WHAT'S THE CALL, UMP?

The Scenario: After a meeting on the mound all the players go back to their positions. With the pitcher on the dirt part of the mound (not on the rubber) the runner from first takes a lead. The first baseman has the ball in his glove and tags the runner. Is the runner safe or out?
The Answer: He's out! The pitcher can be on the dirt portion of the mound, but not the rubber without the ball.
The Answer: He's out! The pitcher can be on the dirt portion of the mound, but not the rubber without the ball.
WHAT'S THE CALL, UMP?

The Scenario: True or False: A switch-hitting batter is allowed to switch sides of the plate during an at-bat.
The Answer: True - as long as it is done between pitches. Once the pitcher is on the mound with a foot on the rubber, the batter needs to be in the batters box.
The Answer: True - as long as it is done between pitches. Once the pitcher is on the mound with a foot on the rubber, the batter needs to be in the batters box.
WHAT'S THE CALL, UMP?

The Scenario: The first baseman bobbles a ground ball hit to him. When he finally gets the ball, he has to dive to the bag to beat the runner. With the ball in his glove the first baseman tags the bag with his bare hand before the runner reaches first. Is the runner out? rom third took off for home, before the right fielder made the catch. The team in the field appeals the runner at third saying he left before the ball was caught. Is the runner out?
The Answer: YES! Even though the ball is in his glove, touching the bag with his bare hand is just like touching the bag with his foot. This only works with tagging the base. If you tried to tag a runner with your bare hand the runner would still be safe.
The Answer: YES! Even though the ball is in his glove, touching the bag with his bare hand is just like touching the bag with his foot. This only works with tagging the base. If you tried to tag a runner with your bare hand the runner would still be safe.
WHAT'S THE CALL, UMP?

The Scenario: With one out and a runner on third base, the batter hits a fly ball to right center field. The ball goes off the centerfielder's glove back into the air and the right fielder makes the catch. After the ball went off the centerfielder's glove, the runner from third took off for home, before the right fielder made the catch. The team in the field appeals the runner at third saying he left before the ball was caught. Is the runner out?
The Answer: NO! As soon as the ball is touched, the runner is allowed to tag up. It does not matter when the ball is actually caught; all the fielder has to do is touch it.
The Answer: NO! As soon as the ball is touched, the runner is allowed to tag up. It does not matter when the ball is actually caught; all the fielder has to do is touch it.