Referee.com Baseball Case Play of the Day

Day 51- Missed Base on Award

PLAY

With a runner on second, B1 lines a one-hopper to F9. R2 misses third. F9’s throw beats R2 home and a

rundown ensues. R2 is obstructed by F2 during the rundown. The umpire calls time and awards R2

home. R2 crosses the plate.

RULING

The run may be nullified by a proper appeal. Though an award is made, the runner must go back and

touch third for his run to count. That is not considered an intervening play. It is part of continuous action

and an appeal can be legally made (NFHS 8-2-6a1).

Day 50- Overslide

PLAY With runners on first and third and two outs, B1 hits into the hole. F6 backhands the ball, but his throw

to second is not in time to retire R1. R3 scores and then F4 tags R1 after he overslides second.

RULING

R1 is out, but it is not a force out, so R3’s run counts. That is a timing play (NFHS 2-29-3).

Day 49- Unintended Bat

PLAY

With a runner on first, B1 takes a pitch. B1 is standing in the box with his bat on his shoulder as F2 tries

to pick off R1. F2’s throw hits the bat and deflects into the dugout.

RULING

Since there was no intent to interfere, the play stands. A thrown ball that enters a dead-ball area

(dugout) entitles the runner to a two-base award; award R1 third (NFHS 8-3-3c2).

Day 48- Errant Pickoff

PLAY

F1, from a set position, backs off the rubber with his pivot foot and attempts to pick off R1. The errant

throw gets by F3 and bounces into the stands.

RULING

Since he stepped off the rubber before throwing wildly, F1 became an infielder. R1 goes to third with a

two-base award (NFHS 8-3-3c2).

Day 47- Home Run Helper

PLAY

B1 hits a line drive down the left-field line. F7 tries to make the catch, but the fair ball deflects from his

glove into the stands in fair territory. Without F7’s deflection, the ball (a) would have, or (b) would not

have gone over the fence in flight.

RULING

In both cases, a four-base award. It does not matter whether it would have been a home run without

F7’s deflection (NFHS 8-3-3a).

Day 46- Not so Fast

PLAY

Edward bats in Daniel’s spot and draws a walk. His coach realizes the error and sends Daniel to first to

replace Edward.

RULING

That is an illegal substitution, and the umpire should not allow it. The defensive coach has a valid appeal

for batting out of order if he makes it before the next pitch or play (NFHS 7-1-2 Pen.).

Day 45- Unintended Pitching Change

PLAY

A relief pitcher mistakenly warms up on the mound before the start of an inning.

RULING

In NFHS, the new pitcher is not in the game until the ball becomes live (NFHS 3-1-1).

Day 44- Force Play on Uncaught Strike

PLAY

With the bases loaded, two out, and a 3-2 count, B1 swings at the next pitch in the dirt. F2 short hops

the ball and steps on home.

RULING

R3 is out. That is a dropped third strike and B1 may attempt to reach first, but it creates a force play

(NFHS 2-29-3).

Day 43- Award Origin

PLAY

B1 hits to F6, who boots the ball. He recovers and overthrows to first (a) before, or (b) after B1 has

crossed first base. The ball goes into dead-ball territory.

RULING

In (a), B1 is awarded second; two bases from the time of the pitch. In (b), since B1 was past first base

when the throw was made, he is awarded third base; two bases from the time of the throw (NFHS 8-3-

5).

Day 42- Catch or Not?

PLAY

F9 makes what appears to be a spectacular over-the-head catch as he crashes into the wall. Upon

contact with the wall, the ball pops out and goes directly into the stands.

RULING

That is not a catch. B1 is awarded four bases (NFHS 2-9-1).

Day 41- Errant Throw

PLAY

With a runner on first, B1 hits a ground ball to F5. The throw to second is wild. R1 is safe at second. F4

retrieves the ball and hastily fires to F3. The rushed throw goes into the stands. B1 had not reached first

base at the time of the throw.

RULING

R1 scores and B1 is awarded second. The award is from the time the ball left F4’s hand (NFHS 8-3-5).

Day 40- Home Run Gazing

PLAY

With the bases loaded and two out, B1 hits a home run. The runners hesitate as they watch the ball

clear the stadium roof. B1 rounds first and passes R1 before R3 scores.

RULING

B1 is out the moment he passes R1. Since that occurred before R3 crossed the plate and there were two

out, no run scores. That is a time play. Had there been less than two outs and all runners legally touched

the plate (except B1), three runs would be counted. Note: This specific play is an exception to 8-3a Nt.

(NFHS 8-4-2m).

Day 39- Live Throw?

PLAY

Near shallow right field, a marked line curves around the unprotected bullpen. With R2 on second, F9

catches B1’s line drive. R2 tags as the fielder’s momentum carries him across the line and into the dead-

ball area, where he falls down attempting to throw.

RULING

In all cases, the ball is dead and R2 is awarded third (NFHS 5-1-1i).

Day 38- Who’s on First?

PLAY

With R1 on first and one out, B1 hits a one-hopper to F3. F3 fields the ball and (a) he tags first and then

tags R1 who never left the base, or (b) tags R1 first and then tags the base.

RULING

In (a), B1 is out, but R1 is entitled to remain at first since the force was removed before he was tagged.

In (b), it is a double play. R1 was forced to vacate first and so he is declared out even though he was on

the base when tagged. B1 is also out at first (NFHS 2-29-3).

Day 37- Fan Appeal

PLAY

Hooker bats in George’s spot and hits a home run. An alert fan in the second row calls that to the

umpire’s attention.

RULING

Batting out of order is an appeal that must come from the defensive team. Unless they appeal before

the next pitch, the home run stands (NFHS 7-1-2 Pen.).

Day 36- Confusion All Around

PLAY

With the bases loaded and one out, B1 pops up to shallow right field and the runners hold. F9 plays the

ball on the bounce. Meanwhile, B1 passes R1. When R3 sees the ball hit the ground, he starts for home.

F9’s throw beats him, but F2 standing on the plate does not apply a tag, choosing instead to play

unsuccessfully on R1 who has overrun second.

RULING

B1 is called out immediately, which removes the force on R3. No tag, no out; the run scores (NFHS 2-29-

3, 8-4-2m).

Day 35- Off the Table

PLAY

With the bases loaded and two out in a tie game, the count on B1 is 3-2. He fouls the next pitch out of

play, causing a brand-new ball to be put into play. The next pitch “falls off the table” and B1 strikes out

swinging. F2 tosses the ball to the umpire, who observes the ball is cut near the seams.

RULING

Since the new ball was used for one pitch, the umpire knows the pitcher scuffed the ball. In NFHS, the

umpire will award ball four, which forces in a run and keeps the bases loaded. He will then warn the

pitcher for throwing a defaced ball (NFHS 6-2-1d Pen.).

Day 34- Useful Glove

PLAY

B1 hits to center. As B1 approaches but has not yet touched first base, F8 cannot get to the ball, so he

throws his glove and deflects the ball farther toward the fence. B1 tries to score and is thrown out on a

close play at the plate.

RULING

The ball remains live and in play. B1 advanced beyond third at his own risk. The out stands (NFHS 8-3-

3b).

Day 33- Dropped Ball or Not?

PLAY

With a runner on first and one out, B1 bunts the ball up in the air. F1 yells, “I got it,” and as the ball is

about to fall into his glove, he separates his hands and lets the ball fall to the ground. He immediately

retrieves the ball and fires to second to start a double play.

RULING

Legal play because the ball did not touch his glove (NFHS 8-4-1c1).

Day 32- Catcher Interferes on Squeeze

PLAY

With R3 on third, F2 interferes with B1’s attempt to bunt. Despite the interference, B1 bunts a fair ball.

R3 is (a) moving on the pitch (suicide squeeze), or (b) holding until the bunt is down (safety squeeze). In

either case, B1 is thrown out at first as R3 scores.

RULING

In (a), there are no options: R3 scores and B1 is awarded first. In (b), the coach must decide: He may

have runners at the corners (penalty) or one run in and B1 out (play) (NFHS 8-1-1e).

Day 31- Detached Equipment

PLAY

B1 bunts a ball toward the pitcher’s mound. F2 slips and uses his mask to scoop the ball into his mitt. He

then grabs the ball with his throwing hand, and fires the ball over F3’s head. B1 reaches second safely.

RULING

B1 is awarded third (three bases from time of infraction) since F2 used detached equipment to field a

batted ball. The ball remains live until play ceases (NFHS 8-3-3b).

Day 30- Live Throw?

PLAY

Near shallow right field, a marked line indicating dead-ball area curves around the unprotected bullpen.

With a runner on second, F9 catches B1’s line drive. R2 tags as the fielder’s momentum carries him

across the line and into the dead-ball area. F9 then runs into live-ball area before throwing.

RULING

The ball is dead and R2 is awarded third (NFHS 5-1-1i).

Day 29- Who is Out?

PLAY

The proper batting order is Abel, Baker, Charles. Baker bats in Abel’s spot and triples. The defensive

team appeals (a) immediately, or (b) after the first pitch to Charles.

RULING

In (a), Abel is called out and Baker is the proper batter. In (b), Baker stays on third and Charles is the

legalized proper batter (NFHS 7-1-2 Pen.).

Day 28- Confusion All Around

PLAY

With the bases loaded and one out, B1 pops up to shallow right field and the runners hold. F9 plays the

ball on the bounce. Meanwhile, B1 passes R1. When R3 sees the ball hit the ground, he starts for home.

F9’s throw beats him, but F2 standing on the plate does not apply a tag, choosing instead to play

unsuccessfully on R1 who has overrun second.

RULING

B1 is called out immediately, which removes the force on R3. No tag, no out; the run scores (NFHS 2-29-

3, 8-4-2m).

Day 27- Four Outs

PLAY

With the bases loaded and two outs, B1 hits a deep fly ball. R1 holds while R2 and R3 prepare to tag. F8

drops the ball. R3 scores as F8 fires the ball to third to nab R2 after he rounds third for the third out. B1

touches first, R1 never advances to second.

RULING

A fourth out appeal on R1 will cancel the run (NFHS 8-2-6i).

Day 26- Greased Ball

PLAY

B1 swings and misses a pitch that drops out of the strike zone. He turns to the umpire and requests him

to inspect the ball. The umpire checks the ball and discovers a blob of petroleum jelly.

RULING

No warning is given and F1 is ejected for delivering a ball with a foreign substance on it. Note: In a clear-

cut case such as that, the preponderance of evidence justifies immediate ejection. Less obvious

violations call for a warning (NFHS 6-2-1a Pen.).

Day 25- Intentional Drop

PLAY

With runners on first and second and one out, B1 bunts the ball directly to the charging first baseman.

F3 catches the ball in flight, deliberately drops it and then fires to the shortstop covering third. The

throw is wild, and the ball rolls into left field. Before it is returned to the infield, R2 has scored, R1 is on

third and B1 has taken second.

RULING

The ball is immediately dead when F3 intentionally drops it; B1 is out, and the runners return (NFHS 5-1-

1j, 8-4-1c).

Day 24- What’s Undone?

PLAY

The proper batting order is Abel, Baker, Charles, Daniel, Edward, Frank. Abel and Baker walk. 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 the first pitch to Daniel.

RULING

In (a), Abel’s run counts and Charles is entitled to second base since those 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 advance to third resulted from the improper batter batting a ball. Daniel is called out,

and Edward is the proper batter. In (b), Abel’s run counts and Charles stays on third. The proper batter is

Frank (NFHS 7-1 Pen. 1).

Day 23- Down for the County?

PLAY With a runner on third, B1 pops up near the stands. F5 reaches into the stands to make the catch.

However, he is off balance and falls in among the spectators. R3 tags, but is thrown out by F5 who

quickly regains his balance.

RULING Legal catch and B1 is out since F5 had not landed before securing possession. The ball is dead and R3 is

awarded home since the fielder fell into a dead-ball area (NFHS 2-9-1, 5-1-1i).

Day 22- Extra Glove?

PLAY B1 hits a one-hopper near third base. F5 snares the ball with his cap, then fires the ball to first in time to

retire B1.

RULING B1 is awarded three bases (NFHS 8-3-3c1).

Day 21- Catch or Not?

PLAY B1 lifts a pop-up near the stands at third. F5 reaches the fence, jumps into the air over the fence and

makes a spectacular catch in mid-air. He falls into the seats among the spectators.

RULING Legal catch since F5 had not landed before securing possession (NFHS 2-9-1, 5-1-1i).

Day 20- Tipped Bat

PLAY With a runner on third, F2 reaches out and touches the bat as B1 swings. The fly ball is deep enough for

R3 to tag and score.

RULING The coach of the team at bat may elect to take the result of the play or the one-base award for B1 with

R3 remaining at third (NFHS 8-1-1e).

Day 19- Wrong Batter, Wrong Time

PLAY With the bases loaded and two out, Hooker bats in Frank’s turn, and triples, scoring three runs. The

defensive team appeals (a) immediately, or (b) after the first pitch to George.

RULING In (a), Frank is called out and no runs score. George is the proper batter to lead off the second inning. In

(b), Hooker stays on third and three runs score. Irwin is the proper batter (NFHS 7-1 Pen. 1).

Day 18- Dropped Ball over Fence

PLAY F9 catches B1’s fair batted ball, but his momentum carries him away from the plate and toward the

fence. When he bangs into the fence, the ball pops out of his glove and over the fence in (a) fair

territory, or (b) foul territory.

RULING In NFHS, B1 is awarded four bases in both cases (NFHS 8-3-3a).

Day 17- Umpire Hide and Seek

PLAY With a runner on second and an 0-2 count, B1 swings and misses. The ball (a) lodges in the umpire’s

mask, or (b) deflects behind F2’s chest protector.

RULING In both cases, the ball is ruled dead, B1 is awarded first and all other runners advance one base (NFHS 5-

1-1g4).

Day 16- Scratchy Ball

PLAY F1 fires a fastball that breaks erratically as it crosses the plate. B1 takes the pitch for a called ball. The

umpire calls time and asks F2 for the ball. Upon inspection, the umpire detects suspicious scratch marks.

That was the first pitch delivered after the umpire put a new ball in play.

RULING Since the plate umpire has reasonable grounds to believe that F1 did something illegal to the new ball,

he shall issue a warning. A second incident of that nature will result in F1’s ejection. In NFHS, it is also an

illegal pitch (NFHS 6-2-1c).

Day 15- Line In or Out?

PLAY B1 hits a foul pop fly. When F9 catches the ball, he is straddling a line dividing live-ball from dead-ball

territory. F9’s momentum then causes him to step with both feet into dead-ball territory.

RULING In NFHS, that is a catch, but the ball becomes dead when both feet enter dead-ball territory. Any

runners would be awarded one base (2.9.1 Situation C, 5-1-1i).

Day 14- Legal Return?

PLAY With a R1 on first, B1 hits the ball into the gap for extra bases. R1 misses second and after touching

third, he decides to go back to second. R1 retouches third and starts to return to second. B1 sees R1

approaching and retreats back to first. R1 reaches second and is standing on the base as the defensive

team appeals that he cannot legally return since R1 had already touched the next base.

RULING The appeal is denied. While the ball is live, runners may retreat after touching the next base (NFHS 8-2-

2).

Day 13- Forgotten Infield Fly

PLAY

With runners on first and second with no one out, B1 lifts an easy pop fly to the pitcher. The umpires fail

to call the infield fly, and F1 does not make the catch. He retrieves the ball in time to throw to third for a

tag out of R2 sliding in as R1 goes to second and B1 stops at first.

RULING

B1 is out on the infield fly. The runners advanced at their own risk, thus R2 is out and R1 is allowed to

remain at second (NFHS 2-19, 10.2.3F).

Day 12- Live Throw?

PLAY Near shallow right field, a marked line curves around the unprotected bullpen. With a runner on second,

F9 catches B1’s line drive. R2 tags as the fielder’s momentum carries him across the line and into the

dead-ball area, where he (a) throws to F4, his cutoff man.

RULING In NFHS, the ball is dead and R2 is awarded third (NFHS 5-1-1i).

Day 11- No Field Goal

PLAY Ball four gets away from the catcher and settles several feet away as B1 heads to first. In his haste to

field the ball, F2 accidentally kicks it into the dugout.

RULING A pitch that remains on the playing field and is subsequently kicked into the dugout without having

stopped entitles all runners two bases from time of pitch. Place B1 at second. If the catcher had

established secure possession and then caused the ball to go out of play, the two-base award would

have been based on the runner’s position at the time the ball was last touched (NFHS 8.3.3K).

Day 10- Catcher ‘Helps’ Batter

PLAY F2 reaches out and touches the bat as B1 swings. The ball goes down the line for a double.

RULING The interference is ignored and the play stands (NFHS 8-1-1e).

Day 9- Missed Infield Fly

PLAY

With runners on first and second and no one out, B1 hits a pop fly. F4 moves only a step or two before

settling under the ball. Inexplicably, the umpires fail to declare the infield fly. At the last moment F4

steps back and the ball falls to the ground untouched; both R1 and R2 attempt to advance. F4 recovers

the ball on one bounce, tags R1 and throws to third in time to get R2 sliding in.

RULING B1 is out on the infield fly, but the runners advanced at their own risk. The inning is over (NFHS 2-19,

10.2.3G).

8- Optional Balk?

PLAY With a runner on first, F1 balks. R1, who leads the conference in stolen bases, refuses to advance to

second.

RULING R1 must accept the award (NFHS 2-3, interp.).

Day 7- Ball Live or Dead

PLAY B1’s line drive to right field rolls to the fence. Because there are gaps, the possibility that the ball went

under the fence exists. F9 throws up his hands and B1 slows down.Before the umpire can check the

status of the ball, F9 reaches down and picks up the ball. B1 resumes running at full speed but is thrown

out easily at third.

RULING By rule, B1 is out. The ball does not become dead when F9 signals; only an umpire can declare a ball

dead unless it becomes dead by rule. Players should know to keep playing until an umpire calls “time.”

That said, the umpire should use his authority to rule on points not covered in the rules and declare the

ball dead, returning B1 to second base (NFHS 8-3-3c).

Day 6- Mask Convenience

PLAY With R1 on first and no one out, B1 bats. On the next pitch, the ball bounces in the dirt and rolls within

reach of F2, who uses his mask to drag the loose ball toward his mitt.

RULING When the catcher uses his mask to field a pitched ball, runners are awarded two bases from their

position at the time the ball was touched (NFHS 8-3-3c1).

Day 5- Illegal Walk

PLAY Daniel walks and Abel comes to bat. Daniel was an improper batter. An appeal is made before the first

pitch to Abel.

RULING Abel is out, Daniel is removed from base, and Baker is the proper batter (NFHS 7-1 Pen. 1).

Day 4- Coach Calls Balk

PLAY

With a runner on first, B1 has a count of 2-2. At the time of the pitch, as R1 breaks for second, the first-

base coach screams, “Balk!” The pitcher (a) balks, or (b) does not balk, but immediately delivers the

pitch. B1 swings and misses for strike three, and F2 throws out R1 at second.

RULING In all codes in both (a) and (b), the first-base coach is ejected. In NFHS in (a), the ball is immediately dead

when the pitcher committed a balk, but the balk is negated; R1 returns to first and B1 returns to bat

with a 2-2 count. In NFHS in (b), the play stands (NFHS 3-3-1n).

Day 3- Tag or Not?

PLAY F3 dives and traps a line drive. As he attempts to get up, he slips. He then crawls toward the bag,

reaches out and touches it a split-second before B1 arrives. However, he has the ball in his opposite

hand.

RULING B1 is out; that is a legal tag. Bases may be tagged with the bare hand provided the fielder has secure

possession of the ball in the glove. Runners must be tagged with the ball in the hand or glove (NFHS 2-

24-4).

Day 2- Dying on the Vine

PLAY

B1 hits a line drive to left center. The ball bounces into the vines covering the outfield wall and does not

reappear. Before the ball disappeared in the vines, B1 was on his way to second.

RULING The ball is dead when it does not reappear immediately. B1 is awarded two bases from time of pitch. It

does not matter where he was at the time the ball was declared dead (NFHS 5-1-1f4, 8-3-3c).

Day 1- Immediate Ejection?

PLAY

With a runner on second and one out, B1 singles as R2 heads home and is called safe on a close play. F2

argues violently and is ejected from the game. Meanwhile, B1 is advancing to second and F2 throws to

F4 for the putout.

RULING

The out stands. The ball is not dead and the ejection does not take effect until further action is not

possible (NFHS 10-1-6).