RIF baseball used during a game

Whats a RIF baseball?

If it's a sphere or cork, rubber, or similar substance. Cover with horse or cow hide, or something like that. Feels about the right weight and size. I'd accept the protest, put in a legal ball and play on.

If it felt it was put in to play on purpose and had undenying evidence of it gaining some one an advantage. I'd be compelled to try and correct it. But after 5, no evidence how long it had been in play? Not sure I'd be taking runs away from anybody.

For not knowing what ball is in play;
I'd be ready to take a well deserved chastising from my UIC, even (maybe) a very mild one from both coaches.

I throw it out just like I would any other damaged baseball and play on. Both teams presumably were subjected to the same ball so I would not do anything else. Especially if I cant figure out when the ball entered the game. We know it wasnt part of the original 3 we started the game with since I inspect those before the first pitch....

More to the point, I've never gotten through a game with one ball....most times we use 3-5 balls in some rotation....

not going to over officiate this one....

FYI- A RIF ball is a "Reduced Injury Factor" baseball used in some youth games. It looks like a regulation ball. RIF basically means it is a softer ball.


Just My .02