other team, I was not aware of the proper ruling and since it helped us we didn't question the call. All this time I took it as a "rule" until this friend called me on it. (Now I have to go tell him he was right Smile)

The umpire told the other coach that both feet had to be in fair territory. (the game went on no big deal)

You guys are awesome, thanks for the info! (even if I will be having Crow tonight Smile)
piaa_umppiaa_ump5,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by LionPop:
Now I have to go tell him he was right Smile)

even if I will be having Crow tonight Smile)


Here let me help you wash that crow down....

"I was talking to 2 of my friends, Mike and Stan, who are HS and NCAA umpires and you were right about the rule....In NFHS and NCAA rules a player is considered to be in fair ground if he has one foot in fair territory...I believe the rule in HS is NFHS 1-1-4 and NCAA is 5-4c...."

Crow doesnt have to taste nasty if you prepare it correctly.... Big Grin
Last edited by piaa_ump
F 3FingeredGlove1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by NavyUmp:
BTW it is never a balk in any rule set. In fact there is no prescribed penalty.

Not precisely a balk, but in NFHS the penalty for not having one foot in fair territory is an illegal pitch (1-1-4), which becomes a balk if a runner is on base (2-18).

In NCAA, the play is nullified if it benefits the defense, and if it is an appeal play the appeal is lost. (5-4c)

Those are the black and white rules; they aren't often enforced.

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